Gold Coast GP Dr Sonu Haikerwal says restricting unvaxxed is ‘not a long-term solution’

A radical change is needed in Australia’s Omicron strategy, according to a local GP, who says there is no longer any point in separating the vaccinated and unvaccinated.

A Gold Coast GP claims restricting the unvaccinated from venues and activities is “not a long-term solution” to Queensland’s Covid-19 response.

A Bulletin report yesterday revealed the state government has no plans to allow unvaccinated people into pubs, restaurants and stadiums even as the 90 per cent jab landmark looms.

Upper Coomera Respiratory Clinic owner and high-profile GP Dr Sonu Haikerwal told the Bulletin she wished to see a “national” approach to the ongoing Omicron wave and potential future Covid-19 outbreaks, rather than a state-by-state response.

Dr Sonu Haikerwal is calling for a better solution to Queensland’s ongoing Omicron crisis. Picture by Richard Gosling

“I think with the level of disease we’ve just seen in the community, everyone’s at risk, it’s everywhere,” she said.

“You don’t have the luxury of one group versus the other because the vaccinated are getting it as well.

“It’s a totally different situation we’re in now than before the border opened.

“As doctors and clinicians we’re always for a non-discriminatory approach because you can’t sustain that long-term.

“My stance is yes, we can have it as a public health measure but when you’ve got widespread vaccination you can’t keep 10 per cent of the population segregated long-term.”

Unvaccinated people are prohibited from “vulnerable settings”, including hospitals and aged care. They are also barred from festivals, stadiums, libraries, galleries, museums and hospitality.

Health Minister Yvette D'Ath. Pics Adam Head

Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said on Tuesday: “We continually review our settings and policies based on health advice and at this point there are no plans to change existing vaccination requirements.

“With students about to go back to school and more people returning to workplaces, we need to monitor case numbers and manage demands this puts on the Gold Coast health network.”

The reopening of the Queensland border six weeks ago sparked calls to bring the state into line with NSW which has no restrictions on the unvaccinated in retail and hospitality venues.

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