Some Queensland hospitals are mandating masks again as COVID and flu admissions rise

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Public hospitals in Bundaberg and Mackay have already re-introduced compulsory mask wearing with significant numbers of Omicron and flu cases circulating together across the state for the first time.

Other Queensland public hospitals are also understood to be discussing whether they should also bring in mask rules as the state's traffic light system for COVID transmission remains on green.

"Lots of hospitals are grappling with high patient numbers and lots of staff absences, such that the impact is so significant that they want to do something to reduce that. That equates to about 60 per cent of beds in Queensland's largest hospital, the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.He said more than three quarters of them were among people aged 65 or older.Dr Gerrard said flu patient admissions in Queensland public hospitals had spiked 35 per cent compared to last week.

He implored Queenslanders to stay up to date with their flu jabs and COVID boosters this winter, to practise good hand hygiene and remain home when sick.The Bundaberg Hospital has mandated masks for all staff, patients, and visitors. Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said poor vaccination rates were putting added pressure on already-stretched hospitals.

 

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