With COVID cases on the rise in Lakes Entrance and surrounding areas, the need for mask wearing and booster shots is at the forefront of conversations.
The Rural Doctors Association of Victoria president, Dr Rob Phair, said his association is encouraging people to at least get a third dose of vaccine, but if they have had that get a booster.
“Getting your flu dose is really important too,” he said.
Dr Phair said although messages from political parties are almost non existent surrounding the potential spread of the virus and there is a divide amongst the community as to the wearing of masks, there is no division from the medical fraternity about the importance of wearing a face mask to prevent and contain the spread of the virus.
“The thing is masks do have a role and social distancing does matter and we know that in enclosed spaces the risk of transmission is greater. We already have a system under major pressure, so that is why the small gains are the ones that really matter,” Dr Phair said.

IMAGE: Lakes Entrance resident Jen Williams chose not to wear a mask while grocery shopping with her helper Michelle, who chose to wear a mask.