Numbers soar with tests hard to find

Covid cases in Bass Coast continue to rise, with case numbers almost six times higher than they were on January 1.

The high case numbers have been recorded despite an acute lack of rapid antigen tests (RAT) and the indefinite closure of the Cowes drive through clinic.

According to state government figures released on Monday, there were 637 recorded cases in the shire. Wonthaggi was leading the way with 175 infections, followed by Cowes (138), Inverloch (122) and San Remo (91).

However Infectious disease modeller Michael Lydeamore from Monash University told ABC News that Victoria is reaching a point where official case numbers are almost meaningless, due to the high proportion of positive tests.

Public health officials say a big proportion of cases is likely being undetected, due to issues with accessing PCR tests and the shortage of available rapid antigen tests.

Testing times

The Wonthaggi drive through clinic is currently operating from 9am – 4pm, but most days the clinic is closing early, due to high demand. Updates on queue times and closures are posted on the Bass Coast Health Facebook page.

BCH advises only people who have Covid symptoms or tested positive on a RAT need to get a PCR test.

People who are required to use a RAT (for example, asymptomatic household contacts) but who cannot access one, can also get a PCR.

The state government website states anyone else without symptoms who wants to check if they have Covid should not get a PCR test. They should use a RAT and if one isn’t available, continue to monitor for symptoms and follow all the CovidSafe advice.

Tests can also be booked at the Wonthaggi Respiratory Clinic on 0492 036 568.

With health systems increasingly under stress, the government has provided advice on managing Covid symptoms at home: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/managing-covid-19-home

Vaccines

The Community Vaccination Clinic at the Wonthaggi Town Hall is also experiencing high demand and BCH is urging people to phone 1800 675 398 or go online to make an appointment.

On Monday, by 10am it was no longer taking further walk-ins due to the high demand.

Vaccinations are also available through GPs and select local pharmacies including Cowes Priceline Pharmacy and Terry White Chemmart, and the San Remo Pharmacy.