Former Australian Medical Association president Dr Kerryn Phelps has called on Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to enforce a mask mandate.
It comes as the state recorded 4,655 new infections on Sunday, with 762 people in hospitals – 28 of those are in ICU.
Queensland has a massive 53,100 active infections.
The one-time independent MP for the Sydney seat of Wentworth replied to a tweet from Ms Palaszczuk who urged anyone over the age of 30 to book in for their fourth COVID-19 vaccination.
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“If you have downtime this weekend, book that booster shot,” the Premier wrote.
“Everyone over the age of 30 is eligible for a fourth vaccination. Getting a booster is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19.”
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ATAGI) updated its recommendation for people aged 50 to 64 years to get a fourth COVID-19 vaccine, while people aged 30 to 49 years may choose to have a fourth shot if they wish to.
ATAGI reiterated that people who had already been eligible for the fourth dose, including those aged 65 years and over, remain at “high risk of severe disease and death” from COVID-19.
But Dr Phelps warned that vaccination alone is not enough to control the pandemic.
“Whatever advice you are receiving @AnnastaciaMP, vaccination alone will not control this #covid19 pandemic,” she wrote on Sunday.
“People will continue to get reinfected without other measures.
“The healthcare system around the country is struggling: hospital staff, paramedics, GPs.
“Please mandate masks.”
It’s not the first time Dr Phelps has weighed in on the need for stronger rules.
Earlier this month she called out Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for not wearing an N95 face mask when receiving his fourth jab.
It is not against the rules to enter a New South Wales pharmacy without a mask.
“Where are the N95 masks @AlboMP?” she tweeted.
Dr Chris Moy, Vice President of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) said the Prime Minister should stop with the “contradictory messaging” and start to be more transparent about the emerging COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly launched an impassioned plea for Australians to “take action” and wear face masks amid a surge in COVID-19 cases this winter – but stopped short of advising the Albanese Government to mandate the measure.
Dr Kelly appeared on Sky News Australia where he warned COVID-19 cases are expected to peak in August as the country endures a third Omicron wave.
“In terms of a mandate, that’s really a decision for government and that’s something they need to consider,” he said on July 20.
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