Covid cases in Phillip Island and San Remo have almost doubled, with 157 new cases recorded in the past week.

Phillip Island and San Remo account for 43 per cent of cases, with Cowes recording the highest number of cases in the shire.

Across the state, the Chief Health Officer has reported cases and hospitalisations continue to increase, rising steadily since late October.

State-wide, the number of Covid patients in hospital has “increased three fold since October 19”, the latest CHO report stated, noting that Covid-related deaths were also increasing.

In response to this, the Health System Response Framework has been escalated to Stage 3.

“This will enable the enhanced application of levers to best utilise resources, facilitate load balancing and generate capacity in order to relieve system pressures,” the CHO statement said.

Protect yourself and others

Protecting yourself is the best way to protect yourself and the community. If you don’t get Covid, you can’t spread Covid.

1. Wear a mask: a high-quality and well-fitted mask can protect you from the virus
2. Get your booster dose: new bivalent vaccines targeting Omicron variants are available at your GP or local pharmacy
3. Let fresh air in: open windows and doors when you can, it reduces the spread of the virus
4. Get tested: if you have symptoms, take a rapid antigen test
5. Stay at home: if you have Covid, you should stay at home for at least five days and until you have no symptoms
6. Talk to your doctor: if you are at risk of falling very sick, you may be eligible for Covid medicines.