COVID Cup gathers pace

Accurate ‘on the ground’ vaccination figures for Wimmera centres have emerged for a mock COVID Cup competition heading towards a Melbourne Cup weekend deadline.

The ‘race’, organised by Grampians Public Health Unit’s Dr Rob Grenfell to add a touch of levity to a serious vaccination message, involves towns competing for the highest vaccination rates across the region and eventually Victoria.

The first town with 99 percent full vaccination wins the cup.

Figures announced during the race launch last week showed Kaniva and Birchip as early leaders with 100 percent first-dose vaccinations, but figures were quickly the subject of dispute.

Dr Grenfell said the honesty of Wimmera residents wanting a fair race had to be admired and clarified that the initial vaccination figures for the ‘race’ had represented a ‘ball-park form guide’.

He guaranteed the figures were now as accurate as they could be based on information from regional vaccination centres.

“While figures might have come back a bit for Kaniva the town remains in a list of frontrunners,” he said.

“The ‘chief steward’ has requested Kaniva residents still get vaccinated as soon as possible.” Percentage of population first-dose figures from October 4: Tempy 37 percent, Minimay 62, Dadswells Bridge 67, Serviceton 68, Halls Gap 69, Lascelles 72, Brim 73, Horsham 3401 73, Jeparit 75, Willaura 76, Horsham 3400 79, Apsley 79, Edenhope 80, Great Western 81, Dimboola 81, Marnoo 82, Patchewollock 83, Donald 83, Natimuk 84, Ararat 84, Wycheproof 85, Ballarat 86, Minyip 86, Nhill 87, Warracknabeal 87, Woomelang 89, Glenorchy 89, Rupanyup 89, Hopetoun 90, Rainbow 90, Murtoa 91, Stawell 91, Beulah 91, Goroke 92, St Arnaud 93, Watchem 94, Charlton 95, Miram 95, Speed 95, Harrow 95, Kaniva 95 and Birchip 95.