The Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit is urging the community to remain cautious of COVID-19 during the holiday season amid rising cases in the region.
The Goulburn Valley has seen increases in both case numbers and hospitalisations in the past few weeks, which have strained hospitals and healthcare services.
Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit acting director Dr Will Cross said more people catching COVID-19 gave the virus a greater opportunity to circulate in the community.
“If more people have it, the more opportunity they have to pass it on through their community,” he said.
“Reaching more people also means vulnerable groups are more likely to get sick, just due to the amount of virus that is circulating.
“This also means our health services are under a bit of extra strain on top of their regular workload, as more people are needing extra COVID-19-related care.”
Those who have COVID symptoms, such as a cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever, shortness of breath or chills, should stay home until they get better and get tested.
“Staying home if you’re sick is really important right now because people are out and about more with holiday events and parties, so disease can spread quicker than it might otherwise,” Dr Cross said.
“Ensuring your vaccinations against COVID-19 are up to date is also a really good way to prevent catching it, so you can keep going to events, but you’re also not going to get as sick if you do catch it.”
To find a vaccination clinic near you, go to https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking/
There is evidence from the Victorian Department of Health that COVID antiviral medicines decrease the likelihood of severe illness and mortality.
During the last COVID wave, Victorians aged over 70 who took these medicines were 26 per cent less likely to be hospitalised and 55 per cent less likely to die than those who did not take the medicines.
The evidence also showed that they decreased the risk of long COVID, but it is important that the antivirals are taken within five days of testing positive; talking to a GP as soon as possible is the best course of action.
Targeted care and support from the COVID Positive Pathways program is available for priority groups such as First Nations people, people aged over 80, those with a disability and their carers, refugees, asylum seekers and those who cannot safely isolate at home.
Referrals to the program can be accessed via GV Health COVID Positive Pathways via phone on 1800 490 590 (seven days, 8.30am to 5pm) or by email at COVIDMonitoring@gvhealth.org.au