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According to official data, the number of Australians admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 reached a record of about 5,450 on Monday. This is because the epidemic of new, highly contagious Omicron submutants is straining the national healthcare system.
BA.4 and BA.5 strains have increased this number since late June because they can evade immune defense from both vaccination and previous infections, but some experts say the latter is It states that it is as infectious as measles.
The number of people in hospitals is the highest since the advent of the coronavirus, exceeding the January high of 5,390 during the first wave of Omicron infection. The daily death toll is also increasing, surpassing 100 for the first time on Saturday.
Australia’s Omicron outbreak surges to COVID deaths
The government said more than 1,000 retirement homes have occurred due to the significant impact on older people.
Defense Minister Richard Mars said defense personnel support at such facilities will be extended until the end of September as several long-term care centers are struggling with staff shortages.
“It’s an extreme measure, and it’s correct to explain it that way,” he told ABC Television. “Given the number of outbreaks we have now, this is correct.”
Many of the front-line workers in hospitals are also ill or isolated, exacerbating the health crisis.
During the harsh winter, when both COVID-19 and the flu virus are widespread, authorities recommend indoor mask use and emergency booster vaccines, telling businesses to allow them to work from home. did.
New Zealand mortality from COVID at record highs on OMICRON WAVE wake
Australia, one of the most COVID-19 vaccinated countries, gives about 95% of people over the age of 16 two doses, but only about 71% have booster shots. I’m sorry.
Still, the aggregate for about 9.13 million infections and 11,181 deaths was lower than in many developed countries.