Benalla Rural City Local Government Area currently has the second highest rate of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Victoria.
That figure, which is currently 4094 cases since the pandemic began, represents 733.8 people per 100,000.
Only Ararat Rural City is preventing Benalla topping a list it would want to avoid, with it sitting on 878 per 100,000.
This is how Benalla Rural City stacks up against other LGAs in the region:
- Benalla Rural City – 103 active 4094 total (733.8 per 100,000);
- Moira Shire – 107 active cases / 9209 total (357.6 per 100,000);
- Greater Shepparton City Council – 338 active cases / 24297 total (508.3 per 100,000);
- Strathbogie Shire – 35 active cases / 2898 total (324.6 per 100,000);
- Mansfield Shire 36 active cases / 3170 total (392.3 per 100,000);
- Wangaratta Rural City – 145 active cases / 9860 total (496.8 per 100,000); and
- Wodonga Council – 244 active cases / 16319 total (579.8 per 100,000)
Part of the government’s mantra of scrapping lockdowns, opening back up and managing cases was to accept that the virus would spread.
However, people can still play a part in limiting its spread and protecting the most vulnerable in the community.
The risk of catching or passing the infection to others is higher if you:
- Are not up to date with your vaccinations;
- Are in close contact with a person infected with COVID-19;
- Lack basic hygiene; or
- Spend time in poorly ventilated or crowded indoor settings.
Therefore it is recommended to get vaccinated and boosted.
This not only slows the spread of the virus but also reduces the risk of a severe reaction should a vaccinated person contract it.
Wearing a mask is an effective way of limiting the spread to others, if you are infectious.
Good hygiene, regular hand washing and sanitising, and coughing into your elbow are all ways to help limit its potential spread.
Australian Government advise is that If you test positive for COVID-19 you must immediately isolate.
You can call the National Coronavirus Helpline for information about how to look after yourself when you are sick with COVID-19.