NSW Premier brushed off Kerry Chant’s Covid health advice amid Omicron spike

New emails and internal government documents reveal the government chose not to follow Dr Kerry Chant’s advice during the January Omicron surge.

Chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant wanted household gatherings restricted, vertical drinking banned and density limits imposed when Covid cases skyrocketed in January but the government chose not to follow her advice.

In internal emails seen by The Daily Telegraph, Dr Chant told the government on January 3 that she recommended density restrictions be moved to 1 per 4 square metres, alcohol should only be consumed sitting down and singing and dancing should be banned.

She also recommended household gatherings should be limited to 10 people and capacity limits should be imposed on large indoor gatherings.

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant recommended restrictions in December and January. Picture: Gaye Gerard

The telling emails also reveal that on December 15, Health Minister Brad Hazzard signed a NSW Health briefing on vaccination updates which said that “vaccination coverage is lower in some vulnerable populations, such as Aboriginal peoples, and a vaccine is not yet approved for children under 5 years.

It therefore remains necessary to take appropriate steps to minimise the risk of further introduction and spread of Covid”.

On the same day Mr Perrottet eased mask restrictions across a large number of settings.

Labor health spokesman Ryan Park said the Premier’s decision had devastating impacts.

“The Premier’s decision to essentially ignore the health advice coming from the experts has had devastating impacts on our community both in terms of our health system and the economy,” he said.

Premier Dominic Perrottet went against Dr Chant’s advice. Picture: Damian Shaw

A spokesman for Mr Perrottet said the government has balanced “the health and economic outcomes" in its response to the pandemic.

“Our number one priority is keeping our people safe and ensuring our world-leading health system remains strong to provide care to those when they need it," the spokesman said.

"The NSW Government has adapted and will continue to adapt its response to the pandemic as needed depending on the circumstances we face, taking into account advice regarding impacts on a range of matters, including our health system, the mental health of the community and the economy.”

Originally published as NSW Premier brushed off Kerry Chant’s Covid health advice amid Omicron spike