Infectious diseases expert Paul Griffin says every state still at risk of virus outbreak

An infectious diseases expert has warned every state is still at risk of a Delta outbreak but has backed plans for easing rules for vaccinated people.

An infectious diseases expert has warned every state is still at risk of a Delta outbreak but the nation needs to keep looking forward.

Director of Infectious Diseases at Mater Health Services, Paul Griffin, backed the move by the NSW government to allow vaccinated residents to gather outside in small groups by mid-September, despite rising case numbers.

NSW recorded its highest daily spike in Covid-19 cases again on Thursday with 1029 new infections but Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced that from September 13 outdoor gathering restrictions would be eased for vaccinated residents outside areas of concern.

Dr Griffin said the move was low risk.

Dr Paul Griffin, an infectious disease expert, getting his AstraZeneca vaccine at the Mater Hospital today. Picture: Annette Dew

“I think we need to start to look forward and have a way that we can open up safely when the time is right,” he told Sunrise on Friday.

“In a few weeks’ time hopefully the situation has plateaued or improved.

“This step is a very safe one. This is small numbers of people gathering who are also fully vaccinated.

“Honestly, that is a very low risk situation and I think it’s a worthwhile step in the right direction.”

From 12.01am on September 13, those who live outside the NSW local government areas of concern will be able to gather outdoors in groups of up to five people. All adults must be fully vaccinated and must be within their LGA or 5km from home.

People line up for a Covid-19 vaccine at the Exhibition Building during lockdown in Melbourne. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Crosling

For those who live in the LGAs of concern, households with all adults vaccinated will be able to gather outdoors for recreation, including picnics.

This is in addition to the one hour allowed for exercise, but must take place within the existing rules – for one hour only, outside curfew hours and within 5km from home.

But Dr Griffin warned Australians they were all still at risk of a coronavirus outbreak and urged people to keep coming forward to get vaccinated.

Dr Paul Griffin has backed the easing of restrictions for vaccinated people.

“Every state is at risk of establishing local community transmission,” he said.

“That is why, until the vaccination rate is high enough, we need to rely on things like lockdowns to try and keep control.

“Hopefully with the measures they’ve instituted they will get things back under control and we can all look forward to when we do not need to rely on these harsher measures.

“We know these vaccines work so well at protecting people from severe disease and death … we are not going to simply see our hospitals overflowing.”

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Originally published as Infectious diseases expert Paul Griffin says every state still at risk of virus outbreak