"In times of bushfires we did not second guess the advice of the chief fire and emergency services commissioner. In times of public health emergency,we should not be second guessing the chief medical officer,"the email to members said.
The association's chief executive Terry Slevin told theHerald he was worried"a variety of sources"were undermining public health officials'advice to government and creating panic,arguing"there's a level of expertise and understanding"needed to give the best advice.
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"Whether it's extreme versions of misinformation,people pursuing their own commercial interest,or others offering opinions based on what they heard - these kinds of things are driving the panics we're seeing,"he said.
The medical and public health communities have rallied around Dr Murphy and the authorities amid criticism the official advice has been slow and badly communicated.
Veteran ABC presenter and physician Norman Swan,strategic health adviser Bill Bowtell and Medical Journal of Australia editor-in-chief Nick Talley have at times ignored the government's advice in recent weeks by calling for stronger action such as lockdowns and school closures. Chief medical officers at a state and federal level argue schools should remain open for the time being.
Tania Sorrell,director of the Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity,said high-profile commentators were well-intentioned but should be careful with their comments.