A new wave of COVID in Australia is expected to peak in August

A paramedic is seen at a hospital in Melbourne, Wednesday, July 6, 2022.

A paramedic is seen at a hospital in Melbourne Source: AAP

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As a new wave of Covid is expected to hit Australia in August, concerns have been raised about increasing pressure on health systems across the country. There are also concerns about the rising number of deaths in elderly care facilities, as some restrictions are relaxed.

New South Wales is moving in line with other states, including Victoria and Queensland, in allowing unvaccinated people to visit elderly care facilities. But some are calling for more uniform rules.

Currently, more than 800 elderly housing facilities have reported contracting the Covid outbreak and the death rate is also increasing with nearly 100 nursing home residents dying in a week.

The number of cases and hospitalizations continues to rise, with the peak of this wave still to come.

Experts, including Professor Margaret Hellard of the Burnet Institute, warn the peak will come in August, but is not expected to be as severe as it was in January.

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