New COVID-19 ‘Wave on Wave’ Variant Hits Australia’s 2 Most Populous States

Covid Hospital admissions have increased with the new variant.Glenn Hunt/Getty Images

The JN.1 COVID variant spreading in a “wave on wave pattern ” in Victoria and New South Wales (NSW) has led to a sharp rise in infections and hospitalisations, sparking concerns amongst health officials.

On Jan. 8, Victorian health authorities issued a health alert for the Omicron variant, sub-lineage BA.2.86 which is experiencing its second such surge in the past six months.

The state’s Department of Health said the rate of hospitalisation averaged 377 across the state—an increase on the average of 326 recorded in December.

The World Health Organisation has classified the variant “of interest” due to its “rapidly increasing” global spread.

The cases in Victoria and NSW, part of a so-called ninth wave, are expected to reach their peak in the next few weeks.

Referring to the new variant, Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Dr. Clare Looker told The Age newspaper that, “Rather than a lull or a return to baseline between waves, we’ve had a bit of a wave-on-wave pattern.”

“Part of the concern with this new variant has been the speed with which it’s taken off. So over a few weeks, we’ve really seen it very quickly be the dominant variant in the community,” added Dr. Looker.

Victoria was one state heavily affected by enforced lockdowns during the peak of the original pandemic. Starting in March 2020, the state’s citizens endured 262 days in home isolation until Oct. 21, 2021.

The longest period was 111 days from July 9, until Oct. 27, 2020, with protests erupting over public health orders limiting the extent of public gatherings.

The current variant is also causing an increase in hospital admissions in Australia’s most populous state, NSW, although health authorities have not released compiled data on the numbers affected at the time of writing, yet anecdotes suggest beds are full.

Although self-reporting from infected people has dipped, Recorded Positive PCR tests have risen, according to data.

Sewage testing surveillance data indicated elevated concentrations of the virus in Liverpool, Quakers Hill, and Bondi when compared with data from the previous fortnight.

COVID-19 symptoms may manifest as sore throats, cough, chest congestion, shortness of breath, tiredness, and fever.

Infectious disease experts are advising the public that vaccination and boosters are still the best methods to limit the impacts of the disease, especially amongst at-risk groups including immuno-compromised people and the elderly.

According to the University of New South Wales, hybrid immunity, a combination of immunity from previous vaccination and acquired immunity from having the disease continues to increase.

Mask use is encouraged by health officials but is no longer mandated across Australia.

The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care recommends the use of the Pfizer and Moderna monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccines, for persons 12 and over. Booster shots are recommended for people over 75 and those with underlying health problems, particularly if they have not had a booster in the past six months.