Covid cases to climb to high not seen in a year, as people urged to wear masks

Covid rates are climbing to a high not seen in over 12 months with the state’s chief health officer urging people to wear masks to protect themselves and others.

Covid rates in Sydney are soaring towards levels not seen since last Christmas as infections increase across the globe.

COVID-19 rates have hit a high in NSW over the last two weeks, with health authorities suggesting it may surpass numbers recorded in December 2022.

There have been 6,757 cases of Covid-19 reported in the last week.

Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant has asked people testing positive with Covid-19 to wear masks in supermarkets in a press conference on Thursday morning.

“You can go outside, just minimise your contact, particularly with vulnerable people,” Dr Chant asked of people who test positive.

Covid rates in NSW have soared high over the last fortnight, and are nearing rates not seen since the end of the lockdown. Picture: NSW health

“If you do have to go to the shops, choose a quieter time and please wear a mask.”

She said there is “a lot of Covid about” and NSW Health would like to see people wearing masks to “protect themselves” in high-risk settings like a doctor’s surgery and hospitals.

Almost 18 per cent of PCR tests came back positive over the last fortnight, according to the latest NSW health data.

Indicators suggest activity is higher than the 2023 winter peak, and across greater Sydney is approaching levels observed in December 2022.

NSW Health is reminding the community to stay COVID-safe as COVID-19 remains at high levels across NSW.

To view the latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report visit: https://t.co/31tSLFlbL8

Top tips to keep yourself safe this summer: pic.twitter.com/QcCtPzUWL3

— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) January 11, 2024

Dr Chant said increased transmission of the virus is being reported across not just Australia but the world.

“This is an international phenomenon, and we are also seeing it across the eastern seaboard and across the across the nation,” she said.

“Chief Health Officers in other states and territories have reported similar patterns of an increase in COVID transmission.”

Influenza and RSV cases have declined in the last two weeks and emergency department presentations for influenza-like illness and bronchiolitis were stable.

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant is urging people to wear masks to protect themselves in high-risk settings. Picture: Nine

NSW Health’s Dr Jeremy McAnulty said there are things everyone can do to help minimise the spread of Covid to vulnerable people.

If experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay at home if possible or if you need to leave the house, wear a mask.

Avoid hospitals or locations with higher-risk communities such as aged care homes and medical centres.

Staying up to date with Covid-19 booster vaccinations can help reduce your risk of developing severe disease.

Originally published as Covid cases to climb to high not seen in a year, as people urged to wear masks