Scott Morrison is encouraging state premiers to ease COVID-19 isolation rules despite an expected uptick in cases during winter.
The prime minister said it was ultimately a decision for premiers to make, but they needed to weigh up the economic consequences of keeping the current rules in place.
“I have always been a fan of these isolation rules being eased,” he told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday.
“I know the impact it has on the economy – of people not being able to go to work, the impact on caring for children, and the disruption it has.”
The prime minister’s comments come after the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee recommended a nationally consistent approach to transition away from close contact quarantine requirements.
But some experts say a surge in the number of flu cases could possibly be delayed until 2023, based on the recent experience of people in the northern hemisphere.
“Countries like the United States had influenza, but their experience wasn’t as bad as what was expected after two years of few (flu) cases circulating,” infectious diseases expert Peter Collignon told AAP.
Professor Collignon said while it is a good idea to have a flu vaccine this year, Australia may only see the return of widespread flu cases in winter 2023 as international travel numbers return to pre-pandemic levels.
“The pandemic is not yet over,” he said.
“We haven’t had any flu for two years (in Australia), but we can’t predict what’s in store.”
This year, people aged 65 and older, Indigenous Australians aged at least 50, disability care residents and the immunocompromised are eligible for a fourth vaccine dose.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said anyone eligible for a winter COVID-19 shot should come forward.
“You can pair it with your annual flu shot, which will help protect you against both the flu and COVID-19 this winter,” he said in a statement.
“Vaccines are your best protection against the most severe impacts of COVID and may provide protection against long COVID.
“Even if you have had COVID-19, it is important to maximise your protection from severe illness and have a booster.”
LATEST 24-HOUR COVID-19 DATA FROM ACROSS AUSTRALIA:
ACT: 918 cases, one death, 41 in hospital, five in ICU
NSW: 19,183 cases, 12 deaths, 1467 in hospital, 56 in ICU
Victoria: 12,007 cases, eight deaths, 339 in hospital, 18 in ICU
Tasmania: 2437 cases, no deaths, 44 in hospital, two in ICU
Queensland: 9946 cases, eight deaths, 479 in hospital, 15 in ICU
Western Australia: 8145 cases, five historical deaths, 242 in hospital, six in ICU
South Australia: 5068 cases. four deaths, 206 in hospital, 11 in ICU.
