Harrow on move
It is the oldest runner in the COVID Cup field, but that has not stopped the heritage town of Harrow making a move in the ‘race that starts the nation’.
Cup ‘stewards’ have re-handicapped towns in the mock race that promotes Wimmera-mallee vaccination rates by declaring second-dose vaccine percentages will now provide true placings.
Harrow has a 76 percent vaccination rate, edging past Kaniva and moving closer to front-runner Birchip at 83 percent.
Harrow’s move has impressed ‘chief steward’ Dr Rob Grenfell from Grampians Public Health Unit.
“Harrow was back in fifth not long after the jump. It has pounced to give itself a red-hot chance,” he said.
“There are also a few genuine stayers among the field that could push on from here.
“You have to be impressed with bigger towns like Stawell and Warracknabeal heading towards 70 percent already. Goroke and Murtoa are also runners to watch.”
Dr Grenfell said the race for full vaccination was always going to come down to staying power and commitment.
“Closer to the finish we will see some easing of restrictions and with them will be significant moves in the cup,” he said.
“It’s now about the staying power of the contenders and that means the percentage of second-dose rates across our competing towns.
“We all know that the second dose is so important at giving us the strongest immunity, so don’t forget to get your booster dose. Not only will it prevent you from ending up in hospital from a COVID-19 infection, but it will also push your town’s vaccination rate further towards the top.”
Dr Grenfell had a message for towns at the back of the field.
“Get onto your local vaccination hub for a shot in the arm to lift your performance,” he said. Second dose percentages to yesterday: Tempy 32, Serviceton 40, Minimay 46, Lascelles 46, Brim 48, Dadswells Bridge 50, Glenorchy 50, Great Western 50, Halls Gap 50, Horsham 3401 51, Jeparit 51, Marnoo 52, Horsham 3400 53, Patchewollock 54, Dimboola 55, Willaura 55, Edenhope 56, Goroke 56, Rupanyup 56, Murtoa 57, Natimuk 57, Donald 58, Ararat 59, Apsley 59, Nhill 59, St Arnaud 61, Beulah 62, Miram 62, Minyip 63, Stawell 63, Hopetoun 67, Woomelang 67, Warracknabeal 68, Wycheproof 70, Watchem 70, Charlton 70, Speed 70, Rainbow 71, Kaniva 71, Harrow 76, Birchip 83.