Health Alert – Increase in Covid-19 Cases – Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District

The Chief Health Officer has issued an alert about a new strain of Covid-19, increase in hospitalisations and increase of antiviral prescriptions during December 2023.

Community transmission of COVID-19 is increasing across Victoria.
Recent weeks have seen a rapid increase in hospitalisation of COVID-19 cases.
This increase in community transmission is linked to a new variant, JN.1 which is causing similar impacts internationally. During this time, it is especially important that those at greatest risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 are protected against catching COVID-19 – this includes people aged 65 and above, people with a disability or chronic medical condition and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
These six steps can help you stay ahead of COVID-19:
1. Wear a mask: a high-quality and well-fitted mask can protect you and others from the virus.
2. Get vaccinated: stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine. There are new monovalent vaccines available that are highly effective at preventing severe disease. You should get a booster if you are over 75 and haven’t had one for 6 months. Other groups are also recommended to get a booster. Vaccines are available at your GP or local pharmacy.
3. Let fresh air in: open windows and doors when you can – it reduces the spread of the virus. Meet outside when possible.
4. Get tested: if you have symptoms, take a rapid antigen test. If you test positive and are eligible for antivirals, take them as soon as possible.
5. 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.
6. Take antivirals if eligible: 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 – the sooner the better. See your GP for more information.
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.

Symptoms and transmission

COVID-19 symptoms vary from mild to severe and may appear between 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. They include:

runny nose
sore throat
cough
shortness of breath
fever, chills and/or sweats.

Some people may also experience headache, muscle soreness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, loss of smell and taste, loss of appetite.

If you have any of the symptoms listed, however mild, you should seek advice and take a rapid antigen test (RAT) immediately.

Health Alert - Increase in Covid-19 Cases — The Chief Health Officer advises an increase in Covid-19 cases. Certain community groups should take precautions and care.

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	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.