Increase in COVID-19 activity

The Chief Health Officer issues a warning about winter coming, and the fact that more people are being admitted to hospital with Covid-19. The current wave of Covid-19 is the largest and fastest in almost two years, and yet there’s little public acknowledgement of its existence. How dangerous is it? Here are messages in language: Dari, Dinka, Swahili, Punjabi and Sudanese Arabic:

Victoria is currently experiencing increased COVID-19 activity in the community, resulting in an increase in people being hospitalised with COVID-19. At the same time, we are seeing increasing cases of influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus as we head into winter. During this time, it is especially important those at greatest risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are protected – this includes people aged 65 and above, people with a disability or chronic medical condition and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Younger children aged 6 months to 5 years and pregnant women are also at greater risk of influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

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. 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.
Let fresh air in: open windows and doors when you can – it reduces the spread of the virus. Meet outside when possible.
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.
Stay at home if you are unwell: 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.
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.

Yearly flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over and free for eligible priority groups.

Read the full message: increase in Covid-19 activity

The current wave of Covid-19 is the largest and fastest in almost two years, and yet there’s little public acknowledgement of its existence. How dangerous is it? Here are messages in language: Dari, Dinka, Swahili, Punjabi and Sudanese Arabic:

Covid Message in Dari:

Covid Message in Dinka

Covid Message in Punjabi

Covid Message in Swahili

Covid Message in Sudanese Arabic

	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.