Don’t let COVID fatigue lock Geelong down
SINCE the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve been saying it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
This has become more apparent than ever in recent weeks as confirmed cases are mounting across Victoria.
As much as this second wave of COVID-19 can feel like a bigger problem for Melbourne, here in Geelong we are at risk of facing increasing case numbers over coming weeks if people are not vigilant.
Unfortunately, a failure to decrease or stabilise cases in Geelong over the next fortnight will put us at risk of a prolonged lockdown similar to metropolitan Melbourne.
Avoiding this scenario will require a concerted response from the entire community.
Controlling a pandemic is all about our efforts as a collective, in addition to the work of the health sector.
Pandemic fatigue has taken its toll on everybody, as we’ve had to adjust to not being readily able to see friends and family.
It is human nature for people to try returning to normal social activities once we have the chance, however the threat has not gone.
The majority of Australians have not been exposed to COVID-19, which makes us potentially more susceptible to a second wave if we are unable to eliminate it from the population.
This means we’re in for the long haul.
We need to be realistic about the pandemic and prepare for small spikes and outbreaks that will likely occur until we have an effective vaccine.
We will get through this by minimising the number of new cases, and Victorian health services are well-prepared to deal with increased patient numbers if they require hospital admission.
A major factor for the recent confirmed cases in Geelong is that most have been linked to contact with Melbourne cases.
We are seeing some personto-person community transmission, which tells us people have relaxed vigilance around physical distancing, hand hygiene and gathering in larger groups.
Many people work and have friends and families across both Melbourne and Geelong, and our region is a popular tourist hub.
Many Melburnians have visited in the past few weeks and we need to understand that the disease’s incubation is 5-7 days after contact, which means local secondary cases will potentially be confirmed in the coming week.
There has been debate in the scientific literature about the importance of airborne transmission of the virus, but most evidence suggests
COVID-19 is almost always transmitted by droplet and physical close contact to others with the infection.
Therefore, it’s vital we maintain the messages around physical distancing, hand hygiene and cough etiquette.
The Chief Health Officer has also updated his advice to recommend that people over the age of 18 in Greater Melbourne and Mitchell Shire wear a face mask when leaving home if physical distancing is not possible.
While this recommendation does not apply to Geelong at this stage, face masks provide an added layer of protection and should be considered — particularly for those who are more vulnerable.
If people experience even minor symptoms, they should be tested. Our region has various places to do this, including Barwon Health North, Torquay Community Health Centre, Kardinia Health and some GP clinics.
People should stay informed with the latest advice on the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website, which always has the most up-to-date information on recommended precautions.
We each have a role to play to help fight and contain the pandemic, especially if we want to avoid going down the path of a lockdown in Geelong.
It’s everyone’s job and the time to act is now.
Professor Eugene Athan is director of Barwon Health’s Department of Infectious Disease