Greens MP says Victorians should create a culture of mask-wearing ahead of winter

A Greens MP has made a bold call to reintroduce one Covid measure but the push has been slammed by the state premier.

Victorians need to create a culture of mask-wearing ahead of winter to negate the pandemic’s impact on the health system, Greens MP Dr Tim Read says.

The medical researcher and member for Brunswick Dr Read says mask-wearing needs to be considered a simple health habit like brushing teeth and wearing a helmet while riding a bike, with 381 deaths in May attributed to Covid.

The virus’ impact has led to ballooning wait times for ambulances and hospital treatment, he said as Victoria’s health-system crisis continues.

The Greens health spokesman is calling on the government to implement a campaign aimed at encouraging mask wearing.

Dr Read says a culture of mask wearing could help the state’s health crisis. Picture: Ian Currie

“I’m very keen that we try and do more,” Dr Read told 3AW Radio.

“This is not just about statistics. This is about a hospital and ambulance system that is really struggling at the moment. Health workers are really struggling.

“The government, to their credit, have poured a lot of money in the latest budget into the health system

“But a lot of that money is going to take some time to work … people need to be recruited, people need to be trained.”

Dr Read wants to see voluntary mask wearing. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Geraghty

Dr Read wants to see Victorians take preventive measures without being forced by mandates.

“I think whacking a mask on, if you walk into a room full of people you don’t live with, ought to be, at least for winter and if not a bit longer, a health habit.

“I think it’s time to open to the public and say, ‘Look. We’ve got this big problem. Nobody wants rules. What can we all do as a community?’

“Let’s see how much we can achieve without rules, restrictions and mandates.

“Let’s see if we can generate a culture of just doing this.”

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews slammed Dr Read for his campaign suggestion, claiming the Greens MP was playing politics.

Premier Daniel Andrews has slammed Dr Read for his suggestions. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty.

“I’m terribly sorry but I’m not taking public health advice from them, I’m just not,” Mr Andrews said on Sunday.

“That’s just pure rank politics. And it doesn’t work against this virus.

“I won’t be following the advice of the Greens political party. I will instead consult with medical experts and I don’t think Victorians would want it any other way.”

Originally published as Greens MP says Victorians should create a culture of mask-wearing ahead of winter