Surge In Covid-19 Cases Sparks Concerns In New South Wales

New South Wales has witnessed a staggering 20.6 per cent surge in Covid-19 cases, with some experts raising concerns about the potential impact on the upcoming holiday season.

According to the data released by NSW Health on Thursday, there were more than 5,700 new Covid-19 cases during the two weeks leading up to November 18.

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This concerning trend aligns with a broader national effort to boost vaccination rates, with FederalHealth Department figures indicating a notable increase in vaccine doses administered in NSW.

University of New South Wales School of Population Health Associate Professor Holly Seale suggests that recent media coverage of fresh COVID-19 waves in other states may have contributed to the increased vaccination rates. 

“Certainly, that’s leading some people going and getting vaccinated, and of course, GPs have been activated to have these conversations, especially with people who are most at risk,” Ms Seale told ABC.

Findings show that 17,300 vaccine doses were administered in NSW during the two weeks leading up to November 8, compared to 9700 in the prior fortnight.

Despite the heightened vaccination efforts, 89 per cent of people in NSW haven’t received a COVID-19 vaccine or booster in the last six months.

Ms Seal said there were still some uncertainties around the timing and the eligibility of the vaccines.

“There is still a large number of people who need to catch up with their booster vaccines.”

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