Australia’s COVID-19 death toll has now surpassed ten thousand. The grim milestone was marked with the announcement of Sunday’s new COVID death figures.
This comes as Federal Health Minister Mark Butler warns that further waves of the virus are expected in the coming months, with Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5 becoming more dominant, according to the news bulletin provided by the National Ethnic and Multicultural Broadcasters Council (NEMBC).
Overseas data is showing that reinfection of the new variant is possible.
Butler warned that people who have had Covid earlier this year in the first wave over summer are at still open to reinfection.
He urged those who have not received their booster vaccine dose to do so, stating it will provide further protection against infection or reinfection from the new subvariants.
Vaccination numbers
Across Victoria almost 68 percent of people aged 12 years and older are now up to date with three COVID-19 vaccination doses, while over 94 percent have received two doses.
In addition, over 56 percent of children aged five to 11 years in the state have now received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine.
Aged care home charged after COVID deaths
A Melbourne based aged care home has been charged by the workplace safety watchdog, following a number of COVID deaths.
St Basil’s Homes for the Aged in Victoria saw forty-five people die from COVID during 2020, with WorkSafe Victoria charging the care home for breaches of Occupational health and safety.
WorkSafe has charged St Basil’s with nine breaches of the OH and S act, alleging that they failed to provide workers with personal protective equipment following a positive test result from a worker in 2020.
Over ninety residents and over ninety staff tested positive for COVID, with 45 people subsequently dying from complications from the virus.
If found guilty, the maximum penalty for each of the alleged offences is a fine of one and a half million dollars.
Health Message
The free flu vaccination for Victorians has been extended until 10 July. Flu vaccinations are available at both local GPs and pharmacies. Health experts urge families to use the school holidays to book a free flu shot.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said this winter is shaping up to be an aggressive flu season.
Getting vaccinated against both the flu and COVID not only keeps the pressure off hospitals, but gives you and your loved ones the best protection for winter, the Minister said.
(NEMBC Multilingual News Service)
The Indian Sun acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.
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