One of the few remaining coronavirus rules in Australia could soon be eliminated, signaling a shift towards learning to coexist with Covid-19. The New South Wales (NSW) government is considering ending mask mandates in hospitals, marking one of the last restrictions in the state. Currently, individuals visiting high-risk environments like hospitals and aged-care facilities are required to wear face masks to prevent the spread of the disease. However, the Minns government aims to remove this final restriction following the release of a forthcoming health report.
Health officials are currently reviewing the settings for face mask usage in the report, which will inform the government’s decision. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park expressed hope that mask mandates in most hospital settings would be eased. He stated, “I want to see masks rolled back in our hospitals. We’ve got to learn to live with Covid-19 and return to normal.” While masks may no longer be required in most settings, some higher-risk areas within hospitals and health facilities may still enforce face mask usage.
Professor Peter Collignon, an infectious diseases expert, noted that mask mandates have minimal impact on transmission. He explained that the benefits of continuous mask usage are limited, and there are potential drawbacks. The last time the NSW government lifted mask restrictions was for public transport in the previous year.
In addition to the potential easing of mask mandates, doctors will no longer be obligated to report Covid cases to the NSW Health Secretary starting next Friday. Changes to the Public Health Act, effective September 1, will also bring an end to public health orders for individuals who contract Covid or come into contact with infected individuals. These updates signify that Covid will be treated similarly to other diseases.
Furthermore, the Minns government is reviewing vaccine and mask mandates for cruise ships in NSW. The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, composed of federal and state chief health officers, is expected to make a decision soon, providing a pathway for formal abolition of the rules. NSW Premier Chris Minns expressed his views on the current rules, stating that they seem outdated and inconsistent, as they do not apply to other sectors such as airports and transportation.
In conclusion, NSW is on the verge of eliminating mask mandates in hospitals, marking a significant step towards adjusting to life with Covid-19. The potential changes reflect the government’s ongoing effort to strike a balance between containing the disease and returning to normalcy.
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