A rise in COVID-19 cases has prompted the Western Australian government to reintroduce face mask rules in Perth’s public hospitals.
Staff and patients will be ordered to wear surgical masks in high-risk clinical areas from Monday, Prime Minister Roger Cook says.
This includes departments where vulnerable patients are treated and departments for intensive care, hematology, oncology, organ transplantation and kidney dialysis.
“We must do what we can to ensure we protect each other — especially our most vulnerable,” Cook said Friday.
“It is a simple measure that will reduce the spread of COVID-19 and help protect our most vulnerable.”
Staff and patients will be ordered to wear surgical masks in high-risk clinical areas from Monday, says WA Premier Roger Cook
WA Chief Health Officer Dr. Andy Robertson said COVID-19 cases have increased since early September.
“It is an expected part of the continued evolution of COVID-19 in the community as people’s immunity wanes over time,” he said.
“Given the increase in COVID hospitalizations and sick healthcare workers, healthcare providers have agreed on consistent mask recommendations across our public health system.”
Surgical masks will also be recommended for staff and visitors in all clinical areas of public hospitals.
Dr. Robertson said private hospitals and aged care facilities should also consider tightening their rules on mask-wearing for staff and visitors.
“COVID is still with us and my advice to the community remains the same: stay home if you are sick and do not visit high-risk settings such as aged care facilities and hospitals if you have cold or flu symptoms,” he said. .
Dr. Robertson said the public should consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings or where physical distancing is not possible, and getting a booster COVID-19 vaccination.