Infectious diseases specialist Dr Nick Coatsworth says the seven day COVID-19 isolation mandate should be shortened, arguing the policy is now doing “more harm than good”. 

The former Deputy Chief Medical Officer was speaking ahead of this week’s crucial National Cabinet meeting where federal, state and territory leaders will discuss whether to cut the isolation period to five days.

He said his strong support for a reduction was about reducing pressure on the hospital system because of staff being furloughed and not about letting people get back to the pubs.

“Even if there’s a small amount of infectivity risk at day six or seven, if you are in a mask and are wearing it like doctors and nurses do, which is properly in a hospital setting, your risk of transmission is really low,” Dr Coatsworth told Sky News Australia last week.