The “actual quantity” of COVID-19 instances in Australia is prone to be double the 300,000 recorded previously week, officers mentioned.
Well being specialists are calling for employers to permit workers to work at home “if possible”, whereas greater than 5,000 persons are in hospital in Australia with COVID-19 because the nation offers with a “very, very important” third Omicron wave.
Well being Minister Mark Butler advised reporters that he and Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly had been assured the true variety of instances was “greater than double” the numbers reported by the states and territories during the last seven days.
Mr Butler mentioned: “We’re seeing lots of and lots of of hundreds of Australians contaminated each single week on this wave.”
Professor Kelly advised Australians to do what they will to restrict the virus’s unfold in response to new COVID-19 subvariants.
He mentioned the problem of recent Omicron subvariants circulating locally “poses a big new risk”.
“The explanation for that’s as a result of it is rather more infectious than earlier variants,” he mentioned.
“We have to do this collectively to gradual the unfold of the virus in addition to to guard the susceptible and to guard our well being system.”
‘The third dose fee simply isn’t shifting quick sufficient’
Medical authorities have additionally continued to encourage a take-up of booster vaccine doses for these eligible to replace their vaccination standing.
During the last seven days, 550,000 Australians have had their fourth dose — with most of these over the age of fifty.
However Mr Butler added that solely about 50,000 folks had taken up a 3rd dose over the identical time interval, with as much as 5 million Australians eligible.
He mentioned the third dose fee “isn’t shifting quick sufficient”.
“I strongly urge people who find themselves eligible for a 3rd dose however haven’t but had it to exit and get that booster,” he mentioned.
There are at the moment round 5,200 Australians with COVID-19 in hospital.
COVID-19 vaccine for below fives clears hurdle
Mr Butler additionally revealed a .
However he burdened that this remained solely the “first step” within the means of approving the product that has solely commenced utilization in the USA in current weeks.
The vaccines should now be thought of by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation earlier than kids may entry them.
“There isn’t a motion but that may be taken by dad and mom or needs to be taken to hunt to make an appointment or in any other case,” he mentioned.
“There are nonetheless quite a lot of steps but that should be secured earlier than we’re ready to make accessible this vaccine.”
He additionally mentioned the worldwide provide of this particular vaccine remained “very restricted” together with his division in energetic negotiations with Moderna to safe doses.
“I wish to stress once more that there’s very restricted provide of this Moderna product which is a special product to the product made accessible to different age cohorts.”