COVID-19 continues to remain in our community.
Our community is experiencing high levels of COVID-19 transmission, with cases rising rapidly.Health alert: Increase in COVID-19 activity
We can take these steps to protect ourselves, our loved ones and the community as a whole:
Stay vigilant
Vaccinationremains crucial for protection
Wear a mask in crowded or indoor spaces.
Let fresh air in to reduce spread of COVID-19
Get tested if you have symptoms or have been exposed.
Stay home if you're unwell to prevent further spread.
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
It is primarily spread through respiratory droplets from the coughs and sneezes of an infected person or through the air in poorly ventilated, enclosed spaces.
Symptoms vary widely, ranging from mild to severe lasting between two (2) and 14 days. Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
While many people experience mild or no symptoms, COVID-19 can cause serious illness in people aged over 65 years, those with underlying medical conditions and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin.
Find more information on COVID-19 here.
Bendigo Health has ceased operating COVID vaccination clinics.
Everyone in Australia aged five (5) years and over is eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccination.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has recently approved a Pfizer COVID booster that targets the JN.1 sub-variant of Omicron. The vaccine will be included in the National COVID Vaccine Program from 9 December, 2024.
Visit the COVID-19 vaccination guidance website to get the latest advice on vaccination.
To find a health service and book in for a vaccination, click here.
The Bendigo Health testing site closed on December 31, 2022.
Get a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
It is no longer a requirement to report positive RAT results to the Department of Health.
RATs can be sourced from local supermarkets and pharmacies. Consider keeping some at home to plan ahead in case you develop COVID-19 symptoms.
At the start of a COVID-19 infection, a RAT may show a negative result. It’s recommended to retest in the following days for accurate results if you’re still feeling unwell.
For further details, visit: Testing for COVID-19.
To protect yourself and others from spread of COVID-19, wear a mask when leaving the house and especially in sensitive settings (aged care facilities).
Masks should cover your nose and mouth completely.
Click here for more information on face masks.
COVID-19 antiviral medications can help prevent severe illness, reducing the risk of hospitaliszation for those affected.
They work by slowing the progression of the virus, which can help manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Find out who is eligible to receive COVID-19 antiviral medication here.
If you have COVID-19, stay home and isolate to prevent spreading the virus. Rest and hydrate to support your recovery.
Monitor your symptoms and contact your GP if they worsenget worse.
Refer to the Checklist for COVID-19 Cases for detailed guidance.
If you have contact with someone with COVID-19, assess your level of risk of developing COVID-19.
Get tested
Monitor your symptoms for at least seven (7) days
Take precautions to prevent further spread
Plan and prepare in case you are diagnosed with COVID-19
Refer to the Checklist for COVID-19 Contacts for details.
Suspected outbreaks of COVID-19 within workplaces, educational settings and residential aged care facilities can be notified to the Department of Health and Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit using the Outbreak Notification Form.
The Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit offers a specialised team to assist with outbreak management, providing:
Guidance and advice for management of COVID-19 outbreaks
Preparedness assessments and COVID-19 outbreak management plans
Tailored infection prevention advice and recommendations
Outbreaks are managed in accordance with the Victorian's Department of Health's guidelines.
Is your aged care facility equipped to handle a COVID-19 outbreak effectively? Find out using the LMPHU Respiratory Preparedness Checklist