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There were 10,642 COVID-19 cases reported in Victoria this week, an increase of 15 per cent on the previous week. The average daily number of new cases this week was 1,520, up from 1,325 last week.

The seven-day rolling average of patients with COVID in Victorian hospitals is 415, an increase of 23 per cent from last week. There are currently 431 COVID patients in Victorian hospitals. There are currently 15 COVID patients in intensive care. There are 3 cleared cases in ICU. There are 3 COVID patients on a ventilator. The seven-day rolling average of patients in intensive care in Victorian hospitals is 17. In the past three months, 2,860 COVID patients were hospitalised in Victoria.

Of Victorians aged 18 and over, 18 per cent have recorded a vaccination or COVID diagnosis in the past six months. This means 4.2 million Victorians are eligible for a 2023 booster dose.

Of Victorians aged 65 and over, 39 per cent have recorded a vaccination or COVID diagnosis in the past six months. Of Victorians aged 50 to 64, 19 per cent have recorded a vaccination or COVID diagnosis in the past six months.

A total of 63 COVID-related deaths were reported to the department in the past week. This represents an almost 18 per cent decrease when compared to the same period the previous month. An average of 9 deaths were reported each day in the past week.

The total number of reported COVID-related deaths in Victoria since the pandemic began is 7,779.

Epidemiological summary

There has been a further increase in COVID hospitalisations, reported cases and quantitative wastewater levels over the past few weeks. This follows a recent plateau and indicates a significant period of transmission.

There has been substantial uptake of the 2023 booster vaccination, particularly among older Victorians. However, of those aged 65 and over, 61 per cent remain eligible and recommended for the booster, which offers significant protection against death and hospitalisation.

Recent case notifications have increased most notably among school-aged children, as has been occurring for other respiratory viruses such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

COVID transmission is being driven by the combination of waning immunity and the continual evolution of multiple Omicron recombinant XBB sublineages. This includes XBB.1.16, which has shown a sustained increase since March. The department continues to monitor trends through Victoria’s comprehensive surveillance system.

Multiple Omicron XBB sublineages comprise 85 per cent of circulating variants from wastewater surveillance, similar to last week. This includes XBB.1.16 (29 per cent), XBB.1.5 (18 per cent), XBB.1.9.1 and XBB1.9.2 (16 per cent), and other mixed XBB sublineages (22 per cent). Other variants include CH.1.1 (6 per cent), Delta/Omicron recombinant XBC (4 per cent), and other strains at low levels (

Steps to protect yourself and others

Protecting yourself from getting infected is the best way to protect yourself and the community. If you don’t get COVID, you can’t spread COVID.

These six steps can help you stay ahead of COVID:

1. Wear a mask: a high-quality and well-fitted mask can protect you and others from the virus.
2. Get your 2023 booster: new bivalent vaccines targeting Omicron variants are available at your GP or local pharmacy. To find out if you’re eligible for your next booster, visit the . Flu vaccines are also now available.
3. Let fresh air in: open windows and doors when you can – it reduces the spread of the virus.
4. Get tested: if you have symptoms, take a rapid antigen test.
5. Stay at home: if you have COVID, you should stay at home for at least five days and until you have no symptoms.
6. Talk to your doctor: if you are at risk of falling very sick, you may be eligible for COVID and influenza medicines – and early testing and diagnosis are important. With expanded criteria, more people are now eligible for COVID medicines.

2023 boosters

Eligible Victorians who have not had a COVID vaccination or confirmed infection in the past six months can now receive their 2023 booster. This is irrespective of how many prior doses a person has received. Vaccination continues to provide the best protection against becoming severely unwell or dying from COVID.

For those not infected or vaccinated in the past six months, a 2023 booster is recommended for:

• All adults aged 65 years and over
• Adults 18-64 years who have medical comorbidities or disability with significant or complex health needs.

For those not infected or vaccinated in the past six months, a 2023 booster should be considered for:

• Adults 18-64 with no risk factors for severe COVID
• Children and adolescents aged 5-17 who have medical comorbidities or disability with significant or complex health needs.

Victorians are encouraged to book a free booster appointment through their local GP or pharmacy. You can find your nearest vaccination provider through the .

RATs available through local councils

All Victorians are eligible to pick up two free packets of rapid antigen tests (RATs) through their local council.

The council RAT distribution program is currently operating across more than 400 local sites, such as libraries and council customer service centres. The program is open to all Victorians, with all eligibility requirements now removed.

Individuals can collect up to two packets for themselves plus up to two packets for each household member per visit, while people with a disability or their carer can collect up to four packets of tests.

Testing, especially with any compatible COVID symptoms, is critical to help with early detection and to protect others. It also allows for appropriate care and timely treatment.