Whether you are in Campsie, Cooma, Coonabarabran or Coogee – it’s time for all of NSW to lock down

AMA (NSW) is calling for the NSW Government to immediately enact full lock down measures across NSW before our health system is overwhelmed.     

AMA (NSW) President, Dr Danielle McMullen said while NSW’s medical profession has been working with the Government during this crisis, our health system can no longer manage the alarming increase in case numbers.     

“The piecemeal approach to lockdown isn’t working. It creates an ‘us versus them’ mentality between LGAs, when really, we need to treat this virus like it’s everywhere, all the time. Every person in NSW must play their part or more people are going to get sick and sadly, more people are going to die,” Dr McMullen said.   

“Doctors from across NSW are exhausted and concerned for their community. Our already fragile rural and regional health system will be unable to cope with increases in cases.   

“Rural and regional doctors have supported their communities through bushfires, floods and COVID.?Many have been unable to get locums or take leave.   

“Healthcare professionals are stepping up for their communities to vaccinate NSW residents, but vaccinations take time to work. Until we can get more jabs in arms, we need all residents to obey the restrictions.    

“Doctors across NSW are concerned that we are not going to be able to provide care for patients with other illnesses. If you are not worried about getting COVID, you should be worried about whether you will be able to get the care you need for other health conditions or unforeseen health emergencies.   

“Please obey the rules – even if you have already been vaccinated. We know if you have been vaccinated, it’s easy to feel that you should have the freedom to do more. Now is not the time for that freedom.   

“My plea to the NSW Government is that for the vaccination push strategy to work, we must lock all of NSW down. My plea to the people of NSW is to stay home and get vaccinated,” Dr McMullen said. 

Media contact: Andrea Cornish – 0419 402 955