How health services are preparing for summer visitor surge amid climbing Covid cases
As Covid cases climb health services in the region are preparing for an influx of summer tourists.
Geelong
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Health services are gearing up for an influx of summer visitors as Covid cases climb in the region.
Thirty-five new Covid cases were reported for Greater Geelong on Monday.
The municipality was among 10 Victorian local government areas with the highest numbers of new cases.
The Surf Coast recorded seven new cases and Golden Plains one.
Victoria recorded 1073 new Covid cases and six deaths.
Barwon South West public health unit director Eugene Athan said as of Monday morning there were 22 patients in Geelong hospital with Covid-19, including nine in ICU.
“As the region’s population increases over the summer months we urge both residents and holiday makers to remain vigilant and to get tested at the earliest sign of Covid-19,” Prof Athan said.
“Hospitalisations over the past two years have fluctuated and our staff are prepared to increase capacity within ICU and hospital wards when the needs arise as part of our pandemic plan.
“I also urge anyone who is currently due for their booster now to book in as soon as
possible.
“A booster dose helps prevent waning immunity and increased protection against Covid-19.”
“A booster dose will continue to protect you, your loved ones and your community.”
Great Ocean Road Health’s campuses at Lorne and Apollo Bay offer by-appointment daily testing services.
The health service monitors demand and can open a pop-up clinic if required.
Prof Athan said Barwon Health North would be open for Covid-19 testing on Christmas Day from 8.30am-12.30pm.
“For additional testing sites please check the Barwon Health website closer to
the holiday period,” he said.
Testing information can be found at www.barwonhealth.org.au/coronavirus/where-to-get-tested.
Booster dose walk-ins are currently available at the community vaccination hub at the former Ford factory site in Norlane.
Appointments can be made by calling 1800 675 398 or online at www.portal.cvms.vic.gov.au
Originally published as How health services are preparing for summer visitor surge amid climbing Covid cases
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