Hospitals in Western Australia Reinstate Mask Mandates
Labor WA Premier Roger Cook has said that wearing masks will help ‘reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep our most vulnerable safe.’
Starting from Nov. 20, the state of Western Australia is reinstating mask mandates at public hospitals.
All staff and patients will be required to wear surgical masks in high-risk hospital clinical areas and in critical care settings due to a rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations, as indicated by WA Labor Premier Roger Cook.
Mr. Cook cited the latest health advice and referred to the measure as “easy” and the “right thing to do” amid the increase of COVID-19 in the community.
“It’s a simple measure that will reduce the spread of COVID-19 and help keep our most vulnerable safe,” he said.
The Western Australian premier emphasized the importance of protecting each other, particularly the most vulnerable, and stated the mask-wearing recommendation in clinical areas in public hospitals.
COVID-19 Cases in WA
According to Western Australian Chief Health Officer Dr. Andy Robertson, COVID-19 cases in the state have been increasing, driven by Omicron variants XX band EG.5.
He also recommended people get a booster COVID-19 vaccination and wear a mask, especially in crowded indoor settings or where physical distancing is not possible.