More and more in the past eight to ten weeks people have been off work or pulling out of team sporting events due to COVID-19.

Anecdotally, COVID appears to be making a return to the Northern Rivers. In no way is it as bad as 2020 and 2021 when the global pandemic closed borders and caused thousands of businesses to close for periods of time.

That is supported by the latest NSW Health fortnightly report entitled NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report about the number of cases of COVID, influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) in the state.

Ten weeks ago, the week ending (w/e) 7 October, there were 42 reported cases of COVID. The following table shows the increase in the number of COVID cases in that time:

• W/e 7 October: 42
• W/e 21 October: 95
• W/e 4 November: 128
• W/e 18 November: 181
• W/e 2 December: 216

The next report is due for release later this week.

Dr Robin Auld, Assistant Director North Coast Population and Public Health told the Lismore App, "COVID-19 activity in the community in NSW has increased and is at high levels. In the Northern NSW Local Health District, Influenza activity has also increased though is still at low levels. RSV activity is low however notifications for young children have increased.

"There have been 8,514 cases reported, so far, this year. However, this represents only a small proportion of the actual number of people with COVID-19, as only positive COVID-19 PCR tests are reported to NSW Health, and most people with COVID-19 no longer have a PCR test."

"As we head into the busy holiday period, we want to remind the community:

• If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, you should stay at home until your acute symptoms have gone to protect others. If you need to go out, you should wear a mask.
• People with cold or flu symptoms, should also avoid visiting high risk settings such as hospitals, aged and disability care facilities, or people who are at higher risk of severe illness.
• People should talk with their doctor if they are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID- 19 and other respiratory viruses. Their doctor may recommend a PCR test if they get sick and they may be eligible for antivirals.

"The best way that people at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, such as those aged 75 years and over and those who are younger with immunocompromise, can protect themselves, is to follow the COVID-19 vaccination advice from Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI)."

"Everyone aged 65 years and over, and everyone aged 18 years and over at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should have at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose in 2023. An additional booster dose should be considered if it has been more than six months since the last dose.

"A booster is recommended for all people aged 75 years and over if it has been more than six months since their last dose.

"A COVID-19 booster vaccination helps to protect against serious illness, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19. More detailed information about who is recommended to have an additional 2023 COVID-19 vaccine dose (booster) is available here.

The Commonwealth Government manages all aspects of the COVID-19 vaccination program.

NSW Health is working with general practices and pharmacists to provide COVID-19 vaccination for residents of aged care facilities in NSW.

More information on staying COVID-safe is available on the NSW Government website.