Covid case numbers are again on the rise across Victoria and Bass Coast is not immune to the trend.

Bass Coast Health CEO Jan Child said more Covid cases have been presenting to the Urgent Care Centre at Cowes and Emergency Department at Wonthaggi Hospital for treatment and more BCH staff had also fallen ill with Covid than usual.

She said while many people hoped the worst of the pandemic was behind us, the virus has never left completely and the prospect of another outbreak was real.

“Despite the risk Covid poses to the health of our community, we are fortunate that we are now armed with the knowledge about public health measures we can take to protect ourselves as best as possible,” she said.

“We can reduce our risk of exposure to Covid by wearing a mask in crowded spaces or avoiding them altogether.

“We can gather with family and friends outdoors instead of inside where possible and if we do gather inside, then we can open windows and doors to improve ventilation and reduce the risk of exposure to Covid should anyone have it and not know.

“It’s vital that we ensure our Covid vaccinations are up-to-date as these vaccinations will give you the best protection against the severity of Covid. Vaccinations are available at GP clinics and pharmacies.

“We should all stay home when unwell and symptomatic, but if we do need to go out when we are symptomatic, we should wear a properly fitting mask.

“We should also cover our mouths when coughing and sneezing, dispose of tissues carefully, regularly wash and sanitise our hands, and clean surfaces that are commonly touched by people.”

People with respiratory symptoms should also take a Rapid Antigen Test to detect Covid so that if eligible, they can access antiviral treatment that is effective in reducing severity of disease.

Rapid Antigen Tests are available at Bass Coast Shire Council’s offices at Wonthaggi, Cowes and Grantville, and the visitor information centres at Inverloch and Newhaven.