Opening up, cases down

Covid cases in Bass Coast have continued to fall, after peaking at the end of October.

According to state government figures, there were 39 cases in the shire on October 29, but by Monday this week, that figure had dropped to 16. The drop coincides with high vaccination rates across the shire, with over 95 per cent of Bass Coast residents fully vaccinated.

On Monday, Gippsland Regional Public Health Unit (GRPHU) said it was managing seven active cases in the shire.

There were no public exposure sites listed in the area, although Cowes hairdresser “A Do with a View” posted on Facebook that it was closed for cleaning after a client tested positive.

This follows positive cases detected at Newhaven College and Capeview Mitre 10, with both premises closing for cleaning.

During October, Covid cases started at five and had reached 39 by the end of the month, but had fallen to 16 by November 8. Over 95 per cent of Bass Coast residents have received a double dose of the vaccine.
 

A spokesperson for GRPHU confirmed not all Tier 1 exposure sites will be publicly listed.

“Tier 1 exposure sites may not be listed if all contacts are tracked down – if everyone there was identified and contacted quickly,” they said.

“In any situation when we are confident that we've reached everyone through our partners, then we won't need to publish it.”

GRPHU said listing dozens of exposure sites with very low risk of transmission can cause confusion, panic and unnecessary alarm.

“Tier 1 sites of concern, where not everyone has been accounted for quickly, will be listed. This is a form of public health announcement where the community is asked to act – isolate, get tested, follow advice from the Department of Health.”

As COVID-19 is becoming more entrenched in the community, GRPHU said it may become more common to see people finding out information from their employers, their friends or families and for themselves to share this information on various social platforms.

“We acknowledge the proactive approach of some businesses who have had a positive case attend their site to make their community aware as a precautionary measure. This is exactly what it is, it provides an awareness that the community needs to remain vigilant – monitor for symptoms and continue practicing CovidSafe behaviours more diligently,” the spokesperson said.

“This is not an automatic direction to get tested and isolate. People who are identified as a Primary Close Contact linked to a potential exposure site will be contacted by the Department of Health and given the necessary advice and information.

“Of course, testing is also recommended for those experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, however minor.”