Australia could face second deadly wave after relaxing coronavirus lockdowns too early, expert warns
AN INFECTIOUS diseases expert has warned Australia can expect coronavirus cases to soar as lockdowns are lifted and a second wave of infections hits.
Dr Dena Grayson fears ending the country’s social distancing restrictions could undo all the good work in combating the spread of the killer virus in the country.
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“Your country’s done a fabulous job of getting your hands around this virus and just as you’re literally entering flu season, and you’re not having a lot of new cases,” the Florida-based specialist told 60 Minutes.
“Now is really not the time for Australia to let its foot off the brake. My worry is you let your foot off the brake and so many people will die.
“This virus is very, very contagious, and I think you’re going to see new cases really soar.
“You’re left with these terrible choices: do you stay locked down with economic disaster or do you try to open up too early?”
The fears came ahead of Boris Johnson’s expected announcement to explain any changes to the UK’s lockdown measures and launch a threat level alert system.
Dr Grayson said six out of 10 infections were in people who had no symptoms, and urged Australia to increase tests and to hire an army of contact tracers.
States and territories in Australia have started easing restrictions after a three-stage plan was agreed by the government on Friday, reports news.com.
It is up to the state and territories when they implement each stage, however it is hoped they will be fully implemented by July.
Stage one will see people allowed to have five visitors at home, and 10 people in businesses and public places.
Stage two will green light gatherings of 20 people in their homes, in businesses and in public places.
Stage three would see allowable gathering sizes increased to 100 – meaning pubs and clubs could reopen.
Other businesses and places of gathering like food courts and saunas would also reopen for business.
But the easing of restrictions could lead to the need for a longer lockdown, Dr Grayson warned.
“If now you reopen and you see the cases come back, then you’re gonna have to lock down much more broadly and for longer,” she said.
Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Brendan Murphy warned citizens to keep up social distancing and hand hygiene as restrictions are eased.
“If people don’t do it, we could get widespread community transmission again – that second wave that we’ve talked about, but none of us want to get,” he said earlier today.
“If you are going to a shopping centre to buy something, go and buy something, but don’t hang around the shopping centre for half-an-hour mingling for no purpose – go home.
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“If you are arriving at a shopping centre and you find a crowd at an escalator not wanting to practise social distancing or crowding together, don’t go in – leave – come back later.
“If you see someone not practising social distancing or behaving irresponsibly, tell them. If a lift opens and you find it’s full of people, don’t get in.
“The more each individual Australian takes it upon themselves to behave in this new normal way, the more courageous governments are going to be about relaxing regulations.”
Australia’s coronavirus tally rose by 12 to 6,939 cases recorded nationwide by today. There have been 97 deaths.