"We don't know how high case numbers will rise" says Public Health as new wave of COVID-19 expected

Last week's COVID-19 case numbers rose by 29 per cent on the previous week, which was the biggest rise in case numbers since July.

Public Health director Mark Veitch fronted the public on Thursday morning for the first time in months to provide the community with an update on the virus.

He said cases were most seen in young to middle age adults.

"Since early September when BA5 wave declined we have had about 700 cases a week, but we have seen a definite increase in case numbers in the last two weeks... particularly last week we had 900 cases," Dr Veitch said.

"We are not yet at a level of high case numbers ... we just need to accept that this is very likely to be the next wave of COVID that is going to come through," he said.

"We don't know how quickly case numbers will rise. We don't know how high they will rise. We will have a better idea of that in the next two to four weeks."

Dr Veitch reminded the public about protecting themselves and others against the virus, particularly those who are at higher risk such as anyone aged over 70, or younger people with significant medical conditions.

He said eight per cent of Tasmanians aged over 65 had not yet had a third booster vaccine, and nearly 30 per cent had not had a fourth dose.

"It is very important that they take the information about the likelihood of a wave of infections starting and go and get a booster from their pharmacy. It is a one hour exercise but it may prevent you from getting seriously ill from COVID."

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