Victoria's health minister rejects health advice on masks as COVID-19 reinfection period is revised

NSW and Victorian residents are being suggested to retest themselves for COVID-19 4 weeks after having had the virus, with authorities warning it may be contracted once more after only one month.
NSW Well being and the Victorian Division of Well being have right now revised the COVID-19 reinfection interval from 12 weeks all the way down to 4 weeks following recommendation from the Australian Well being Safety Principal Committee.
It comes as new well being recommendation calling for masks mandates to be re-introduced was ignored by the Victorian authorities.

Victorian Well being Minister Mary-Anne Thomas mentioned mask-wearing indoors and in crowded locations is "strongly really helpful".(9)

Victoria's Well being Minister Mary-Anne Thomas refused to make masks necessary in faculties, youngster care, retail and hospitality, regardless of suggestions from the chief well being officer.
"I've chosen to not lengthen mandates for mask-wearing in a few of the settings really helpful to me by the well being officer," Thomas mentioned.
"We imagine after three years, Victorians know what to do."
Thomas mentioned the federal government as a substitute "strongly really helpful" Victorians put on masks indoors.
She additionally requested that employers think about bringing again earn a living from home preparations.
Intimate take a look at frontline COVID-19 staff reveals pandemic actuality
The modifications come as NSW information 10,806 optimistic COVID-19 circumstances and 20 extra deaths in a single day and as Victoria information 10,627 optimistic circumstances and 16 extra deaths.
NSW's Chief Well being Officer Dr Kerry Chant mentioned the lowered reinfection interval was as a result of newest subvariants of Omicron circulating in the neighborhood.
"The Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants are circulating broadly in NSW. They're extra in a position to evade immunity gained from earlier an infection and vaccination reinfection is extra possible and attainable simply weeks after a previous an infection," Dr Chant mentioned.
"We're urging individuals who have lately had COVID-19, even when they left isolation prior to now 4 weeks, to not be complacent. For those who develop signs once more, make certain to check and isolate."
Individuals who take a look at optimistic once more 28 days or extra after their first optimistic take a look at will likely be reported and managed as new circumstances.
Chant can also be urging those that at the moment are eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose to entry it as quickly as attainable forward of an anticipated peak in circumstances within the coming weeks.
Folks aged 50 to 64 at the moment are really helpful to obtain a second or winter booster dose, which is obtainable to all these aged 30 and over.
"With the rising variety of COVID-19 circumstances in the neighborhood pushed by a wave of wave of BA.4 and BA.5 infections, it is important persons are updated with their COVID-19 vaccinations, as this can present the perfect safety towards extreme sickness from COVID-19," Chant mentioned.

Dr Kerry Chant
Dr Kerry Chant has suggested individuals to get their booster pictures.(9)

Individuals are being suggested to retest themselves after 4 weeks.(Anna Kucera)

Chant mentioned whereas most circumstances of COVID-19 are delicate, some members of the neighborhood are at a danger of extreme an infection and could possibly entry antiviral drugs to deal with their an infection.
"Antivirals work finest when taken at the start of a COVID an infection, so it's actually essential that in case you are at excessive danger, you intend forward, converse with a physician so that you perceive the therapy choices which can be found to you in the event you take a look at optimistic for COVID-19," Chant mentioned.
All members of the neighborhood are being requested to remain dwelling in they're unwell, put on a masks in public indoor areas and to take a fast antigen take a look at for COVID-19 earlier than visiting weak family members or going to giant gatherings and occasions.
The Victorian Authorities has reminded individuals they have to nonetheless isolate for seven days after testing optimistic to COVID-19.
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