COVID spreads across the region with hundreds of active cases

The steep rise in cases comes as thousands of Victorian children prepare for their COVID-19 vaccinations on Monday with the Victorian Government doubling the number of state-run sites where five to 11-year-olds can get their first dose.

The number of cases reported in Warrnambool on Sunday hit 176, while on Saturday there was another 103 cases reported.

Other shires recorded mostly double figures across the two days:

That brings the total active cases in Warrnambool to 413, and 1035 across the five south-west local government areas.

Western District Health Service in Hamilton said it had recorded more than 300 positive cases between Monday and Saturday through their testing centre.

"While we do not currently have the resources to do a detailed analysis of where each case resides, we do know that the vast majority of the reported cases are from this area," the hospital said.

There were 200 active cases within the shire reported on Sunday.

More than a dozen were being cared for by the Hospital in the Home program, the hospital said.

The spread of the virus has been so rapid this summer that the number of active cases in the region now account for about two-thirds of the 1572 cases since the pandemic began.

Most state-run centres will begin vaccinating kids this week, including Warrnambool, Colac, Portland and Hamilton.

There will be 36 family friendly state vaccination centres across Victoria, who along with GPs, pharmacists, and Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisations, are kicking off a blitz to vaccinate children over January and February.

A family friendly forest theme with fun images of nature and animals will create a warm and welcoming environment for children receiving their vaccination.

Support is available for children with mild anxiety about vaccination, as well as children with developmental disabilities, autism and/or sensory needs.

The Victorian Specialist Immunisation Service will be available for children who need specialist support.

The recommended vaccination schedule for most children in this age group is two doses of Pfizer vaccine eight weeks apart.

Parents and guardians can book their child's vaccination through their local GP or pharmacy, or at a state-run centre through the coronavirus hotline or online at coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-information-children-and-teenagers.

Acting Premier Jacinta Allan said that being vaccinated protected children and reduced transmission within families, schools and in the community.

"This is especially true for people who are vulnerable such as grandparents," she said.

"We're making it as easy as possible for all Victorian children to get vaccinated with additional support available for children with disabilities, autism or anxiety."

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