Australian pathologists are closely monitoring the spread of BA.2 subvariant, as 93 coronvirus deaths were recorded
While overall cases are plateauing, the country’s chief nursing and midwifery officer, Prof. Alison McMillan, said death rates were set to remain high for some time.
Denmark, India, UK and northern Europe have recorded the most BA.2 cases. While it looks to be outcompeting the original Omicron strain, particularly in Denmark, there is no evidence of increased severity. “We are hoping to receive the Atagi advice within the next week, if not earlier, and if that’s a positive, we can make this available immediately,” he said.
“We know that an initial infection does potentially provide you with a small amount of protection from Covid, but we really don’t yet know how much,” she said. “But we do know that the booster will provide you with high levels of protection against severe disease and death.” Colbeck said he couldn’t attend the hearing due to diverting resources away from “urgent and critical work,” but his register of interests showed he accepted tickets to the Ashes test in Hobart for three days.