COVID cases are rising across Australia. Here’s a rundown of the latest advice – ABC News

Australia appears to be on the cusp of an eighth COVID-19 wave, with an increase in cases across the country.

Victoria's acting chief health officer has suggested all Melburnians consider donning masks again as community transmission surges, whileNSW chief health officer Kerry Chantsays case numbers will likely rise in the lead-up to Christmas.

Here's a quick refresh on all of the key facts about coronavirus.

Health experts say COVID-19 has similar symptoms to the common cold or flu.

The Australian government lists the most common symptoms of COVID-19 as:

Some of the less common symptoms you could experience include:

For most people who are vaccinated against COVID-19, it is a mild illness that can be managed at home by resting, eating a balanced diet, and staying hydrated.

Isolation is no longer a legal requirementif you test positive for COVID-19.

But it is strongly recommended you stay home if positive.

If you have tested positive,the Australian government says you should not visit high-risk settings like hospitals and disability aged-care settings:

If you are planning on leaving your home while infected, consider the following:

There's no exact timeframe.

"The infectious period is dependent on individual factors such as age, severity of illness, vaccination status, including time since last vaccination against COVID-19, and whether someone is immunocompromised," a federal Department of Health spokesperson said.

"Some people can have a prolonged infectious period, however most people with mild-moderate illness are unlikely to be infectious for more than 10 days after symptom onset.

"Recent evidence suggests most children are likely no longer infectious by five days following a positive COVID-19 test."

Most people infected with COVID recover within a few weeks of their first symptoms.

However, some people can experience symptoms of the virus for several weeks after infection. This is known as long COVID.

People with long COVID report feeling extreme tiredness and fatigue, difficulty breathing, and problems with memory and concentration "brain fog".

The Australian government says long COVID recovery times will differ for each person, but most recover within three to four months.

Face masks are no longer mandatory in most places.

But each state and territory has its own advice about face coverings and COVID-19 so the advice is slightly different depending on where you are.

Here's a quick wrap of what each jurisdiction's health department says on masks:

Masks are strongly recommended in indoor public spaces for people who have tested positive to COVID-19 if they need to leave the home, and for household contacts of people with COVID-19.

ACT health website

You may be required to wear a mask in NSW when visiting high-risk settings such as aged and disability care. Masks are also recommended in general practices, medical centres and pharmacies.

NSW health website

In the NT, wearing a mask remains recommended in indoor and outdoor settings where physical distancing is not possible.

NT health website

You should consider wearing a mask:

QLD health website

It is recommended you wear a face mask in SAif you:

SA health website

Wearing a mask is recommended where physical distancing is not possible.

You should consider wearing a mask if you are at a higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19 or are in contact with people who are at a higher risk.

If you test positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms, you should wear a mask if you need to leave your home.

TAS health website

The government recommends wearing a mask:

VIC health website

Face masks are not mandatory in Western Australia, but they should be worn in crowded indoor spaces and where physical distancing is not possible.

WA health website

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recommends against the use of expired rapid antigen tests (RATs).

If you're unsure when the test you have at homeexpires, you can check the TGA's website to see theapproved shelf-life of specific brands of RATs.

As of October 25, 2023, there have been almost 7 million COVID-19 deaths globally reported to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Since the start of the pandemic, Australia has recorded more than 23,300 COVIDdeaths.

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COVID cases are rising across Australia. Here's a rundown of the latest advice - ABC News