Another COVID-19 wave is making its way through the community, with Australians being advised to test and rest at home if they're feeling unwell this festive season.

Chief medical officer Paul Kelly confirmed the nation was in its sixth Omicron wave but it was less severe than previous waves, with fewer hospitalisations and intensive care admissions.

"My sense is that we've probably peaked and we'll start to decrease (in cases)," he told ABC News Breakfast on Thursday.

"But of course ... we are in the festive season, there's lots of parties and so forth, and so that possibility that transmission will happen is certainly there."

Professor Kelly has advised those who feel any symptoms to test and stay at home if possible.

Masks are no longer mandatory but those who feel vulnerable should definitely consider a face covering.

"Wearing a mask to protect older relatives is a good idea," Prof Kelly said.

"But in terms of everyone going back to mask-wearing at the moment, that's certainly not our current policy position."

Prof Kelly said people should also get their COVID-19 booster shots, with the new XBB vaccine available from Monday.