Australians advised to prepare to catch Covid-19

Federal health authorities are warning Australians to prepare to catch Covid-19 but say that Omicron is less severe than other variants.

Federal health authorities are warning Australians to prepare to catch Covid-19 in the coming days and weeks but say they are encouraged that the health impact of Omicron is less severe than other variants.

It comes as Australia inches closer to the 95 per cent first-dose benchmark, with 94.7 per cent of people aged over 16 having received a single vaccine dose.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said it was “heartening” the new strain was “significantly less severe” and resulting in fewer intensive care unit admissions compared to Delta, with national data showing 76 Australians are currently on ventilation for the virus. NSW recorded its deadliest day since the pandemic began on Sunday with 16 fatalities during the reporting period. But federal Labor has blasted the Morrison and NSW governments, saying the “let it rip” approach was tearing communities apart.

Deputy chief medical officer Michael Kidd said it was likely many Australians would test positive in the coming days and weeks as case numbers continued to surge. He urged people to prepare by having painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen at home to treat symptoms such as fever, aches and pains.

“You‘ll need to drink plenty of fluids, which can be water, but you may also benefit from using electrolyte powder or solution, which you can buy from your supermarket or pharmacy. But it’s important to be prepared because you won’t be able to go to your supermarket or pharmacy if you are diagnosed with Covid-19,” he said.

“If you test positive for Covid-19 on a rapid antigen test or a PCR test, then many people are going to feel anxious.”

Professor Kidd said many people would have no symptoms at all, while others would have mild symptoms.

He stressed that despite the likelihood of people becoming infected, the government was committed to preventing community transmission.

“Nobody wants to be infected with a serious infectious disease. And although most people will have mild symptoms or no symptoms, some people are still going to become seriously unwell with Covid-19,” he said.

NSW recorded another 30,062 new Covid-19 cases on Sunday while Victoria’s cases jumped to 44,155 and four deaths.

Speaking on Sunday, Anthony Albanese said “everything isn’t all OK in the health system in NSW”.

“There are major issues with the pressure on the hospital systems. And that’s a direct result of some of the attitude of the NSW government and the federal government,” the Opposition Leader said.