COVID-19 case numbers rising as new variants of the virus circulate

Australians are being warned not to forget to take steps to protect themselves against COVID-19 as case numbers rise, with new variants of the virus circulating.

The nation's Chief Medical Officer, Paul Kelly, has warned case numbers are expected to rise in coming weeks, after almost every state recorded an increase in cases last week.

He told Today that new variants of COVID-19 are circulating in communities, which he has described as "the grandchildren of Omicron".

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Kelly has said the variants which are more transmissible than previous strains of the virus, but not more severe.

"But we will see more transmission," he said. "We will see infection."

He urged Australians to make sure they take precautions.

"Now is the time to really consider if you are up to date with that vaccine," Kelly said.

"For those eligible for a fourth dose of a vaccine, now is the time to go and get that.

"It will protect you more. We do have slightly modified vaccines now, with the B1 strain as well as the original strain of the virus, so that is a good idea.

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He said those more susceptible to severe infection, like people over 70 or people over 50 if they have risk factors, should make sure they know where to get anti-viral medications for treating Covid.

"That will be really important for you," Kelly said.

Australia's high immunity from previous vaccination and infection should protect people from experiencing more severe cases of the virus, he said.

Professor Kelly's warning come just days after New South Wales residents were warned the state was in the early stages of its next COVID-19 wave.

Victoria recorded 10,226 cases of COVID-19 in the week to Friday, November 4, up from 8537 in the previous week.

NSW recorded 12,450 in the week to Thursday, November 3, compared to the 10,050 cases reported in the week earlier.