The ‘sensible’ reason for bringing back masks in some settings
An infectious diseases expert has welcomed the sensible approach to re-introducing masks in high-risk settings in Queensland.
It was announced today masks will be required in shops, hospitals, aged care homes, catching public transport or ride-share – workplaces aren’t included just yet.
Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard says the move has been brought in to stem the flow and spread of the Omicron variant here in Queensland.
There’s currently no forecast date for when the mandate could end.
Director of Infectious Diseases at the Mater Hospital, Dr Paul Griffin, told Scott Emerson it was quite easy to introduce masks and they do help.
“It makes sense to bring in another strategy right now to complement our high vaccination rates and all of the other good things we do, in terms of checking in and testing, just to try and stem the flow a little bit and make sure we don’t see those case numbers continue to climb too quickly.”
It’s not mandatory to wear a mask in cafes or restaurants, which are only open to fully vaccinated people.
“I think we have to try and be a little bit sensible with some of these restrictions and not go over the top too quickly so I think this one kind of makes sense.”
He said using masks in some settings such as outside, had minimal impact.
“It is good to see we are being sensible especially in this first iteration.”
Press PLAY below to hear more about his thoughts on the narrow mask mandate
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