Doctors warn against reopening Victoria until 80% are vaccinated
They say lifting restrictions any sooner would be 'reckless' as the health system is already under massive strain
The AMA is urging Victoria to hold off easing COVID-19 restrictions until two weeks after 80% of those aged over 12 years are fully vaccinated, branding any earlier lifting as “reckless”.
The call came the same day as authorities announced a slight loosening of lockdown measures as the state hits its 70% COVID-19 first dose vaccination targets.
AMA Victoria President Dr Roderick McRae said the pandemic was putting “unprecedented strain” on the entire health system.
“Stress is being felt across the system including in primary care, hospital-in-the-home outreach care for COVID-19 patients, and [in] caring for admitted patients both with COVID-19 and other medical illnesses,” Dr McRae said.
