Friday COVID update: 5 Bass Coast, 4 South Gippsland
THE total number of active cases in Gippsland being managed by the Gippsland Region Public Health Unit is 328 including Bass Coast 35, Baw Baw 150, East Gippsland 23, Latrobe 70, South Gippsland 23 and Wellington 27.
THE total number of active cases in Gippsland being managed by the Gippsland Region Public Health Unit is 328 including Bass Coast 35, Baw Baw 150, East Gippsland 23, Latrobe 70, South Gippsland 23 and Wellington 27.
This update was provided by GRPHU on Friday, December 17. The health department out the number of active cases in Gippsland at 344 on Thursday.
There are five people with COVID in hospital in Gippsland. Three of those are in ICU.
Latrobe has recorded eight new cases from yesterday, Wellington, Bass Coast and East Gippsland recorded five, South Gippsland has four new and Baw Baw recorded 14.
Here is some additional information about the pandemic from GRPHU.
Statewide in Victoria there were 1510 new COVID cases from 82,301 tests, for a total of 12,578 active cases with sadly, 7 more deaths and 386 in hospital, above the weekly average.
Vaccination for children aged 5 – 11 years
A new formulation of the Pfizer vaccine has been approved for use for this age group. The recommended dose schedule is two doses, eight weeks apart.
Children who turn 12 years after their first dose may receive the adolescent/adult dose of the Pfizer vaccine to complete their course.
Vaccinations in this age group will help prevent the disease in young children and reduce the likelihood of school closures and disruptions. Children aged 5 – 11 years can start receiving the COVID-19 vaccine from 10 January 2022.
Update to COVID restrictions
The Victorian Government announced COVID-19 restrictions were being updated to ensure Victorians enjoy more freedoms this festive season, while the Omicron variant is monitored and investigated.
From 11.59pm, Wednesday, December 15 until 11.59pm, January 12, 2022, the COVIDSafe Settings include;
* The mandatory vaccination requirement will be removed for all customers in retail, except hair and beauty services, and will also be removed in real estate, places of worship, weddings and funerals. Face masks will be still required for customers and workers in retail settings.
* Restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs are still only open to fully vaccinated patrons and staff. Workers are required to wear face masks.
* People under 18 will no longer be required to show proof of their vaccination status at all venues, including hospitality.
* Face masks no longer need to be worn at weddings, funerals or ceremonial settings. If these events are held at places of worship, there will not be any vaccination requirements or limits on participants, nor any requirement to check vaccination status. If the ceremony is at a hospitality setting, vaccine requirements will apply.
* Workplaces exposed to a positive COVID-19 case will no longer need to be deep cleaned.
* Tour and transport operators, gyms and creative arts premises, such as theatres and cinemas, will not need to clean equipment between users.
* Workplaces still need to maintain their COVIDSafe Plan. All Victorians who are eligible for a booster are urged to book an appointment as soon as possible. COVID-19 booster doses are recommended for anyone aged 18 and over who had their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine five or more months ago. You can get a COVID-19 booster dose from a GP or pharmacy, or a community vaccination centre.
Bass Coast
There are currently 35 active COVID-19 cases in Bass Coast being managed by the GRPHU. Testing opportunities in Bass Coast include (these are subject to change over the Christmas / New Year period. Details on the GRPHU Facebook page);
* Cowes – Bass Coast Health, drive through. 9am – 2pm seven days a week. Pre-fill your details using the Testing Registration form https://testtracker.covid19.dhhs.vic.gov.au/citizen-prefill
* Wonthaggi – Bass Coast Health, drive through. 9am – 5pm seven days a week. Pre-fill your details using the Testing Registration form https://testtracker.covid19.dhhs.vic.gov.au/citizen-prefill
* Wonthaggi Respiratory Clinic, 1pm – 3.30pm weekdays and 9am – 11.30am Saturdays, by appointment at https://bit.ly/3Fbd8eH
South Gippsland
There are currently 23 active COVID-19 cases in South Gippsland being managed by the GRPHU. Testing opportunities in South Gippsland include;
* Leongatha – Gippsland Southern Heath Service, drive through. 9am – 2.30pm Mondays and Thursdays by appointment, for bookings call 5654 2777
* Foster Respiratory Clinic, 9am – 12.30pm weekdays. By appointment, for bookings go to https://bit.ly/3Fbd8eH
