'If we get it wrong we end up with a disaster': Renewed calls for masks, restrictions to return
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) have recommended restrictions like mask mandates and check-ins to be brought back in as Omicron cases surge in Australia.
In New South Wales and Victoria yesterday there were more than 4300 COVID-19 cases, and 676 people are in hospital across the two worst-hit states.
AMA Vice President Chris Moy said the medical body is "pleading with governments across Australia, state and federal, to really take precautionary approach".
LIVE UPDATES: Testing sites close before they even open
Chris Moy, vice president of the AMA, said the medical body is "pleading with governments across Australia, state and federal, to really take precautionary approach". Nine
"That means simple things like masks and some use of QR codes and some density limits, just to slow this thing down while we get more data," Dr Moy told Today.
"If we get it wrong, we end up with a disaster."
Dr Moy said bringing booster shots forward would be problematic as mass vaccination hubs have closed, while GPs and pharmacies aren't getting support.
READ MORE: No changes to NSW restrictions despite massive surge in infections
He said there are enough vaccinations, but with younger children joining the rollout in January, it means 10 million shots would need to be done by the end of February.
"We will basically be bringing in millions more needing the vaccinations in the next, say, month and a half and that is going to be an effort that is beyond where we are at the moment," he said.
Shoppers at Pitt Street Mall in Sydney. Anna Kucera
Infectious Diseases expert Professor Sanjaya Senanayake also wants to see people back in masks.
"Until we learn a bit more about Omicron and its potential to cause severe disease, probably not just in terms of percentages but in terms of absolute numbers, I think a mask mandate isn't a bad idea," he told Today.
READ MORE: Abuse, fights as anger boils over at overwhelmed COVID-19 testing hubs
The Australian Government said 1,511,654 people have had a booster out of an eligible group of 3,155,000.
"In primary care and state fridges – there are currently 3.2 million mRNA vaccines. With deliveries underway we expect there to be 4.8 million mRNA doses in fridges by Christmas," a spokesman, said.
READ MORE: State by state guide to Australia's latest vaccination rates and COVID-19 case numbers
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
