Omicron has thrown the country into a seemingly contradictory position: leaders seeking to open up must suddenly consider how to limit its transmission, if at all | michaelfowler08
and even the barely affected Western Australia to try and slow the spread of COVID-19.national cabinet’s decision
The gear change has been sudden and, for some, jarring. Have we in effect given up on controlling the rapidly rising cases of the highly transmissible Omicron variant, concentrating on severe illness and hospitalisation, with the assumption, as NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard puts it, that “we’re all going to get” COVID-19?
“Once we’ve done that, once the virus is spreading, once we all have some degree of immunity, the virus becomes endemic and that is what is going to happen.” The debate is particularly intense in the lockdown-weary states of Victoria and NSW, where cases are rocketing to record levels each day. Governments are toeing the line of managing infection numbers to protect hospitals from being overwhelmed, without impinging on their already fragile economies and the social and psychological wellbeing of their citizens.
Ahead of a 2022 election, Prime Minister Scott Morrison is eager to normalise COVID, but the states bear ultimate responsibility for hospitals.Professor Nancy Baxter is the head of Melbourne University’s School of Population and Global Health and a member of, a group of health experts who have urged more caution in the response to COVID-19. Baxter is scathing about the national cabinet’s shift this week.
A statement from OzSage on Thursday focused on the NSW government’s response, which they described as “let it rip”, and rejected the redefinition of close contacts.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
EXPLAINED: What you need to know about the new COVID-19 rules that start TODAYPeople infected with COVID-19 and their close contacts can re-enter the community quicker after multiple states and territories agreed to shake-up isolation rules. 7NEWS
Read more »
How Australia went from Covid-zero to Covid-central in just a few monthsArrival of Omicron variant coupled with loosening of restrictions has seen ‘fortress Australia’ policy abandoned
Read more »
With New Year’s Eve upon us, Perrottet must take stronger measuresOpinion: While the Premier may state that NSW is in a very strong position at this point in time, the same cannot be said for the NSW health system
Read more »
There is science behind changing the iso period now Omicron is hereIt is reasonable in the current climate to redefine isolation and quarantine rules. However, this is not a signal to “let loose”.
Read more »
Queensland records 2,222 new COVID cases amid concern quarantine rule change would not reduce Omicron transmissionQueensland has recorded 2,222 new COVID-19 cases ahead of the federal government's plan to change the definition of a close contact being discussed at a National Cabinet meeting.
Read more »
Queensland records 2,222 new COVID cases as authorities prepare for summer surgeQueensland records 2,222 new COVID cases amid concern quarantine rule change would not reduce Omicron transmission
Read more »