Follow the COVID five and stay alive

COVER with a mash, vaccinate, separate, ventilate and sanitize: There are five simple things people can do every day to prevent themselves from getting sick and spreading disease to others...

To ‘Cover’ means wear a mask indoors or in crowded settings or on public transport.

‘Vaccinate’ means keeping your vaccinations up to date, not only to reduce your risk of getting sick but also reducing the risk of transmission by you.

To ‘Separate’ means to physically distance, test and stay home if unwell, work from home and remember, video-calling is a great alternative to catching up with friends and family.

To ‘Ventilate’ means to open doors and windows where possible, entertain outdoors, especially important with the AFL Grand Final coming up, and to eat outdoors where possible when dining out or going for coffee with friends.

And ‘Sanitize’ remains important at anytime of the year; washing hands with soap and water where possible or at least using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, as well as wiping down surfaces.

Why? Because while COVID numbers are going down (100 fewer hospitalised last week), the health risk remains, as does the pressure on our hospital system (227 hospitalised, 15 ICU).

In the week between September 2 and September 8, there were 98 Victorian people who died of COVID-19 related illness and consistently 2000 new cases reported daily.

Seasonal flu numbers are also well down but there are various viruses going around and wearing a mask can still be a useful precaution.

The Gippsland Regional Public Health Unit has also issued a You Tube video on the ‘Five Layers of Protection which you might find useful, especially for school and work groups. You Tube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZLUhZoAsoY