Hygiene practices used to prevent the spread of COVID-19 could become more common in social and health circles after the pandemic passes.
This possibility and others will be examined on Friday when the University of Newcastle hosts an online webinar titled, "Rethinking healthcare systems in times of COVID-19: lessons, challenges and opportunities".
"COVID has shed light on vulnerabilities and inconsistencies," said University of Newcastle Professor Francesco Paolucci, who will chair the event.
Dr Paolucci, a health economics and policy researcher, said some measures taken during the pandemic were perhaps unnecessary or no longer necessary.
He said decisions were made to boost supplies of personal protective equipment like surgical masks, particulate filter respirators (such as P2 or N95), gloves, goggles, glasses, face shields, gowns and aprons.
At the same time, lockdowns, border closures and tough restrictions on business and social life were enforced.
Inconsistencies emerged at state and federal levels between responsibility for economic, health and lockdown measures.
While decisions were made in "an environment of stress", he said there were "questions to raise about governance and decision-making". "We have to question the proportionality of some of this."
This wasn't about blame, but it was important to "learn from these experiences and rethink how our healthcare system is designed and interconnected".
A panel of experts and global leaders from industry and academia will provide insights and examine future scenarios at the event.
Among them will be former health minister of Chile, Dr Emilio Santelices.
The webinar is a free and public event.
