More support needed for suspected coronavirus patients

Tasmanian Labor
  • Liberals’ approach heavy handed
  • Better public education needed
  • Individual circumstances must be factored in to support self-isolation
  • More needs to be done to support Tasmanians suspected of being infected with coronavirus to limit its spread in the state.

    Labor’s Shadow Health Minister Sarah Lovell said the reaction of the community to increasing concern around a potential coronavirus outbreak, such as stockpiling behaviour, is an indication of a lack of confidence in the Government’s approach on coronavirus.

    Ms Lovell said confirmation that a young man from Hobart failed to comply with isolation requirements while waiting on test results has raised serious questions about the adequacy of public information and support.

    “People are understandably concerned about the man’s failure to comply with advice from health authorities and self-isolate before receiving his positive test results.

    “But Peter Gutwein’s threat to fine him and others who don’t self-isolate is heavy handed and counter-productive. This shows that Peter Gutwein has no understanding of the reality for many Tasmanians who are living pay cheque to pay cheque.

    “Obviously, we want people to comply with self-isolation directives, but instead of bullying people by threatening fines they can’t afford, we need to understand why people may not be self-isolating when advised to do so.

    “Many Tasmanians are under-employed, casual, or may not have reserves of personal leave, and can’t simply take time off work, without facing significant financial hardship. Threatening these people with fines may only deter them from being tested in the first place, leading to a much higher infection rate.

    “We need the government to be working with individuals to ensure they fully understand the requirements and why they are so important, to understand their specific circumstances, and to put in place whatever measures are required to enable them to comply with self-isolation requirements.

    “This is a unique situation and if we don’t treat it as such, with special measures in place, we will struggle to contain the spread of coronavirus.”

    Sarah Lovell MLC

    Shadow Health Minister

    /Public Release. View in full here.