The latest wave of the virus to hit Australia seems most advanced in Victoria, with the state seeing a significant rise in virus activity towards the end of November.
According to the Department of Health, the latest Victorian COVID-19 surveillance report shows a substantial increase in the number of people in hospital with COVID-19.
The latest report shows data up to Tuesday, November 26.
The seven-day hospitalisations average increased to 197, a 59 per cent jump compared to the same period in October.
The number of cases also increased in recent weeks, up 44 per cent in the past month.
Reported cases often represent an undercount of the true number of infections in the community due to fewer people getting tested than earlier in the pandemic.
As numbers tick up, health officials are reminding people to take steps to protect themselves and their community over the holidays.
“It’s the simple things that can have a big impact: if you’re feeling sick, please stay home,” Chief Health Officer Clare Looker said.
“If you need to go out, or you’re visiting a higher risk setting like an aged care home or a hospital, it’s a good idea to wear a mask.”
Dr Looker said it was also still important to stay up to date with recommended vaccinations.
“Immunity wanes over time so staying up to date with your vaccinations will be your best protection against severe illness,” she said.
Dr Looker said there was no indication that the subvariants currently circulating resulted in increased severity.
She said JN.1, part of the Omicron strain, remained the dominant COVID variant in the community.
An increase in COVID-19 infections at this time of year is not unexpected.
The Department of Health said the state health services were well prepared and well equipped to handle the increases, which often occur around the holidays.
Dr Looker encouraged people, particularly those at higher risk, to speak with their healthcare provider and have a plan in place for treatment if they got sick, including possible use of antiviral treatments.
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