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COVID-19 cases are on the rise across parts of Australia, particularly in Victoria, as the country braces for the busy holiday season.
The state has seen a sharp increase in both infections and hospitalizations, with cases up by 44% and hospitalizations surging by 59% in the last month. Health experts are urging caution, urging Australians to stay vigilant and up to date with vaccinations as the festive season approaches, especially with the emergence of new COVID-19 variants like JN.1, which continues to dominate in the community.
COVID-19 Situation in Victoria
Victoria has experienced a significant rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in recent weeks. The latest data shows that the state has seen a 44% increase in infections over the past month. Hospitalizations have also surged, with the seven-day average for hospital admissions climbing to 197 — a 59% increase from the previous month.
Dr. Clare Looker, Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, confirmed that COVID-19 cases are on the rise and warned that the situation could worsen. “We are definitely seeing a number of indicators that there are more COVID infections out there in the community,” Dr. Looker said. “And we’re seeing higher numbers of people coming forward for testing, with a higher proportion of those tests coming back positive.”
Despite the increase in cases, Dr. Looker reassured the public that the health system is “coping well” at the moment, but she also cautioned that the full extent of the wave may not be apparent yet, as fewer people are testing for COVID-19 than earlier in the pandemic. “By the time we see a change in the numbers, we’re a little bit further into the wave,” she added, highlighting the challenges of tracking the virus’s spread.
Reasons Behind the Rise
Health experts attribute the surge in COVID-19 cases to a combination of factors, including waning immunity from previous vaccinations and the evolution of new virus variants. Catherine Bennett, Chair of Epidemiology at Deakin University, noted that COVID-19 waves have become somewhat predictable, occurring about every six months. “We’ve unfortunately settled into this two-waves-a-year pattern,” she explained.
The dominant strain in Victoria is JN.1, a subvariant of Omicron, which has been shown to have a greater ability to escape immunity from previous infections and vaccinations. Another Omicron subvariant, XEC, is also on the rise, although there is no evidence to suggest that either variant causes more severe disease than previous strains.
New Vaccine and Booster Recommendations
To combat the rising cases, a new vaccine targeting JN.1 will be available starting December 9. Experts are recommending that eligible individuals get the vaccine to boost their protection, especially as gatherings and travel increase over the summer holidays.
Professor Catherine Bennett emphasized that this new vaccine comes at a crucial time. “Now is the time to get vaccinated because it takes a week or two to provide full protection,” she said. “With so many people gathering and traveling during the festive season, getting vaccinated will help protect you.”
Dr. Looker urged vulnerable groups, including those over 75 years old and those who are immunocompromised, to stay up to date with their vaccinations. “Immunity wanes over time, so staying up to date with your vaccinations is your best protection against severe illness,” Dr. Looker said.
Health Guidelines for the Festive Season
As the festive season draws near, Dr. Looker and other health experts are urging the public to take extra precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Social gatherings, both large and small, are expected to increase during the holidays, and health authorities want to ensure that people take steps to protect themselves and others.
“If you’re feeling sick, please stay home,” Dr. Looker advised. “If you need to go out, or you’re visiting a higher-risk setting like an aged care home or a hospital, it’s a good idea to wear a mask.”
Additionally, experts recommend gathering outdoors when possible, avoiding crowded indoor spaces, and practicing good hygiene to reduce the spread of the virus. Dr. Looker also emphasized that people should wear masks in settings with vulnerable populations, such as healthcare facilities and aged care homes, to protect those at higher risk of severe illness.
Calls for Caution and Preventative Measures
As Australians prepare for the holidays, health officials are reminding the public to remain cautious. “People may be out and about more, mixing in different groups, or with extended family, and so there is the opportunity for infection to spread more easily,” Dr. Looker said.
For those attending large gatherings or traveling, staying up to date with vaccinations and taking steps to reduce the risk of transmission will be crucial. The new JN.1-targeting vaccine is just one tool in the fight against the virus, but experts warn that vigilance is still needed as the holiday season begins.
With COVID-19 still circulating in the community, health authorities are calling for a collective effort to protect vulnerable individuals and reduce the risk of a further spread of the virus as Christmas and New Year’s festivities draw closer.
