Covid cases Victoria

Victoria’s COVID Christmas Cheer is on Hold: Santa's Got a Mask!

COVID chaos before Xmas! Cases spike in Victoria as health officials issue a festive warning - do you have your mask ready?

The festive season is upon us, but Victoria is bracing for a holiday surprise that’s less merry and more concerning. With an alarming increase in COVID-19 cases, health officials are raising the alarm bells as we head into the summer. Chief Health Officer Dr. Clare Looker has urged particularly at-risk residents to go into full festive lockdown mode and rethink their Christmas plans. Who knew that Jingle Bells would come with an extra layer of precaution this year?

The upward trend in COVID cases is raising eyebrows and eyebrows are in full arch as hospitals, like South Gippsland Hospital, have been placed on amber alert due to rising hospitalisations. Imagine a hospital scrambling to make sure the only thing that’s rising this holiday season is the Christmas tree! Medical professionals are on high alert, and it's not just because of the holiday rush. They’re urging everyone to keep their loved ones safe by staying home if they feel unwell; masking up is becoming the new ‘it’ accessory.

As the festive lights twinkle and the scent of Christmas pudding fills the air, let’s not forget that COVID-19 doesn’t take holidays. With families preparing for gatherings, health authorities are reminding us that prevention is the best gift we can give to our loved ones. It might be time to trade the roast turkey for some virtual family get-togethers. After all, there's no getting together without the ‘together’ part being COVID-free!

So what should we do with this COVID cloud blighting our holiday spirit? First, be sure to look out for any symptoms and keep an eye on the ever-evolving guidelines from the health officers. And consider this: Did you know that festive gatherings are associated with increased flu and respiratory virus transmission? Let’s take a cue from our health professionals and put a holly jolly pause on any potential transmission. The holiday season may be tempting, but let’s not unwrap any unwanted surprises this year!