Institute supports return to mask wearing

The Institute for Respiratory Health says people should be taking measures to protect themselves as Western Australia experiences a surge in Covid-19 cases.

Associate Professor Yuben Moodley says, “There are now 329 Covid-19 cases in WA hospitals – higher than the previous record of 327 recorded on 18 May this year. 

“Our advice is to reinstate broader mask mandates. BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron spread more easily. This is partly because immunity may be waning but also because of the mutations the virus has undergone. With Covid-19 restrictions (including masks) removed, the virus has more chance to spread.

“And we’re seeing the results of this with Covid-19 numbers rising. The risk for serious illness remains highest for those with lung conditions, underlying health issues and the elderly. 

“We encourage people to get their winter booster if they haven’t already done so and to wear masks in high traffic areas like supermarkets.

“Increased Covid-19 hospitalisations will put a lot of pressure on what is an already overloaded healthcare system.”