Why have COVID-19 cases suddenly flooded in Australia?

The number of COVID-19 cases in Australia for each state and territory, since the first case was reported is:

Total cases: 32,582 - Total deaths: 915 - Under investigations: 1

Australia’s approach to the COVID-19 pandemic has varied from that of most Western states or the northern hemisphere in general. Australia has handled the pandemic better than many other nations, experiencing a relatively low rate of infections and recording much fewer deaths.

The reason for this success is because in Australia protocols are being followed strictly, for instance, border closures, strict lockdowns, and rigorous contact tracing. 14-day hotel quarantines were mandatory for all other international visitors.

The country was in the process of slowly reopening its borders, with reports of a travel bubble for the UK starting to circulate in the media. However, recent outbreaks of the delta variant have prompted the government to keep measures in place and ease at a slower, more controlled pace.

There are also some difficulties due to vaccination. The AstraZeneca vaccine has been associated with a rare side effect called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome, which causes blood clots in different parts of the body and can be fatal.

Despite there being a very low risk of experiencing this side effect, those under 60 years of age have a slightly higher risk of having this side effect. Since two women aged around 40 got killed after getting vaccinated the Australian Technical Advisory Group recommends the vaccine only to those aged 60 years or older.

Ever since the emergence of the more transmissible delta variant of SARS CoV-2, countries have seen cases sprout rapidly. One of these countries has been Australia. Vaccine hesitancy and a frequent change of advice have also delayed the process.

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