Australia should be moving to utilise people who have recovered from coronavirus and developed immunity against the virus to bolster essential services, a leading expert says.

Health workers who have recovered from COVID-19 and developed immunity could work in higher-risk areas, such as screening clinics. Credit:Justin McManus

Countries including Britain are already discussing introducing “immunity passports” to increase the workforce in healthcare and other crucial sectors, and gradually re-open society.

With a coronavirus vaccine likely to be at least 12 months away, Australian health workers with immunity could be prioritised to work in intensive care units and higher-risk scenarios, said Professor Nigel McMillan, the director of infectious diseases and immunology at the Menzies Health Institute.

Schools could be kept open with immune teachers while other frontline workers, such as air stewards and public transport employees, could return to their jobs.