Covid Qld: AMAQ calls for tough mask laws as virus hits kids’ cancer ward

As Covid-19 infiltrates the state’s hospitals, including a children’s cancer ward, the state’s peak medical body has called for a no-nonsense mask mandate with stiff penalties.

As Covid-19 infiltrates the state’s hospitals, including a cancer ward at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, the state’s peak medical body has called for a no-nonsense mask mandate in all indoor settings with tough prosecution for breaches.

Australian Medical Association of Queensland president Professor Chris Perry said he was braced for increased Covid-19 numbers to put a squeeze on hospitals, and the best method to help protect health workers and patients was compulsory masks in indoor settings.

The medical chief’s call comes as NSW and Victoria issue indoor mask mandates.

It was revealed yesterday QCH was responding to Covid-19 cases within its workforce, and contact tracing was under way in wards 5C and 5D.

Those wards are used by children on day visits to have chemotherapy and check-ups and surgical patients.

Australian Medical Association of Queensland president Professor Chris Perry

Logan Hospital emergency department’s Covid-19 section was added to the exposure sites along with The Prince Charles Hospital emergency department and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

A small number of Mater staff working across four South Brisbane hospitals have also been required to enter home quarantine after being identified as close contacts.

“There is a lot of unknown in the pandemic, but we know that masks make a difference and at least we can do that,” Prof Perry said.

“While there are reports that Omicron is a mild form of the virus we don’t have the complete evidence and we could end up shocked.

“Anything we can do to keep pressure off the healthcare system should be embraced.”

The AMAQ boss said he did not want to see more and more doctors in isolation rather than in the hospital wards.

Covid-19 hitting the most vulnerable of the state’s children in the QCH cancer ward has heightened concern.

The Covid-19 vaccine has only been approved for children aged five to 11 since the beginning of December.

A spokesman for Children’s Health Queensland said robust infection control systems were in place to respond to emergent positive Covid-19 cases.

“All patients and families potentially impacted by the recent exposures have been contacted and advised on the actions they should take,” he said.

“Thorough contact tracing is a critical aspect of our Covid response and we are confident the exposure events occurring within the facility are being appropriately managed to keep everyone as safe as possible.”

Paediatrician and infectious disease expert Robert Booy told The Courier-Mail that in the unfortunate event of a young cancer patient testing positive to Covid-19, it was likely they would be administered monoclonal antibodies to help them fight the disease.

“Hospitals are well equipped to keep the most immune-reduced children safe,” Prof Booy said.

“There would be protocols in place for their protection.”