COVID-19 cases across Victoria increased 20 per cent last week, with 3960 cases reported.
There were 10 active cases in Gannawarra, up from four the week before, and the average daily number of new cases statewide was 566, up from 474 the previous week.
The seven-day rolling average of patients with COVID in Victorian hospitals was 114 and there were 116 COVID patients in Victorian hospitals, seven in intensive care.
Despite the increase in cases, there has been a decrease in the number of people in hospital relative to case numbers.
Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton suggested the increase in COVID cases has been driven primarily by waning immunity and influenced by multiple emerging Omicron variants.
“There has been an increase in COVID cases and hospitalisations this week indicating the beginning of a modest rise in community transmission,” he said.
“The Omicron recombinant strain XBB.1.5 is now the most prevalent COVID variant in weekly wastewater detections, accounting for 39 per cent of detections. “There has been a rapid growth in detections in the past six weeks.”
Among Victorians aged 50 to 64 years, 80.3 per cent have had their third vaccination dose and 33.6 per cent have had their recommended fourth dose.
More than 91 per cent of those aged over 65 have had their third dose and 70 per cent have had their fourth.
About 70.8 per cent of people aged 16 and over have had three doses.
All Victorians who have not had a COVID vaccination or confirmed infection in the past six months are now eligible for a booster.
Rapid antigen tests remain available free through Gannawarra Council.
