CANBERRA, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The reinfection period of COVID-19 for Australians has been advised to be reduced significantly to 28 days, according to a statement from a medical expert committee.
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), which is made up of federal, state and territory chief health officers, made the recommendation in a recent press release.
"Given reinfections may occur as early as 28 days after recovery from a previous COVID-19 infection, the AHPPC advises that the reinfection period be reduced from 12 weeks to 28 days," it said.
That means people who test positive for COVID-19 more than 28 days after ending isolation due to previous infection should be reported and managed as new cases.
It warned that Australia was at the beginning of a new wave of infections driven by the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants.
"This winter, we are experiencing significant community transmission of both COVID-19 and influenza, which is placing real stress on our community and health system," the AHPPC said.
"We expect that this wave will lead to a substantial increase in infections, hospitalizations and sadly, deaths, at a time when our communities and health systems are already under strain."
On Saturday, Australia reported more than 35,000 new COVID-19 cases and more than 70 deaths.
As of Friday afternoon, a total of 8,413,831 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Australia, including 10,225 deaths, and approximately 298,912 active cases, according to the latest figures from the Department of Health.
There were 3,977 cases being treated in hospitals on Friday, including 141 in intensive care units. ■