ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Kerryn Coleman is calling on Canberrans to step up their COVID Smart behaviours to help minimise the impact of increasing case numbers on our community.
“COVID-19 cases are expected to increase in coming weeks and Canberrans should take steps to help reduce the spread and lessen the impact of COVID-19,” Dr Coleman said
Being up to date with your vaccinations, staying home and getting tested if you have symptoms, and being prepared for a possible COVID-19 infection are all steps you can take to help reduce the impact of this new wave of COVID-19.
“Daily COVID-19 case numbers are not expected to peak until late July or early August, during which time the ACT could see more than 2000 or even 3000 cases a day.
“This new wave of COVID-19, combined with the ACT’s first influenza season in three years and increases in other respiratory illnesses, are already impacting our community and workplaces.”
This new wave of COVID-19 is being driven by the rise of the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants, which are quickly overtaking the previous subvariants.
“These subvariants are ‘escaping’ some of the immune defences we have developed to COVID-19, making them more transmissible,” Dr Coleman said.
“We are coming into a very challenging period and we need Canberrans to share the responsibility of minimising the impact within our community.
“The good news is there are simple COVID Smart behaviours that we can all follow to assist in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. These are the things that we already know how to do, but it is now time that we all refocus our efforts. Practicing COVID Smart behaviours will help to protect those most vulnerable in our community.
“Make sure you up to date with your COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations, this is the best way to protect yourself from severe illness.
“Stay home and get tested if you have any symptoms. The reinfection period has been reduced for people who have had COVID-19 from 12 weeks to 28 days. This will formally come into effect from 11:59pm tonight. This reflects the emerging evidence that people can become reinfected with the virus as early as 28 days after a previous COVID-19 infection, so please do not ignore symptoms after this time.
“Be prepared – find out if you or your immediate family members may be eligible for COVID-19 antivirals. All Australians aged 70 and over are now eligible for this treatment if they test positive to COVID-19. Also eligible are people aged 50 and over with two or more risk factors for severe disease and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged 30 and over with two or more risk factors for severe disease. Immunocompromised people over 18 may also be eligible.
“Wear a mask when you are in crowded indoor environments where it is difficult to physically distance from others, and wash and sanitise your hands regularly.
“These are all important actions that we can take to help minimise the impact of COVID-19 and protect our community.”
