Urgent warning issued as new Covid wave hits Western Australia days out from Christmas – here’s what you need to know
Aussies who feel unwell have been urged to isolate and stay home as a fresh wave of Covid-19 runs rampant on one side of the country.
Cases of the Omicron subvariants have skyrocketed in Western Australia in recent weeks with an average 75 infected patients admitted to hospital daily.
Recent surveillance data, including wastewater analysis and reported cases has sparked fears that frontline healthcare workers could see hospitalisations climb even higher.
Authorities have warned anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms to stay at home and to wear masks in crowded public settings with the wave’s peak set to fall during the Christmas holidays as families gather for the festive season.
Even those experiencing mild symptoms are encouraged to self-isolate as seemingly minor cases can lead to long Covid, which can last for months.
West Australians can also protect themselves by rolling up their sleeves for the new Pfizer JN.1 booster vaccine released earlier this month.
‘COVID-19 has changed a lot over the past year within Australia and throughout the world,’ WA Health communicable diseases director Dr Paul Armstrong said.
‘The new vaccine is expected to provide increased protection against the Omicron subvariants which are now circulating in WA.’
An average of 75 people have been hospitalised with Covid every day in Western Australia
An average of 75 people have been hospitalised with Covid every day in Western Australia
West Australians are urged to get the latest booster vaccine to protect themselves
Some Aussies are at greater risk of severe illness from the virus due to a weakened immune symptoms or repeated exposure.
‘Covid can cause life-threatening complications, particularly among older adults and people with underlying medical conditions,’ Dr Armstrong said.
‘The best way to protect yourself and those around you from Covid is to stay home if you are unwell, cover coughs and sneezes, wash or sanitise your hands often, consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor or high-risk settings, and get a booster vaccination.’
The warning comes after yet another new Covid variant spreading around the world recently reached Australia’s 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-like symptoms to stay at home and to wear masks in crowded public settings. Pictured are crowds at Fremantle Markets
The new Pfizer JN.1 vaccine is recommended for over-75s who have already completed the primary course of Covid vaccinations.
Adults aged 65-74 or are severely immunocompromised are recommended a booster vaccine every 12 months.
Adults aged 18-64 without severe immunocompromise, and children aged 5-17 with severe immunocompromise, are eligible for a dose every 12 months.
The new vaccine available at GPs, selected pharmacies and other medical providers.
