News World

Australian Medical body calls for return of face masks to prevent COVID and Influenza

Greek vote frontrunner says has Covid, suspends campaign
Source: Pixabay

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) called on Wednesday for the use of face masks to prevent an increase in Covid-19 and influenza cases.

According to the Xinhua news agency, Chris Moy, Vice-President of the Australian Medical Association, a double blow of Covid-19 and the flu would put “enormous pressure” on the country’s health system.

Australia reported fewer than 30,000 influenza cases in 2020 and 2021 combined, thanks to Covid-19 restrictions.

In comparison, there were over 300,000 cases and 953 deaths in 2019.

Experts have warned of a potentially devastating winter flu season now that coronavirus restrictions have been lifted across the country.

“We are heading into winter for our first real flu season in a couple of years,” Moy told local media.

“People need to consider, particularly in indoor areas where it is not possible to physically distance, to get back to basics, such as wearing masks, to minimise the spread of both those infections.”

On Wednesday, Australia reported more than 50,000 new coronavirus infections and over 50 deaths.

When asked about the ongoing response to the pandemic while campaigning for the general election on Saturday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said rising case numbers were concerning  “always going to happen”.

The figure has risen, as was always going to happen, he said on Wednesday.

“What you see when you have case numbers of that level is that people, when they pass away, from many other causes, they will die with Covid, and their deaths are recorded as Covid deaths, but that doesn’t necessarily mean … that they passed away because of Covid, that’s a very different proposition.”

About the author

Brendan Taylor

Brendan Taylor was a TV news producer for 5 and a half years. He is an experienced writer. Brendan covers Breaking News at Insider Paper.







Daily Newsletter