New research shows COVID-19 complacency
Research released by Pfizer Australia has shown that despite increasing case numbers, the emergence of variants new to Australia and warnings of a new COVID-19 wave, nearly two-thirds of Australians are complacent about the risks of infection.
A quantitative research survey showed that compared to a year ago, nearly two-thirds (60%) of Australians believe the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is now over, with a similar number (61%) being less concerned about the impact of COVID-19 in their community.
Around half (46%) feel less concerned about their personal risk of serious illness and slightly more than half (57%) think others around them, including family, friends and work colleagues, are also less concerned about their personal risk.
Of those who experience symptoms of COVID-19, one in three (35%) are less likely to test for COVID-19 than they were a year ago. More than a third (36%) are less likely to consult their GP if they test positive for COVID-19 and one in five (18%) of those at higher risk of severe illness are less likely to test or see a GP if they experience COVID-19 symptoms.
Professor Robert Booy, infectious diseases specialist and paediatrician from The University of Sydney, has warned against complacency during the current wave, stating, “Protection against COVID-19 infection requires several steps, including ensuring your vaccinations are up to date, practising COVID-safe behaviours and ensuring if you do test positive to COVID, you act fast by talking to your GP to learn if antiviral medicines are right for you.”
Professor Paul Kelly, Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, warned that surveillance data shows an increase in case numbers and the emergence of variants new to Australia, indicating a new COVID-19 wave.
The Actuaries Institute’s COVID-19 Mortality Working Group estimates that deaths from COVID-19 in the first 10 months of 2022 are approximately 9800. This makes COVID-19 the third leading cause of death in Australia for January–October 2022, and it is expected to also be the third leading cause of death across the whole of 2022.
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