The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the new variant of Omicron is spreading at an unprecedented rate and countries should not rely solely on vaccines to fight it.
The Omicron variant has now been reported by 77 countries and is likely present in most countries around the world, but should not be considered “light,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
“Even if Omicron causes less severe disease, the large number of cases could again overwhelm unprepared health systems,” said Dr Tedros.
“These are not vaccines instead of masks. These are not vaccines instead of distancing. These are not vaccines instead of ventilation or hand hygiene. Do it all. consistently. Do it right. “
With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions across the country, here are the current rules in place depending on where you live:
New South Wales
A slew of COVID-19-related restrictions eased in New South Wales today and, for the first time since June, unvaccinated people are also enjoying important freedoms.
From today there is without limits the number of people authorized in your home, at public gatherings in the open air and in reception areas.
Masks, while remaining strongly encouraged where social distancing is not possible, were dropped as a requirement in most indoor environments, including stores.
But the masks will always be compulsory in public transport and airplanes, at airports and for reception staff inside the house who are not fully vaccinated.
More, unvaccinated people will now have the same freedoms as vaccinated people.
Victoria
In Victoria there is no obligation to wear face masks in most indoor and outdoor environments, but are highly recommended when physical distancing is not possible.
Masks are also strongly recommended for all high school students and staff. but masks remains a requirement indoors in retail stores, health, care and justice establishments, in primary schools and on public transport, including taxis and carpools.
There are no density limits for reception venues for fully vaccinated clients, and events with fewer than 30,000 people in attendance may take place without a COVID-safe plan for fully vaccinated people.
There is also no limit to the number of people who can congregate in a home or in public places such as parks or beaches, but the government has recommended that everyone be fully immunized.
Australian Capital Territory
In ACT, anyone over 12 years old must wear a face shield in high risk settings, including hospitals and care facilities for the elderly, on public transport and in all interior spaces of schools and early childhood education establishments.
Reception staff inside the house are also required to wear a face mask when working.
Face masks are strongly encouraged where physical distancing is not possible, an internal setting like retail and personal care services like hairdressing.
There are No limits on the number of visitors allowed to assemble in foyers or outdoors, but organized events must respect density limits.
Queensland
Masks are mandatory in Queensland under certain circumstances such as in airports and on domestic commercial flights.
Those who come from abroad or COVID-19 hot spots who are required to self-quarantine must wear a mask when traveling from the airport to a quarantine hotel.
The same rule also applies to drivers carrying overseas arrivals or hot spots to quarantine locations.
Other, masks are only recommended in situations where social distancing is not possible.
While there is no limit to the number of people who can assemble in outdoor public spaces, gatherings in private residences are limited to 100 people.
South australia
South Australia currently operates under level 1 restrictions, which means that face masks are mandatory in high risk settings, personal care services, health care services, passenger transportation services, indoor fitness facilities (except during exercise) and shared indoor public places.
High-risk facilities include residential care facilities for the elderly, care facilities for the disabled, and parts of hospitals, such as the emergency department or intensive care.
In terms of density limits, non-seated events can only run at half of normal capacity, and home gatherings are capped at 30 people.
North territory
A warrant mask is currently in place for Barunga, Beswick, Bulla, Daguragu, Katherine, Kalkarindji, Lajamanu, Manyallaluk, Pigeon Hole, Tennant Creek and Timber Creek until 2 p.m. on Friday, December 17th.
Face masks should be worn outside the home when it is not possible to maintain a physical distance of 1.5 meters, but should not be worn while exercising or playing sports .
In less than a week, the Northern Territory will allow non-quarantine travel for all interstate arrivals, but PCR testing is required.
Western Australia
At present, the masks are not mandatory in Western Australia.
But come on February 5 they will be needed in public transport, in taxis and carpools, in airports and on flights, and for visitors to hospitals or care for the elderly or disabled.
But masks will not be needed in other settings, such as major sporting events or nightclubs.
There is currently no capacity restriction for locations and events, and that won’t change on February 5 either.
Tasmania
Tasmania has now relaxed its border restrictions, resulting in a range of updated COVID-19 restrictions.
The government advises face masks “should be worn by all persons aged 12 and over” to “major events” and “during the trip (in ports / airports and on planes / the Spirit of Tasmania) “.
It also states that you must wear a face mask “in or on the premises of a public hospital, private hospital or day care facility”.
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