Why Covid cases are spiking as more Aussies become infected with virus in the lead-up to Christmas

Australia’s top professors have revealed why Covid cases are suddenly skyrocketing in every state and territory – and how you can help slow the spread this Christmas. 

There were 6,550 reported cases across the country last week, with the Department of Health and Aged Care confirming an average of 936 new cases per day. 

In NSW, Covid activity increased ‘across all indicators’ in the past fortnight, with more than one in ten PCR tests returning a positive result. 

However, with less people testing and jurisdictions no longer collecting information on self-reported RAT tests, the latest figures are likely to be a huge underestimate. 

Epidemiology Professor Catherine Bennett told Daily Mail Australia that while the most recent wave of Covid infections was unfortunate, it was unsurprising. 

Prof Bennett said people’s immunity to the virus wanes after a certain period of time meaning they could be more susceptible to a new sub-variant. 

She said the new E.G.5.1 sub-variant was responsible for half of the cases in NSW and would continue to drive new infections over the coming weeks. 

‘This wave has come six months after the one we experienced over winter and has had a reasonably slow take off,’ Prof Bennett said. 

‘With each wave we’ve seen a benefit from hybrid immunity with vaccines and prior infection against a range of sub-variants. 

‘However, with every rise in infections a proportion of people will end up in hospital.’

Prof Bennett said people shouldn’t wait for a cough or a sore throat before testing with the new sub-variant associated with milder symptoms. 

‘Some of the less common symptoms like aching muscles and sore back tend to feature a bit more, some people might just have a fever or runny nose,’ she said. 

‘There is more virus circulating in the population so people need to watch out for potential exposures and think about the risk they pose to others.’

Prof Bennett said those infected should wear a mask around the house and adopt Covid safe practices to protect those most vulnerable to the disease. 

Professor Peter Collignon, one of Australia’s most trusted Covid experts, told Daily Mail Australia he didn’t see Christmas being a ‘big problem’ in terms of new infections. 

He said there was usually two or three Covid waves each year, with Australia already experiencing two – one in January and the past winter. 

‘Therefore it’s unlikely in summer that we’ll have anything major,’ he said. 

‘In the summer we have the benefit of being outside more, people can have barbecues instead of sitting indoors and do things that will decrease the spread of Covid but still allow a relatively normal social life.’

Prof Collignon said the virus had to change in order to survive but with each wave and new sub-variant the disease was becoming less severe. 

‘It’s only a cause for concern if the virus becomes deadly or escapes the effects of the vaccine, but that hasn’t happened,’ he said. 

The infectious diseases doctor shared some simple advice for those who tested positive over the holiday season: ‘If you’re sick, don’t go’. 

The rise in cases has prompted a recommendation from health authorities to return to pandemic habits of washing hands and staying home if you feel ill.

Passengers onboard cruise ship the Grand Princess continue to battle dual cases of gastro and Covid-19 after the boat docked in Adelaide on Monday. 

Patients suffering extreme cases will be taken to hospitals across the city as others who managed to dodge the viruses prepare to disembark.