Australians who feel unwell have been urged to self-isolate and stay home as a new wave of Covid-19 runs rampant on one side of the country.
Cases of Omicron subvariants have soared in Western Australia in recent weeks, with an average of 75 infected patients admitted to hospital daily.
Recent surveillance data, including wastewater testing and reported cases, has raised fears that frontline healthcare workers could see hospitalizations rise even further.
Authorities have warned anyone with cold or flu symptoms to stay home and wear masks in crowded public places, as the peak of the wave will fall during the Christmas holidays, when families gather for the festive season.
Even those experiencing mild symptoms are encouraged to isolate, as seemingly minor cases can lead to long Covid, which can last for months.
Western Australians can also protect themselves by rolling up their sleeves to receive the new Pfizer JN.1 booster vaccine launched earlier this month.
“COVID-19 has changed a lot over the last year in Australia and around the world,” WA Health communicable diseases director Dr Paul Armstrong said.
“The new vaccine is expected to provide greater protection against the Omicron subvariants currently circulating in WA.”
An average of 75 people have been hospitalized with Covid each day in Western Australia
An average of 75 people have been hospitalized with Covid each day in Western Australia
Western Australians urged to get latest booster shot to protect themselves
Some Australians are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from the virus due to weakened immune symptoms or repeated exposure.
“Covid can cause life-threatening complications, especially among older adults and people with underlying medical conditions,” Dr. Armstrong said.
‘With Christmas just around the corner, people may be socializing with family and friends, so there is a chance the infection could spread more easily compared to other times of the year.
‘The best way to protect yourself and those around you from Covid is to stay home if you feel unwell, cover coughs and sneezes, wash or sanitize your hands frequently, consider wearing a mask in crowded or high-risk indoor settings. , and get a booster vaccination.’
The warning comes after another new Covid variant that is spreading around the world recently reached Australian shores.
First detected in Germany in June, the “potentially more infectious” XEC strain is a descendant of the Omicron Covid strain and a recombinant variant of KS.1.1 and KP.3.3.
Authorities have warned anyone with cold or flu symptoms to stay home and wear masks in crowded public places. Pictured are crowds at Fremantle Markets.
The new Pfizer JN.1 vaccine is recommended for people over 75 years of age who have already completed the primary cycle of vaccination against Covid.
Adults ages 65 to 74 or who are severely immunocompromised are recommended a booster shot every 12 months.
Adults 18 to 64 years of age without severe immunosuppression and children 5 to 17 years of age with severe immunosuppression are eligible to receive one dose every 12 months.
The new vaccine is available from GPs, selected pharmacies and other medical providers.