The latest coronavirus variants are much more transmissible, so we’re seeing big jumps in the number of people getting COVID.

Fortunately, the disease is often milder for many people. However, more than 10,000 people in Australia have now died from COVID and health services are under more strain with more people needing hospital care. While governments have not re-introduced restrictions, I encourage everyone to wear masks in enclosed places and keep up hygiene practices to limit the spread of COVID and flu.

Vaccination boosters help prevent disease transmission and severity and save lives. This is especially important for frail aged people and those with reduced immunity or underlying health conditions. Only about two thirds of those eligible have had a third COVID vaccination, and anyone over 30 years of age is now eligible for a fourth dose. I urge everyone to get vaccinated to help contain the virus and prevent illness and death > HERE.

I share community concern about the need for government to keep the community informed about COVID cases and risks and have asked the health minister to provide detailed information to the public. You can see the surveillance reports for respiratory conditions online at > HERE.