NSW Health's urgent warning as COVID makes nationwide comeback amid flu season
At total of 3475 people were confirmed to have COVID in the week ending June 14, which was a 10 per cent increase on the previous week, NSW Health revealed on Thursday.
The department is urging residents to get their COVID booster shot to protect themselves as the virus continues to spread.
Cases have been steadily rising across the state since May, with the largest increase among people aged 90 and older.
But the number of confirmed cases likely represents only a fraction of the true total, as most people no longer test for the virus.
The uptick is not limited to NSW.
According to COVID Life, every state and territory has recorded an increase in June, with NSW, Victoria and Queensland seeing the sharpest rises.
Health Protection NSW executive director Dr Jeremy McAnulty warned COVID is circulating at moderate levels and could escalate further, especially if people let their guard down.
'COVID is a serious illness and can cause hospitalisation and death, especially in people who are older, have other risk factors, or are immunocompromised,' McAnulty said.
Deakin University professor and chair of epidemiology Catherine Bennett told 7NEWS.com.au last month that a new COVID-19 variant — NB.1.8.1 — is spreading rapidly across Australia.
'It is related to variants that we've seen, it looks like two of them have kind of combined but it has some new mutations as well,' Bennett said.
'If you're exposed, you're more likely to catch it.'
She added that vaccines can still offer protection.
McAnulty also urged people, particularly those aged 65 and older, to get their booster dose.
'While most people have already received their primary course of COVID vaccinations, we're urging people, especially those aged 65 and over, to get a booster to protect themselves,' he said.
'Boosters are recommended for people 75 years and older every six months, and those 65 and older at least every 12 months.'
In addition to vaccination, he said there are simple actions that can help slow the spread.
'While vaccination is the best protection, if we all do the right things, like staying home if we're sick, wearing a mask if you do need to go out when unwell, and avoiding crowded spaces for gatherings, we can protect each other from these nasty viruses,' McAnulty said.
All COVID-19 vaccinations remain free for everyone in Australia, including those without a Medicare card.
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