Mary-Louise McLaws, a Disease Expert Who Guided Australia Through the Covid Pandemic, Passes Away after a Courageous Battle with Illness

Mary-Louise McLaws, an esteemed disease expert who was at the forefront of Australia’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, has passed away at the age of 70 after bravely battling an illness.

Her husband, Richard Flook, shared the news of her passing on Saturday night at Wolper Hospital in Sydney’s Woollahra, stating, ‘Our dear Mary-Louise passed away peacefully in her sleep’.

Ms. McLaws was a highly respected professor of epidemiology and had served as an advisor to China for the World Health Organisation. She played a crucial role in disease control efforts in various countries, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, and China.

Within Australia, Ms. McLaws was regarded as a trusted advisor, guiding the country through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. She advocated for border closures and the use of face masks to mitigate the spread of the disease.

Mary-Louise McLaws (pictured), who dedicated her career to preventing diseases and led Australia through the Covid-19 pandemic, has died aged 70 after a battle with an illness

She had been on leave from her position at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) since January after being diagnosed with brain cancer.

Her outstanding contributions were recognized when she was appointed as an Officer of Australia in the general division during the Queen’s Birthday Honours last July.

Mr. Flook expressed gratitude for the exceptional care provided by the nurses and doctors at Wolper Hospital, and also acknowledged the support received from friends during this challenging time.

The funeral service for Mary-Louise McLaws will be held at Emmanuel Synagogue in the coming days.

More details to follow.