AN AMBER alert was issued on Thursday at South Gippsland Hospital as COVID transmissions rise in the region.
According to Paul Greenhalgh, South Gippsland Hospital CEO, the hospital is reporting an increase in community transmission with several house/community staff testing positive over the last week.
“(We’re) getting on the front foot to avoid an outbreak on the ward,” Mr Greenhalgh said.
The amber status means South Gippsland Hospital’s visiting hours are between 9.30am and 7pm daily with a maximum of two visitors per patient at a time, for up to two hours.
Those entering the hospital must wear a mask, sanitise their hands and sign in and out of reception.
The hospital is also asking for those who are symptomatic to refrain from visiting.
The reported increase comes as the Victorian Department of Health issued an increase in COVID-19 activity health alert across the state on Wednesday, November 27.
According to the alert, seven-day average hospitalisation figures increased approximately 12 per cent with notified case numbers (laboratory-confirmed) increasing 10 per cent, a 63 per cent increase over the last month.
The alert comes as Victorians gear up for the festive season with an increase in gatherings and functions.
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Clare Looker, is urging people to stay home if they are unwell with symptoms of cold or flu and speak to a GP if symptoms worsen. Additionally, those who have symptoms should test with a rapid antigen test and remain at home until they no longer have symptoms, avoiding sensitive settings for seven days.
The Department of Health is also urging Victorians to get vaccinated and stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations.
In October, the Australian Government’s Therapeutic Goods Administration approved a new Pfizer vaccination that targets the JN.1 variant, that swept through Australia and around the world last year.
First detected in August 2023, JN.1 caused concern, it was a new-look version of SARS-CoV-2 and rapidly displaced other circulating strains.
According to the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, Comirnaty JN.1 (the new Pfizer vaccine) contains nucleoside-modified mRNA encoding the spike glycoproteins of SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 strain.
It’s understood the new vaccination will be available to the public in the next fortnight.
The rise in COVID cases comes after a spike in respiratory diseases in 2024 that also saw the highly contagious pertussis, whopping cough, record 49,104 cases, the highest since records began and surges in laboratory-confirmed influenza and RSV this year.
Help prevent the spread of COVID:
1. Stay at home if you are unwell with symptoms of cold or flu. Speak to your GP if symptoms worsen.
2. Test if you have symptoms - take a rapid antigen test (RAT).
- If you test positive and are eligible for antivirals, take them as soon as possible.
- You should stay at home until you have no symptoms. Avoid sensitive settings for 7 days.
3. Get vaccinated: stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine.
- Vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe disease and helps protect you from becoming very sick.
- You should get a booster if you are over 75 and haven’t had one for 6 months. Other groups are also recommended to get a booster every year.
- Boosters are free for all Victorians and are available from your GP or local pharmacy.
4. Wear a mask, especially if you have symptoms or are visiting a sensitive setting: a high-quality and well-fitted mask can protect you and others from the virus.
5. Let fresh air in: open windows and doors when you can – it reduces the spread of the virus. Meet outside when possible.
6. Take antivirals if eligible: they can help stop people from getting so sick that they need to go to the hospital.
- If you are at risk of falling very sick, you may be eligible for COVID-19 antiviral medicines. See your GP for more information. You must take these within 5 days of developing symptoms - the sooner the better.