FACT: Covid third wave is here. Question: Do you really need to be told to wear a mask in public?

As we arrive at 10,000 Australians, mothers, fathers, brothers, sons, daughters, grandparents, neighbours, friends who are now DEAD due to Covid many of us appear to think threat has passed if supermarkets are any measure. There are now very few wearing masks, sanitising or being cautious. A heads up: Mandatory Mask wearing might be return. It is currently being considered as case loads increase. Covid has morphed into yet another form of itself. From observations around the world a more virulent form that is a little more nasty. And yes, possibly even more deadly by the numbers being reported. But Covid is now out of the news cycle. It appears that we are fine with 10,000 deaths to date and a current NSW death rate of 22 per day and climbing with many more cases being hospitalised. NSW is experiencing a new wave of transmission driven by BA.4 and BA.5 COVID-19 sub-lineages, with an increase in the number of notified cases in the last week. Reported rates of COVID-19 are likely to underestimate true incidence in the community. There were 116 COVID-19 deaths reported this week. Of these, 115 were likely eligible for a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine but only 77 (67%) had received a third dose. 666 people with COVID-19 were admitted to hospital and 52 were admitted to ICU in the week ending 2 July 2022. Dr Kerry Chant says "We are at the beginning of a third wave of Omicron and a significant rise in COVID-19 infections is expected.

"It is more important than ever to make sure that you’re up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, including COVID-19 boosters.

"Two doses is not enough. New research shows that a booster provides 65% greater protection against hospitalisation or death from Omicron than two vaccine doses alone.

If you’re over the age of 16 and haven’t got a booster yet – get it as soon as possible!

You should also continue to do the little things that will make a big difference, including staying home if unwell, wearing a mask indoors, testing if you have symptoms, and practicing good hygiene by washing your hands or sanitising regularly.

With the rapid increase of COVID-19 BA.4 and BA.5 infections in recent weeks, everyone in the community is urged to do the little things that make a big difference - like wearing a mask when in public indoor spaces, staying home when unwell, staying up to date with vaccinations, testing if you have symptoms, and practicing good hand hygiene.