‘Won’t cope’: Mask appeal

TOP DOC ISSUES NEW COVID WARNING

Australia’s top medic has not completely ruled out a reintroduction of “contentious” broad mask mandates, as Covid-19 cases surge across the country and hospitals

Chief medical officer Paul Kelly has “strongly recommended” Australians wear masks when in crowded venues and consider working from home, but has stopped short of formally recommending mask mandates.

But, with the worst of the third Omicron wave of the year still to come, it can’t be ruled out.

“I’ve recommended that we need to look at ways of increasing mask use throughout the community, and we have left it there for others to consider the pros and cons of what and how to do that – that’s really a matter for others,” Professor Kelly told ABC Radio.

“Based on science, we know that masks to work to protect individuals and to decrease transmission to others, that masks should be used in indoor settings where there are other people around.

“That’s an important message I think for all leaders to consider their own actions and to see what we can do to influence others.

“Mandates are contentious, as we know. I’m not going to talk to mandates, but my advice is that mask use should increase.”

With around 5200

Covid-19 patients in hospital around the country at the moment, hospitalisations are on track to surpass the January record of 5300.

Royal Australian College of GPS Queensland chair Bruce Willett said there was a high possibility hospitals around the country would crumble under the pressure.

The best way to keep excess pressure off the system, he said, was to work from home if possible, and wear a mask. “There’s a feeling of Covid complacency … And there’s a feeling it’s inevitable to get Covid. I’m not sure that’s true,” Dr Willett said.

“The risk is if we all get it at once, then the health facilities are very much at the risk of getting overwhelmed.”