Health alert
- Status:
- Active
- Alert number:
- 241127
- Date issued:
- 26 Nov 2024
- Issued by:
- Dr Clare Looker, Chief Health Officer
- Issued to:
- Health services, health professionals and the Victorian public
Key messages
- Victoria is currently experiencing increased COVID-19 infections in the community, which is resulting in an increase of people being hospitalised with COVID-19.
- This occurs at a time Victorians are planning increased gatherings in the lead up to the holiday period.
- During this time, it is especially important to be mindful that those at greatest risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are protected – this includes people aged 65 and above, people with a disability or chronic medical condition and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
These are the steps you can take to help protect yourself and vulnerable Victorians from COVID-19:
- Stay at home if you are unwell with symptoms of cold or flu. Speak to your GP if symptoms worsen.
- 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.
- 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. are also recommended to get a booster every year.
- Boosters are free for all Victorians and are available from your GP or local pharmacy.
- 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.
- Let fresh air in: open windows and doors when you can – it reduces the spread of the virus. Meet outside when possible.
- 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.
What is the issue?
Key indicators of COVID-19 infections show increasing levels of COVID-19 activity in Victoria. These include:
- 7-day average hospitalisation figures (194) have increased, with an increase of approximately 12% in the last week
- Notified case numbers have increased 10% in the last week to 1,597 laboratory-confirmed cases, representing a 63% increase over the last month
Symptoms and transmission
COVID-19 symptoms vary from mild to severe and may appear between 1-14 days after exposure to the virus. They include:
- runny nose
- sore throat
- cough
- shortness of breath
- fever, chills and/or sweats.
Some people may also experience headache, muscle soreness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, loss of smell and taste, loss of appetite.
If you have any of the symptoms listed, however mild, you should seek advice and take a rapid antigen test immediately.
If you test positive for COVID-19, see Checklist for COVID-19 for a step-by-step guide to support you through to recovery.
You should speak to your GP if you have any concerns. Dial Triple Zero (000) if you are having trouble breathing or have chest pain.
Sensitive settings
If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, you should not visit people at risk of severe illness or sensitive settings such as hospitals and aged care facilities.
Sectors providing housing, care, or other services to people at increased risk of severe disease (senior Victorians, those with medical comorbidities or disability) should consider how they can help reduce transmission during this time. This is particularly relevant to health services (including primary care), aged care, disability care and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).
For more information, visit COVID-19 infection, prevention and control guidelines.
Recommendations
For the general public
Protect yourself and at-risk Victorians by:
- staying at home if sick
- taking a test if you have symptoms
- staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination
- wearing a face mask if you have symptoms or visiting sensitive settings
- having meetings or gatherings outdoors or letting fresh air in when indoors
- talking to your GP about COVID-19 medicines, especially if you are at-risk.
More information can be found on the Better Health .
For health services and health professionals
Health services and other settings where the risk of COVID-19 transmission and impact is particularly significant are recommended to take actions based on local risk assessment and as outlined in COVID-19 guidance.
DH will continue to monitor surveillance indicators and keep the public informed of when COVID-19 transmission returns to a low level of activity.
Reviewed 26 November 2024