Goya Dmytryshchak
A leading doctor says a third wave of COVID-19 could eventuate in Victoria as restrictions ease but he is confident the state’s health system is better prepared to cope.
Mukesh Haikerwal, Altona North GP and former head of the Australian Medical Association, commented as easing of restrictions and warmer weather saw thousands flock to parks, outdoor dining areas and beaches across the west.
“We have grown in knowledge of best treatment: isolating positive cases at home, quarantine in hotels and hospitals,” Dr Haikerwal said.
“We had to reduce demand for intensive care beds by reducing spread of the virus with strong messaging on distancing, hand hygiene and wearing masks.
“We secured and made more ventilators, and invented wrap-around tents to convert beds to safer ITU (intensive treatment unit) beds and for protecting staff.
“Business suffered but fewer people died than overseas.
“It was not good for social and family events but many more people were still alive here.
“Mental health suffered but life continued. Suicide rates are not clear, however use of mental health services did go up.
“With many lifting of restrictions, we await the next wave.”
A senior Labor source, close to the state government, said lockdowns and masks had been necessary until there could be “adequate” contact tracing.
“The health system was ready, both in hospitals and with contact tracing, although the latter performed much better once the lockdown and the use of masks lowered the daily cases to a level which allowed them to adequately contact trace,” he said.
“Businesses have suffered but the government has provided support.
“If restrictions were prematurely loosened, cases would have spiked rapidly.”
