NSW 'shouldn't let their guard down' as more restrictions ease
New South Wales have been warned they "shouldn't let their guard down" as more restrictions ease across the state.
The NSW Government announced yesterday that major changes would be made to mask rules and QR check-ins on December 15 or once the state reaches 95 per cent full vaccination of over 16s.
This means masks will only be required on public transport and planes, at airports, and for indoors front-of-house hospitality staff who are not fully vaccinated.
You can sign up for the Today newsletter here. Today
Dr Danielle McMullen warns NSW 'shouldn't let their guard down' as more restrictions ease. Today
READ MORE: Brave tradie brought to tears over heroic rescue
QR codes and check-ins will just be required in "high-risk" settings, such as hospitals, aged and disability care facilities, gyms, places of worship and funerals.
But NSW Australian Medical Association President, Dr Danielle McMullen, warns that it will be difficult for NSW and Sydney to learn to live with COVID-19 in the future.
"We can ease back restrictions and let people live some semblance of normal life, but having said that, we shouldn't let our guard down," Dr McMullen told Today.
"We still want to minimise the spread of COVID-19 in the community and of utmost importance is getting tested if you even have the mildest of symptoms given we will have less contact-tracing happening in a way, less QR codes and those things."
Dr McMullen believes masks should still be warn, even if mandates are not in place, particularly in high-risk areas. Today
READ MORE: Ally brings a smile to Aussie rock legends face
Dr McMullen said one thing she would have preferred to keep was mask restrictions, saying "this is a simple public health strategy that really does save lives".
"We would certainly encourage the community to still wear masks indoors, particularly through the crowded shopping season or if you're anywhere where you see there's elderly or vulnerable people around," she said.
"Wearing a mask really does protect others so be that person who helps those around you and still wear a mask indoors even if it's not mandated."
Watch the full interview with Dr McMullen above
Join the Today show family and give yourself the chance to win great prizes by signing up to our weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox every Wednesday with a special message from Karl and Ally. You can sign up for free here.
We’d love to hear from you
