Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Samantha Lock

NSW COVID-19 wave has reached plateau, data suggests

COVID variant JN.1 drove an increase in hospitalisations across NSW and Victoria over Christmas. (Steven Saphore/AAP PHOTOS)

A spike in COVID-19 infections seen in Australia's two most populous states over the Christmas and New Year period may have reached a plateau, data suggests.

COVID variant JN.1 drove a wave of infections responsible for a steep increase in hospitalisations across NSW and Victoria over the holiday period.

Testing by NSW Health showed the proportion of JN.1 cases rising sharply from late November and increasing into December.

But the latest sewage data indicates the transmission may be plateauing, though activity remains high.

A NSW Health COVID-19 weekly data overview report showed the virus activity has decreased in the week ending January 20.

Emergency department presentations in all age groups declined, though the the report cautioned the figures may be influenced by primary healthcare availability over the holiday period.

"Sewage data indicates that transmission may be plateauing in the community in the Sydney catchment," it said.

COVID-19 PCR test positivity was recorded at 13.9 per cent, a decline on the 17.9 per cent recorded the week ending January 6.

Health Minister Ryan Park said while it is encouraging to see a COVID plateau, the best protection remains vaccination.

"Now is not the time to become complacent," he said.

"If you're experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay at home. If you need to go out, mask up.

"If you haven't had your 2023 booster, go get one."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.