Although well below the peak of early January, when there were 81 recorded Covid cases in the shire, cases appear to be on the rise again, in the lead up to the Easter holidays.

Numbers remain very low in Bass Coast but jumped from five to 23 in the past week. Inverloch currently has the highest number of recorded cases (7), followed by Wonthaggi (6), then Cowes (5).

Across Victoria, cases were up by 10.5 per cent on the previous week, with the average daily number of new cases increasing from 431 to 474.

The Chief Health Officer’s weekly update stated: “Recent transmission has been driven primarily by waning immunity and influenced by multiple emerging Omicron sublineages”.

All Victorians who haven’t had either a Covid vaccination or infection in the past six months are now eligible for a booster, irrespective of how many prior doses a person has received.

For those not infected or vaccinated in the past six months, a 2023 booster is recommended for:

• All adults aged 65 years and over
• Adults 18-64 years who have medical comorbidities or disability with significant or complex health needs 

For those not infected or vaccinated in the past six months, a 2023 booster should be considered for:

• Adults 18-64 with no risk factors for severe Covid
• Children and adolescents aged 5-17 who have medical comorbidities or disability with significant or complex health needs 

Free booster appointments can be booked at local GPs or pharmacies. You can find your nearest vaccination provider through the vaccine clinic finder: covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking/

You can pick up two free packets of RATs from Bass Coast Shire Council’s Customer Service Centre, at 154-156 Thompson Avenue, Cowes.

With holidays approaching and the expected visitor influx, people are being urged to continue to take steps to limit transmission.

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 and others from the virus.
2. Get your booster dose: new bivalent vaccines targeting Omicron variants are available at your GP or local pharmacy. To find out if you’re eligible for your next booster, visit the Coronavirus website.
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.

www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au