Australia’s top professors have revealed why Covid cases are suddenly skyrocketing in every state and territory – and how you can help slow the spread this Christmas.
There were 6,550 reported cases across the country last week, with the Ministry of Health and Aged Care confirming an average of 936 new cases per day.
In NSW, Covid activity has increased ‘across all indicators’ over the past two weeks, with more than one in 10 PCR tests returning a positive result.
However, with fewer people testing and jurisdictions no longer collecting information on self-reported RAT tests, the latest numbers are likely a vast underestimate.
Epidemiology professor Catherine Bennett told Ny Breaking Australia that while the latest wave of Covid infections was unfortunate, it was not surprising.
Prof Bennett said people’s immunity to the virus wanes over a period of time, meaning they could be more susceptible to a new subvariant.
Australia’s top professors have revealed why Covid cases are suddenly skyrocketing in every state and territory (Photo: Beachgoers celebrating Christmas Day at Bondi Beach)
There were 6,550 reported Covid cases across the country last week, with the Department of Health and Aged Care confirming an average of 936 new cases per day
She said the new EG5.1 subvariant was responsible for half of the cases in NSW and would continue to cause new infections in the coming weeks.
“This wave comes six months after the wave we experienced over the winter and has had a fairly slow start,” Prof Bennett said.
‘With each wave we have seen a benefit from hybrid immunity with vaccines and previous infections against a range of subvariants.
‘However, with every increase in the number of infections, some people will end up in hospital.’
Epidemiology professor Catherine Bennett
Prof Bennett said people should not wait for a cough or sore throat before testing with the new subvariant which is associated with milder symptoms.
“Some of the less common symptoms, such as muscle aches and a sore back, are more common. Some people may just have a fever or a runny nose,” she said.
‘There is more virus circulating in the population, so people need to be wary of possible exposure and consider the risk they pose to others.’
Prof Bennett said those infected should wear a mask at home and practice safe Covid practices to protect those most vulnerable to the disease.
Professor Peter Collignon, one of Australia’s most trusted Covid experts, told Ny Breaking Australia he did not see Christmas as a “major problem” in terms of new infections.
He said there are usually two or three Covid waves a year, while Australia has already had two – one in January and last winter.
“That’s why it’s unlikely we’ll have anything big in the summer,” he said.
‘In the summer we have the advantage of being outside more, people can have barbecues instead of sitting inside and do things that reduce the spread of Covid but still allow a relatively normal social life.’
Professor Peter Collignon, one of Australia’s most trusted Covid experts, told Ny Breaking Australia he did not see Christmas as a “major problem” in terms of new infections
Professor Collignon said the virus had to change to survive, but the disease became less severe with each wave and new subvariant.
“It would only be a concern if the virus turns deadly or escapes the effects of the vaccine, but that has not happened,” he said.
The infectious disease doctor shared simple advice for those who tested positive over the holidays: “If you are sick, don’t go.”
The rise in cases has led to a recommendation from health authorities to return to pandemic habits of washing hands and staying home if you feel sick.
Passengers aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship continue to battle double cases of gastro and Covid-19 after the boat docked in Adelaide on Monday.
Patients suffering in extreme cases will be taken to hospitals across the city, while others who have managed to evade the viruses prepare to disembark.