Lara has recorded its second COVID-19 case in a fortnight, Barwon Health has confirmed.
“We are … supporting a new positive case in Lara who is isolating with their family,” Barwon South West Public Health Unit director Eugene Athan said on Monday.
“Information on any local exposure sites will be made available as soon as possible, once investigations are complete.”
Little River recorded three new cases last week while Lara recorded another case, who had been isolating at home alone, on August 10.
Professor Athan said the latest Lara case was not related to any of these four case.
He said local health authorities had recorded an increase in people getting tested and had the ability to expand their capacity and opening times if required.
“Our public health unit contact-tracing team is supporting exposure site management in Melbourne.
“Our team is also providing support to Shepparton with 15 staff from across the Barwon South West Region assisting Goulburn Valley Health with their COVID-19 testing response.
“We would like to remind the Geelong community to remain vigilant and get tested at the first sign of COVID-19 symptoms, however mild.
“We also ask everyone to regularly check the Department of Health website to keep updated on exposure sites and follow the health guidelines.”
Professor Athan also urged locals to get vaccinated as the Barwon South West region surpassed 184,000 doses this week.
“It’s important that people get vaccinated when there is an opportunity.”
Demand for vaccinations for those aged 18-39 had remained strong at Barwon Health’s mass immunisation hub at the old Ford factory in Norlane, he said.
“As we continue to add more appointments to the booking system, we hope this demand continues as more vaccination doses are added each week.
“Local GPs have also played a vital role providing AstraZeneca and Pfizer doses through their general practices.”
Bookings for Astra Zeneca vaccinations are currently available to anyone over the age of 18 years at the hub.
Limited Pfizer bookings are available for those aged 40-60 and priority groups of all ages, including healthcare, aged care and disability workers.
Exposure site details: coronavirus.vic.gov.au/exposure-sites
To book a vaccination phone 1800 675 398 or visit portal.cvms.vic.gov.au
