Fourth Covid wave emerges in eastern Australia as health authorities issue fresh warnings

A fourth wave of Covid is taking hold of the country and health authorities have issued urgent warnings.

A fourth wave of Covid-19 is well and truly under way in the eastern states as a dramatic spike in cases brings fresh warnings from health authorities.

A mix of Omicron subvariants – BA. 5, BA. 2.75, XBB and BQ. 1 – was driving up case numbers across the country, NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant said.

“All of these variants have the ability to some degree to escape immunity,” she said.

NSW

NSW recorded 19,800 new cases of Covid-19 in the seven days to 4pm on Thursday.

It’s an almost 60 per cent rise in cases from the week before when 12,450 cases were detected in NSW.

Across the past seven days, 974 people have been treated in hospitals, with 32 in intensive care.

This is up from the 310 people treated for Covid-19 in hospitals across the state, including 25 in intensive care, the week before.

A new wave has been declared in the eastern states. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

More than half of these cases (160) presented to hospital emergency departments and were deemed sick enough to be admitted.

Dr Chant confirmed the state was entering its fourth Covid-19 wave, which is taking off quickly.

“The wave is taking off with some trajectory, it will be quite a steep wave and hopefully the decline will be equally as steep,” she told ABC.

“That’s why it’s important the community takes these protective measures now and I can’t stress the urgency — if you’re going to get vaccinated do it immediately.”

Dr Chant reminded residents to be careful around high-risk communities.

NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant has issued a warning to the state. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

“Please be very cautious in visiting anyone in aged care facilities if you have come into contact with Covid or if you have any symptoms, however mild,” she said.

Dr Chant said the rise in infections was expected to ease by December.

“But the message is clear … this is an increased risk period for Covid, so please now is the time to take those protective behaviours,” she said.

Across the past week, 22 people in NSW have died with Covid-19.

QLD

On Thursday, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the state would escalate its emergency alert status to amber.

“It’s time to be alert – not alarmed,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“The fourth wave that we have been expecting has arrived.”’

BREAKING: Queensland is entering a new wave so our COVID-19 traffic light system will switch from green to amber from tomorrow on advice from the Chief Health Officer.

— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) November 9, 2022

There are now 203 people being treated for Covid in Queensland hospitals – almost double what it was this time last week.

Under the Amber status, Queenslanders are asked to wear a mask in the following places:

• in healthcare settings
• indoors (if they can’t socially distance)
• on public transport
• if you are older or medically at risk
• if you’re around people who are vulnerable to Covid-19

They should also take a rapid test (RAT) every two days if someone in their household has Covid-19.

The traffic-light system is a recommendation, with the new rules not legally enforceable unless the chief health officer issues a mandate.

Face masks are recommended in Victoria if you have been in contact with someone who has Covid. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

VIC

Victorian chief health officer Brett Sutton warned this week that Victoria was entering a new Covid wave.

There were 10,226 total cases in the week to November 5 – a 20 per cent increase from the week prior.

It is only recommended to wear a face mask for at least seven days if you have Covid or are a close contact of a positive case and need to leave the house.

Originally published as Fourth Covid wave emerges in eastern Australia as health authorities issue fresh warnings