Department of Health

Chief Health Officer Update - 31 March 2023

31/03/23

COVID-19 Weekly Data

There were 5,225 COVID-19 cases reported in Victoria this week, an increase of 17 per cent on the previous week. The average daily number of new cases this week was 746, up from 638 last week.

The seven-day rolling average of patients with COVID in Victorian hospitals is 184. There are currently 185 COVID patients in Victorian hospitals. There are currently 8 COVID patients in intensive care. There are 4 cleared cases in ICU. There are 2 COVID patients on a ventilator. The seven-day rolling average of patients in intensive care in Victorian hospitals is 9. In the past three months, 2,591 COVID patients were hospitalised in Victoria.

Of Victorians aged 18 and over, 12 per cent have recorded a vaccination or COVID diagnosis in the past 6 months. This means 4.5 million Victorians are eligible for a 2023 booster dose.

Of Victorians aged 65 and over, 21 per cent have recorded a vaccination or COVID diagnosis in the past 6 months. Of Victorians aged 50 to 64, 14 per cent have recorded a vaccination or COVID diagnosis in the past 6 months.

A total of 35 COVID-related deaths were reported to the department in the past week. An average of 5 deaths were reported each day in the past week. This represents a 4.6 per cent decrease when compared to the same period the previous month.

The total number of reported COVID-related deaths in Victoria since the pandemic began is 7,459.

COVID-19 epidemiological summary

Victoria continued to see an increase in COVID cases and hospitalisation this week, recording a 17 per cent increase in COVID cases and a 1 per cent increase in COVID hospitalisations.

This increase in transmission is being driven by the combination of waning immunity and the growth in recent weeks of multiple Omicron sub-variants, particularly XBB.1.5.

The Omicron XBB recombinant strains are the most prevalent in wastewater detections, with XBB.1.5 and XBB.1.9.1 accounting for 42 per cent of detections. Detections of these variants have grown over the past 6 weeks. Additional XBB sub-lineages such as XBB.1.16 have also recently emerged.

XBF now represents 25 per cent of detections, followed by CH.1.1 (11 per cent) and other BA.2.75 sub-lineages (combined 5 per cent). A group of variants at low levels, and those which cannot be classified due to new mutations, make up 17 per cent of detections.

Steps to protect yourself and others

With increasing cases and hospitalisations, now is an important time to take steps to help reduce transmission and the impact on the health system. Now is the perfect time to get your 2023 booster vaccine if you’re eligible.

Protecting yourself from getting infected 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:

  1. Wear a mask: a high-quality and well-fitted mask can protect you and others from the virus
  2. Get your 2023 booster: new bivalent vaccines targeting Omicron variants are available at your GP or local pharmacy. To find out if you’re eligible for your next booster, visit Better Health ChannelExternal Link .
  3. Let fresh air in: open windows and doors when you can, it reduces the spread of the virus
  4. Get tested: if you have symptoms, take a rapid antigen test
  5. Stay at home: if you have COVID, you should stay at home for at least five days and until you have no symptoms
  6. Talk to your doctor: if you are at risk of falling very sick, you may be eligible for COVID medicines

2023 boosters

Eligible Victorians who have not had a COVID vaccination or confirmed infection in the past six months can now receive their 2023 booster. This is irrespective of how many prior doses a person has received. The national eligibility change follows advice from ATAGI. Vaccination continues to provide the best protection against becoming severely unwell or dying from COVID-19.

For those not infected or vaccinated in the past six months, a 2023 booster is recommended for:

  • All adults aged 65 years and over
  • Adults 18-64 years who have medical comorbidities or disability with significant or complex health needs

For those not infected or vaccinated in the past six months, a 2023 booster should be considered for:

  • Adults 18-64 with no risk factors for severe COVID
  • Children and adolescents aged 5-17 who have medical comorbidities or disability with significant or complex health needs

Victorians are encouraged to book a free booster appointment through their local GP or pharmacy. You can find your nearest vaccination provider through the Vaccine Clinic FinderExternal Link .

RATs available through local councils

All Victorians are eligible to pick up two free packets of RATs through their local council.

The council RAT distribution program is currently operating across more than 400 local sites, such as libraries and council customer service centres. The program is now open to all Victorians with all eligibility requirements now removed.

Individuals can collect up to two packets for themselves plus up to two packets for each household member per visit while people with a disability or their carer can collect up to four packets of tests.

Testing, especially with any compatible COVID symptoms, is critical to help with early detection and to protect others. It also allows for appropriate care and timely treatment.

Contact details for participating councils can be found on Better Health ChannelExternal Link .

Antivirals and other medicines

Oral antiviral medications remain highly effective against all currently circulating subvariants to reduce severe disease and prevent death.

Early testing for COVID and diagnosis are essential to access COVID medicines. For most COVID medicine to work best, you must take it within five days of getting sick – the earlier the better.

Information on eligibility can be found on Better Health ChannelExternal Link .

To access the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Victoria, visit Better Health ChannelExternal Link .

Reviewed 03 January 2024

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