The Australian Medical Association is warning the COVID outbreak is creating a “desperate” situation as hospitals feel the strain.

The government is cutting isolation for close contacts that work in hospitals and aged care amid a worker shortage.

AMA Vice President Dr Chris Moy told Mark Levy “that reflects how desperate the situation is”.

“It is getting difficult to safely staff certain units.”

Dr Moy says the staffing shortage in hospitals, general practice and aged care is due to many getting caught up in COVID outbreaks.

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