COVID surges, case numbers return to January levels

MILDURA’S total of COVID-19 cases has passed 17,000, only four months after the region recorded a milestone of 10,000 total cases.

The Mildura local government area on Sunday reported a total of 17,421 COVID cases, 545 of those active, returning active case numbers to levels experienced in January.

The rapid increase in local case numbers is in line with nationwide figures, which have been rising since the start of winter.

It was reported that over the past three weeks there had been an 83 per cent increase in the number of Victorians in hospital with COVID-19 as cases continued to rise.

In the 24 hours to Sunday morning, there were 87 new Mildura cases. On Saturday 71 new cases were reported, and on Friday 81.

Health authorities say current case totals are likely higher than reported.

The Mildura region had recorded 10,000 cases at the end of March, just over two years after COVID had reached Australian shores.

Robinvale has recorded 1065 cases, six of them active.

It is expected, following increases in case numbers, that workforces will take a hit, with more workers likely to catch either the flu or COVID.

Mildura Regional Development chief executive Brett Millington said having workers out with COVID or the flu was an ongoing challenge for local businesses.

“The challenge for us is maintaining as much normality in our lifestyles as we can,” he said.

“But also understanding the challenge people are facing in the workplace.”

Mr Millington advised Sunraysia residents to do the sensible thing and stay home if unwell.

In response to the rising number of cases nationwide, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the return of the $750 pandemic leave payments for workers without access to sick leave, which will be available until the end of September.

Secretary general of Australian Doctors Reform Society Dr Robert Marr said the reinstatement of the payments was beneficial to many Australians.

“As a GP I have treated casually employed patients who have respiratory symptoms but who don’t want to be tested for COVID because they would have to isolate if they were diagnosed with COVID,” he said.

“They don’t have any sick leave and could not afford to pay for food or rent if they had no income.”

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer said the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants were expected to cause continued increases in case numbers, reinfections and hospital admissions, with a peak expected in August.

“A significant new investment will boost public health messaging and engagement efforts with the community to encourage third and fourth COVID-19 vaccination doses, flu vaccination, the importance of staying home when unwell and testing for COVID-19, the benefits of wearing a mask and maximising ventilation indoors,” a statement said on Friday.

All eligible Australians are encouraged to remain up to date with their COVID and flu vaccinations.