COVID-19 update: Australia nears 12,000 deaths; health minister to launch national plan on long COVID

This is your update on COVID-19 in Australia for 2 August.

People are seen wearing face mask’s in the CBD of Brisbane, Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Queenslanders are being asked to carry a mask at all times as the state records more than 9600 new COVID-19 cases. (AAP Image/Darren England) NO ARCHIVING

New daily infections have declined in some states over the past few days, showing early signs that the current Omicron is peaking in these jurisdictions. (file) Source: AAP Image/Darren England

On Tuesday, Australia reported at least 95 COVID-19 deaths, including 47 in New South Wales (NSW), 22 in Queensland and 13 in Victoria.

Australia is nearing another grim milestone with 12,000 COVID-19 deaths - there have been 11,959 deaths since the pandemic started.

New daily infections have declined in some states over the past few days, showing early signs that the current Omicron is peaking in these jurisdictions.

However, hospitalisations and ICU numbers remain high. On Tuesday, NSW reported 76 people with COVID-19 in ICU - its highest since April.

Check the latest COVID-19 trends for new cases, hospitalisations and deaths in Australia .
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, quoting scientific modelling, said the third or current Omicron wave in her state could peak at the end of August. There has been a decline in hospitalisations in the past few days.

Victorian Health authorities believe the state passed the peak last week but warned there might have been underreporting of new COVID-19 infections.

Australia ended Operation COVID Shield on 1 August. It was launched in June last year to ensure public confidence in the vaccine rollout and get as many Australians vaccinated against coronavirus.

However, the existing infrastructure of over 10,000 vaccination sites and the capacity to distribute three million doses a week remains in place. The Department of Health is now in charge of the vaccination program, reported.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to chair a virtual meeting of the national cabinet on Thursday.

Health Minister Mark Butler told parliament that Australia could soon have a national plan for dealing with the effects of long COVID. He said the government was currently seeking expert advice.

Mr Butler said roughly four per cent of COVID-19 patients experience long-term symptoms.

The federal government has announced additional Disability Support for Older Australians (DSOA). It said the DSOA program could consider one-off funding for clients directly impacted by COVID-19 after 1 January 2022.






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3 min read
Published 2 August 2022 1:15pm
Updated 2 August 2022 1:27pm


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