Health authorities have advised the use of masks indoors to stop the transmission of the COVID-19 virus.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly spoke to the media (12 July), warning a “wave of cases and hospitalisations over the next few week” was expected due to the new BA.4 or BA.5 variant.
To combat the new variant, Professor Kelly said:
- the availability of oral treatments had been increased for people who are at more risk of getting severe disease.
- the availability of fourth doses of vaccine had been expanded.
Professor Kelly said: “(We’re) reissuing our advice on masks and making sure people are using those indoors now to protect themselves, their family, their loved ones and the community”. Read Professor Kelly’s comments
ATAGI advised the increased use of masks and antiviral treatment in people diagnosed with COVID-19 when announcing its recommendation to expand the eligibility for the fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose (7 July). Read ATAGI’s advice
Dr Kerry Chant has also urged NSW residents to wear masks when they can’t socially distance. She said residents should be considerate and wear a mask when they enter a shop or a crowded indoor public space. She made the comments in a media conference (5 July). Listen to Dr Chant’s comments