Health experts slam move to scrap Covid isolation rule as ‘very dangerous’

Health experts have hit out at the removal of Covid isolation rules saying it’s far too soon and warning there will be fallout.

A decision to scrap mandatory Covid isolation requirements has been slammed by medical experts and authorities, with national cabinet’s call labelled a “very dangerous move”.

While many welcomed Friday’s announcement to ease the requirement to isolate after contracting Covid, some experts said the decision came far too soon.

Professor Michael Toole of the Burnet Institute — who has spent decades researching infectious diseases — said there would soon be fallout.

“Totally irresponsible decision. Cases will go up, followed by hospitalisations, deaths and Long Covid,” he said on Twitter.

Professor Mike Toole from the Burnet Institute says there will soon be fallout.

High-profile GP and former head of the Australian Medical Association Dr Kerryn Phelps said it “doesn’t make any sense”.

“Absolutely not (the right time). I think this is a really concerning development,” she said.

“To reduce that isolation period down to zero (days) at this time just doesn’t make any sense in terms of public health.

“It is the last remaining vestige of public health measures. When this next wave comes, which is being predicted by the end of the year, this could make things even worse than they need to be.

“This is a very dangerous move.”

National cabinet’s decision on Friday was also disputed by Kooyong Independent Dr Monique Ryan, who said it was “deeply disturbing”.

Kooyong Independent Dr Monique Ryan has described the move as ‘deeply disturbing’. Picture; Arsineh Houspian

“It is deeply concerning that national cabinet has essentially abandoned all the measures put in place to minimise Covid 19 infection and reinfection,” a statement read.

“At this stage, it is unclear if the decision to scrap isolation requirements was considered by the Health Advisory Committee.

“This is deeply disturbing and must be clarified to the public.

“Requiring people who are infected with Covid 19 to isolate from others while they are most infectious protects our health and hospital systems, our economy and workforces and the safety of vulnerable people in our community.”

Australian Medical Association president Steve Robson said the timing of the decision was wrong given the case numbers overseas and the amount of Australians travelling.

“We’re seeing overseas a huge upswing in the number of Covid cases again,” he said.

“We’re coming into holiday season where people will be travelling around the world.

“We think it is a period of significant risk and we’re urging caution.”