This blog is not intended as advice. It is for educational and research purposes only. Read this disclaimer first if you want to read this post.
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) is the “key decision making committee for health emergencies. It is comprised of all state and territory Chief Health Officers and is chaired by the Australian Chief Medical Officer.”
Their last post was on 1 May 2020 – “Statement on risk management for re-opening boarding schools and school-based residential colleges“. Before that it was 24 Apr 2020.”
Over the last week, the Australian Prime Minister and State Premiers have been very vocal about loosening COVID-1 restrictions. The cornerstone of the Australian response has been the closing down of things like pubs, nightclubs and major events and encouraging social distancing and hand washing or sanitising. Face masks (almost never P2/N95) and gloves actually do little to reduce transmission, but face masks are increasing becoming the talisman of absolute protection. Increasing group size above 2 and allowing more travel will greatly assist rapid COVID-19 spread. Other measures that have little effect on social interactions may be less important.
It is very troubling that the Chief Health Officers and Federal Chief Health Officer have been disturbingly silent and absent from TV on the matter since the political pronouncements started. Not only are a lot of restrictions being lifted, but they are being lifted together. If they agreed, they would say so and support the politicians and give their messages credibility. The message I get is that the politicians are now ignoring the advice of the State and Federal Chief Health Officers and moving us towards a disaster.
It’s a bit like the eye of the cyclone is now overhead, things appear calm and we are now told it is all clear to go out and play. Politicians do not understand exponentials.
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) website said on 2 May 2020 “AMA President, Dr Tony Bartone, said today [2 May 2020] that the AMA is cautioning the NRL and all sporting codes about rushing to start or restart competitions, and wait until the medical experts advise it is safe to do so.” The AMA are not giving any public support for loosening COVID-19 restrictions.
Towards the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic the Australian Prime Minister started with a boast that he would continue to go to the “footy”. Before we really know the extent of the pandemic as COVID-19 testing is not widely available, “footy” will return.
Aged care facilities have been criticized for being cautious and keeping things tightly locked down, but I think they are 100% right.
While the more responsible Australians will continue to socially isolate. it appears an express highway is being designed by the politicians to help a huge surge in COVID-19. All the good work and self discipline will be in vain and the consequences will be horrific. All for a couple of weeks of political grandstanding. I hope I am wrong.
Postscript 19 May 2020. The Chief Health Officer and his Deputy have become more visible again, but with a conditional support for loosening up restrictions. I was told by the Australian Shadow Health Minister not to read too much into the matter. I am sure COVID-19 will flare up for many months to come and there will be local restrictions as part of the response.
