Qld mask mandate could return for Christmas: What you said

Queensland’s Covid fears are rising, bringing with it a renewed debate about wearing masks. JOIN THE CONVERSATION

3 min read

November 16, 2023 - 8:19AM

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Opinion

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Queensland’s Covid fears are rising, bringing with it a renewed debate about wearing masks.

The state’s doctors want masks to return at public gatherings and in hospitals, GP surgeries and planes as hospitalisations soared by 170 since the start of the eighth Covid-19 wave.

As of November 15, 245 people were in hospital with the virus – up from 75 at the beginning of the wave in October.

Australian Medical Association president Maria Boulton slammed the lack of information being given to the public by Queensland Health over the latest surge and said doctors wanted the public to be encouraged to wear masks in the lead-up to Christmas.

“The association would like to see the chief health officer addressing the community regularly and guiding them on how we can avoid another disastrous Christmas,” Dr Boulton said.

“The public should be encouraged to mask up in medical settings, planes or in crowds in the lead up to big Christmas gatherings. Of course, a mask mandate would be the decision of the CHO but hospitalisations are rising and the health workforce is stretched to breaking point and cannot cope with another overload of patients over the holidays.”

The suggestion that masks could return sparked passionate debate from readers.

Some claimed it could be spin from the government; others suggested it’s a simple thing to do again.

While many outright refused to wear a mask again.

See what you had to say below, cast your vote and join the conversation >>>

WHAT YOU SAID

I blame the government!

Rachel Millman

This is caused by the government causing paranoia (which now means people run to the doctor with a sniffle) in the community when it started years ago never mind the fact that no one can no longer afford to go to a doctor and hospitals are still understaffed has created the perfect storm, all again created by our tyrannical government who has no concern for Australians at all.

Burntbear

All Australian governments have lost the trust of the people because of their suppression of information that has now been proven to be true on this subject.

Sarah

must be an election coming up. Anna will save us.....

Peter

Unless forced I won’t be wearing a mask anywhere. And it is a vote changer for me. I will not vote for any political party or candidate who endorses such a mandate. If you choose to wear a mask that’s your prerogative but don’t force it on me.

Not again

Chloe Smith

Oh perfect time for Christmas

I listen to doctors

Henry

There are so many studies that have shown masks are useless against Covid. I can’t believe the doctors are that much in the dark.

Rosemary

Doctors can wear masks if they choose. They have no mandate to force others to return to inflexible rules for the public. This will not be tolerated by the public. Doctors out of touch it seems

Not a big deal

TERESA

Come on, wearing a mask is not a big ask. Such a simple thing. It could save a life.

Jill

Come spend a day in hospital with sick children, elderly and the vulnerable. Not too much to ask to wear a mask!

Wise Owl

Reported Covid cases are rising even though the majority of people do not report, which indicates the virus is rampant in the community again. Basically, I trust nobody out there, so I will continue to mask up. If I have no evidence that you are not infected, I will treat you as being infected.

Roger

I’ve had my boosters. For those that aren’t interested or have a political objection towards community health if you do get Covid just recover at home please and stay away from the ambulance and hospital emergency departments.

Seriously

Happy to wear a mask as it reduces risk to myself and others, particularly the elderly and those with compromised immunity. I’m happy to consider others.