The community is being urged to be cautious of the growing risk posed by the Delta strain of COVID-19 to our community as they enjoy the easing of restrictions.
“The easing of restrictions is wonderful news for our local economy and for our social and mental wellbeing, however it is critical that people still respect the rules and do everything they can to reduce local risk,” Bass Coast Health CEO Jan Child said.
“We know that the numbers of people infected with COVID in Victoria is going to balloon over the coming weeks, and that things are going to get much worse before they get better. We also worry that the very infectious nature of the Delta strain will mean it may make its way down to our beautiful part of the world with a vengeance.
“The best way to keep the local community open is for every person to do the right thing and follow the new rules. I implore our community to continue to practise COVIDSafe measures: wear a properly fitting (and clean) face mask that covers your nose; be acutely aware of exposure sites; don’t have gatherings inside your home; keep your physical distance from others; clean and sanitise your hands thoroughly and often; and avoid crowds (particularly indoors) whenever you can.
“If you experience any symptoms of COVID, such as a sore throat, fever or chills, get tested at our testing tents at Wonthaggi Hospital and the Cowes Transit Station. Don’t wait till the next day to see if it gets better – get tested straight away if you notice something is not quite right. And make sure you QR code everywhere so you can be contacted if you have visited an exposure site, and keep a really close eye on the list of exposure sites to make sure you avoid contact with anyone who has been exposed.
“I know people are fatigued and I know everyone wants this to be over. I can guarantee you that no-one wants this over more than the 800 plus staff at Bass Coast Health. Our staff are sick and tired of wearing their heavy and hot PPE day in and day out.
“We are all fatigued because we haven’t had our usual breaks. We are all worried because we look at what is happening to our colleagues in Sydney, or in the UK, and we know there is no lull coming. We are in fact gearing up for another wave which might bring more patients, potentially people we love.
“In the coming days and weeks, we will be continuing our preparation so we have enough beds and enough staff to care for our usual patients and a COVID surge. What we really need is for everyone to help make sure we are not inundated with local COVID cases. The best and only way to do that is for us all to be cautious and do the right thing with our newfound freedom.”
Ms Child said staff were dedicated to caring for their community and she urged the community to play their part to keep our community safe.
“And please, get vaccinated against COVID-19 if you have not done so already. Community members that have been vaccinated can still be infected and pass on the virus but the evidence is really clear they will not be as sick or end up in hospital,” she said.
Secondary school students have rushed to be vaccinated ahead of sitting their Year 12 exams, with most students from across Bass Coast and South Gippsland attending the Community Vaccination Clinic at the Wonthaggi Town Hall last week.
“We are now wanting to see pregnant women, our healthcare and aged care workers who need their second jabs – anyone who is eligible - get a jab in your arm to protect yourselves and the ones you love, before the numbers explode,” Ms Child said.
BCH administered 2191 COVID vaccinations for the period 6-10 September.
BCH also conducted 701 COVID tests at Wonthaggi and 304 COVID tests at Cowes for the period 4-10 September.
For more information about reducing your risk of contracting COVID and the symptoms of the virus, go to: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au
To book a COVID vaccination, call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 or online at
portal.cvms.vic.gov.au