Barwon South West region reports over 500 new Covid cases
The Barwon South West region has recorded hundreds of new cases amid news authorities are confident the state is past its Omicron peak.
Geelong
Don't miss out on the headlines from Geelong. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The south west region has reported over 500 new Covid cases as statewide daily numbers dropped over the weekend.
Barwon Health reported 187 new PCR Covid tests across the region, while 402 people returned positive rapid results.
The health authority confirmed it was treating 33 Covid patients, with five of those in ICU.
According to state health data, Greater Geelong reported 376 new Covid cases through both PCR and rapid tests.
Surf Coast Shire reported 47 new cases and a single case was reported in the Borough of Queenscliffe.
It comes as Victoria recorded 7,810 new cases and 41 deaths, down on previous days.
“It’s a great trend,” Kate Matson, deputy of Victorian COVID-19 response said on Saturday morning.
But she warned with the return to school numbers could fluctuate in coming weeks.
“Victorians have, somewhat, isolated themselves over the last couple of months,” she said.
“But (there’s) now more people back to childcare and school.”
Why the pandemic is making some quit smoking
Smokers have flocked to their GPs looking to quit the habit amid the Covid pandemic.
Western Victoria Primary Health Network clinical spokeswoman and local GP Anne Stephenson said since the start of the pandemic there had been a significant increase in the number of people seeking help to quit smoking across support sources, including GPs.
“Anecdotally, most GPs have seen an increase in people quitting smoking and this is very encouraging not only for facing Covid-19 but also for their long term health,” Dr Stephenson said.
“Smokers have a higher chance of severe illness from Covid-19 than people who don’t smoke, and this increases their risk of hospitalisation.”
Quit Victoria director Sarah White said there had not been an increase in Quitline calls because of Covid.
“There is evidence that people who smoke are more likely to have severe Covid-19 compared to someone who has never smoked,” Dr White said.
Dr White said studies on the experience of people who vaped were still emerging, but it seemed that they were more likely to experience Covid-19 symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches and pain, nausea and vomiting.
“There is also a very recent study, of more than 4000 young people, showing that young people who vape are five to seven times more likely to test positive for coronavirus” Dr White said.
Dr Stephenson said many health practitioners were concerned at the impact of vaping in our community.
“We know there’s been an alarming increase in the number of teenagers participating in vaping worldwide and in the Geelong region,” she said.
“A serious risk with vaping is the potential for vapes to be shared among users and increasing the chance of transmitting Covid-19.”
Barwon South West public health unit director Eugene Athan said there was limited data about the relationship between e-cigarette or vape use and Covid-19.
“However, existing evidence indicates that e-cigarettes are harmful and increase the risk of heart disease and lung disorders,” Prof Athan said.
“Given that the COVID-19 virus affects the respiratory tract, e-cigarette use may increase the risk of infection.”
Probe into Highton aged care home’s response to Covid outbreak concludes
WorkSafe will not commence a prosecution under the Occupational Health and Safety Act after investigating a Highton aged care home struck by a deadly Covid outbreak.
In February last year the Addy revealed WorkSafe was probing whether the OHS Act was breached at Opal South Valley, now known as Highton Gardens Care Community.
A coronavirus outbreak in 2020 claimed the lives of eight residents.
WorkSafe has concluded a comprehensive investigation and determined not to commence a prosecution under the OHS Act.
It’s understood decisions on enforcement actions are made in accordance with WorkSafe’s General Prosecution Guidelines, including an assessment of whether WorkSafe is satisfied that there is sufficient evidence to support a reasonable prospect of conviction and whether it is in the public interest to commence a prosecution.
Still 4600 active Covid cases in Geelong, southwest Vic
The Barwon South West region has more than 4600 active Covid cases as dozens of patients are cared for in Geelong hospital.
Geelong hospital was caring for 37 Covid inpatients on Thursday.
This included six in intensive care, five of whom were no longer infectious.
On the general ward, eight of the 31 Covid patients were no longer infectious.
On Thursday, Barwon Health reported 820 new Covid cases across the Barwon South West region, detected through PCR and rapid antigen tests.
Greater Geelong recorded 200 new Covid cases detected through PCR tests.
There were 4696 active cases in the Barwon South West region.
Victoria recorded 12,157 new cases and 34 deaths.
There were 66,648 active coronavirus cases in Victoria.
Health authorities said 41.5 per cent of Victorians aged 18 and over had three doses of a Covid-19 vaccine.
Meanwhile, 93.5 per cent of Victorians aged 12 and over had two doses and 46.7 per cent of Victorians between 5 and 11 had one dose.
Stark shift in Geelong hospital caseload
The Barwon South West region has recorded almost 1000 new Covid cases but the number of patients in Geelong hospital has dropped.
There were 38 Covid patients in Geelong hospital on Wednesday, including seven in intensive care.
The number of Covid patients in Geelong hospital was down from 44 on Tuesday and 57 last week on Monday.
Barwon Health reported 976 new cases for the Barwon South West region, detected through PCR and rapid antigen tests.
Greater Geelong recorded 282 new cases through PCR tests, according to health department data.
Victoria recorded 14,553 new cases and 25 deaths.
Health authorities said 40.4 per cent of Victorians aged 18 and over had three doses of a Covid-19 vaccine.
Meanwhile, 93.5 per cent of Victorians aged 12 and over had two doses and 45.8 per cent of Victorians between 5 and 11 had one dose.
There were 73,886 active coronavirus cases in Victoria.
Geelong cases dropping, child vax rates revealed
Greater Geelong has recorded 130 new cases of Covid-19 through PCR tests as authorities stress the importance of youth vaccinations.
More than 98,000 children have been vaccinated through state-run centres since January 10 and another 160,000 were vaccinated at more than 1,200 pharmacies and GPs.
As of midnight on Saturday, the Borough of Queenscliffe had the state’s second highest vaccination rate for kids aged five to 11, at 58 per cent with at least one dose.
Colac-Otway had the second worst rate of Victoria’s 79 local government areas, sitting at just 24 per cent of 5 to 11 year olds with one dose, according to federal government data.
Greater Geelong was ranked 31st of the 79 council areas at 45 per cent; the Surf Coast 33rd at 43 per cent; and Golden Plains 14th at 49 per cent.
Barwon Health confirmed that 793 Covid-19 cases were recorded across the entire Barwon South West region, as of Tuesday.
As of those cases 223 were recorded through PCR tests and 570 were recorded through rapid antigen tests.
As of Tuesday there were 44 Covid-19 patients at Geelong hospital, including six in intensive care.
Statewide, Victoria recorded 11,311 new cases and 34 Covid deaths in the past 24 hours.
There are now 851 infected people in Victorian hospitals, with 106 in intensive care and 30 on ventilators.
More than 93 per cent of eligible Victorians are fully vaccinated and the state has 72,710 active cases.
A total of 23,535 PCR tests were taken on Wednesday and 17,799 vaccines were administered at state hubs.
Deputy Premier James Merlino has detailed a “window of opportunity” the state’s children have to guard against Covid this winter.
Mr Merlino said getting kids across the state double-dosed as quickly as possible was paramount for keeping a sense of normality in schools after two years of disruptions.
“I’d like to see (vaccinations) taken up as quickly as possible,” he said.
“I’ve spoken a number of times about the really critical window of opportunity that we have in the southern hemisphere. If we get our kids double-dosed before we head into winter, that is going to be critically important, so I was really encouraged about the last couple of days.”
Mr Merlino also ruled out widespread remote learning, saying the state is now beyond that phase of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, farmers across the region now have greater access to rapid antigen tests with more than 56,000 delivered through a Victorian Farmers Federation initiative.
The joint initiative, with Food and Fibre Gippsland and Fruit Growers Victoria, is expected to minimise disruption to essential food supply chains.
Geelong Covid patient notches 100 days in hospital
A Covid patient in Geelong hospital has been in its care for about 100 days, Barwon Health has revealed.
Barwon South West public health unit director Eugene Athan said on Monday there were 44 patients in Geelong hospital with Covid-19, including six in ICU.
“The longest length of stay of these patients is currently approximately 100 days, however the current average length of stay across Barwon Health for Covid is six days,” Prof Athan said.
On Monday, Barwon Health reported 715 new positive cases across the Barwon South West He said Barwon Health was currently experiencing high demand for booster dose vaccinations at the community vaccination hub in Norlane.
“This is very encouraging to see, especially as Covid-19 cases continue to circulate in our region and across the country,” Prof Athan said.
“More than 157,000 people across the Barwon South West have received their third dose of vaccine.
“A third dose of Covid-19 vaccine will provide significant additional protection against all strains of the virus, including Omicron.”
Prof Athan confirmed that based on recent sampling, Omicron was the predominant strain in our region.
“We are also very pleased with the number of children who have already received their first vaccination,” he said.
.
Pfizer’s paediatric vaccine was made available on January 10, and there is an eight-week wait recommended between first and second doses.
“Since January 10 almost half of eligible children in the region aged 5-11 have
already had a vaccination in the lead up to school starting with more than 17,000 children receiving a first dose across the Barwon South West region,” Prof Athan said.
“These numbers include those that have received their vaccine through GPs and pharmacies.
“Our team has added a large number of additional vaccination appointments for both booster doses and children aged 5-11.
“We strongly encourage any families that aren’t up to date with the COVID-19 vaccination make an appointment today.”
To make a booking at the community vaccination hub, call 1800 675 398 or book online at portal.cvms.vic.gov.au
‘Much more effective’: rush for heavy-duty masks
Geelong residents have rushed to stock up on more heavy-duty masks amid the Omicron outbreak.
People are turning to N95 masks in a bid to protect themselves from the highly infectious Covid variant.
Barwon Health reported 715 new Covid cases across the Barwon South West region on Monday, detected through PCR and rapid antigen tests.
Greater Geelong recorded 190 new cases detected through PCR tests.
Victoria recorded 10,053 new Covid cases and eight deaths.
Local GP and Western Victoria Primary Health Network clinical spokeswoman Anne Stephenson said Covid was transmitted in very fine particles called aerosols which could remain in the air for long periods of time.
“Both cloth masks and surgical masks are less effective at filtering these aerosols while P2/N95 masks are much more effective,” Dr Stephenson said.
“Early in the pandemic it was difficult to access P2/N95 masks, but now the supply has improved significantly.”
Community Care Chemist chief executive Nick Salkeld said demand for N95 and KN95 masks had been higher lately, with the products selling out quickly.
He said demand increased around the start of January, when interest in rapid antigen tests also surged.
Tom Grayling, owner of Newtown hardware shop Grayling’s Store, said he had noticed a small increase in people buying N95 masks before international travel.
Dr Stephenson said many people were seeking information about masks from their GP.
“Any mask should fit as snugly as possible to minimise air moving around the sides or nose area,” she said.
“It is important to make sure you wash or sterilise your hands before you apply your mask and after you remove it to minimise the chance of transmission.
“P2/N95 masks are relatively expensive, and there is the potential to re-use them several times if treated properly.
“It is important to understand that any mask is better than no mask at all, and will reduce your chances of becoming infected or infecting others.”
Barwon South West public health unit director Eugene Athan said while all masks and respirators provided some level of protection, properly fitted respirators such as N95 masks provided higher levels of protection.
“Wearing a highly protective mask or respirator may be most important for certain higher risk situations, or by some people at increased risk for severe disease,” Prof Athan said.
“Cloth masks provide the least amount of protection, however if you choose to wear a cloth mask ensure your mask is a proper fit over your nose, mouth, and chin to prevent leaks, is made of multiple layers of tightly woven, breathable fabric, includes a nose wire and is made of fabric that blocks light when held up to bright light source.
“Mask wearing is a critical public health tool for preventing spread of Covid-19, and it is important to remember that any mask is better than no mask.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Barwon South West region reports over 500 new Covid cases
Join the conversation
Final call made on North Shore’s future after summer of uncertainty
After an uncertain summer, a decision has been made as to whether North Shore Football Netball Club will field senior sides in 2025.
Read more
Controversial Geelong West development could force out popular clinic
The owner of a chiropractic practice in Geelong is preparing to find a new home for his business after a developer bought the block to build apartments.
Read more