Last week, Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton warned the state was entering a new Covid wave.

The CHO urged people to protect themselves by wearing a mask indoors, working or socialising in well-ventilated spaces, getting testing if showing symptoms and isolating if infectious.

He also urged everyone not up to date with their vaccinations to book in as soon as possible.

Locally, cases continue to rise, with the number of reported cases more than tripling in the past three weeks.

Bass Coast Health CEO Jan Child is urging people to take every precaution to reduce their chances of catching Covid during the current wave.

“We’ve been here before and the public health measures we all know so well still apply,” she said.

“Avoid crowds and practice social distancing wherever possible. Gather outside if you can, especially to make the most of the warmer weather, or open doors and windows if you must meet inside.

“Wash your hands often and sanitise with an alcohol-based sanitiser as well.

“Most importantly, ensure you have had as many Covid vaccinations as you are eligible for by seeing your GP, pharmacist or visiting the Chitty Chitty Jab Jab bus run by the Gippsland Region Public

Health Unit. Watch the Bass Coast Health Facebook page for details of where the bus will be and when.

“If you are unwell with Covid symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, headache, cough, fatigue or fever, then please have a Rapid Antigen Test. If it’s positive, report it to the Department of Health.

See their website for details (www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/report-your-rapid-antigen-test-result) or call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.

“The reason this is a really important step is that you can get connected to important antiviral treatments that prevent serious illness, and death.

“We do ask that people who are positive stay home until their symptoms completely resolve to reduce the risk of Covid spreading.

“If you initially test negative, then remain at home until you are completely better. This will reduce the risk of vulnerable people in the community falling ill to respiratory illnesses.”

Testing

Monash Pathology is providing PCR and Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) in Cowes and Wonthaggi, for people with Covid symptoms and close contacts.

At the Phillip Island Health Hub, 50 Church Street, Cowes PCR tests and RATs are available for eligible people from 12.30pm-3.30pm, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

At Wonthaggi Hospital, go to the main entrance to be directed to the Covid testing area. Opening hours are 9am-1pm, Monday to Saturday (closed Sundays).

For PCR tests and RATs, you must bring photo ID with date of birth and/or a Medicare card. You can pre-register for PCR testing and RAT distribution online: testtracker.covid19.dhhs.vic.gov.au/citizen-prefill.

Wonthaggi Respiratory Clinic also offers PCR testing by appointment.

RATs can also be purchased from supermarkets and chemists. If you test positive, remember to report your result.

There is also an online tool to check if you are eligible for antivirals or other medications. www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/covid-19-medicines#find-out-if-you-are-eligible-for-covid-19-medicines