{"id":104406,"date":"2025-06-20T16:36:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-20T06:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/au\/?p=104406"},"modified":"2025-06-20T16:24:14","modified_gmt":"2025-06-20T06:24:14","slug":"covid-19-makes-sharp-return-in-nsw","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/au\/covid-19-makes-sharp-return-in-nsw\/","title":{"rendered":"COVID-19 Makes Sharp Return in NSW as Flu Season Sparks Surge in Hospital Warnings"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

COVID-19 cases<\/strong> are rising again across several Australian states, prompting health authorities to renew calls for vigilance. The increase comes as the winter flu season takes hold, placing additional pressure on public health systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the centre of the latest wave is a new Omicron<\/em> subvariant, NB.1.8.1, which is spreading rapidly nationwide. The variant is now dominant in Western Australia and is gaining ground elsewhere, raising concerns about its potential impact on already vulnerable groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surge in Cases Prompts Renewed Warnings From NSW Health<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most recent data from NSW Health<\/strong> shows 3,475 COVID-19 infections were confirmed in the week ending 14 June, reflecting a 10 per cent rise on the previous week. Officials believe the real number is likely higher due to reduced testing and reporting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Infections have been rising steadily since May, particularly among residents aged 90 and older. According to Dr Jeremy McAnulty<\/strong><\/a>, Executive Director of Health Protection NSW, the virus is circulating at \u201cmoderate levels\u201d and may escalate further without preventive measures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCOVID is a serious illness and can cause hospitalisation and death, especially in people who are older, have other risk factors<\/strong>, or are immunocompromised,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Residents aged 65 and older are being urged to receive their booster dose, with specific recommendations in place for those over 75 to have one every six months. All vaccinations remain free, including for those without a Medicare card. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr McAnulty also highlighted the importance of personal behaviour, such as staying home when unwell, wearing a mask if symptomatic, and avoiding crowded gatherings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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NSW Health is urging the community to do everything they can to protect themselves from COVID-19 as cases rise across the state.
The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report shows 3,475 people in NSW testing positive for COVID-19 in the week ending 14 June, an increase of pic.twitter.com\/ZFPJZtVygk<\/a><\/p>— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) June 19, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote>