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Vic has 1188 more virus cases, 11 deaths

An inquiry's been told that GPs in outer Melbourne are on the point of breakdown, due to workload.

An inquiry's been told that GPs in outer Melbourne are on the point of breakdown, due to workload. Photo: AAP

Victoria has another 1188 COVID infections and a further 11 deaths, as Victorian GPs face increasingly abusive behaviour from people seeking vaccine exemptions.

The health department confirmed on Friday the state was managing 12,913 active coronavirus cases.

There are 289 patients in the state’s hospitals. They include 43 in intensive care and 22 requiring ventilation.

The seven-day hospitalisation average has fallen by two to 291.

Virus testers processed 63,214 results on Thursday, while 3772 people were vaccinated in state-run hubs.

More than 91 per cent of Victorians over 12 are fully vaccinated.

The latest figures follow a warning from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners about increasingly abusive behaviour towards Victorian GPs, nurses and receptionists.

RACGP Victoria chair Anita Munoz said she was aware of “disturbing incidents of abusive and threatening behaviour” from people ineligible for an exemption.

The professional body said anti-vaxxer groups had encouraged people to seek exemptions on grounds that were not listed as exempt by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation’s expanded guidance.

“I am very concerned about the level of abuse that general practice teams in Victoria are seeing from people seeking vaccine exemptions when they are not eligible,” Dr Munoz said.

“It is a small minority, and most people are doing the right thing. However, we do need to deal with this issue urgently, we can’t simply ignore it.

“Abusive and threatening behaviour is never okay. We must ensure the safety and wellbeing of our GPs, receptionists, practice nurses and everyone else on the frontline.”

RACGP president Karen Price said only a “very small number of people” were ineligible for a vaccine due to “contraindications”.

“For those people who have a contraindication to one vaccine, other vaccine options are available,” she said.

“I encourage people who are concerned about getting the jab to book an appointment to talk to their GP.

“When you are calling your practice or going in for an appointment, please treat your GP and all practice team members with respect.”

-AAP

Topics: victoria
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