The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) has urged continued caution on mass gatherings while the Coronavirus pandemic prevails, reminding Australians just how infectious COVID-19 is.
The AHPPC is the key decision making committee for health emergencies, comprised of all State and Territory Chief Health Officers and chaired by the Australian Chief Medical Officer.
“We know the virus is still present in the community in low numbers and there remains an ongoing threat of importation of new cases,” the AHPPC said.
“Other countries with early control of COVID-19, similar to that seen in Australia, have experienced significant resurgence of community outbreaks after relaxation of measures,” it said.
“Singapore is one such example.”
The AHPPC said it was extremely concerned about large gatherings for protests which occurred last weekend.
It said that it was still too early to tell whether the significant relaxation of distancing measures across the country would result in increased transmission and new significant outbreaks of COVID-19.
“Australians are reminded that in our recent past a single person infected more than 35 others,” it said.
“This virus is very, very infectious.”
The Committee said the virus would be with Australians one way or another for many months to come.
“Although our recommendation is to not attend mass gatherings of any kind, including protests, should individuals choose to participate, they should maintain appropriate physical distancing and hand and respiratory hygiene,” the AHPPC said.
