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Back kicking goals after vandal attack
FRIDAY, June 17, 2022
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Gender parity is on track
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EMPOWERMENT IN THE WORKPLACE FALLONS Wangaratta employees (anti-clockwise from top) Bec Smith, Jules Wood, Kate Dousset, Tracey Paterson, Donna Honeysett and Alison Jones are among a growing number of females helping the local business to diversify its workforce. ■ Full story page 2 PHOTO: Kurt Hickling
Flu cases rising CONFIRMED cases of influenza (the flu) in the Rural City of Wangaratta so far this year are at 140, on pace to well exceed a record year of flu infections locally - 373 cases in 2019. In comparison, year to date (YTD), there were 57 Wangaratta cases of the flu at this stage in 2019, and much lower figures in 2020 with 11 cases and 1 in 2021. The Department of
Wangaratta g cityy has 136 confirmed cases,, on track to surpass p record BY STEVE KELLY skelly@ nemedia.com.au
Health advises that due to COVID it’s likely more people are getting tested for influenza than previous years (instead of just
assuming it’s the flu and resting up at home). A department spokesperson said with restrictions including lockdowns in 2020 and 2021 less people were moving around or going overseas, and along with COVIDsafe measures, including wearing masks and physical distancing, the spread of the
influenza virus would have lessened in those years. YTD statistics across the North East include the Alpine Shire where there have been 48 cases confirmed so far, compared to zero in 2021, three in 2020 and 31 in 2019. Some 40 cases have been confirmed in Indigo Shire compared to zero in 2021,
nine in 2020 and 23 in 2019. Mansfield Shire has recorded 36, compared to one in 2021, five in 2020 and 22 in 2019. Strathbogie Shire have had 14 YTD compared to zero in 2021, eight in 2020 and 18 in 2019. Vaccinations this month are free for all Victorians aged six months and
over through their GP or pharmacist. Influenza (the flu) is a highly contagious disease, usually prevented by vaccination and treated by managing symptoms. Spread by body fluids from infected people, symptoms include a runny nose and sore throat. ■ Continued page 3
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