Hundreds of young Australians have shared how they became infected with Covid as the highly contagious virus spreads across the nation.
Many have taken to TikTok to let their followers know how they have been forced to isolate just days before Christmas after finally enjoying their freedoms after months in lockdown.
In the videos they have also shared clips showing where they suspect they became infected, which has included boat parties, nightclubs and bars.
One of Grace Watkins’ (pictured) friends asking if her big night out was worth it after she caught Covid-19
The trend has gone viral with each video beginning the well-known phrase ‘Yup, that’s me. You’re probably wondering…’
It follows several clips of the revellers enjoying tiome out with friends.
They then show a clip of the Covid alert they recieved informing them they need to monitor for symptoms.
The platform has been inundated with the clips over the past two weeks as the highly contagious omicron variant swept NSW.
Many thought the number of videos of people sharing how they had been infected was alarming.
Emily Marshall was shocked at the volume of young peopled
‘We are in for scary times to come,’ she wrote.
‘Absolutely, I say everyone keep your masks on at all times,’ another replied.
Some of Molls Archer’s (pictured) friends showed little understanding of what having Covid means
Hannah Crinnion (pictured) says that while she had some Covid symptoms, it was ‘nothing extreme’
On Thursday New South Wales recorded 5,715 new cases – a daily record – and one death just two days before Christmas with Victoria also seeing a large spike in infections.
The jump in cases in NSW – which is nearly 2,000 more than the 3,763 infections reported on Wednesday – comes after a major backflip on restrictions in the state with millions once again required to check into venues via QR codes.
Premier Dominic Perrottet had last week scrapped the QR check-ins for ‘low risk’ venues such as retail and kept them in place for ‘high risk’ settings like gyms and pubs.
Emily Marshall (pictured) advises her TikTok followers to wear a mask at all times to avoid getting Covid-19
Monnia (pictured) is not putting up with the nonsense about Covid that is being posted on her TikTok page
The NSW premier announced the policy reversal following Covid crisis talks with fellow state leaders and Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
Despite the rapid escalation in case numbers – resulting largely from huge testing numbers among people anxious about Christmas gatherings – the numbers of hospitalizations is declining as a percentage of positive cases.
On Thursday, there were 43,856 active Covid cases across the nation and 941 in hospital – a percentage of 2.15 per cent – and 119 in intensive care – a percentage of 0.27 per cent.
That compared with a hospitalization percentage of 3.33 per cent a week ago, and an ICU percentage of 0.56 per cent.
NSW Health confirmed there are currently 347 residents with Covid-19 in hospital, with 45 in intensive care. On Wednesday there were 302 in hospital with 40 in ICU.
Victoria meanwhile recorded another 2,005 new infections on Thursday and ten deaths – up from the 1,503 cases recorded on Wednesday.
There are 398 Victorians receiving care in hospital with 72 in intensive care, a small increase from 394 in hospital and 70 in ICU on Wednesday.
Mr Perrottet has refused to bring back a sweeping indoor mask mandate – despite many health experts recommending residents continue wearing the face coverings indoors.
Marcel Rees (pictured) says he thinks he caught Covid from someone of the Love Island TV show
The government is also looking at providing free rapid antigen tests to help curb the spread of the virus as well as relieving pressure off medical workers.
Australia’s PCR testing sites have been overwhelmed by travellers trying to get tested before going on holiday
Switching to rapid antigen would slash these numbers and stop testing sites being overwhelmed by the ‘worried well’ and delay testing for those who are feeling sick.
‘People have come forward to get tested in record numbers, which is important to help keep people and the community safe, but we need to make sure our testing clinics are there for people who really need it,’ Mr Perrottet said.
‘Providing rapid-antigen testing kits for those who want to do the right thing will help take the pressure of our testing clinics, while giving people confidence to get on with their lives.’
Victoria’s Acting Premier James Merlino is expected to also announce changes for his state with mask mandates on the agenda, following mounting calls to bring back face coverings indoors.
The state government met on Wednesday to discuss the mandate with Mr Merlino expected to make an announcement on Thursday.
Mr Morrison has said Australians don’t need to be told to wear masks, and recommended everyone continue wearing them.
‘Wear a mask in an indoor setting. You don’t need to be forced to do it. There’s no confusion about it, just wear one,’ he said.
‘Think of Christmas Day when you’re going to see elderly relatives, and wear a mask – it’s pretty simple.’
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