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COVID-19 cases are increasing in the Western Australian community, and new variants are leading to more reinfections for people who have already had COVID-19.
Since the Omicron variant reached WA months ago, the dominant subvariant was BA.2. However, most new cases in the Western Australian community today are being recognised as either Omicron BA.4 or BA.5.
The BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants are considered more contagious than earlier variants due to their increased ability to infect people who have been infected previously.
With cold and flu also circulating in the community, it’s important to protect yourself and your family from serious illness.
Here are four easy steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting COVID-19:
- Wearing a mask indoors is strongly encouraged, particularly in crowded places where it’s harder to physically distance.
- Stay up to date with both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. A fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is encouraged for everyone aged 30 years and over. If you’ve already had COVID-19, it’s recommended you wait 3 months post-infection before getting your next dose.
- Get tested if you feel unwell. Remember if you’ve already had COVID-19, you still need to test again if you have symptoms once it’s been more than 28 days since you recovered.
- Keep up good hygiene habits such as washing and sanitising your hands regularly.
Support is available for the community and businesses impacted by isolation requirements, including financial support from the WA Government and Federal Government.
More information is available about managing COVID-19.