The July 27 WHO epi update reported marked increases in new COVID-19 cases across three regions as the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants continued to dominate: up 52 percent in the Western Pacific, 45 percent in the Eastern Mediterranean and 13 percent in SE Asia. Japan’s new case numbers reached record peaks on two consecutive days late last week, however the government is not considering limiting population movements to curb the spread of the virus. Read more. In Australia, the NCIRS conservatively estimated that just over 46 percent of the Australian public was infected with COVID-19 between January and June this year, while antibody positivity to SARS-CoV-2 was highest in the 18–29 year old age cohort (at 61.7 percent). Read more
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.