Overview
- The Communicable Diseases Agency reported on Thursday that estimated cases rose to about 12,700 for May 10–16, up from roughly 8,000 the prior week.
- Average daily hospitalisations increased from 56 to 73 over the same period while ICU burden remained low at about one case per day on average.
- Genetic sequencing shows NB.1.8.1, a descendant of JN.1, accounts for more than half of locally sequenced infections.
- CDA says current COVID-19 vaccines continue to protect against the circulating variant and urges people aged 60 and over, aged‑care residents, medically vulnerable people aged six months and up, healthcare workers, and close contacts of vulnerable people to get an additional dose about one year after their last shot.
- Public acute hospitals report they can manage the rise and the agency asks the public to practise hand hygiene, wear a mask when symptomatic, and minimise contacts when unwell to protect vulnerable people.