There were 27,790 COVID-19 cases reported in Victoria this week, an increase of 3.4 per cent on the previous week. The average daily number of new cases this week was 3,970, up from 3,853 last week.
The seven-day rolling average of patients with COVID in Victorian hospitals is 682, a 24 per cent increase when compared to the same time last week. There are currently 713 COVID patients in Victorian hospitals, with 34 COVID patients in intensive care including 5 cleared cases. There are 6 COVID patients on a ventilator. The seven-day rolling average of patients in intensive care in Victorian hospitals is 28.
In the past three months, 4,071 COVID patients were hospitalised in Victoria. 41.2 per cent of those patients had not received their third vaccine dose. 1,229 (30.2 per cent) were unvaccinated, 31 had received one dose, 419 had two doses, 896 had received three doses and 1,496 had received four doses.
Of Victorians aged 50 to 64 years, 79.9 per cent have had their third dose and 30.9 per cent have had their recommended fourth dose. Of those aged over 65, 90.8 per cent have had their third dose and 67.7 per cent have had their fourth dose. 70.4 per cent of people aged 16 and over in Victoria have had three doses of COVID vaccine.
A total of 85 COVID-related deaths were reported to the Department in the past week. An average of 12 deaths were reported each day in the past week. There has been a 61.8 per cent increase in the number of daily COVID-related deaths in the past month when compared to the previous month.
In the past three months, there have been 586 COVID-related deaths in Victoria. Of those deaths, 39.8 per cent were unvaccinated and 46.4 per cent had not received their third COVID vaccine dose.
The total number of COVID-related deaths in Victoria since the pandemic began is 6,145. The number of COVID-related deaths recorded in Victoria so far this year is 4,537.
COVID-19 epidemiological summary
COVID-19 case numbers have shown signs of stabilising however there remains significant uncertainty around the duration and severity of this wave due to the role of multiple new variants circulating in Victoria.
The recombinant strain XBF and the Omicron subvariant BQ.1 have shown significant growth in Victoria, accounting for 20 per cent and 25 per cent of the average proportion in wastewater surveillance respectively. No single subvariant significantly predominates amongst circulating strains.
There are simple things people can do now to reduce transmission and protect the community, particularly as we approach the holiday season.
If you plan on attending a social event this December, consider taking a rapid antigen test before you go and especially if you have any symptoms. If you are positive for COVID-19, you should isolate for at least five days.
COVID-19 vaccination uptake in Victoria has increased for the first time in several months. Some 54,000 Victorians had their fourth dose vaccination in the past four weeks, which is a 60 per cent increase on the previous four-week period.
Steps to protect yourself and others
Protecting yourself is the best way to protect yourself and the community. If you don’t get COVID, you can’t spread COVID.
These six steps can help you stay ahead of COVID this summer:
- Wear a mask: a high-quality and well-fitted mask can protect you from the virus
- Get your booster dose: new bivalent vaccines targeting Omicron variants are available at your GP or local pharmacy
- Let fresh air in: open windows and doors when you can, it reduces the spread of the virus
- Get tested: if you have symptoms, take a rapid antigen test
- Stay at home: if you have COVID, you should stay at home for at least 5 days and until you have no symptoms
- Talk to your doctor: if you are at risk of falling very sick, you may be eligible for COVID medicines.
- Report your rapid antigen test result
- Find your nearest vaccination provider through the Vaccine Clinic Finder
- Vaccination requirements for healthcare workers
- Checklists
