As the holiday season approaches, health experts are sounding the alarm over a concerning surge in health cases.

What started as a manageable situation has quickly become a pressing issue, with hospitals feeling the strain.

What’s really going on behind the scenes, and how are authorities responding to the growing pressure?

A surge in Covid-19 cases has hit Western Australia (WA) just as the holiday period ramps up, urging residents to take extra precautions.

Authorities reported that the updated booster vaccine was made available to all residents, as the state grapples with a new wave of the virus.

WA faces Covid surge as holidays approach. Image source: Pexel/RDNE Stock project

Wastewater analysis and recent case data have painted a concerning picture, with the state’s frontline healthcare workers facing mounting pressure.

Hospitalisation numbers have risen, with the average number of people in hospital now at 75 per day.

WA Health had warned that this wave could peak during the holiday season, heightening fears of a spike in infections as people gather to celebrate Christmas.

The newly available Pfizer JN.1 vaccine has been tailored to target the latest subvariants of the virus, offering a potentially crucial layer of protection for the community.

‘Covid-19 has changed a lot over the past year within Australia and throughout the world,’ said Dr Paul Armstrong. He emphasised that the new vaccine could help provide stronger protection against the Omicron subvariants currently circulating in WA.

‘The new vaccine is expected to provide increased protection against the Omicron subvariants which are now circulating in WA,’ Dr Armstrong explained.

With the holiday season upon us, Dr Armstrong highlighted that those most at risk of severe illness from Covid-19 include older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions.

‘Covid-19 can cause life-threatening complications, particularly among older adults and people with underlying medical conditions,’ he said.

Given the increase in social gatherings over Christmas, there is growing concern about the virus spreading more easily.

To help mitigate risks, Dr Armstrong advised people to stay home if they feel unwell, as well as practice good hygiene and mask-wearing in high-risk indoor spaces.

‘The best way to protect yourself and those around you from Covid-19 is to stay home if you are unwell,’ Dr Armstrong stressed.

WA Health’s new guidelines recommend the booster for adults aged 75 and over who have completed their primary vaccination course and have not had a dose in the last six months.

Adults aged 65-74 and those who are severely immunocompromised are also encouraged to get a booster annually, with the option of an additional dose every six months based on individual health needs.

The department further urged anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms to stay home. Even mild symptoms can result in long Covid, a condition that has been shown to persist for months or even years after infection.

Recent studies have highlighted the impact of repeat infections on long Covid, suggesting the virus can linger in the body, particularly in the brain, long after the initial illness.

In a previous story, we explored the potential risks of a new Covid strain that could affect Australians during the upcoming holiday season.

This emerging strain has raised concerns about increased transmission and its impact on public health. Read the full article here.

Key Takeaways

• Covid-19 cases in Western Australia have surged, with an average of 75 people being hospitalised daily.
• Health experts warn that the current wave could peak during the holiday season, raising concerns about increased transmission.
• A new Pfizer booster vaccine has been rolled out to target the latest subvariants of the virus, offering more protection.
• Health authorities are urging anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms to stay home, as even mild symptoms can lead to long Covid.

How are you planning to protect yourself and your loved ones during this busy time? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[tekkac]

More vaccines = more deaths

 

[bluesbrother]

It's not a vaccine. It's mRNA. They had to change the definition of vax in the dictionaries to accommodate it. They had to ban Ivermectin or make it unavailable to protect Pfizer and Moderna's profits. Those companies accept no liabilty for damage in their contracts despite massively higher rates of damage than in the history of any real vax. They tried to bring mRNA in 10 years earlier but it was rejected. It's time the world required reparations from USA and China for their gain-of-function lab's massive mess, but who can take on the world's two most powerful economies? Instead USA is making a mega-fortune. Obama shut down the labs but Trump re-opened them. Meanwhile the damage multiplies. Some are affected, some are not. I have 3 sisters and one brother had the boosters. The sisters all have serious side effects - one almost died - the brother, maybe the most immuno-compromised, is fine so far. Two of we brothers (and our partners) refused. All caught Omicron, all are fine so far; nothing more than a night of flu. The sanctions shut down the world and some people got crazy (even vicious) with fear. The ongoing damage (or enlightenment) has been trust in the 'Deep State'. If nothing else, it opened lots of eyes, but caused a lot of bitterness - still reverberating. The lesson is that everyone is different. Try to keep your heart open, a hard ask once the shades come off.

 

[Veggiepatch]

More vaccines = more deaths

No vaccines - many more deaths.

 

[Veggiepatch]

A whopping 14 deaths in Australia from over 65 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered since 2021.

A mere 129 road related deaths in Australia from over 27.1 million people in November 2024 alone.

Going by the anti vaccine nutters' logic, we should ban all forms of motorised transport.

 

[freedy50]

I didn't realise there were still so many antivax nutters around? As well as the ones that like believing misinformation.

Anyway, my wife and I are in the older age bracket and should have had a booster ages ago, but have never got round to it for some reason. If this problem arrives in NSW then we'll see about it. Already taking medication for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol so anything else won't be a problem.

 

[Winks]

Fyi people like you are the scaremongers! I had my vaccines and got covid for the first time earlier this year and was very ill (I have a heart condition) if it hadn't been for thr vaccines I would have died! Side effects were the cause of underlying conditions if you read the reports properly! You are a good reason why they invented contraception!!

That person is entitled to share their opinion as you are. There is no need to be so rude though.

 

[Veggiepatch]

That person is entitled to share their opinion as you are. There is no need to be so rude though.

An opinion based on misinformation is open to scrutiny and criticism.

Time to get off your moral high horse.

 

[deni67]

In fact, the COVID-19 vaccine is VERY different to any other medication. It has killed more people than any other vaccine in the history of vaccines. I find that uniquely concerning.

People who learn BOTH sides of every story are whom I believe to be truly educated. A one-sided viewpoint is just that. Why are you not keen to know the other side? Are you concerned about what you might find out? My guess is you're watching the ABC, Sunrise and Today. I watched them for years too. Now I also include Fox and Sky. And I've recently been listening to Joe Rogan - another unbiased form of reporting which I have found to be enlightening.

As for 'making out the vaccine is likely to kill you', my very dear colleague's health declined severely with every dose she had (3 in total). She died of a heart attack 2 weeks after her 3rd injection. By then she could no longer feel her feet, had lost her balance, and had utilised more sick leave than any year previous. "I've been sick since the very first dose, and I know it's the vaccine." Her words. Not mine.

One cannot guarantee exactly what would have happened if there was no vaccine for COVID-19. I do know that in India, both Ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine healed many people suffering from Covid, see, "COVID Cases in India Plummet After Government Promotes Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine Use."

I find it hard to believe one gets vaccinated due to concerns for others. People totally do it for themselves BELIEVING it would also protect others. But now we know it neither stopped one from contracting nor passing on the virus. So one could argue the vaccine did not work.

As for those who defend the vaccination stating, "If I did not get vaccinated, I would have died!" Well, I'll guess they'll never know as they never went through Covid unvaccinated. My whole family chose to not get the COVID-19 vaccination. We all got Covid for an average of 3 days. Not the worst flu we'd experienced by any means.

Are you on Instagram? If so, I would ask that you take a look at "Jabbed Australia". Not doing so would be to ones detriment/ignorance.

Our bodies. Our choice. If the COVID-19 jab has worked for you, great. I respect your decision. I would also ask that you respect the decision of those who chose otherwise. We need community, not division.

Joe Rogan, one of the biggest conspiracy theorists around

 

[Jany]

That’s not good news. I’m usually quite careful & have been since the start of Covid. It’s in WA, however with travel, flights & trajns it may spread quickly to other states. Be careful ! Stay safe !

 

[Veggiepatch]

That’s not good news. I’m usually quite careful & have been since the start of Covid. It’s in WA, however with travel, flights & trajns it may spread quickly to other states. Be careful ! Stay safe !

No need to worry. I'm already here!

 

[Winks]

An opinion based on misinformation is open to scrutiny and criticism.

Time to get off your moral high horse.

As they could say about your information. I can disgree with someone’s opinion without being so rude.

 

[Gaena]

In fact, the COVID-19 vaccine is VERY different to any other medication. It has killed more people than any other vaccine in the history of vaccines. I find that uniquely concerning.

People who learn BOTH sides of every story are whom I believe to be truly educated. A one-sided viewpoint is just that. Why are you not keen to know the other side? Are you concerned about what you might find out? My guess is you're watching the ABC, Sunrise and Today. I watched them for years too. Now I also include Fox and Sky. And I've recently been listening to Joe Rogan - another unbiased form of reporting which I have found to be enlightening.

As for 'making out the vaccine is likely to kill you', my very dear colleague's health declined severely with every dose she had (3 in total). She died of a heart attack 2 weeks after her 3rd injection. By then she could no longer feel her feet, had lost her balance, and had utilised more sick leave than any year previous. "I've been sick since the very first dose, and I know it's the vaccine." Her words. Not mine.

One cannot guarantee exactly what would have happened if there was no vaccine for COVID-19. I do know that in India, both Ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine healed many people suffering from Covid, see, "COVID Cases in India Plummet After Government Promotes Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine Use."

I find it hard to believe one gets vaccinated due to concerns for others. People totally do it for themselves BELIEVING it would also protect others. But now we know it neither stopped one from contracting nor passing on the virus. So one could argue the vaccine did not work.

As for those who defend the vaccination stating, "If I did not get vaccinated, I would have died!" Well, I'll guess they'll never know as they never went through Covid unvaccinated. My whole family chose to not get the COVID-19 vaccination. We all got Covid for an average of 3 days. Not the worst flu we'd experienced by any means.

Are you on Instagram? If so, I would ask that you take a look at "Jabbed Australia". Not doing so would be to ones detriment/ignorance.

Our bodies. Our choice. If the COVID-19 jab has worked for you, great. I respect your decision. I would also ask that you respect the decision of those who chose otherwise. We need community, not division.

Good grief you mentioned the 3 magic names as being your sources of truth, Fox and Sky News as well as the wonderful completely truthful, not for profit Josh Rogan, your next comment will be the usual one of advising those of us who are the uneducated non believers to do some home work and discover "the Truth"in the same informed way as yourself, Get over your self and leave the rest of us alone instead of peddeling your snake oil beliefs and complete lies to those of us who have one iota of common sense.

 

[Colette 3799]

In fact, the COVID-19 vaccine is VERY different to any other medication. It has killed more people than any other vaccine in the history of vaccines. I find that uniquely concerning.

People who learn BOTH sides of every story are whom I believe to be truly educated. A one-sided viewpoint is just that. Why are you not keen to know the other side? Are you concerned about what you might find out? My guess is you're watching the ABC, Sunrise and Today. I watched them for years too. Now I also include Fox and Sky. And I've recently been listening to Joe Rogan - another unbiased form of reporting which I have found to be enlightening.

As for 'making out the vaccine is likely to kill you', my very dear colleague's health declined severely with every dose she had (3 in total). She died of a heart attack 2 weeks after her 3rd injection. By then she could no longer feel her feet, had lost her balance, and had utilised more sick leave than any year previous. "I've been sick since the very first dose, and I know it's the vaccine." Her words. Not mine.

One cannot guarantee exactly what would have happened if there was no vaccine for COVID-19. I do know that in India, both Ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine healed many people suffering from Covid, see, "COVID Cases in India Plummet After Government Promotes Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine Use."

I find it hard to believe one gets vaccinated due to concerns for others. People totally do it for themselves BELIEVING it would also protect others. But now we know it neither stopped one from contracting nor passing on the virus. So one could argue the vaccine did not work.

As for those who defend the vaccination stating, "If I did not get vaccinated, I would have died!" Well, I'll guess they'll never know as they never went through Covid unvaccinated. My whole family chose to not get the COVID-19 vaccination. We all got Covid for an average of 3 days. Not the worst flu we'd experienced by any means.

Are you on Instagram? If so, I would ask that you take a look at "Jabbed Australia". Not doing so would be to ones detriment/ignorance.

Our bodies. Our choice. If the COVID-19 jab has worked for you, great. I respect your decision. I would also ask that you respect the decision of those who chose otherwise. We need community, not division.

My husband and my self have had every Covid shot that the doctor has recommended, I think maybe 6. We are both in very good health and neither of us have had Covid and we certainly don’t shy away from crowds. My husband has been overseas, on several planes and didn’t even catch a cold. I have been to quite a few concerts in the city since lockdown ended with thousands of people, I thought I’d have to catch something but no. We have had no side effects from the vaccine so I guess you would say we’re lucky, whereas I would say the people that have had side effects were unlucky. It’s how you look at things.

 

[Veggiepatch]

As they could say about your information. I can disgree with someone’s opinion without being so rude.

The trouble is that my information comes from reputable sources with a quoted link to the source, usually academic journals, when it comes to medical matters.

Not some stoner YouTube, TikTok or tinfoil hat conspiracy blogs and websites.

 

[Romida]

What a load of rubbish. Yes some people had sure effects, some may have died, no different to ANY medication.

1 in 100,000 die when anaesthetised, are you going to not have a heart operation because of that?

Scaremongering, hahahaha, that's exactly what YOU are doing, making out the vaccine is likely to kill you or have severe side effects.

Obviously there will be some problems, when you have 13 Billion doses given, of course there will be issues. I can guarantee you without any vaccine the pandemic would have been far worse, longer, more deadly and you should be thanking us vaccinated people for letting YOU back out into the world. Without us travel would have been held off far longer.

Nothing is perfect in this world, selfish people like you care little for others. I wasn't concerned about myself, I was concerned about others who I contact frequently, many older, frail people, ones who, if infected, could pass very easily. Of course the selfish couldn't give a stuff, just scared of a needle and what it may, in a extremely small percentage of people, do to you.

I lost my mum to the vaccine. I am unvaxxed, have numerous health issues including COPD, Asthma and haemophilus. If I believed the health officials I should have diedvwhen I got the dangerous delta covid. All that happened was I slept for 4 days then was fine.

Five of our six specialists plus gp warned against the jab. Only one said get it. We went with the numbers thankfully. Neither of us would have survived if we had got the jab, according to our doctors.

Pfizer themselves stated that it would NOT STOP TRANSMISSION so why risk yourself when you aren't helping others by doing so?

 

[deni67]

I lost my mum to the vaccine. I am unvaxxed, have numerous health issues including COPD, Asthma and haemophilus. If I believed the health officials I should have diedvwhen I got the dangerous delta covid. All that happened was I slept for 4 days then was fine.

Five of our six specialists plus gp warned against the jab. Only one said get it. We went with the numbers thankfully. Neither of us would have survived if we had got the jab, according to our doctors.

Pfizer themselves stated that it would NOT STOP TRANSMISSION so why risk yourself when you aren't helping others by doing so?

Have you got written proof to your mum dying from the vaccine?

 

[macca4949]

More scaremongering and gaslighting to sell vaccines. I v ha 2 doses and had side effects, Many people had side effects including heart damage and even death!! The more the sheep keep testing, the more this will continue.

100% agree. With the TGA acknowledging through a FOIA request, they categorically stated that NO HUMAN had been tested with the "covid" virus which means, there never was a "virus" to begin with but the media wrer paid to promote the fear.

 

[RobbyNotTheRobot]

Fyi people like you are the scaremongers! I had my vaccines and got covid for the first time earlier this year and was very ill (I have a heart condition) if it hadn't been for thr vaccines I would have died! Side effects were the cause of underlying conditions if you read the reports properly! You are a good reason why they invented contraception!!

Quote
Side effects were the cause of underlying conditions if you read the reports properly!
Unquote

Everything has side effects.
Earlier this year my GP prescribed me high cholesterol pills saying my range has a 10% chance of a stroke.
What are the side effects I ask. Don't worry about them just take the pills was the answer I got.
Nope no I will go home and get Dr Google to check up on side effects and make an informed decision and the side effects are worse than the condition and took my chances with 10% chance of a stroke thank you very much. Now blood tests suggests no high cholesterol. I just altered what I eat thanks to Dr Google and thank you very much for not giving me that advice GP
I quite the bladder pills much to the chagrin of my GP, told her its my body due to side effects worse than the chance of peeing myself that where given to me while I was in hospital recovering from an operation and the side effects are still making recovery much slower.
And then there was the anti inflammatory pills that I stopped taking and their side effects adding to the other side effects slowing down recovery and then there is the nerve pills and their side effects I am slowly weening off much the chagrin of my GP
And guess what. I am starting to feel better for not listening, its my body thank you very much.

And people like you wonder why there are people like me out in the world. Phhhhhtttttt

 

[Winks]

An opinion based on misinformation is open to scrutiny and criticism.

Time to get off your moral high horse

Quote
Side effects were the cause of underlying conditions if you read the reports properly!
Unquote

Everything has side effects.
Earlier this year my GP prescribed me high cholesterol pills saying my range has a 10% chance of a stroke.
What are the side effects I ask. Don't worry about them just take the pills was the answer I got.
Nope no I will go home and get Dr Google to check up on side effects and make an informed decision and the side effects are worse than the condition and took my chances with 10% chance of a stroke thank you very much. Now blood tests suggests no high cholesterol. I just altered what I eat thanks to Dr Google and thank you very much for not giving me that advice GP
I quite the bladder pills much to the chagrin of my GP, told her its my body due to side effects worse than the chance of peeing myself that where given to me while I was in hospital recovering from an operation and the side effects are still making recovery much slower.
And then there was the anti inflammatory pills that I stopped taking and their side effects adding to the other side effects slowing down recovery and then there is the nerve pills and their side effects I am slowly weening off much the chagrin of my GP
And guess what. I am starting to feel better for not listening, its my body thank you very much.

And people like you wonder why there are people like me out in the world. Phhhhhtttttt

Quote
Side effects were the cause of underlying conditions if you read the reports properly!
Unquote

Everything has side effects.
Earlier this year my GP prescribed me high cholesterol pills saying my range has a 10% chance of a stroke.
What are the side effects I ask. Don't worry about them just take the pills was the answer I got.
Nope no I will go home and get Dr Google to check up on side effects and make an informed decision and the side effects are worse than the condition and took my chances with 10% chance of a stroke thank you very much. Now blood tests suggests no high cholesterol. I just altered what I eat thanks to Dr Google and thank you very much for not giving me that advice GP
I quite the bladder pills much to the chagrin of my GP, told her its my body due to side effects worse than the chance of peeing myself that where given to me while I was in hospital recovering from an operation and the side effects are still making recovery much slower.
And then there was the anti inflammatory pills that I stopped taking and their side effects adding to the other side effects slowing down recovery and then there is the nerve pills and their side effects I am slowly weening off much the chagrin of my GP
And guess what. I am starting to feel better for not listening, its my body thank you very much.

And people like you wonder why there are people like me out in the world. Phhhhhtttttt

Most medications only treat symptoms & not underlying causes. I always try the natural route first for myself & one of my son’s.

 

[Winks]

An opinion based on misinformation is open to scrutiny and criticism.

Time to get off your moral high horse.

Still no need for derogatory comments. There is enough nastiness in the world already.