COVID-19 Wave Hits Victoria
COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations are rising across Victoria, with a significant 44% increase in cases over the past month. Health experts are urging Victorians to exercise caution as the state faces its latest COVID-19 wave.
Hospitalisations have risen by 59%, with a seven-day average reaching 197 in the past month. Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Clare Looker, confirmed increasing infections in the community.
“We are definitely seeing a number of indicators that there are more COVID infections out there in the community,” Dr Looker said.
Underreported Cases Raise Concerns
Dr Looker noted the current numbers likely underestimate the situation due to fewer people getting tested compared to earlier stages of the pandemic.
“So probably by the time we see that change in the numbers, we’re a little bit further into the wave,” she explained.
Health System Handling the Pressure
Despite the rising cases, the health system in Victoria remains stable.
“There’s no suggestion of strain at the moment in the system, but we continue to watch that,” Dr Looker stated.
Causes of the Current Wave
Deakin University’s Chair of Epidemiology, Catherine Bennett, attributed the current wave to waning immunity and the emergence of new variants.
“We’ve unfortunately settled into this two-waves-a-year pattern … a sort of six-monthly pattern,” Professor Bennett said.
This pattern aligns with seasonal factors, as more social gatherings occur during late spring and early summer.
Variants in Circulation
The Omicron sub-variant JN.1 remains dominant, while another sub-variant, XEC, is also appearing in case results.
“XEC is also being watched nationally. It’s starting to appear in a few more of the test results,” Dr Looker said.
However, both variants show no signs of causing more severe disease than previous sub-variants.
New Vaccine to Combat JN.1
A new Pfizer vaccine targeting the JN.1 sub-variant will become available from December 9.
“This new vaccine is good timing,” Professor Bennett said.
Health professionals recommend the vaccine for those due for a booster, especially with the festive season increasing social interactions.
“It takes a week or two to really give you the benefit,” she added.
Booster Recommendations for High-Risk Groups
Older Australians and people with compromised immunity are strongly encouraged to stay up to date with boosters.
People aged 75 years and older, and those who are severely immunocompromised, should get a booster every six months.
Australians aged 18 and above who are not immunocompromised are eligible for a booster every 12 months.
Dr Looker urged people to discuss their vaccination needs with a health professional.
Protecting Against COVID-19 During Summer
With summer approaching, health experts stress the importance of personal precautions.
Dr Looker advised staying home when sick, wearing masks in high-risk settings, and socialising outdoors whenever possible.
“People may be out and about more … so there is that opportunity for infection to spread a bit more easily,” she said.
Australians Growing Complacent About COVID-19
Recent surveys show declining public concern about COVID-19 safety. A Pfizer-commissioned survey revealed that only 42% of Australians would test for COVID-19 if symptomatic.
Nearly 20% admitted they would still go out in public after testing positive.
“COVID can still be a drastic disease,” warned Associate Professor Benjamin Schwessinger from the Australian National University.
Long COVID also remains a significant concern, with recurring infections increasing the risk.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
Health professionals remind Australians to consider the safety of vulnerable populations during social gatherings.
“It’s also about managing our own risk of infection … and not going socialising if you’re unwell,” Professor Bennett said.
Australians experiencing symptoms should test for COVID-19 and avoid contact with high-risk individuals. Those who test positive should refrain from visiting hospitals and aged care facilities for at least seven days.
A Safe Festive Season
Dr Looker emphasised the importance of vaccinations, masks, and responsible behaviour during the festive season to protect against COVID-19.
“We’re very lucky now to have such good availability of the vaccine,” she said.
By taking precautions, Victorians can minimise the impact of the current wave while enjoying the holiday season.
