Schoolchildren across the country are returning to classrooms today ahead of a predicted huge Omicron surge, but medical experts have told families not to worry.
Infectious Disease expert Professor Robert Booy has warned of an expected Covid classroom outbreak which could see case numbers soar in coming weeks.
But he insists he’s not concerned – and predicts the Omicron surge will peak within two weeks.
‘We are going to have a spike,’ he told Nine’s Today show. ‘We should be alert but not concerned. Kids go back to school. They will spread it around.
Infectious Disease expert Professor Robert Booy (pictured) has warned of an expected Covid classroom outbreak which could see case numbers soar in coming weeks
‘But so many people are vaccinated, and so many more will be soon, and so many people are not susceptible because they have been vaccinated or because they have had the disease.
‘It is not going to find too many children to infect. There will be a surge, probably only for two weeks.’
Dr Nick Coatsworth – Australia’s former deputy chief medical officer – added: ‘Very few kids will be going to hospital because of this – and that’s the most important and most reassuring thing for parents.’
He added: ‘We’re going to see a lot of mild or barely symptomatic kids who are positive.
‘What I also think is that the mitigation measures that are put in place – masks, outdoor learning, better ventilation, and the rapid antigen test.
‘That will blunt the effect of the increase in numbers.’
Students are being given rapid antigen tests in a bid to keep track of Omicron’s spread and Prof Booy said parents should use them.
Dr Nick Coatsworth said very few children will end up in hospital with Covid (pictured, schoolchildren in Brisbane after receiving their vaccination jabs)
‘Rapid tests are really helpful.’ he add. ‘They can tell you if you have symptoms and should stay home, and if you are not infectious and well, go to school.
‘By being tested you know it is safe to go to school. Parents can be reassured. They are really helpful.’
But he acknowledged some parents may still be resistant to getting their children vaccinated and many are now exhausted after two years of the pandemic.
‘For children there is a little bit of hesitancy,’ he admitted. ‘People are a bit weary. We are all a bit over it. We’ve had to deal with it ourselves or close relatives.
‘I think people need a reminder. More people have died in NSW in the last month than in the previous two years.
‘Do something now. Do yourself a favour. Do your close relatives a vulnerable person in your family a favour by getting vaccinated.
‘It is still a chance to make a real benefit for your own health and those close to you.’
The University of Sydney professor says parents should book their children in for vaccination as soon as possible to protect them in class, with appointments now easily available (pictured, schoolchildren in Sydney)
The University of Sydney professor says parents should book their children in for vaccination as soon as possible to protect them in class, with appointments now easily available.
Children can be fully vaccinated within just two weeks to give them maximum protection against the worst effects of the disease, he added.
‘Access is not a problem any more,’ he said. ‘Loads of appointments are ready and waiting for children.
‘Children can be protected very quickly in two weeks after the first jab. The booster, your protection kicks in after only one week.
He added: ‘In the main the access is great and opportunity to get protected in the next week or so very easily. Just book in.’
