As winter sets in, 252 aged care homes were experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak in the week to 12 June 2025 – nearly 10% of all facilities nationwide. During the same period, almost 1,800 residents and staff tested positive for the virus.

It marks the highest number of active outbreaks since January. Victoria recorded the most, with 82 residential aged care homes affected, followed by New South Wales with 79. The Northern Territory reported no outbreaks during the week.

1,310 resident cases were detected over the week, a 24% increase on the previous week, while there were 457 staff cases, up 21%.

Despite the increase, case numbers remain around half the levels recorded at the same time last year, indicating a less severe winter wave – so far.

Last week's rise comes as the NB.1.8.1 strain, said to be more transmissible and already the dominant strain in China and Hong Kong, has been detected in Australia. However, the latest Australian Respiratory Surveillance Report states it's not possible at this stage to tell if the new strain is behind the increase in case numbers.

Over the full course of the pandemic, 7,389 aged care residents have died from COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccination rates in aged care remain concerning, with 348 homes recording fewer than 10% of their residents being vaccinated in the past six months – well below the recommended booster schedule for those aged 75 and over.

Overall, 55.4% of aged care residents have received a COVID-19 vaccination in the last six months, with nearly 18,000 doses administered in the past four weeks.

However, both COVID-19 and flu vaccine coverage are lower than at the same time last year, raising concerns ahead of the peak winter season.