COVID-19 far from over for WA | AMA (WA)

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Passengers wearing masks at airport

COVID-19 far from over for WA

Friday June 17, 2022

While public health measures continue to be eased, the AMA (WA) wants Western Australians to remain vigilant about the dangers of COVID-19, and the risks it still poses to the community.

The BA5 Omicron variant of COVID is starting to cause significant problems in Europe, with reinfections and hospitalisations greater than their original Delta outbreak.

The most common variant in Western Australia is BA2, which is found in about 70 per cent of cases, while BA4 covers about 10 per cent, and other variants the remainder.

However, BA5 is becoming increasingly dominant in New South Wales, and is already present in WA in small numbers. Observation will be undertaken to monitor how it interacts with our highly vaccinated population in WA.

With the mask mandate removed for airport terminals from tomorrow, it’s a timely reminder that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over for WA, and indeed is not over for the world.

Comments attributed to AMA (WA) President Dr Mark Duncan-Smith:

“If you can’t socially distance indoors, I recommend you wear a mask, especially if you are vulnerable.”

“Keep your COVID-19 vaccination status up to date with boosters when they fall due.”