While many of us may think the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us – think again.

NSW health authorities have confirmed each week there are hundreds of new COVID cases reported across the state.

In the Illawarra, a nursing home has notified the NSW Public Health Unit that it has recorded 20 cases since the start of May with 13 residents and seven staff affected. As a result, all unaffected staff are wearing N95 masks and shields and visitors to the nursing home are encouraged to wear surgical masks. Group activities in the home have been curtailed, and meals are being served in the residents' rooms.

Pharmacist Asim Iqbal, from Wollongong's Convenient Chemist, says many wrongly believe the risk of catching COVID is over. Government advertising promoting vaccinations and local campaigns like 'Vax The Illawarra' are no longer visible.

And while lockdowns, social isolating and maintaining a safe distance while mingling may be a thing of the past, Asim Iqbal says there's no sign of the virus disappearing any time soon.

We are going to have to live with COVID

"Over time the message has dwindled. Unfortunately COVID is something we're going to have to live with ongoing," Asim said.

"We take care of a lot of aged care facilities and unfortunately from time to time we will see spikes in COVID numbers. We expect to see spikes in both COVID and flu cases over the coming winter.

"I always say to people over 65, who are at a higher risk, they should continue to get vaccinated against COVID. There are different strains of the virus and so people need to be vaccinated against the latest strains.

"My advice to people over 65 is to treat COVID like the flu shot. Personally, I stay up to date and I get a COVID shot and a flu shot every year."

Health statistics provide a stark reminder

The most recent statistics released by health authorities confirm COVID is still a big part of our lives.

For the week ending 3 May 2025, more than 1200 COVID cases were reported across NSW.

In the Illawarra and Shoalhaven health district, 59 new cases were reported. That's 10 more cases than reported for influenza (49) for the same period.

Western and south-west Sydney reported the largest number of new COVID cases, totalling 450.

A number of jurisdictions no longer report COVID-19 hospitalisations, including NSW which ceased reporting on 5 March 2024.

Aged care facilities are still regarded as being the most vulnerable places for COVID outbreaks. On 1 May 2025, 357 active COVID cases were reported in 61 outbreaks in residential aged care facilities across Australia. NSW had the majority of cases with 137 residents and 39 staff contracting COVID in 27 aged care facilities. Tasmania and the Northern Territory were the only jurisdictions wit no active outbreaks in their aged care facilities.

How to keep yourself safe

NSW Health has provided the following advice to keep yourself safe from COVID:

• Stay home if you have cold or flu symptoms and wear a mask if you need to leave home.

• Stay up to date with your recommended COVID-19 vaccinations

• Don't visit people who are at higher risk if you have COVID-19 or symptoms

• Talk with your doctor now if you're at higher risk. You may need a PCR test and be eligible for antivirals

Read more

Immunisations for Seniors: Why Vaccinations Are Vital by Dr Julie Blaze