In the Murrumbidge Local Health District, cases are increasing by about 1800 each week, on average.
While data does not provide a community specific breakdown, reporting shows there were 1851 new COVID-19 cases reported by residents of the MLHD in the week ended June 25.
It brought the year’s total to 78,522 in MLHD.
In the previous seven days, there were 1859 cases reported.
Data for the week ending July 1 had not been released at the time of going to print yesterday.
The report for the week ended June 25 indicated that in the 14 days previous, 17 people were admitted to hospital with COVID-19, and a further three to ICU.
In that two week period, four people with COVID-19 had died.
MLHD reports that since this time last year, there have been 84,081 cases in our health district, and 111 deaths.
Based on the new wave of cases across the state, NSW Health fears the number of serious illnesses and death toll will increase significantly unless more people immediately get boosted and practise COVID-safe behaviours.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said figures show 56 per cent (1,232) of COVID-related deaths this year were in people who have had two or fewer doses.
“We are at the beginning of the third wave of Omicron which is likely to peak in late July or early August,” he said.
“This increase in community transmission brings with it greatly increased risks for those not up to date with their vaccines.
“The best way you can protect yourself from serious illness or worse is to get every vaccination that is available to you.”
If you are fully vaccinated you have 65 per cent greater protection against hospitalisation or death from Omicron than two vaccine doses alone affords, according to data from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said in addition to booking in for a booster, people should exercise common sense and wear a face mask in public indoor spaces, where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
“Face masks, hand hygiene, staying home when ill, testing yourself when symptoms present, physically distancing, all these measures are not new to us,” Dr Chant said.
“Unless we pull together as one again, this new wave will hit schools and businesses hard, just like BA.1 did, which saw thousands of workers absent.”
Elderly people and those with underlying health conditions are reminded to speak to their GP or health professional about antiviral medications if they contract COVID-19. Antivirals work best when taken within five days from when symptoms onset.
COVID-19 booster doses are recommended for anyone 16 years and older who had their last dose of a primary course at least three months ago.
To find your nearest vaccination clinic, visit nsw.gov.au.
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