Why elderly Victorians are being encouraged to consider self-imposed ‘lockdown’

Older Victorians should consider laying low for the next few weeks to avoid contracting COVID-19 during the “peak” of the Omicron wave, the head of the epidemiological modelling unit at Monash University has told 3AW.

James Trauer said those at greater risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 would be wise to take extra precautions to ensure they didn’t end up in hospital while they were as stretched as they currently are.

“I’m only talking about for a few weeks,” he said.

There are currently 1229 people in hospital with coronavirus in Victoria.

Mr Trauer said that figure would almost certainly increase over the coming days but was optimistic things would soon trend in a positive direction.

“It’s looking a lot more positive than it was a few weeks ago,” he said.

Press PLAY below to hear him speak with Neil Mitchell

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