COVID-19 cases on the rise

From late May to early June, the state saw a 10 per cent jump in the number of cases.

The state was notified of 1632 COVID-19 cases in the week from June 1 to June 7.

The most recent increases come on the back of a 55 per cent jump in cases from mid- to late-May.

“We continue to see COVID-19 along with other respiratory illnesses circulating in the community,” Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit public health physician William Cross said.

Dr Cross said regional trends were remaining relatively stable.

“Like other respiratory viruses, we often see an increase in activity during the cooler months, and we’re monitoring this closely at both a state and regional level,” he said.

A recent health advisory from the state’s chief health officer warns that the arrival of the winter months brings an increased risk of respiratory illness — including flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus.

“In Victoria, the increase in COVID-19 cases between April and May this year was 2.5 times higher than the same time last year, and hospitalisations have been increasing,” the advisory states.

Health officials encourage members of the public to take simple steps to help prevent the spread of illness.

“Getting vaccinated, staying home when unwell, washing hands regularly, adding fresh air into space or meeting outdoors where possible and wearing a mask in crowded or sensitive settings are all simple steps that make a big difference,” Dr Cross said.

“If you’re eligible for a COVID-19 or flu vaccine, now is a great time to book in.”

For those who test positive for COVID-19, Dr Cross and other health officials recommend isolating until symptoms resolve, notifying contacts and wearing a mask if you must be around others.

“It’s important to manage and treat your symptoms, and monitor how you’re feeling — if your symptoms worsen, arrange to speak to your doctor,” Dr Cross said.

According to the state Department of Health, most people remain infectious after five days, and it’s recommended that people continue to stay home if they are experiencing symptoms.

Additionally, people are urged to wear a mask for at least seven days after testing positive if leaving home.

A negative RAT test is considered a useful tool for determining if someone remains infectious.

For those at higher risk of getting very sick — such as older adults, people with underlying health conditions, or those with compromised immune systems — health officials recommend speaking to a healthcare provider about antiviral medications as soon as possible after symptoms begin.

Despite the availability of vaccines and antiviral medications for those at high risk of severe illness, COVID-19 remains a significant cause of death and hospitalisation in Victoria, and across the country.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics provisional mortality data for 2024, 3724 deaths were attributed to COVID-19 last year.

That represents 2.3 per cent of all deaths in Australia in 2024.

However, the death toll is trending downward.

In January and February of this year, the most recently available time frame for provisional mortality statistics, there were 368 deaths due to COVID-19 that were certified by a doctor in Australia.

That’s a 47.7 per cent drop compared to the same time last year.

“Most people who contract COVID-19 are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms, particularly those who are up-to-date with their vaccinations,” Dr Cross said.

“However, we do continue to see more serious illness in older adults and those with underlying health conditions.”

Dr Cross encouraged community members to remain aware of what was circulating and take steps to protect themselves and others.

Aside from COVID-19, Victoria has also seen a recent rise in flu and RSV cases, both up more than 20 per cent in the first week of June.