Infections and hospitalizations are on the rise in Victoria and New South Wales (NSW) due to the JN.1 COVID variant, which is spreading in a “wave-on-wave pattern.” This has raised concerns among health officials.
On January 8, health authorities in Victoria issued a health alert for the Omicron variant sub-lineage BA.2.86, which is undergoing its second surge in the last six months. The state’s Department of Health reported an average hospitalization rate of 377 across Victoria, an increase from the December average of 326.
The World Health Organization has classified this variant as “of interest” due to its rapidly increasing global spread. The cases in Victoria and NSW, forming the so-called ninth wave, are expected to peak in the coming weeks.
Dr. Clare Looker, Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, expressed concerns about the new variant’s rapid spread, stating, “Rather than a lull or a return to baseline between waves, we’ve had a bit of a wave-on-wave pattern.” She emphasized the speed at which the variant has become dominant in the community over a few weeks.
Victoria, heavily affected by lockdowns during the original pandemic, experienced a prolonged period of home isolation until October 21, 2021, spanning 262 days. The longest stretch was 111 days from July 9 to October 27, 2020, sparking protests against public health orders limiting public gatherings.
The current variant is causing an uptick in hospital admissions in NSW, Australia’s most populous state. Although specific data on affected numbers is not yet released, anecdotal evidence suggests that hospital beds are full. While self-reporting from infected individuals has decreased, Recorded Positive PCR tests have risen.
Sewage testing surveillance data reveals heightened concentrations of the virus in Liverpool, Quakers Hill, and Bondi compared to the previous fortnight.
COVID-19 symptoms include sore throat, cough, chest congestion, shortness of breath, tiredness, and fever.
Infectious disease experts advocate vaccination and boosters as the most effective means to mitigate the disease’s impact, especially among at-risk groups like the immunocompromised and the elderly.
Hybrid immunity, a combination of immunity from previous vaccination and acquired immunity from having the disease, continues to rise, according to the University of New South Wales.
While mask use is encouraged by health officials, it is no longer mandated across Australia. The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care recommends Pfizer and Moderna monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccines for individuals aged 12 and above. Booster shots are recommended for those over 75 and individuals with underlying health problems, particularly if they have not received a booster in the past six months.