Top doc urges caution on easing Covid restrictions as Omicron BA.2 sub-variant spreads

A top doctor has warned caution is needed when it comes to relaxing restrictions amid the rapid spread of the Omicron BA.2 sub-variant.

The former head of the Australian Medical Association has urged a cautious approach to easing restrictions amid the rapid rise in Covid infections, fuelled by the Omicron BA.2 sub-variant.

Former AMA federal president Dr Tony Bartone said the relaxing of restrictions needed to be approached carefully because “you get no prizes for getting it wrong”.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation is believed to be considering a fourth jab for people around the country within days.

“For about 5 million Australians, they are going to become due very, very soon at the three month post their booster for potentially that fourth shot,” Dr Bartone told the Nine Network on Wednesday.

Under existing isolation rules, close contacts must self-isolate for seven days but Prime Minister Scott Morrison has already said he wants the requirements scrapped.

Victoria has flagged dropping seven-day isolation requirements for close contacts, as NSW and Victoria experienced an uptick in Covid hospitalisations.

People have been urged to be vigilant and get their booster shot. Picture : NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

However it came with a warning from Premier Daniel Andrews with winter around the corner and the sub-variant driving up case numbers. The state was waiting on advice to know what the full effect of scrapping the rule would be.

Dr Bartone said the sub variant was quickly spreading to become the dominant strain in several states and dozens of countries around the world, so a cautious approach to easing restrictions was warranted.

“It does give us some sort of concern to start easing this household contacts rule just as we’re seeing numbers increasing so quickly. Being wary and being cautious has kept us in good stead,” he told the Nine Network.

“Really, we need to look at the numbers and need to follow it carefully and get as much information as we can before relaxing something which, if we get it wrong, you get no prizes for getting it wrong.

“It will only cause stress for the health system and for the community as a whole, so let’s look at the numbers and let’s get as much information and just be cautious.”

The omicron variant continues to spread throughout Australia. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ian Currie

Dr Bartone said people needed to be vigilant in protecting themselves, yet more than a third of the eligible population still had not had their booster shot.

“Yes, some of them have still got some natural immunity from that January spike in Omicron cases, but we know that immunity does wane and we need to be as protected as we can be,” he said.

“So be vigilant and get out and get your booster and watch and protect yourself as best you can.

“We know that the most important thing that really protected us at the back end of last year was the fact that we had such a high level of primary vaccination in the community - that kept us in good stead, even with Omicron cases that came in, which could have been much more severe and deadly ... if we hadn’t had that high level of primary vaccination.”

Dr Tony Bartone urged a careful approach to relaxing rules. Photo: NCA NewsWire / Paul Jeffers

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation is considering a fourth jab for Australians, which has already been used in a number of countries, Dr Bartone said.

“For our most vulnerable, that is the over 65s, the people in aged care facilities, and those who are immunocompromised, it makes sense to be as protected as you can be,” he added.

Originally published as Top doc urges caution on easing Covid restrictions as Omicron BA.2 sub-variant spreads