Victoria records 1503 new coronavirus cases, as authorities issue stern warning

Victoria’s Covid commander has issued an urgent warning about the Omicron variant of the deadly disease.

The feared Omicron variant will likely spread significantly in Victoria from NSW, as authorities warn cases of the strain could skyrocket.

Victoria recorded 1503 new Covid-19 cases and six deaths on Wednesday.

There are 37 cases of the Omicron variant in Victoria. Of those, 23 people acquired their infection overseas and 14 contracted it in Australia.

Victoria’s Covid-19 commander Jeroen Weimar said he expected cases to rise significantly in coming weeks.

“We are concerned about the cases continuing to rise in NSW, and given the high level of movement between our two states, we would expect number to spread here,” he told reporters.

“We cannot afford a wider spread over these critical few weeks, which comes down to all of us.”

Covid commander Jeroen Weimar said the state couldn’t afford to see a wide spread of the virus. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Sarah Matray

Mr Weimar said health staffing was facing a significant challenge with many people taking a well-deserved break over Christmas.

“We will balance the critical needs of providing health care within our hospitals and into the health care system and providing a sustainable vaccination program,” he said.

Health officials on Wednesday released advice on alternative ways Victorians could host Christmas in person to reduce the spread of the highly transmissible Omicron variant.

“If you have symptoms, don’t go. Get a PCR test instead and stay isolated until you get a negative result,” chief health officer Brett Sutton said.

Professor Sutton encouraged those who didn’t have symptoms to take a rapid antigen test before leaving home, which can be purchased from supermarkets.

“Fewer faces and bigger spaces mean less risk. It‘s best to wear a mask when talking to people face-to-face,” he said.

“Keep note of who comes. Keep it short and keep it outdoors.

“This will prevent you from becoming a household contact who must quarantine for 7+ days (because once someone has spent 4 hours with a case in a house, they are a household contact).”

Victorian chief health officer professor Brett Sutton is encouraging people who don’t have symptoms to take a rapid antigen test before leaving home to go to Christmas events. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Daniel Pockett

Authorities in Victoria remain concerned about the increased risk of hospitalisations and pressure on the state’s hospital system.

Health services are looking at drawing in alternative workforces to provide support with vaccinations, as the state drives a booster campaign from January 4.

“We are concerned about the increased risk of hospitalisations, we are concerned about the ongoing pressure around providing care within our health system,” Mr Weimar said.

“Please keep on top of Covid-safe measures if you’re indoors, wear a mask, do gatherings outside.”

Originally published as Victoria records 1503 new coronavirus cases, as authorities issue stern warning