Leading academics want return of both indoor mask mandates in NSW and density limits for indoor venues
, experts from Australia’s leading infectious diseases research institutions including John Kaldor, a professor of epidemiology with the Kirby Institute in NSW, the director of the Doherty Institute, Prof Sharon Lewin, and Prof Greg Dore, an infectious diseases physician and epidemiologist all agreed that while booster vaccinations will be critical, some restrictions are needed.
“This is the first time that I feel that there’s a divergence between my perception of what is needed to manage public health and clinical resources in the coming few weeks, and what seems to be actually happening. McLaws agreed, saying; “There should be a partnership between the public and government to prevent the pandemic from continuing”.
“My own view is that until we get really on top of this, which may be another year or two, we should just implement density limits, and those should probably still be in place until the end of our next winter.” “People may not have to use them because the health department is no longer following up casual contacts unless it’s an extreme situation, in which case they use other means of contact tracing,” Bennett said.On Twitter the president of the Australian Medical Association [AMA], Dr Omar Khorshid, said ‘Even IF Omicron turns out to be mild in vaccinated people, an explosion of cases will have a devastating effect on healthcare”.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Doctors push for stronger action to quash Omicron outbreaksMany infectious diseases experts are warning that failure to urgently take simple steps to reduce the spread of Omicron could result in the need for lockdowns or other drastic measures later.
Read more »
New York reports 22,000 new Covid cases – but hospitals say they can copeOmicron surge leads to event cancellations and lines at testing sites but health system not yet under serious strain
Read more »
US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci says Omicron variant is 'just raging around the world'Anthony Fauci, the USA's leading infectious disease expert, says the major issue for the US is the number of unvaccinated people.
Read more »
Omicron spike wanes in South African provinceThe first omicron outbreak in South Africa has peaked and appears to be sharply falling, holding out the prospect the omicron wave could be shortlived.
Read more »
Why experts say you should wear a mask as well as vaccinate against COVID-19While vaccination remains our first line of defence against COVID-19, especially with the emergence of the Omicron variant, experts say mask wearing remains crucial.
Read more »
Sun, sand and a booster shot: Regional areas get needles ready for holidaymakersRegional health services will offer boosters to Melburnians on holiday and ramp up testing as they brace for the arrival of Omicron. vaccine covid19 bpreiss
Read more »