In space no-one can hear you wheeze

In 2022, despite high vaccination rates, COVID-19 remained inescapable – both metaphorically and literally. In January the Omicron variant raged across the eastern states and eventually into the west. Australians became accustomed to case numbers that, just a year earlier, would have been described as astronomical. 

The surge of cases saw thousands of people forced into isolation, causing supply chain disruptions. And a shortage of rapid antigen tests only made things worse. Despite this, mask mandates and other public health measures were swept away.  

A winter wave of Omicron subvariants destroyed any illusions of herd immunity emerging as a long-term solution. Meanwhile, Australians were being encouraged to get their third and fourth doses of the COVID vaccine.