NSW Health is urging people to keep up their COVID-safe behaviours as a new report finds community transmission of the virus remains high.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said the latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report found the prevalence of Omicron BA.4 or BA.5 infections had increased from 32 to 35 per cent in the week ending 25 June.
“Currently, the BA.2 sub-lineage remains the dominant variant of concern circulating in NSW, according to genomic sequencing of positive PCR tests in NSW,” Dr Chant said.
“However, it is expected BA.4 and BA.5 will become dominant in the coming weeks and are likely to be associated with an increase in COVID-19 infections including an increase in reinfections,” she said.
“There is no evidence yet of a difference in disease severity for those infected with BA.4 and BA.5, but there is evidence that they are better at evading the body’s immunity.”
Dr Chant said any potential increase in infections would depend on a combination of factors, including immunity levels in the population and behavioural factors, “so it is vital that anyone who is eligible for a booster dose who hasn’t yet received it does so as soon as possible.”
She encouraged people to find out if they were eligible for antiviral medications before testing positive to COVID.
“Have a conversation with your doctor and have a plan to manage winter respiratory illnesses,” the Chief Health Officer said.
“Antivirals work best when taken as soon as possible, usually within five days from when your symptoms start.”
NSW Health’s 15-page Report can be accessed at this PS News link and information on antiviral medication for COVID-19 at this link.
