A fourth wave of Covid-19 is well and truly underway in the eastern states as a dramatic spike in cases brings fresh warnings from health authorities.
A mix of Omicron subvariants – the BA. 5, BA. 2.75, XBB and BQ. 1 – are driving up case number right across the country, NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said.
“All of these variants have the ability to some degree to escape immunity,” she said.
NSW
There were 14,089 cases reported in NSW last week – an almost 40 per cent rise in cases from the week before.
There were a total of 310 people treated for Covid-19 in hospitals across the state last week, including 25 in intensive care.
More than half of these cases (160) presented to hospital emergency departments and were deemed sick enough to be admitted.
Ms Chant said it was an important moment to remind residents to be careful around high-risk communities.
“Please be very cautious in visiting anyone in aged care facilities if you have come into contact with Covid or if you have any symptoms, however mild,” Chant said.
Twenty-four people died with COVID-19 in the last week.
QLD
On Thursday, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the state would escalate its emergency alert status to amber.
“It’s time to be alert – not alarmed,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“The fourth wave that we have been expecting has arrived.”’
There are now 203 people being treated for Covid in Queensland hospital – almost double what it was this time last week.
Under the Amber status, Queenslanders are asked to wear a mask in the following places:
- in healthcare settings
- indoors (if they can‘t socially distance)
- on public transport
- if you are older or medically at risk
- if you‘re around people who are vulnerable to COVID-19
They should also take a rapid test (RAT) every two days if someone in their household has COVID-19.
The traffic light system is a recommendation, with the new rules not legally enforceable unless the CHO issues a mandate.
VIC
Victorian chief health officer Brett Sutton warned this week that Victoria is entering a new Covid wave.
There was 10,226 total cases in the week to November 5 – a 20 per cent increase from the week prior.
Currently in Victoria, it is only recommended to wear a face mask for at least seven days if you have Covid or are a close contact of a positive case and need to leave the house.
It is expected that fresh data on the Covid situation in each state will be updated later on Friday.
