Federal Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly says he expects more people to be in Australia’s hospitals today than at any other time during the pandemic, but is optimistic about the potential for antiviral and mask use to ease pressure on the system
“Today we will probably have the largest number of people in hospital at any time during the pandemic,” Kelly told the Australasian COVID-19 Conference in Sydney.
“It’s challenging our health care system in so many ways.”
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
Hospitalizations in some states are still below the peaks experienced during the summer coronavirus wave. There are 2,202 people with COVID-19 in NSW hospitals today, compared to more than 2,700 earlier this year. But a month ago there were less than 1500 patients with coronavirus.
A NSW Health spokesman said it was “closely monitoring” the impact of the surge in cases at its hospitals and adjustments to operations, including the suspension of non-urgent surgeries. Concord Hospital halted elective surgery for seven days last week.
There are 840 people in hospital in Victoria, which is also less than the state’s summer peak. However, Queensland and Western Australia are experiencing their highest rates of hospitalizations.
Kelly was optimistic about the impact of increased use of antivirals and uptake of fourth doses, noting that he had been “pushing hard” for “other transmission reduction strategies”.
In a statement earlier this week, the country’s top doctor urged employers to consider whether it was feasible to allow employees to work from home and wear masks in the workplace.
He also encouraged the public to wear masks in crowded indoor environments, including on public transport.