Covid Qld: State risks repeat of Omicron wave after ‘mistakes’

An expert has warned of a repeat of Queensland’s Omicron summer of 2021, and pinpointed mistakes the state has made in its handling of the pandemic.

Queenslanders could relive the horror summer of Omicron 2021 with spoiled holiday plans and festive chaos if they refuse to implement basic measures to minimise the impacts of the new Covid-19 wave, an infectious disease expert has warned.

Paul Griffin told The Courier-Mail the government removed resources and strategies – such as collection of weekly case numbers and virus wastewater surveillance – too early, and now the length and severity of the fourth 2022 wave lay in the hands of the Queensland people.

Dr Griffin has previously flagged his concern that the state has the lowest vaccination rate in the country.

“At the moment so much is guesswork," he said.

“Case numbers are rubbery and we are now at the stage where it is all in the hands of the people.

“They must take basic steps like getting their booster shots, staying home if sick, testing and seeking out very effective antivirals. Also masks are going to play a part again.”

It comes as Queensland’s Covid-19 traffic light system switches from green to amber on Friday, with masks recommended in certain settings.

Dr Griffin said he felt it was a mistake that PCR testing was no longer common.

Infectious diseases expert Paul Griffin

“Testing should be free or at least subsidised,” he said.

“We know that RAT tests do not always show a positive result.

“Also people need a PCR to access the antivirals.

“Testing should be an easy process to keep a track on cases.”

Meanwhile Professor Robert Booy, one of the country’s top infectious disease experts, has labelled the new Covid-19 wave as a concern.

“It’s due to the grandchildren of Omicron, a variant which has been with us now for a whole year,” he said.

“This tells us that the virus is running out of ways to mutate so as to evade our immunity.” Prof Booy, who has an honorary professorship at the University of Sydney, said: “There will undoubtedly be an upsurge in cases but the new wave, I think, will be easily bodysurfed by most sensible people.

“Taking those commonsense cautions like vaccination, social distancing, masking in public places, especially if vulnerable; and if infected and also vulnerable due to age or disease, consulting your GP rapidly for potential use of antivirals – these measures will together make a real difference and get those body surfers safely back to shore!”