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COVID – Where are we at now?

It’s now been four years since COVID-19 was first reported and we have seen many shifts and changes in the approach to managing the disease during this time. While COVID is still prevalent in society today, it is no longer declared a public health emergency of international concern and most countries have now moved to living with the disease. But what does that mean for the everyday Australian?

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at the current situation and the latest recommended advice.

What is the current status globally?

According to the World Health Organization’s coronavirus dashboard, there have been more than 772 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported globally since the pandemic started, including almost 7 million deaths from the disease.

Vaccines were first approved in December 2020, to help combat the spread and impact of the disease, and more than 13.5 billion vaccines have been administered globally, up to the end of November 2023.

Currently, COVID has been recognised as an established and ongoing health issue that is no longer considered a public health emergency of international concern. That doesn’t, however, mean that COVID has gone away. In fact, there were still a reported 43,000+ confirmed cases worldwide, as at the end of November 2023.

What is the current situation in Australia?

In Australia, we have seen COVID enter a new wave, with reported cases increasing in recent weeks and expected to peak over the Christmas/New Year period. This new wave is largely attributed to the Omicron XBB variant.

Australia wide, there were a reported 9,429 cases, as at the week ending 1st December and 501 cases reported in Western Australia (WA).

With restrictions and mandatory reporting now eased in WA, it is difficult for people to know what to do if they have COVID. However, the Western Australian government’s advice remains to stay home until your symptoms have resolved for a minimum of 5 days and up to 10 days or more.

To help protect those most at risk of serious complications, it is recommended you avoid visiting or working in high-risk settings for at least 7 days after you test positive. This includes facilities such as hospitals, disability, mental health and aged care residential facilities, and other health care settings (such as GP clinics, physiotherapy, dentist etc).

If you have COVID and need to attend hospital or high-risk settings for urgent medical treatment, you can still do so. However, it is recommended you contact the facility in advance to let them know you have tested positive, so that they can put measures in place to protect their other patients.

If you do get COVID, contact your GP to see if you are eligible for antiviral treatment. Antivirals can help prevent severe symptoms developing and reduce transmission. They work best when taken within the first five days of developing symptoms or as soon as possible after a confirmed diagnosis and are recommended for those aged 70 and over or those with several additional risk factors.

How can I continue to protect myself and others from COVID?

COVID is by no means over and there are simple steps we can all take to protect others from the disease. This includes:

  • Staying up-to-date with your vaccinations.
  • Wearing a mask in all high-risk settings and where social distancing is not possible.
  • Practicing social distancing by keeping at least 1.5 metres or two arms lengths from others.
  • Maintaining good personal hygiene by washing hands often with soap and water, using hand sanitiser, and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
  • Staying home if you are unwell and getting tested if you display any COVID-19 symptoms.

For the latest COVID-19 information, visit https://www.wa.gov.au/government/covid-19-coronavirus

Do I still need to vaccinate against COVID and what vaccine should I have?

Vaccination remains an important tool in protecting yourself, your family and the community at large from COVID-19, particularly for those most at risk of severe complications from the disease.

There are a number of vaccine options available in Australia, including the newly released vaccines that specifically target the Omicron XBB variant.

A vaccine booster is currently recommended where it has been six months since the last vaccine dose or confirmed COVID-19 infection for:

  • those aged 75 years or older
  • adults aged 65-74 years
  • everyone 18 years and over with medical comorbidities, disability or complex health needs

ATAGI currently recommends the following boosters for different groups:

For more information, visit https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/covid-19-vaccines/getting-your-vaccination/booster-doses

Bookings at IMC

Illawarra Medical Centre currently has a range of COVID-19 vaccines available in stock, including the new XBB 1.5 vaccine.

To book in to receive your booster, please contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

If you are concerned about any COVID-19 symptoms or require antiviral treatments, please make an appointment with one of our GPs. Bookings can be made online or by phoning (08) 9208 6400.

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