New Covid strain explained: symptoms, booster shots & Vic restrictions

Another Covid Christmas could be on the cards, but what exactly will it mean for Victoria? ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Victoria could be heading towards another Covid Christmas – so what exactly will it mean?

Covid deaths in Victoria in December 2023 soared to a shocking 166 in the most recent reporting period, with nearly 60 per cent of the lives being claimed in a younger age bracket than previously.

The new Covid strain dubbed Pirola — described as the most deadly since the first Omicron mutation — has been detected in Western Australia and the Omicron XBB variant EG.5 is circulating.

These are all your questions answered >>> Click below to jump to the section

■ What is the new Covid variant?

■ What are the symptoms?

■ What are the Covid rules in Victoria?

■ What are the Covid boosters available?

What is the new Covid variant?

New Covid variants have raised concern across the world, thanks to spikes in the US and parts of Europe.

The BA.2.86 variant, Pirola, is a newly designated, highly mutating variant of Omicron which triggered the surge in cases, and has more than 30 variants.

It was first spotted in Denmark on July 24 after the virus infecting a patient at risk of becoming severely ill was sequenced.

The Victorian Department of Health said a mix of Omicron recombinant XBB sublineages continue to dominate in Victoria, with HK. 3 the most dominant strain in the state currently.

But it added: “Of most concern is JN. 1, which is currently the fastest growing variant worldwide and has been detected in Victorian wastewater in increasing abundance in recent weeks.”

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include:

■ Sneezing

■ sore throat

■ headache

■ fatigue

■ high temperature

■ a runny nose

■ changes to your sense of taste or smell.

Some less common symptoms include:

■ Muscle or joint pain;

■ Nausea or loss of appetite;

■ Vomiting;

How long do Covid symptoms last?

There’s no exact time frame, with the infectious period dependent on age, severity of illness, vaccination status, and whether someone is immunocompromised.

However generally most people are unlikely to be infectious for more than 10 days after symptom onset.

But some people can experience “long Covid” which can last for several weeks or even months after infection.

How long do you have to isolate with Covid?

Isolation is not currently a legal requirement in Victoria, or Australia, but government websites recommend you stay home if positive.

You should also avoid high-risk settings like hospitals and disability aged-care settings:

■ For at least seven days or until symptoms have gone’

■ Unless seeking urgent medical assistance.

If you plan on leaving your home while infected consider:

■ Avoiding contact with people who are at a higher risk of severe disease;

■ Wearing a mask;

■ Practising good hygiene;

■ Avoiding school, public areas, or travel on public transport or ride-share services.

New Covid strain in Victoria.

What are the current Covid boosters in Victoria?

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has recently approved new vaccines and we can expect them soon.

However until then boosting with any available Covid vaccine will provide good protection.

Currently available bivalent vaccines protect against the original ancestral strain of SARS-CoV-2 (now extinct) plus the newer BA. 1 or BA.4/5 variants.

These bivalent vaccines also protect us against severe disease from the Omicron variants circulating now, such as XBB.

US scientists are currently evaluating the effectiveness of the forthcoming updated booster against BA.2.86, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

■ More information here

Am I eligible for a Covid booster?

It depends on a few factors, including:

■ If you’ve already had one this year;

■ How old you are;

■ Whether you have medical comorbidities;

■ If you have a disability.

In September 2023 the Australian Technical Advisory Group recommended all adults aged 75 and over get another booster if they hadn’t had one in the past six months.

The Victorian government website says:

An additional 2023 booster dose is recommended for people 75 years and above.

An additional 2023 booster dose can be considered for:

■ people aged between 65 and 74 years

■ people aged between 18 and 64 years with severe immunocompromise.

Source: Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), Coronavirus.vic.gov.au

Can pets catch Covid?

Full details here.

Where can I get a Covid booster shot?

The Victoria Government advises using the Health Direct Service Finder to find clinics near you.

■ Use the Health Direct Service Finder

What are the current Covid restrictions in Victoria?

Face masks are no longer mandatory in most places, but each state and territory has its own advice.

Victoria has by far the highest number of Covid outbreaks in nursing homes of any state — but mask rules are ad hoc across most, and many do not enforce any.

The Victorian Department of Health in December advised people to take precautions by masking-up.

It tweeted: “Now is the time to be extra careful. Wearing a mask can help protect you and those around you from Covid. Wearing a high quality and well-fitted mask can stop or slow the spread of the virus.”

In Victoria it’s recommended you should consider wearing a mask:

■ If you’re vulnerable (at higher risk of disease);

■ If you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 or have symptoms of an acute respiratory infection;

■ If you’re a close contact;

■ Where requested by someone inside their home.

Victorian hospitals are enforcing their own mask mandates as they battle to protect patients amid the state’s worsening Covid wave, with one major hospital providing “no exemptions”, banning visitors from eating and drinking at bedsides to prevent them removing their masks and warning visitors they will be told to leave if they don’t comply.

Meanwhile NSW Health warned Sydney could be facing a “Covid Christmas” for the third year in a row.

In Queensland there are rising expectations face masks could again be enforced in certain settings by Christmas.

Can you go to work if you have Covid in Victoria?

Isolation is not currently a legal requirement but it is strongly recommended you stay home if positive.

If you have tested positive, it is recommended you should not visit high-risk settings like hospitals and disability aged-care settings.

Is Covid payment available in 2023?

There are payments available for aged care providers and people who’ve experienced harm because of the Covid vaccine.

However you can no longer claim the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment and High-Risk Settings Pandemic Payment.

More information here.