Record local virus cases

Booster push as Geelong records 130 infections

GREATER Geelong has recorded its highest daily increase of Covid-19 cases since the start of the pandemic, as residents continue to struggle to get tested.

Authorities announced on Friday that Greater Geelong had recorded 130 new cases of Covid-19, bringing the total number of active cases in the region to 652.

The Surf Coast recorded 31 new cases, two new cases were recorded in the Borough of Queenscliffe and 31 were recorded in the Colac Otway Shire.

By early Friday, the region’s PCR testing stations were struggling to cope, with Barwon Health North reaching capacity before midday.

Barwon South West public health unit director Professor Eugene Athan said with extreme heat forecast for New Year’s Day, drive-through testing sites may be required to close early or make alternative arrangements in coming days. Across the state, 5919 new cases and seven deaths were announced on Friday.

No new Covid-19 deaths were recorded at Geelong hospital overnight on Thursday.

As of 9am Friday, there were 25 patients in Geelong Hospital with Covid-19, seven in ICU. The average age of these patients was 52.

Professor Athan said demand for booster vaccine appointments at the North Geelong hub was strong.

“There has been high demand for appointments at the Community Vaccination Hub,” he said. “It is pleasing to see the community come forward for their booster dose. The team is reviewing bookings to support demand.

“The booster vaccine will provide significant additional protection against all strains of the virus, including Omicron.”

Health Minister Martin Foley said a surge of the highly infectious Omicron variant was behind the state’s rising coronavirus cases.

He said the more infectious strain had rapidly spread since arriving in Victoria earlier this month. “That number has roared up from very little last week and is expected that the majority of cases will be Omicron very shortly,” he said.

In NSW, 21,151 new cases were recorded on Friday, along with six deaths.

According to Barwon

Health during 2021 there were 729,941 Covid-19 test conducted across the region and 810,309 vaccinations provided.

Health professionals identified more than 16,000 through contact tracing – including positive cases and primary close contacts.

Appointments for boosters can be made by calling 1800 675 398 or booking online at portal.cvms.vic.gov.au.

Booster doses are also being offered by a number of GPs and pharmacies across the region.