Majority of south-west COVID-19 infections not vaccinated, South West Healthcare says

It comes after Victoria's Acting Chief Health Officer Ben Cowie said 79 per cent of the 10,000 new COVID-19 infections over the past week were in people who were unvaccinated.

Just seven per cent of infections were in those who were double dosed.

"We have the really hard underlying facts that show how much more likely you are to get COVID and pass it on to your friends and family, and perhaps most importantly to end up in intensive care or tragically lead to further loss of life if you choose not to get vaccinated," Professor Cowie said.

As of Monday, October 4, 65.3 per cent of Warrnambool residents aged 15-plus were fully vaccinated and 94.2 per cent had received their first dose.

"South West Healthcare continues to encourage everyone in the community to get vaccinated to give them, their loved ones and the community the best chance to beat this virus," SWH chief executive Craig Fraser said.

Moderna vaccination appointments will be available at the South West Healthcare Warrnambool Vaccination Centre on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9amto 4pm next week.

To book, call the state booking centre on 1800 675 398 or book online: https://portal.cvms.vic.gov.au/

The new Moyne Shire COVID-19 case listed by the Victorian Department of Health this afternoon is a positive living outside the region, Mr Fraser confirmed.

There have been zero new cases of COVID-19 identified in the south-west, with the cluster remaining at 26 with 17 active cases in Warrnambool, four active cases in Moyne and five active cases being managed outside the region.

"There are four active cases in the Moyne region, plus at least one confirmed to be living outside the area," he said.

Bendigo and Shepparton's hospitals are taking overflow Melbourne COVID-19 patients, however Mr Fraser said anyone requiring hospitalisation will go to Barwon Health or Melbourne.

He said it did not mean Warrnambool was not equipped to look after COVID-positive patients.

"There is a statewide model in place that has specified hospitals that are receiving COVID patients," Mr Fraser said. "Barwon Health is one of those receiving hospitals.

"If those arrangements change, South West Healthcare is well set up and equipped to take COVID-positive patients."

As part of the local cluster, one local person has been transferred to Barwon Health.

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Earlier, 12pm: There have been no new cases of COVID-19 identified so far today, South West Healthcare confirmed.

The total number of cases linked to the Warrnambool cluster remains at 26 with:

The cases are across eight households.

There remains three active cases in Corangamite Shire.

These cases are all part of the original cluster in Corangamite reported on September 24.

There are no new exposure sites to be released at this time.

Glenelg Shire residents are urged to remain vigilant after COVID-19 fragments were detected in Portland wastewater. There are currently no active cases in the shire.

"To stop the spread of COVID-19 don't visit anyone in their homes or let anyone into your home if they don't live there," SWH said in a statement.

"Limit how much you move around the community, social distance and keep up your hand hygiene."

Today's testing sites are:

"We appreciate people isolating whilst they are awaiting tests.

"Turnaround times for the majority of tests is between 24 and 48 hours.

"If in doubt, please get tested.

"Thanks for all your support and for doing the right thing."

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