Former deputy chief medical officer Dr Nick Coatsworth has weighed in on the new COVID strain in NSW.

A sub-variant of Omicron, BA-2, is driving concerns case numbers in NSW will exceed 25,000 a day.

NSW Health has reportedly recommended the reintroduction of restrictions including back mandatory indoor masks, a ban on singing and dancing, and work from home.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard says that would only be done as a “last resort”.

While the strain is more infectious, Dr Nick Coatsworth told Ben Fordham “it’s no more lethal”.

“This is what worries me about the ongoing fear.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview

Image: Getty/David Gray