Top doctor says mask mandates ‘quite likely’ to return as Covid cases rise

One of Australia’s top doctors has warned premiers may soon be left with “no choice” but to bring back mask mandates as Covid cases rise.

One of Australia’s top doctors has warned mask mandates may soon need to make a return in some Aussie states as new Covid cases continue to plague the country.

Australian Medical Association (AMA) President, Dr Omar Khorshid, said it is “quite likely” rules around mask wearing will need to be brought in and enforced in order to control the latest virus outbreak.

On Tuesday, there were more than 50,000 new Covid-19 cases reported across the country, with Australia having an estimated 347,756 active virus cases.

However, officials have warned the real number of active Covid cases is likely to be more than double what has been reported.

“I don’t know how far they [politicians] can let the numbers go while still saying we don’t need mask mandates,” The Guardian reported Dr Khorshid saying.

The AMA President warned that it would soon become very clear to the government that “mask mandates are required” in order to stop the situation spiralling further out of control.

Stream the latest news on COVID-19 with Flash. 25+ news channels in 1 place. New to Flash? Try 1 month free. Offer ends 31 October, 2022 >

\Dr Omar Khorshid, Australian Medical Association President, said it is likely mask mandates will need to return. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

“Everything we’ve heard from the federal government and various state health ministers and premiers is that they’re not about to introduce mandates,” he said.

“But governments are ultimately going to be held to account by the public for their failure to navigate this whole process.

“At some point, I think it’s quite likely we will have a period of mask mandates in certain states.”

Yesterday, chief medical officer Paul Kelly encouraged Australians to again wear masks, however he stopped short of recommending new mandates.

Speaking at a press conference, Professor Kelly said the new variant in the community was much more infectious than previous strains, which has been a key driver behind the rise in cases.

“We know that wearing masks do reduce the spread and protect yourself and protect others if you’re away from home and indoors in a crowded place, I really very strongly suggest that you do wear masks,’’ he said.

“I am wearing a mask now. You will have noticed the minister is wearing a mask as well. This is our leadership role for the community. This will not be forever but for the next few weeks this is the way we can actually influence.”

Dr Khorshid doubled down on his mask stance on Wednesday, telling Nine’s Today that Australians had a choice to make.

“We can either do the right thing and try to protect those hospitals, keep the resources available for the Australians who need it or ignore it until our Chief Health Officers have got no choice but to bring back mandates,” he said.

“So we all need to take a little bit of the bitter pill, do the right thing, that means getting your vaccines, even though they’re not the complete solution they’re part of it.

“It means if you have the slightest cold or flu systems to test yourself, and report those results to the government in the way you’re supposed to and not to be out and about with cold symptoms.”

There has been a surge in Covid-19 cases across the country. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Dr Khorshid said the government has a role to play in keeping the community safe.

He pointed out there are plenty of cases where rules have been put in place to make the government’s expectations clear, such as with seatbelts and speed limits.

The AMA President said the country was getting “very close” to the point of needed mask mandates but the government is worried about the backlash.

“The governments aren’t willing to mandate it because they’re worried about the blowback,” Dr Khorshid said.

“They know Australians don’t want mask mandates but at the end of the day they have to step up and protect the community and when that time comes I expect them to do the right thing.”