Face of Nation International : As the country enters its fourth week of heavy physical-distancing measures — resulting in a gradual flattening of the curve — health experts have begun contemplating the “next phase” of Australia’s response, beyond the restrictions.
However, according to the experts — including a group of epidemiologists advising the Federal Government — more data on the rate of community transmission is needed before further decisions can be made. University of Melbourne health epidemiologist Kathryn Snow told the ABC that data would help answer the pragmatic questions such as what could we expect in the next few months.
“[It will tell us] what restrictions can we relax, as well as what measures are needed in specific locations,” Professor Snow said. “What we will be getting with this new modelling is much more targeted forecasts. It will give us much more specific insight into what’s happening in Australia.”
Yesterday Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy said the current data on infection rates was being skewed by infected international travellers, but in the “next week or 10 days” they would have a “much better picture” (Source: ABC News – Australia)
