NSW announces mask change as surge of Covid cases hits

One state has mandated mask wearing in this setting as cases of the virus rise rapidly and more strain is put on the health system.

NSW residents will now have to wear masks in all areas of hospitals in response to a sudden rise in case numbers in the state.

NSW Health has changed its Covid-19 risk rating from green to amber, as more than 27,000 cases are recorded in one week.

Visitor numbers are also set to be monitored in an effort to protect staff and patients, with the level of community transmission the reason behind the change according to NSW Health deputy secretary Deb Willcox.

Masks are again required to enter any area of a hospital. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

“Implementing these changes now means that our staff and the community can look forward to the festive season with greater confidence,” Ms Willcox said.

There were 27,869 people across NSW diagnosed with Covid-19 in the week ending November 17.

Health authorities on Thursday recommended that NSW residents wear masks indoors and on public transport if social distancing wasn’t available as “it gives you and any vulnerable people who may be near you an extra layer of protection”.

More than 27,000 people were diagnosed with Covid in the past week. Picture NCA NewsWire David Clark

The higher level of cases in the community has weighed on the health system, with a large number of staff unable to work due to testing positive or waiting for a negative test result.

“As of 16 November, there were 1089 healthcare workers in isolation, up from 645 the previous week,” Ms Willcox said.

“This is an important indicator for our health system that we need to find the right balance with simple measures that can help us avoid more significant changes.”

Hospitalisations and emergency department presentations are also increasing as case numbers surge.

There were 1,148 people admitted to hospital in the past week, and 37 people currently in ICU with the virus.

COVID-19 weekly update – Friday 18 November 2022

In the 7 days to 4pm Thursday 17 November:
• 27,869 new cases of COVID-19 have been recorded: 12,383 rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 15,486 PCR tests
• 39 lives lost pic.twitter.com/7RTDmK2TWP

— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) November 17, 2022

Hospitalisations are up by 174 compared to last week’s 974 cases.

Due to the level of transmission, with various subvariants of the virus circulating in the community, NSW Health is urging residents to look after their health.

Health authorities on Thursday recommended that NSW residents wear masks indoors and on public transport if social distancing wasn’t available as “it gives you and any vulnerable people who may be near you an extra layer of protection”.

People are also urged to wear masks indoors and on public transport if they aren’t able to socially distance. NCA NewsWire David Clark

“Because of the high level of Covid-19 transmission across the state, NSW Health is recommending that masks should be worn in indoor public places where physically distancing is not possible, and on public transport,” NSW Health advised.

The new advice does not mean mask wearing is mandatory in NSW, with Health Minister Brad Hazzard ruling out a return to widespread enforced restrictions.

“We know it’s increasing; we’ll see a peak towards the end of this month, early December or moving into December.

“The short message here is we have to live with Covid.”