COVID-19 cases, deaths rise in NSW and Victoria

COVID-19 cases have spiked again in New South Wales and Victoria, with deaths for today also surging.

NSW recorded 19,183 new cases, up from the 15,572 reported yesterday.

The daily death toll doubled from six to 12.

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In Victoria, cases rose to 12,007 from 10,011 the day before.

There were eight deaths, compared to one yesterday.

Hospitalisations also rose slightly in each state, though intensive care numbers were steady.

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Aussies' flu complacency

Health experts are meanwhile concerned that Australians are downplaying the prospect of a serious flu season this year, despite multiple warnings.

A new consumer survey, commissioned by Australian vaccine manufacturer Seqirus, asked 1000 adults aged 18 years and over about their attitudes to the flu.

The results showed less than half (45 per cent) think flu is a very serious condition that can lead to death in vulnerable people.

Three in 10 respondents (29 per cent) said they are not intending to get vaccinated against the flu while another 11 per cent are still undecided.

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Infectious disease expert Professor Robert Booy says that Australians could face a rude awakening this flu season after two years of few cases.

"For the last two years, we've had next to no flu, and vaccination rates have been low as well," Professor Booy said.

"As a consequence, the level of community protection has dropped significantly.

"I'm concerned about the correlation between people who do not think that flu is serious and those who do not intend to get vaccinated."

Professor Booy also said Australia has had some previous bad flu seasons.

"Modelling data from 2010-2019, estimates that Australia averaged nearly 2800 annual flu deaths, with more than 6400 estimated deaths in 2017 and over 5200 in 2019."

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