NSW Health is urging the community to do everything they can to protect themselves from COVID, including getting vaccinated, as cases rise across the state.
The latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report shows 3,475 people in NSW testing positive for COVID in the week ending 14 June, an increase of more than 10 per cent compared with the previous week.
The upswing in COVID has come at the same time as influenza is on the rise and at moderate levels in NSW.
Most people with COVID do not test for the virus, so the latest figures represent a small proportion of all people who have the virus.
Rates of COVID notifications have increased since early May 2025 and concerningly, the rate with the largest increase is in people aged 90 and over.
Health Protection NSW Executive Director Dr Jeremy McAnulty said COVID is now circulating at moderate levels in the community and is likely to increase, but there are things people can do to reduce the risk of becoming very sick.
"While most people have already received their primary course of COVID vaccinations, we're urging people, especially those aged 65 and over, to get a booster to protect themselves," Dr McAnulty said.
"Boosters are recommended for people 75 years and older every 6 months, and those 65 and older at least every 12 months.
"COVID is a serious illness and can cause hospitalisation and death, especially in people who are older, have other risk factors, or are immunocompromised.
"People aged 70 and older, or those with other risk factors, who have COVID are eligible for a course of antivirals, which can prevent serious illness if they seek care early enough. These people should make a plan with their doctor about what to do if they do get sick, including what test to take, and how to access antivirals quickly.
"Importantly if you do fall ill, you can always call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free, instant health advice and for access to antivirals if you are eligible."
Dr McAnulty said in addition to vaccination, there are other ways that people can help prevent the spread of COVID.
"The impact that COVID and other respiratory illnesses like influenza and RSV will have on NSW will be determined by the actions all of us take this winter," he said.
"While vaccination is the best protection, if we all do the right things, like staying home if we're sick, wearing a mask if you do need to go out when unwell, and avoiding crowded spaces for gatherings, we can protect each other from these nasty viruses."
NSW Health also continues to remind the community there are a few simple steps they can take to protect themselves and others from respiratory illness, including:
- Staying up to date with their vaccinations
- Staying home if they're sick and wearing a mask if they need to go out
- Avoiding crowded spaces and getting together in well-ventilated spaces
- Considering doing a rapid antigen test before visiting those more vulnerable
- Making a plan with their doctor if they're at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or influenza about what to do if they get sick, including what test to take, and discussing if they are eligible for antiviral medicine
- Practicing good general hygiene, like regular handwashing.
For more information on eligibility for COVID vaccination, visit the Commonwealth Government's website.
You can find a vaccine provider using the healthdirect Service Finder.
All COVID-19 vaccinations are free to all people in Australia, including those without a Medicare card.
If an illness or injury is not serious or life-threatening, we encourage the community to call healthdirect on 1800 022 222, for free, instant health advice anywhere, anytime, across NSW. A registered nurse will answer your call, ask some questions and connect you with the right care.
