While the WHO advisor acknowledged the extended lockdown was a 'shocking financial burden' for Victorians, she said it was a better outcome than a potential third wave.
A leading epidemiologist has praised Victoria's roadmap out of lockdown, despite the exit plan facing heated criticism from business leaders and members of the public.
Professor Mary-Louise McLaws, a UNSW professor and advisor to the World Health Organisation, described the state's lockdown exit plan as a"combination of conservative approach and compassion". Although Professor McLaws was broadly supportive of the roadmap, she said the 28-day period was too harsh. "Victorians have been living with such high numbers that they're forgetting that 1200 cases over the last 14 days is still volcanically high," Professor McLaws said.
"That's the problem - they've been living with this red phase and forgotten they're still in a situation where it can turn." Professor McLaws acknowledged the extended lockdown was a"shocking financial burden" for Victorians, but noted it was a better outcome than a potential third wave. "Most people, when they're not in lockdown, have about 10 contacts per day. I think any criticism of that ability and comparisons to NSW are unfair."Mr Andrews has defended Victoria's roadmap out of coronavirus restrictions in the face of fierce criticism, saying the state government's measures are having"considerable success".
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