Linda Blaik, Caleb Rixon front Covid campaign

A Geelong disability advocate is one of the faces of a new national campaign exploring the impact of the pandemic on the disability community. WATCH THE VIDEO

Geelong faces are at the forefront of a new campaign urging the community to help vulnerable people feel safe and connected during the fourth wave of Covid.

Host Caleb Rixon, a stroke survivor and former Belmont High School student, speaks with Australians with disability as part of the video campaign.

The federal health department initiative, dubbed ‘Play Safe, Stay Safe’, highlights the pandemic experiences of people living with disability.

Among those interviewed is Belmont woman Linda Blaik, who is blind and has auto-immune disease lupus.

The 63-year-old disability expert and advocate, who is vaccinated, said she had so far avoided catching Covid but would be considered high risk.

Geelong advocate Linda Blaik fronts a new Covid campaign. Picture: Supplied

“I am concerned (about contracting coronavirus),” the grandmother said.

“I should be even more concerned but I’m quite an outgoing person, I’m a very social person.”

Caleb Rixon hosts the campaign videos.

She said after three years of the pandemic she had a “what happens, happens” attitude.

“There are some that are so much more vulnerable than me and I still believe the public need to know there are very vulnerable people out there,” she said.

Mrs Blaik said disability could be very isolating for many people and urged people to make effort with those who may be dealing with this.

She said she believed there was fear among vulnerable community members about the virus.

“If there’s a person with a disability you might be around, be mindful of your coughing and sneezing, wash your hands,” she said.

“Live life but stay safe.”

Associate Professor Daniel O'Brien. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Geraghty

Barwon South West Public Health Unit deputy director Daniel O’Brien said the recent rise in Covid cases appeared to be plateauing in the region.

“It is predicted that the peak of cases or hospitalisations will occur in the next one to two weeks,” Associate Professor O’Brien said on Thursday.

However, he noted there remained significant uncertainty around the duration and severity of this wave.

As of Thursday, there were 15 Covid positive patients in Geelong hospital.

“The increase in cases is due to waning immunity and people being infected with new variants,” Prof O’Brien said.

“Vaccination remains the most effective way of reducing the risk of infection and severe illness – now is the time to ensure you are up to date with a third or fourth dose of the vaccine.

“It’s important to limit the spread of Covid which does have serious health implications for some people.

“Public health measures such as masks, social distancing, good ventilation and staying home if you are unwell are all important.”

Originally published as Linda Blaik, Caleb Rixon front Covid campaign