COVID19

COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Community RAT Program

The Victorian Rapid Antigen Test Kit Distribution Program ended on the 31st December 2023. This means that the State Government will no longer be supplying Yarriambiack Shire Council with Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs). Council has a limited supply of stock remaining from this program and we encourage residents to contact Council's Customer Service team should you require additional RATs. Unfortunately, the end of this program means that once Council's current stock is exhausted, we will no longer be able to provide free RATs to the public. However, they are available to purchase from most supermarkets and pharmacies.

While RATs are the easiest way to test for COVID-19, the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses or infections, is to stay home if you are unwell. Importantly, if you have any symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or a cough, avoid contact with others, particularly the elderly or people with a compromised immune system.

For further information, please visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria - Better Health Channel or contact Council's Manager Community Health Tim Rose on 5398 0100.

What if I have symptoms or I am a contact of a COVID-19 case?

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, do not go to a council location to collect your free RATs. Instead, please collect free RATs at testing sites which you can find through the c oronavirus website

Where can I get more information on the use of RATs?

For more information about getting tested and reporting a positive RAT result, visit the Department of Health website

Alternatively you can call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 675 398.

COVID-19 Updates

We are encouraging people to stay informed about health matters directly with Victoria's COVID-19 lead agency DHHS.

This is where the most up to date information can be found.

For information on how to book a vaccination https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/book-your-vaccine-appointment

PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS

Anyone can get sick from COVID-19, but some people are more vulnerable to severe illness if they have existing health problems or are older.

We can all take steps right now to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to protect ourselves, our loved ones and the wider community.

Get vaccinated
Wear a face mask indoors
Let fresh air in
Stay home if unwell
Get tested if unwell
Get medicines if at risk

VIRUS INFORMATION

For information regarding health questions please contact the DHHS Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 or visit the DHHS Coronavirus website.

Updates will be made to this page as changes are made to our services.

2023 Booster Update

Additional 2023 COVID-19 vaccination update
It is important to ensure the safety of our community, especially our older members. Older age continues to be the biggest risk factor for severe COVID-19. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from severe illness or death from COVID-19.

All COVID-19 vaccines are anticipated to provide benefit to eligible people. However, the monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccines are preferred over other vaccines for eligible people.
If you know an older member of our community who may benefit from this information, please share it with them.

Book a vaccination
Let’s ensure that everyone has access to the latest updates on COVID-19 vaccinations.
For more information, visit the Department of Health and Aged Care website: health.gov.au/covid-19-vaccines.
To find a COVID-19 vaccine clinic near you:

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist
Book an appointment on the health service finder.

Call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 if you need COVID-19 advice.

Oral antiviral treatments
Oral antivirals treatments are safe and effective in reducing the severity of COVID-19 and are available to people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 including people 70 years and older.
Be prepared, if you are aged 70 years or older, or have one of the risk factors, we encourage you to have an early discussion with your GP or nurse practitioner about:

whether an oral antiviral suits your health needs
developing a COVID-19 plan if you test positive to COVID-19 including how to acess antivirals quickly if you need them.

You must start the treatment as soon as possible or within 5 days of COVID-19 symptoms beginning. Oral antiviral treatments may help stop COVID-19 infection from becoming severe.