By Luke Voogt
Five in six COVID-19 cases in Geelong and the Surf Coast have reached the 14-day recovery threshold, based on the latest data.
The average recovery time for mild coronavirus cases is two weeks, and three to six weeks for severe cases, according to the World Health Organisation.
Greater Geelong had 62 confirmed coronavirus cases when the Independent went to press, of which 53 were diagnosed at least a fortnight ago.
The Surf Coast Shire had 10, compared to nine on April 3, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.
Only five of 72 COVID-19 cases in Geelong and the Surf Coast have required hospital admission, according to Barwon Health head of infectious diseases Eugene Athan.
“The vast majority of COVID-19 cases in the region have been mild enough to recover at home without hospital treatment,” Professor Athan said.
“None of our COVID-19 patients have required admission for intensive care, and we’re pleased that each of the current confirmed cases have been able to recover at home.”
Professor Athan commended locals for helping to reduce the spread of the virus by adhering to the physical distancing guidelines.
“But it’s important to remain vigilant and stay at home when possible,” he warned.
The result comes as the state government yesterday announced rapid renovations to mobilise the former Geelong Private Hospital in the fight against coronavirus were almost complete.
Over the past few weeks workers transformed the previously vacant building to provide a new acute respiratory assessment clinic with 50 new beds and consulting rooms.
“Our health system has risen to the challenge to bring additional beds online in just a few short weeks,” Geelong MP Christine Couzens said.
“The community can rest assured we are prepared for the challenges that might come our way.”
The clinic has already treated at least 147 patients since opening late March with referrals coming from GPs, screening clinics and Geelong’s public emergency department, according to government.
Screening and testing will continue at the drive-through service at Barwon Health North, which is testing up to 80 people a day with capacity to scale up if required, a government spokesperson said.
The transformation of the former hospital is part of a $1.9 billion state government health fund to increase hospital beds by 700 across Victoria.
