Geelong Covid latest: 28 new cases, no Omicron in Geelong as cricket club dodges Covid forfeit
A Geelong cricket club avoided a “brutal” set of forfeits by mere hours when it was revealed on Sunday that a player had tested positive to Covid after attending training during the week.
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A Geelong cricket club avoided a “brutal” set of forfeits by mere hours when it was revealed on Sunday that a player had tested positive to Covid after attending training during the week.
Geelong City Sharks would have been forced to withdraw their sides from action had the positive result come to light 24 hours earlier than the club became aware on Sunday morning.
All of the GCA2 club’s sides managed to play on Saturday, before everybody who was at training on Tuesday and/or Thursday was directed to get a Covid test and isolate until receiving their result.
It’s understood the player who tested positive did not play on Saturday.
Veteran Geelong City first XI player Chris Bambury was pulled out of the side that defeated Bell Park on Saturday after he underwent a test for an unrelated reason.
Geelong City was the second local cricket club to receive a positive diagnosis this week, after BPCA’s Armstrong Creek cancelled training on Tuesday due to a person attending the club and later coming down with Covid.
Earlier this season, Queenscliff had to pull out of matches due to Covid, with those games set to be replayed later in the summer.
Geelong City captain Jack Driver said it was sheer luck the Covid case didn’t come to light on Saturday.
“That would have been brutal,” he said.
“We would have had to have forfeited, everyone that was at training on Thursday would have had to isolate.”
With local cricket taking a break until the new year, Geelong City’s close shave was a stark reminder of the difficult path forward for local sport given the expected rises in Victorian Covid case numbers in coming weeks.
“It (mass forfeits) will happen to someone this year surely,” Driver said.
Geelong reports 28 new Covid cases Saturday
Geelong reported 28 new coronavirus cases on Saturday afternoon.
Seven new cases were recorded on the Surf Coast, but the remaining G21 municipalities saw no increase.
It comes amid a pre-Christmas surge across Victoria and NSW, recording 1504 and 2482 new infections respectively.
Geelong University Hospital is treating 24 patients with Covid-19, nine of whom are in the ICU.
The average age of Geelong Covid patients in hospital is 51.
Barwon Health spokeswoman Kate Bibbiy confirmed there had still been no confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in the region.
“While much is still unknown about the Omicron variant, it is believed the booster vaccine
will provide significant additional protection against all strains of the virus, including
Omicron,” she said.
“I urge anyone who had their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine more than five months that
they are now due for their booster and to book in as soon as possible. The Community
Vaccination Hub in Norlane is now offering booster doses.”
’Caught out’ GPs struggle for booster stock
Vaccinations at Barwon Health’s jab hub have more than tripled this week, following the interval between the second Covid vaccine dose and a booster being cut from six months to five.
Barwon South West public health unit director Eugene Athan said the community vaccination hub in Norlane had seen a “dramatic increase” in booster dose walk-ins this week.
“Our team have capacity with staff rostered and bookings added to help meet demand,” Prof Athan said.
“The community vaccination hub has adequate supply for the current demand and we expect this supply to increase as more people become eligible for their booster dose.”
Almost 500,000 Victorians are overdue for their booster and are encouraged to book an appointment as soon as possible.
Banksia Medical Centre owner and Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Victoria deputy chairman Bernard Shiu said on Monday, following the announcement reducing the interval, the Newcomb clinic had hundreds of phone calls from patients wanting their boosters.
Dr Shiu said due to supply issues the clinic had been “really careful” about not wasting doses, and luckily had some stock in its fridge.
But Dr Shiu said the clinic was unable to request more because the system only allowed one order per fortnight.
“The federal system is not catering for this sort of announcement two weeks before Christmas,” he said.
“Many clinics don’t have stock and got caught out by the announcement.”
He said the state system was assisting GPs with help getting extra doses.
The federal health department said supply was not an issue and there were sufficient doses to ensure everyone in Australia who was eligible for a booster dose could receive it over the festive period.
“In light of the decision to shorten the interval between a person’s primary course and their booster, an urgent ordering window for vaccines was opened to enable providers to restock their supplies before Christmas,” it said.
“Arrangements have been put in place to ensure primary care providers are able to receive emergency supplies of Covid vaccine over the Christmas-New Year period.”
Western Victoria Primary Health Network clinical spokeswoman Anne Stephenson said some practices had not been able to get vaccines for the five-month booster until mid-January.
“There is always a lag from the time the government makes an announcement and GP
practices making their vaccine orders and the vaccines arriving,” the local GP said.
Prof Athan said eligible people would receive Pfizer as their booster dose at the hub.
“They can safely get this Pfizer booster dose regardless of which Covid-19 vaccine they received for their initial doses,” Prof Athan said.
It was expected the hub would begin offering Moderna as a booster in January, he said.
Booster dose walk-ins are currently available at the community vaccination hub in Norlane or appointments can be made by calling 1800 675 398 or online at www.portal.cvms.vic.gov.au.
The hub is open Monday to Saturday 8.30am-3.30pm, and will be closed from December 24 to 28 and January 1 to 3.
Barwon Health loses staff over jab mandate
BARWON Health has lost dozens of staff members who refused to be vaccinated against coronavirus.
The health service’s chief of people and culture Lee Jeffery said there were approximately 60 Barwon Health staff who chose not to receive a Covid vaccination.
“Some staff who declined the vaccination have resigned, while others have been through (the) formal HR process and no longer work at Barwon Health,” Ms Jeffery said.
“We are working with a very small number of staff to finalise the HR process.”
Wednesday marked the double dose deadline for Victorian healthcare workers under the Covid vaccination mandate.
“We are delighted that the overwhelming majority of our staff have embraced the Covid vaccination program with all staff working at Barwon Health now having completed two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine,” Ms Jeffery said.
“Many have also now received their booster.
“This provides certainty and confidence for the community when seeking care at Barwon Health.”
Barwon Health is Geelong’s largest employer, and its annual report says it had a staff headcount of 8001 in 2020-21.
From October 15, in order to work in a healthcare setting in Victoria, workers had to be able to prove they were vaccinated; had a booking to receive their first dose by October 29; or had an authorised medical exemption.
Western Victoria Primary Health Network clinical spokeswoman Dr Anne Stephenson said there were some medical practices that had lost staff due to the mandate to be vaccinated.
“There are some people who work in health who will refuse the Covid vaccine,” the local GP said.
“There will always be people who refuse or are vaccine hesitant.”
Allison Evans, acting chief operating officer of hospitals at Epworth Healthcare, said
100 per cent of 1100 staff at Epworth Geelong were vaccinated.
“Some staff who were initially hesitant were provided with education and support and decided to get vaccinated to keep themselves, their community and our patients safe,” she said.
“A small number of employees, who mainly worked in support roles, have left Epworth.”
In November, St John of God Geelong Hospital said staff who remained unvaccinated without an authorised exemption were no longer working with St John of God Health Care.
It said less than 0.03 per cent of the hospital’s workforce did not meet the Victorian government’s October 15 deadline to have received at least one Covid-19 vaccination dose.
Local Covid patient dies at Geelong hospital
An elderly woman has died at Geelong hospital due to Covid.
Barwon South West public health unit director Eugene Athan on Thursday said the woman, who was from the Greater Geelong region and aged in her 80s, died overnight.
Prof Athan said as of 9am Thursday there were 24 patients in Geelong hospital with Covid-19, including nine in ICU.
On Thursday, 24 new cases were reported for Greater Geelong.
The Surf Coast recorded six new cases, Golden Plains two and the Borough of Queenscliffe one.
Victoria recorded 1622 new cases and nine deaths.
Geelong councillors quizzed on Covid jab status
Geelong councillors must be Covid-vaccinated to attend council premises, according to CEO Martin Cutter.
A public question at Tuesday night’s meeting asked the city’s representatives about their own vaccination status and opinions on mandates.
All councillors present at the meeting – barring Kardinia Ward’s Belinda Moloney – confirmed they had been fully vaccinated.
Ms Moloney, who appeared via web link, was the only one not to answer the question.
“The city has determined that visitors – including councillors – aged over 12 years and two months are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 or hold a valid medical exemption to access facilities staffed by city employees,” Mr Cutter said.
But Mr Cutter said councillors were able to carry out duties virtually if required.
“The Covid-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2020 ensures virtual council meeting provisions remain in place until April 26, 2022,” he said.
“The ability to meet via a hybrid model provides flexibility for councillors and members of the community to participate in-person or online.”
Asked to clarify her Covid-19 vaccination status, Ms Moloney said: “My private medical details are protected by the Privacy Act 1988, and my medical information isn’t available for news fodder or political gain.”
Ms Moloney last month posted to social media showing her attendance a ‘freedom’ rally in Melbourne on November 27, wearing a shirt declaring: “Think for yourself, question authority”.
Omicron not yet in Geelong
The region’s public health boss says the Omicron variant has not yet been identified locally amid warnings it will become the dominant Covid strain in the state.
It comes as masks will remain mandatory in all retail settings after the state announced widespread changes to its Covid restrictions.
People under 18 will also no longer need to show proof of their vaccination status and the mandatory vaccination requirement will also be removed for all customers in retail, except for hair and beauty services.
It will also be removed from real estate, places of worship, weddings and funerals.
Under the pandemic orders, restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs are only open to fully vaccinated patrons and staff.
Victorian officials on Wednesday said the government needed to gather more information about the new variant before considering further changes to restrictions, particularly the mask requirements.
“Omicron has changed the landscape,” Health Minister Martin Foley said.
“Everything is of course subject to epidemiological conditions at the time, while we figure out exactly the best and rigorous advice, we just need to tread carefully and cautiously.”
Barwon South West public health unit director Professor Eugene Athan said currently no known confirmed cases of Omicron had been identified in the Geelong region.
Twenty-one new Covid cases were reported for Greater Geelong on Wednesday.
The Surf Coast recorded five new cases, the Borough of Queenscliffe two and Golden Plains three.
As of 9am Wednesday there were 25 patients in Geelong hospital with Covid, including 11 in ICU.
Victoria recorded 1405 new Covid-19 cases and three more deaths.
Coronavirus cases have also surged in New South Wales.
The state recorded 1360 new infections, up from 804 the day before.
Geelong hospital patients mostly unvaccinated
More than three-quarters of coronavirus patients admitted to Geelong hospital over the past four weeks were unvaccinated, the health authority has revealed.
Barwon South West Public Health Unit director Eugene Athan said the hospital had admitted 65 Covid patients over the last month.
“Being fully vaccinated, including being up to date with your booster dose, has never been more important,” Professor Athan said.
“A Covid-19 booster dose helps prevent waning immunity and increased protection against Covid-19.
“Eligible people will receive the Pfizer vaccine as their booster dose.”
Greater Geelong reported 16 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, while three were recorded on the Surf Coast according to state health data.
Statewide 1189 locally acquired cases were reported and six lives were lost.
“As of 9am there were 23 patients in University Hospital Geelong with Covid-19, 11 of whom are in ICU,” Prof Athan said.
“The average age of these patients is 49.”
It comes after the federal government cut the wait time for vaccine boosters from six months to five.
“People can also get a booster dose if they have completed an initial vaccination course overseas with a Covid-19 vaccine recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration,” Prof Athan said.
Booster dose walk-ins are available at the Norlane Community Vaccination Hub or make appointments on 1800 675 398 or online at portal.cvms.vic.gov.au
Cricket club’s Christmas party Covid scare
Members of a Geelong cricket club have rushed to get tested after a person who attended their Christmas party on Sunday tested positive to Covid.
Armstrong Creek Cricket Club cancelled training schedule for Tuesday night after receiving news of the case.
It is hoped anybody who was at the party would return negative tests in time to train on Thursday.
Anybody who was at the party, which was held as the Titans’ women’s side played a home match, has been urged to isolate and get a Covid test.
Club secretary Nic Johnson said the timing was as good as could be for the case to come to light, after it was revealed a person who was at the club between 12.30pm and 3.30pm on Sunday later tested positive to the disease.
At this stage Armstrong Creek doesn’t expect its fixtures on the weekend – which includes a home BPCA A2 game against Wallington – to be impacted.
“In terms of the timing point of view we are lucky if there is some form of luck out of it,” Johnson said.
“If someone gets crook on a Thursday or a Friday and tests positive that is when we are going to really feel it as opposed to now.
“You’ve got to hope for the best right, you have to hope that everyone tests negative but we will have to wait and see.
“There were obviously a lot of families there so it doesn’t impact just the playing group it is also the wives and families as well.”
Johnson guessed that there were “five or six” of the club’s A-grade side in attendance at the party.
Another Covid outbreak emerges at Torquay
Another significant Covid outbreak has emerged in Torquay.
The outbreak, linked to the Torquay P-6 College, had 17 active cases listed by the health department on Monday.
The college closed on Monday and was expected to reopen on Tuesday.
A cluster linked to the Torquay Hotel is among the largest current active outbreaks in the state.
It had 28 active health department-listed cases.
Barwon South West public health unit director Eugene Athan said contact tracing staff remained concerned with the increasing number of Covid-19 cases affecting young people.
There had been growing levels of transmission across Schoolies celebrations in the region, he said.
Twenty-two new Covid cases were reported for Greater Geelong on Monday.
The Surf Coast recorded 14 new cases, the Borough of Queenscliffe one and Colac-Otway three.
As of Monday morning there were 23 patients in Geelong hospital with Covid-19, including 11 in ICU.
Victoria recorded 1290 new cases and two deaths.
Following the interval between the second Covid vaccine dose and a booster shot being reduced from six months to five, Prof Athan said the team at the community vaccination hub in Norlane saw a “dramatic increase” in booster walk-ins on Monday.
Prof Athan said this was “very encouraging” to see.
“Our team have increased capacity with additional staff rostered to help meet demand,” Prof Athan said.
“A booster dose is an essential part of the vaccine schedule and will continue to protect you, your loved ones and your community against COVID-19.”
Booster dose walk-ins are currently available at the community vaccination hub in Norlane or appointments can be made by calling 1800 675 398 or online at portal.cvms.vic.gov.au.
The community vaccination hub, at the former Ford factory site, is open from Monday to Saturday between 8.30am and 3.30pm.
Booster doses are also being offered by a number of GPs and pharmacies across the region.
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