KEY POINTS
- The JN.1 Omicron variant has driven a new wave of infections in some parts of Australia.
- NSW and Victoria both recorded a spike in cases and hospitalisations in late November and December.
- Australia has experienced waves of increased COVID-19 activity every few months as new variants emerged.
NSW and Victoria are both recording a spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations, as emerging variant JN.1 drives a new wave of infections.
Health officials say while the new strain is not necessarily more infectious than those before it, Christmas and New Year celebrations have helped it to rapidly become one of the most prevalent.
The trend may not be the same for every state and territory, with some areas reporting fewer cases in the lead-up to Christmas.