Plastic shields at supermarket checkouts DON'T prevent COVID spreading.
Plastic shields at supermarket checkouts DON'T prevent COVID spreading, says epidemiologist Raina MacIntyre. Raina MacIntyre told Sunrise that the shields, which have been installed at supermarket and shops across the county, “don’t actually do much at all because the virus travels in the air.” Hear the interview
Vaccine rollout won't open international travel by July, experts say
Health experts have warned the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines is unlikely to allow Australians to fly overseas by mid-year, as their varying rate of effectiveness makes the idea of a "vaccine passport" unfeasible.
Crowds for SCG Test an ‘unnecessary risk’ amid COVID-19 cluster in Greater Sydney
Speaking on ABC’s Weekend Breakfast, epidemiology expert Professor Raina MacIntyre explained why hosting up to 24,000 spectators at the New Year’s Test was “quite risky”.
“I think it is an unnecessary risk at this critical time,” Prof MacIntyre said on Sunday morning. READ MORE
Mask mandate for Sydney more effective than lockdown now that Christmas and New Year over, expert says.
More drastic restrictions may be needed if Christmas and New Year gatherings cause COVID super-spreading, authorities have flagged.
Professor Raina MacIntyre says the fallout from festive gatherings could be greater than the previous Sydney clusters.
Professor MacIntyre hopes a mask mandate across Sydney will be tried before a broader lockdown. READ MORE
Health experts warn of danger from Premier’s ‘mixed message’.
Epidemiologists are calling for a crowdless New Year’s Test at the SCG, to prevent further spread of COVID-19 and encourage compliance with other restrictions.
UNSW Professor of Global Biosecurity Raina MacIntyre told John Stanley allowing 24,000 people at the match is “sending a mixed message” to Sydneysiders, particularly in the wake of two likely super spreader celebrations. READ MORE
Crowds at SCG during Sydney COVID- 19 outbreak: It’s just not cricket.
Opinion by Professor Raina Macintyre, the head of Biosecurity Research Program at the Kirby Institute, UNSW. READ MORE
With Sydney coronavirus outbreak, experts fear Christmas could lead to 'worst-case scenario' for New Year's Eve
Throw in the Boxing Day sales, where large crowds mingle indoors, and it's a "potential ticking time bomb", says University of NSW epidemiologist Professor Raina MacIntyre who heads the Biosecurity Program at the Kirby Institute. READ MORE
Grim warning Sydney's covid cases could hit 3,000 by January
Grim warning Sydney's covid cases could hit 3,000 by January unless the ENTIRE city goes into lockdown - as experts call for New Year's Eve celebrations to be cancelled.
Sydney reported 30 new cases of coronavirus on Sunday, 28 with confirmed links to northern beaches cluster.
Infectious disease expert Professor Raina MacIntyre said Sydney needs to go into lockdown if cases rise.
She warned about the dangers of Christmas and New Year's, predicting cases could hit 3,000 by January 8.
Prof MacIntyre said NSW needed to improve its digital contact-tracing and efficiency of testing clinics. READ MORE
New Year’s ‘mother of all super-spreaders’
Top epidemiologist Raina MacIntyre warns that Sydney faces up to 3000 cases by January unless there is an immediate lockdown. READ MORE
Why Sydney is facing a super-spreading disaster.
Opinion by Professor Raina Macintyre, the head of Biosecurity Research Program at the Kirby Institute, UNSW. READ MORE