Increase in COVID-19 cases – Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District

The Chief Health Officer Victoria issues an alert on Friday 27 October regarding an Increase in COVID-19 cases.

What is the issue?

Key indicators of COVID-19 infections are showing increasing levels of COVID-19 activity in Victoria.
After a period of slow increases from July, recent weeks have seen increases to levels not observed since May:
The number of people in hospital with COVID-19 increased this week to a daily average of 233, up from 179 last week.

Community transmission of COVID-19 is increasing across Victoria.
This is an expected part of the ongoing evolution of COVID-19 in the community, as our immunity from both infection and vaccination wanes with time and COVID-19 continues to circulate.
These increases do not appear to be linked to a single new variant.
During this time, it is especially important that those at greatest risk of severe consequences of COVID-19 are supported to reduce their risk – this includes people aged 65 and above, with a disability or chronic medical condition and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The best way to prevent those you love from getting infected is to protect yourself. If you don’t get COVID-19, you can’t spread COVID-19.
These six steps can help you stay ahead of COVID-19:

Wear a mask: a high-quality and well-fitted mask can protect you and others from the virus.
Get vaccinated: stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine. ATAGI
has recently recommended an additional booster vaccination for adults over 75 years of age. Vaccines are available at your GP or local pharmacy.
Let fresh air in: open windows and doors when you can – it reduces the spread of the virus.
Get tested: if you have symptoms, take a rapid antigen test (RAT). Free RATs are available at your local council.
Stay at home: if you have COVID-19, you should stay at home for at least five days and until you have no symptoms. Speak to your GP if symptoms worsen.
Talk to your doctor: if you are at risk of falling very sick, you may be eligible for COVID-19 antiviral medicines. You must take these within 5 days of developing symptoms.

You should not visit high-risk people if unwell or have symptoms.
Health services and other settings where the risk of COVID-19 transmission and impact is particularly significant are recommended to take actions based on local risk assessment and as outlined in updated COVID-19 guidance.
The Department of Health will continue to monitor surveillance indicators and keep the public informed of when COVID-19 transmission returns to a low level of activity.

	The Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District acknowledges the Yorta Yorta People of the land which comprises the Goulburn Valley. We pay respect to tribal Elders, past, present and emerging and we celebrate their continuing culture and acknowledge the memory of their ancestors.
	The Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District is a peak body whose mission is to promote and represent the social, cultural and economic well-being of ethnic communities in the Goulburn Valley Region through the provision of quality and innovative settlement, refugee support, community development, and information and advocacy services.