CANBERRA, Jul 20 (NNN-AGENCIES) – Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, asked people to wear masks when needed, amid soaring COVID-19 cases.
Albanese today said, the Chief Health Officers have not recommended the return of nationwide mask mandates, with the government instead relying on people to do so, where appropriate.
“We do want to encourage that behaviour,” Albanese told reporters.
He said, there were four things Australians could do to “make a difference” during the current spike in infections.
“Get your booster. Get access to antivirals, if you’re eligible. Wear a mask, if it’s appropriate, and stay at home, if you are sick,” Albanese said.
Australia today reported more than 50,000 new COVID-19 cases, and more than 80 deaths.
As of yesterday, there were 5,239 cases being treated in Australian hospitals, including 158 in intensive care units, with an increase of almost 2,000 hospitalised cases, from 3,272 at the start of July.
Amid the surge, Albanese said, more than 500,000 Australians have received their fourth vaccine doses last week.
Today, top doctors’ body, the Australian Medical Association (AMA), called for a return of mask mandates.
“If we are going to try and protect hospitals, which obviously we believe should be a public priority, then we are going to have to slow down the spread of the disease in the community,” President, Omar Khorshid, told the Guardian, Australia.
“People’s care is already being harmed by the extraordinary pressure on hospitals.”
As of yesterday afternoon, a total of 8,850,343 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Australia, with 10,794 deaths and 347,756 active cases, according to the latest figures from the Department of Health.
