What is the AY.4.2 COVID variant under investigation in the UK? The potentially more transmissible strain is descended from the main Delta variant and has already been identified in Australia.
Long phone consultations end in NSW with hotspot change Outbreak status has been rescinded for the state, significantly limiting the use of the MBS item for extended phone consultations and removing access to PPE from the national medical stockpile.
COVID-19 vaccination reduces household transmission up to 97% The new research findings also appear to be reflected by the recent downward trend in Australian locally acquired cases, a former World Health Organization epidemiologist says.
Study suggests Delta more than doubles death risk A new peer-reviewed article backs findings of much higher virulence in the Delta variant and its harsher impact on younger people compared to previous strains.
Children’s risk of long COVID ‘substantially lower’ than expected For the majority of young people, COVID-19 is a mild disease – what does that mean for the possibility of vaccinating under-12s?
ACT latest jurisdiction to reduce AZ dosing interval The COVID outbreak in Canberra means people can get a second dose of AstraZeneca after 4–8 weeks. What does this mean for efficacy?
Delta raises COVID reinfection risk by 46%: Study But figures suggest the overall probability remains relatively low and does not increase until 180 days after the first infection.
Australia’s neighbours being ‘overwhelmed’ by Delta surge Even countries that had successfully contained previous outbreaks – like Vietnam, which last week recorded a 546% increase in deaths – are struggling with exploding case numbers.
CDC COVID report ‘no cause for panic’ A new study suggesting vaccinated and unvaccinated people who contract COVID have similar viral loads has been questioned.
How are COVID vaccines faring against Delta? New insights from the UK and Israel suggest first generation vaccines may not be as effective, but it’s not all doom and gloom.