Australia’s 2 Most Populous States Hit by New COVID-19 ‘Wave on Wave’ Variant
Victorian health authorities have issued a health alert regarding the Omicron Variant, sub-lineage BA.2.86.
The JN.1 COVID variant is spreading in a “wave on wave pattern” in Victoria and New South Wales (NSW), leading to a sharp rise in infections and hospitalizations, causing concern among health officials.
On Jan. 8, Victorian health authorities issued a health alert for the Omicron variant, sub-lineage BA.2.86, which is experiencing its second surge in the past six months.
The state’s Department of Health said the rate of hospitalization averaged 377 across the state—an increase from the average of 326 recorded in December.
The World Health Organization has classified the variant as “of interest” due to its “rapidly increasing” global spread.
Cases in Victoria and NSW, part of the so-called ninth wave, are expected to reach their peak in the next few weeks.
Referring to the new variant, Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Dr. Clare Looker told The Age newspaper that, “Rather than a lull or a return to baseline between waves, we’ve had a bit of a wave-on-wave pattern.”
The current variant is also causing an increase in hospital admissions in Australia’s most populous state, NSW, although health authorities have not released compiled data on the numbers affected at the time of writing. Yet, anecdotes suggest beds are full.
Although self-reporting from infected people has dipped, recorded positive PCR tests have risen, according to data.
Sewage testing surveillance data indicated elevated concentrations of the virus in Liverpool, Quakers Hill, and Bondi when compared with data from the previous fortnight.
COVID-19 symptoms may manifest as sore throats, cough, chest congestion, shortness of breath, tiredness, and fever.
Infectious disease experts advise that vaccination and boosters are still the best methods to limit the impacts of the disease, especially among at-risk groups, including immunocompromised people and the elderly.
According to the University of New South Wales, hybrid immunity, a combination of immunity from previous vaccination and acquired immunity from having the disease, continues to increase.
Mask use is encouraged by health officials, but it is no longer mandated across Australia.
The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care recommends the use of the Pfizer and Moderna monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccines for persons 12 and over. Booster shots are recommended for people over 75 and those with underlying health problems, particularly if they have not had a booster in the past six months.
