As Covid restrictions ease, many immunocompromised people feel theatres and concerts are now too risky. Are mask-only performances the answer?

As of this week, Queenslanders no longer have to prove they are double vaccinated to gain entry to entertainment and cultural venues, which are back at 100% capacity a month after mask requirements eased. And in South Australia, mask restrictions are lifting on Friday.

But more than an estimated 700,000 Australians are, at any given time, considered immunocompromised – through genetic causes, as organ recipients, undergoing treatments for cancer and some infections or simply age. Many in these groups are choosing to remain in self-imposed lockdown as Covid-19 precautions in public settings ease.

Sydney-based musician Liz Martin, who has a lifelong autoimmune condition, understands why so many Australians are raring to go out and want things to get back to normal.

“But we are still in a pandemic, and it would be great if we could keep a lot of these simple measures in place to help ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of people that are more vulnerable,” she said.

“Many people with a disability aren’t attending events. It’s really impacting a lot of people who have to stay at home, they’re still in lockdown to look after their own health. They feel abandoned.”

Source - The Guardian

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