New South Wales: Spike in coronavirus cases sparks ‘Covid Christmas’ fears

NSW Health data, released Thursday, shows more than 5700 detections recorded in the two weeks to November 18 — 20.6 per cent more than the previous reporting fortnight.

“Total (emergency department) presentations for COVID-19 for the fortnight ending November 19 were higher than for the fortnight ending November 5, although there was a small decline in the last week,” reads the NSW Health report.

It follows federal health department figures showing 17,300 vaccine doses administered in NSW in the two weeks to November 8, compared to 9700 in the prior fortnight.

University of New South Wales’ School of Population Health Associate Professor Holly Seale has told the ABC recent coverage of fresh Covid waves in other states may have prompted people to get their vaccines up-to-date.

“So certainly that’s leading some people going and getting vaccinated, and of course GPs have been activated to have these conversations, especially with people who are most at risk,” Professor Seale said.

The number of people in NSW who haven’t had a Covid vaccine or booster in the last six months sits at 89 per cent, which is the same as the national figure.

“There is still a large number of people who need to catch up with their booster vaccines,” Professor Seale told the ABC.

“The conversations now around Covid have shifted dramatically and I think there’s a lot of uncertainty around timing of the vaccines (and) eligibility.

“But it’s also been around risk – what people actually perceive as their risk of Covid.”
The NSW Health report also found the number of ED admissions and proportion requiring admission remained stable — suggesting no increase in the severity of Covid-19.

Detection rates are also still highest in young children, aged up to four years, and persons aged 65 years and older.