Victoria records spike in Covid cases ahead of Christmas

Victoria is recording a sharp rise in Covid infections ahead of the Christmas period, with chief health officer Dr Clare Looker urging at-risk residents to take precautions now.

In its latest Covid surveillance report ending November 26, the state’s health department recorded a spike in the number of people in hospital with Covid, with the seven day average now at 197, a 59 per cent increase from the same period in October.

The department also says the number of notified cases has increased 44 per cent in the last month.

Dr Looker urged Victorians to take steps this week to protect themselves and those around them, particular at-risk groups.

“It’s the simple things that can have a big impact,” she said.

“If you’re feeling sick, please stay home.

“If you need to go out, or you’re visiting a higher risk setting like an age care home or a hospital, it’s a good idea to wear a mask.”

Dr Looker also encouraged residents to keep up to date with their recommended Covid vaccinations.

“Immunity wanes over time so staying up to date with your vaccinations will be your best protection against severe illness,” she said.

Dr Looker said JN. 1 remained the dominant Covid variant in the community.

“There is no indication of increasing severity of the currently circulating subvariants,” she added.

Covid symptoms range from the mild to the severe and can appear from one to 14 days after exposure to the virus, the department states on its website.

Symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath and fever, chills and sweats.

Some people may also experience headache, muscle soreness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, loss of smell and taste and loss of appetite, the department said.