There were 166 new cases recorded in Bass Coast last week, with close to half of the current active cases recorded in Cowes and San Remo.

Victoria is currently experiencing a Covid wave, and last week, the state government said an average of 12 Covid-related deaths were reported each day.

There has been a 61.8 per cent increase in the number of daily Covid-related deaths in the past month when compared to the previous month.

The government said case numbers have shown signs of stabilising, “however there remains significant uncertainty around the duration and severity of this wave due to the role of multiple new variants circulating in Victoria”.

The Chief Health Office advised there are simple things people can do now to reduce transmission and protect the community, particularly as we approach the holiday season.

If you plan on attending a social event this December, consider taking a rapid antigen test before you go and especially if you have any symptoms.

If you are positive for Covid-19, you should isolate for at least five days.

Wearing a high quality and well fitted mask can protect you from the virus.

If you are meeting friends or family indoors, open windows and doors, so air can circulate, to reduce the spread of the virus.

Vaccines

The uptake of vaccines in Victoria increased for the first time in several months, with the government saying around 54,000 Victorians had their fourth dose vaccination in the past four weeks, which is a 60 per cent increase on the previous four-week period.

Adults aged 30 and over are eligible for a fourth dose of the vaccine, as well as people who are immune-compromised or with certain medical conditions.

The Mobile Vaccination Bus will be in Wonthaggi on December 14 and 20 from 10am to 2pm, providing free Covid vaccinations and boosters for anyone aged five and over.

Vaccines are free and available at pharmacies and GPs.

You can find the nearest available vaccine clinic at covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking/

Find a pharmacy near you providing the vaccine www.findapharmacy.com.au

Tests

Covid tests (PCR and RAT) are available from:

• Monash Pathology at the Cowes Health Hub, 50 Church Street between 12.30pm and 3.30pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
• Wonthaggi Hospital, 235 Graham Street, Monday to Saturday from 9am to 1pm.
• PCR tests are also available at the Wonthaggi Respiratory Clinic by appointment.

Please bring photo ID with date of birth and/or a Medicare card. You can pre-register for PCR testing and RAT distribution at testtracker.covid19.dhhs.vic.gov.au/citizen-prefill

Rapid Antigen Tests can also be purchased at pharmacies and supermarkets.