As of 11:59pm last night, masks are now compulsory for Victorians over the age of 12 in indoor public settings. Masks are also to be worn outdoors if social distancing isn’t possible. These new restrictions are aiming to stem the outbreak of the Delta COVID-19 strain that started just days ago, stemming from NSW. 10 cases were recorded in Victoria yesterday, with the possibility of further restrictions hinging on today’s case numbers.
Modelling from the Burnet Institute shows that the Sydney outbreak could continue for months unless stricter lockdown measures are implemented - possibly even past Christmas. The current measures are effectively preventing the outbreak from accelerating, but according to the Burnet model, will have limited effect on significantly reducing daily cases. However, implementing restrictions similar to the Victorian Stage 4 restrictions (curfews, closing non-essential retail, tightening open businesses) could drop daily cases to under 5 within 6 weeks according to the model.
The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is a two-dose vaccine, with a 12 week wait between the doses. However, in light of Greater Sydney’s serious outbreak of the Delta strain, NSW health is now recommending anyone who has already received the first dose to consider cutting the wait to 6-8 weeks. Dr Kerry Chant explained that sacrificing some long-term protection was warranted given the more immediate protection it would provide during the current outbreak. The UK made similar recommendations in June as they battle a wave of Delta COVID-19 cases.
An elderly woman in Belgium has become one of the first recorded cases of two simultaneous COVID-19 infections. The 90-year-old woman had been infected with both the Alpha and Beta COVID-19 variants, and unfortunately passed away 5 days after her initial diagnosis.
Have you ever found yourself getting sick after an all-nighter, or after burning the candle at both ends for too long? There’s a good reason – research shows that a lack of sleep weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to getting sick. In fact, research even shows sleep deprivation can make vaccinations less effective, as your antibody response can be reduced by 50%.
Age significantly affects your sleep needs. Your sleep cycles, stress levels, exercise levels and diet change throughout the years, which all impact your sleep. While sleep habits differ for everyone, sleep experts have specific recommendations for each age group.
The Delta variant of the coronavirus is the most contagious version worldwide. Research shows it spreads around 225% faster than the original Wuhan strain, and it is dominating outbreaks around the world. So why is it spreading so fast?
If you think COVID-19 only impacts the elderly, think again. Yesterday, Dr Kerry Chant revealed that of the 37 people currently in hospital with COVID-19, 14 were under 55; 8 of those are under 35. Early research suggests that the Delta strain is more transmissible amongst younger people than previous COVID strains, thanks to some key mutations. This is amplified by the low vaccination rates amongst young Australians due to the current stage of the vaccine rollout.
New research suggests the Lambda COVID strain may be more transmissible than the Delta strain ravaging many countries. The Lambda strain has spread to nearly 30 countries in the last four weeks alone. Originally discovered in Peru, it now causes 82% of the countries cases. Furthermore, Peru now has the highest COVID mortality rate in the world, at nearly 10% of recorded cases.
