Australia’s most senior practicing doctor has warned mask mandates are ‘quite likely’ to return in some states, as Covid cases continue to rise.
Australian Medical Association president Dr Omar Khorshid, a Perth-based hip and knee surgeon, said rules for mask wearing will ‘quite likely’ need to be brought in and enforced in order to control the latest virus outbreak.
‘Everything we’ve heard from the federal government and various state health ministers and premiers is that they’re not about to introduce mandates,’ he told The Guardian.
‘But governments are ultimately going to be held to account by the public for their failure to navigate this whole process. At some point, I think it’s quite likely we will have a period of mask mandates in certain states.’
Yesterday, chief medical officer Paul Kelly encouraged Australians to wear masks, but did not introduce any mandates.
‘We know that wearing masks do reduce the spread and protect yourself and protect others if you’re away from home and indoors in a crowded place, I really very strongly suggest that you do wear masks,’ he said.
‘I am wearing a mask now. You will have noticed the minister is wearing a mask as well. This is our leadership role for the community. This will not be forever but for the next few weeks this is the way we can actually influence.’
The Australian Medical Association has called for mask mandates to return
Australian Medical Association president Dr Omar Khorshid (pictured) said mask mandates are ‘quite likely’ to return’