While Queensland is experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak, the state’s chief health officer claims that a new mask requirement would be “disproportionate” and that cases are getting less severe.
Dr. John Gerrard stated at a news conference today that 221 patients, including two ICU admissions, had been hospitalized in the previous four weeks.
“It appears pretty clear that these waves of COVID-19 are getting less severe,” he stated to reporters.
The bulk of patients in hospitals are older than 65 and did not receive a booster dose in 2023; the average interval between booster shots is 15 months.
“COVID-19 is not going away, it’s a number of respiratory viruses we’re going to have to deal with.”
Gerrard claimed that Omicron variants, such as EG.5 (Eris), BA.5 (Pirola), and a novel variant called “XCH,” were found among the admitted patients.
While urging residents to wear masks if they were concerned, Gerrard stated that requiring mask wear in the public and private hospital system would be “disproportionate” to the risk the wave posed.
“I am making no general recommendation about mask-wearing in public or health facilities,” he stated.
“Health care facilities will decide what masks should be worn.
“The public health emergency is over, and the response we undertake now must be proportionate.”
According to Gerrard, the state’s strategy needs to “be consistent with the risk” now that the public health emergency has “well over”ed.
“Our focus must be on those who are at greatest risk, which is principally people over the age of 65 and ensuring they have had a booster shot this year,” he stated.
“This is specifically important in aged care facilities, so if you have a relative in aged care who has not been vaccinated this year please try to make sure to get your relative vaccinated.”
