Victoria records zero local COVID-19 cases for 36th straight day - The Age

Victoria has recorded 36 days straight without any new coronavirus infections as the country’s medical authorities monitor the first reported case of a rare clotting disorder following a COVID-19 jab.

The state’s latest “double doughnut” day comes after 12,079 people were tested for the virus on Friday. One active case of COVID-19 remains in the state, an international flight crew member who tested positive on March 29.

The figures come as the national medical regulator and an expert vaccination group investigate the case of a 44-year-old man hospitalised in Box Hill after developing a blood clot more than two weeks after his COVID-19 vaccination.

Federal Health Department secretary Brendan Murphy said on Friday the man was in a stable condition and was not in ICU.

So far, no direct link has been discovered between the 44-year-old man’s condition and his vaccination.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd said health authorities were taking the case “very seriously”.

“We are being open about possible risks and acknowledge the uncertainty that this will cause,” he said.

A Victorian man has been hospitalised with blood clots after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine in March.Credit:Eddie Jim

But Professor Kidd noted mild symptoms like fever, sore muscles, tightness and headaches were common and should not concern people.

“These symptoms usually start within 24 hours of receiving the vaccine, and they usually last for only one to two days. The side effects are expected, and are not of concern unless the symptoms are severe or persistent.”

The Therapeutic Goods Administration will meet again today to examine the case.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has asked people to be alert for potential severe side effects that occur more than four days after vaccination.

“Consumers should be particularly alert to severe, persistent headaches that are different to their ‘usual’ pattern and do not settle with paracetamol or other painkillers,” it said in a statement.

Sign up to our Coronavirus Update newsletter

Get our Coronavirus Update newsletter for the day’s crucial developments at a glance, the numbers you need to know and what our readers are saying. Sign up to The Sydney Morning Herald’s newsletter here and The Age’s here.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

Victoria records zero local COVID-19 cases for 36th straight day - The Age
Read More