There were 3,319 COVID-19 cases reported in Victoria this week, an increase of 10.5 per cent on the previous week. The average daily number of new cases this week was 474, up from 431 last week.
The seven-day rolling average of patients with COVID in Victorian hospitals is 94. There are currently 98 COVID patients in Victorian hospitals and 3 patients in intensive care. There is 1 cleared case in ICU. There is 1 COVID patient on a ventilator. The seven-day rolling average of patients in intensive care in Victorian hospitals is 1. In the past three months, 4,025 COVID patients were hospitalised in Victoria.
Of Victorians aged 50 to 64 years, 80.3 per cent have had their third dose and 33.5 per cent have had their recommended fourth dose. Of those aged over 65, 91.1 per cent have had their third dose and 69.8 per cent have had their fourth dose. 70.8 per cent of people aged 16 and over have had three doses.
A total of 33 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 43.7 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 7,370.
COVID-19 epidemiological summary
There has been an increase in Covid cases and a decrease in hospitalisations this week. Recent transmission has been driven primarily by waning immunity and influenced by multiple emerging Omicron sublineages.
The Omicron recombinant strain XBB.1.5 (38 per cent) has overtaken XBF (30 per cent) as the most prevalent Covid variant in weekly wastewater detections. These are followed by BA.2.75 and its sublineages (16 per cent), and BQ.1/BQ.1.1 (2 per cent). A group of variants that include those at low levels and those which cannot be classified due to new mutations make up 13 per cent of detections.
The Department of Health continues to monitor these trends and any newly emerging variants
2023 boosters
There has been a significant increase in the number of Covid vaccinations administered in Victoria following the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation's (ATAGI) updated booster advice.
In the first 15 days of the 2023 booster rollout, 63.3 per cent of all vaccine doses administered were to people aged 65 years and over. As of 7 March, more than 3,000 doses of the new bivalent BA.4/5 vaccine had been administered in Victoria.
All Victorians who have not had a Covid vaccination or confirmed infection in the past six months are now eligible for a booster. This is irrespective of how many prior doses a person has received. The national eligibility change follows advice from ATAGI.
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
ATAGI's full advice and recommendations can be found onlineExternal Link.
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.
