Will the latest COVID-19 wave ruin Christmas? Here's what the experts say

Key Points

Australia’s chief medical officer has warned of rising COVID-19 cases ahead of Christmas.
Paul Kelly says while face masks are no longer mandatory, those who feel vulnerable should consider a face covering.
Two new COVID-19 vaccines targeting the new Omicron variant are now available in pharmacies across the nation.

Australia is in the grips of a new ahead of the busy Christmas period, and Australians are being advised to test and rest at home if they’re feeling unwell.

Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly confirmed the nation is in its sixth Omicron wave, but said it was less severe than previous ones, with fewer hospitalisations and intensive care admissions.

“My sense is that we’ve probably peaked and we’ll start to decrease (in cases),” he told ABC News Breakfast last week.

“But of course … we are in the festive season, there’s lots of parties and so forth, and so that possibility that transmission will happen is certainly there.”

Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly confirmed the nation was in its sixth Omicron wave. Source: Getty / David Gray

But will cases still be rising around the week of Christmas?

“Overall there is some encouraging data, suggesting we might avoid a COVID-19 holiday season,” Professor Catherine Bennett, Deakin University’s chair of epidemiology told SBS News.

She said this would be even more likely if cases continued to go down in the time between now and then.

on hospital admissions shows there were 118 people with COVID-19 admitted to hospitals in the seven days to 4 December and 54 of those cases were in ICU.

“Thankfully the trend we have seen since Omicon arrived is for each wave to lead to fewer infections, less severe disease and a lower loss of life continues, but this has still been twice the rates seen in the time between waves, so we do need to be aware when our risk of infections rises,” Bennett said.

COVID-19 vaccination and testing

Two new COVID-19 vaccines targeting the new Omicron variant of the virus are now available in pharmacies across the nation.

The new vaccines are manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna.

Pfizer has two formulations, with one for patients aged between five and 12, and one for those 12 and older.

The Moderna shot is for patients 12 and older.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia national president Trent Twomey said the new vaccine available on Monday is targeted at the strain of the virus which is currently circulating among the population.

“With COVID-19 cases on the rise, it is important anyone who is due for their vaccination does so as soon as they can at their local community pharmacy,” Twomey said.

“Health authorities have recommended vaccines move away from formulations which target the original or ancestral strain.”

The Australian Department of Health’s advice remains the same: to receive the best protection against serious illness or death from COVID-19, you should get all recommended doses of vaccines for your age or individual health needs.

According to the Department of Health, over 69.3 million total vaccine doses have been administered since the COVID-19 vaccination program began in February 2021, and over 4.5 million booster doses have been given to people aged 18 years and over, since 1 January 2023.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recommends against the use of expired rapid antigen tests (RATs).

How to lower COVID-19 risk while travelling

For potentially long-awaited holiday travel, protective measures against COVID-19 and other infections are recommended, according to experts.

“Airports are a big risk, and the best bet is to wear a good-quality face mask if you are sitting or standing close to other people,” Professor Adrian Esterman, chair of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the University of South Australia told SBS News.

“The flight itself is much safer. All commercial aircraft have air circulating through HEPA filters, so the air you breathe shouldn’t be a problem,” Esterman said.

Two women are doing check-in at the airport

Health professionals say that airports are a big risk of getting COVID-19, and it’s recommended to wear a good-quality face mask. Source: Getty / Long Visual Press/Universal Image

Esterman pointed out the potential hazard of contracting another infection while on the plane.

“You are more likely to get gastro illnesses on the plane. The seat pockets, remote, and seat belts are the most germ-ridden areas. So, take a small packet of alcohol wipes with you and give these areas a quick wipe when you get to your seat.

“You might get a few funny looks from other passengers, but better that than getting sick,” Esterman said.

COVID-safe gatherings

Bennett’s reminder is: “Stay home if unwell, and socialise outdoors where possible.”

“Try to hold social events outdoors, where the wind will disperse virus particles, and sunlight will destroy them,” Esterman said.

“If you are holding indoor gatherings, try to have some windows and doors open to get a breeze through the house. Air purifiers with a HEPA filter are not that expensive and do a good job at trapping virus particles.”

While many hand sanitisers containing alcohol kill germs like COVID-19, it doesn’t work the same way inside your body, experts warn.

“There are lots of myths going around about what protects you from COVID. These include adding pepper to meals and drinking alcohol. All of them have been busted,” Esterman said.

Health professionals also emphasise that alcohol can have a harmful effect on your immune system and it’s not recommended to mix alcohol with medication, because it could make them less effective or be associated with other health risks.

Catching COVID-19 increases your chance of long-term health problems, experts warn.

“For most people, [getting COVID-19] is not a major concern,” Esterman said. “Even if they catch COVID, the chances are that they will not get seriously ill, and the biggest issue is the potential to develop long COVID.

“However, for the elderly and those with chronic conditions, catching COVID-19 could be more serious.”