Why Is Everyone Talking About COVID Again?

It’s that damn word again.

Ugh, Miss Rona just won’t leave us alone, will she?

We’re now enduring what’s being described as our third wave of COVID-19, and it’s back with a vengeance.

For a while there it felt like life was returning to a new normal, but the C word is on everyone’s lips yet again (and all up in their germs as well).

So, what’s actually happening? How bad is it this time round? And is there any relief in sight? We break it down, so you don’t have to.

Cases are running rampant.

It’s estimated there are more than 340,000 active COVID cases around the country right now. That’s obviously like, a lot.

With numbers rising, hospitals are getting overwhelmed and there are more deaths being recorded.

Hospitalisations peaked on 25 January 2022 with more than 5,300 people admitted with COVID symptoms. Data from 16 July shows this number at 4,606. That’s scarily close.

And while our COVID peak in January was higher, that was when we all relied on PCR tests coz there weren’t enough RATS to go ‘round. So, the July numbers (which are rapidly climbing) aren’t good news.

It’s especially bad in New South Wales where there are more than 141,000 active cases and almost half of the whole country’s hospitalisations.

Tell me why.

Health Officials say the new Omicron strain has measles-like infection rates.

Those same Health Officials say this latest wave of cases hasn’t even peaked yet, and that it’s expected to next month.

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said last week “millions” of Aussies could become infected in the coming weeks.

Is there any good news?

Um, kinda? On Saturday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called a snap National Cabinet meeting to address the increasing case numbers.

He announced the reinstatement of emergency pandemic leave payments until the end of September, which is definitely good news for workers without access to sick leave.

They’ll be able to claim up to $750 for time off due to COVID, the cost of which will be shared equally between the federal and state governments.

“All of the states and territories, as well as the Commonwealth understand that emergency payments are just that—they can’t continue forever given the fiscal constraints that are on government at all levels, but that this is an appropriate measure going forward,” Mr Albanese said.

Ministers agreed that there wouldn’t be a return to mask mandates, but that wearing them indoors “where appropriate” (like, when you’re mixing around with people inside and can’t socially distance) was “highly encouraged”.

So, folks, if you weren’t being COVID safe still, it’s time to jump back on that bandwagon. Wear a mask if you’re in a crowded place, get jabbed if you’re able to and don’t go out if you’re sick! 

May the ‘rona odds be ever in your favour.

Header Image: Pexels.