The next three months will be risky for Australians as the cold winter makes it harder to curb the spread of coronavirus, doctors have told a senate inquiry.

Australian National University’s Professor Peter Collignon says the virus will remain a problem for at least two years.

“We’re going to have to keep up the things that we know work, which is predominantly keeping a physical distance, washing your hands and people who are sick staying away from others,” he told the Select Committee to inquire into the Australian government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday.

“Probably winter will be more risky, so I worry about the next three months in Australia in particular.”