AMA NSW President worries opening from lockdown too quickly will overwhelm hospitals: warns premier

Doom-merchant medical association makes grim prediction decision to give Aussies more freedoms on October 11 MAY ‘overwhelm’ hospitals – but don’t say WHEN we should open

  • Australian Medical Association are worried about new easing of restrictions
  • AMA NSW President Danielle McMullen insists NSW premier needs to slow down
  • Dominic Perrottet announced a new roadmap out of lockdown on Thursday 


Doctors are concerned that NSW’s revised ‘roadmap’ out of Covid-19 restrictions could see the state relaxing too quickly.

The Australian Medical Association of NSW said changes to the state’s plan to exit lockdown could overwhelm the hospital system with virus cases and burn out healthcare workers.

‘We’ve got a new premier in the driver’s seat, but that’s not a good enough reason to deviate from the course previously set,’ AMA NSW President Danielle McMullen said.

‘Keeping people safe must be the premier’s top priority.

‘Relaxing restrictions too soon will not be a “popular” decision if it means the number of people contracting the virus and ending up in hospital skyrockets.’

Newly-minted Premier Dominic Perrottet on Thursday announced a revised strategy to reopen NSW

Newly minted Premier Dominic Perrottet on Thursday announced a revised strategy to reopen NSW.

After meeting with the crisis cabinet on Wednesday, when the state reached a 70 per cent double-dose vaccination milestone, Mr Perrottet announced the changes, with the state to emerge from months of lockdown on Monday.

As part of the new plans, indoor gatherings will be capped at 10 people, not counting children under 12. Outdoor gatherings will be lifted to 30 people.

For weddings and funerals, 100 people can attend.

NSW indoor swimming pools will also be able to open for lessons, training and rehabilitation activities.

Restrictions will ease further when 80 per cent of the adult population is fully jabbed, expected around October 25.

While the AMA NSW urged the premier to 'pump the brakes' on the easing of restrictions, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and lobby group Business NSW welcomed the state government's road map changes

While the AMA NSW urged the premier to ‘pump the brakes’ on the easing of restrictions, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and lobby group Business NSW welcomed the state government’s road map changes

That’s when 3,000 people will be allowed at ticketed outdoor events and nightclubs can reopen, but without dancing.

Masks also won’t be required in office buildings in an attempt to encourage workers back to Sydney’s CBD.

These freedoms will apply only for the fully vaccinated until December 1, when freedoms are restored for the unvaccinated.

While AMA NSW urged the premier to ‘pump the brakes’ on the easing of restrictions, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and lobby group Business NSW welcomed the state government’s road map changes.

‘With NSW passing the 70 per cent double vaccination rate threshold … Australians are beginning to get their lives back,’ Mr Morrison said.

However the hospitality sector had mixed feelings, with Restaurant and Catering Australia disappointed the caps on patrons were not increased or scrapped.

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