Top doc’s answer to Covid spread: New face mask warning

Millions of Australians have been warned to wear face masks in certain settings to quash a steep Christmas Covid wave.

Millions of Australians have been warned to wear face masks in certain settings over the Christmas period to quash a fresh spike in Covid cases.

The issue was raised by NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant, who gave the advice despite assuring that the state had already reached its latest virus peak.

“Wearing masks is an effective measure, but it is a personal choice, but think about those around you,” she explained.

“We still request people to wear masks in hospitals and aged care facilities, and it is important that people comply with those requirements in those settings.

NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant says people should be cautious of Covid spread over the Christmas period. Picture NCA NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

“You can just do these little things that reduce the chances or the frequency of you getting Covid infections.”

Dr Chant said people coming into contact with vulnerable relatives should be extra cautious when attempting to stop the spread.

“Frail, elderly and people with underlying health conditions are more likely to experience serious health outcomes with Covid, such as hospitalisations and death,” she said.

“That’s why the antivirals are targeted at those groups.”

Last month NSW made it mandatoy for visitors to wear masks in all areas of hospitals in response to a sudden rise in case numbers in the state.

Millions of Australians have been warned to wear face masks in certain settings over the Christmas period to quash a fresh spike in Covid case Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Ben Symons

NSW Health changed its Covid risk rating from green to amber, as more than 27,000 cases were recorded in the third week of November.

Visitor numbers are also now monitored in an effort to protect staff and patients due to a rising level of community transmission.

NSW has recorded 40,695 cases and 74 Covid-related deaths in the past week compared with 24,652 cases and, 84 deaths in Victoria.

Elsewhere Queensland experienced 16,600 cases and 33 deaths, while South Australia had 10,754 cases, and 21 deaths.

Millions of Australians have been warned to wear face masks in certain settings to quash a steep Christmas Covid wave.

Queensland chief health officer John Gerrard advised people to be cautious over Christmas. Picture: NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

Dr Chant’s warning comes days after Queensland chief health officer John Gerrard urged anyone with symptoms to avoid visiting vulnerable loved ones over the Christmas break.

“If you are unwell, even slightly so, it’s important to stay away from older people, especially those who are not up-to-date with their vaccinations,” he said.

“Not seeing elderly loved ones at Christmas is disappointing, but it would be distressing if you were to infect them.

“Unfortunately, we are still seeing a high number of people in this age group being infected who weren’t up to date with their vaccinations.”

Dr Gerrard said Queenslanders should also consider wearing a mask and socially distancing.

Originally published as Top doc’s answer to Covid spread: New face mask warning