Australia is now into its next COVID wave. We’ve seen hints of this for a while. Case numbers and indicators of severe disease began rising in Victoria in August. But it has taken several months for a consistent pattern to emerge across Australia.
Now we see evidence of this new wave via wastewater surveillance for traces of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID. We also see rises in COVID-related hospital admissions and antiviral prescriptions. Compared to past waves, this one has built up slowly and over a longer period.
Here’s what we know about this new wave and what to expect over the coming weeks.
Get vaxed, wear a mask in crowded spaces, if you have symptoms do a test and isolate if you can if positive. Just because these things aren’t mandatory anymore doesn’t mean they’re not helpful in preventing the spread of disease. And not just covid either.