Geelong recorded its first COVID-19 case in almost four weeks on Monday, health authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
“This person is isolating at home in Lara,” Barwon South West Public Health Unit director Eugene Athan said.
“The case has been linked to the outbreak in Melbourne and has been self-isolating for their infectious period. There are no local exposure sites linked to this case.
“The number of people seeking COVID-19 testing locally has increased and there is an ability to expand testing capacity and opening times if required.
“We would like to remind the Geelong community to remain vigilant and get tested at the first sign of COVID-19 symptoms, however mild.”
The case is the first in Geelong since four members of a Barwon Heads family tested positive in mid-July.
The local case comes as the Department of Health reported 20 new Victorian cases on Monday, all linked to the latest outbreak, with five in quarantine during their infectious period.
The cases resulted from 34,892 tests and brought Victoria’s active cases to 111.
Professor Athan said Barwon South West Public Health Unit was supporting metropolitan areas with contact tracing and exposure site management.
“We also ask everyone to regularly check the Department of Health website to keep updated on exposure sites and follow the health guidelines.”
Another 22,670 Victorians got vaccinated on Monday, including 12,046 first doses and 10,642 second doses, bringing the number of fully-vaccinated Victorians to 654,607.
Professor Athan reiterated the call for Geelong locals to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
“Bookings for Astra Zeneca vaccinations are currently available to anyone over the age of 18 years at the community vaccination Hub in Norlane,” he said.
“Bookings are preferred to reduce wait times but walk-ins will be accommodated where possible.”
“There are limited Pfizer bookings each week for people between the ages of 40 and 60 years.
“Priority groups such as health, aged care and disability workers of any age are able to access priority appointments for the Pfizer vaccine.”
For bookings phone 1800 675 398 or visit portal.cvms.vic.gov.au.
For exposure sits: coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-sites
