Back again

On 15 December our foolhardy irresponsible optimistic State Government removed most of the remaining Covid restrictions, just in time for Christmas and as Omicron took off. No need to wear a mask unless you chose, no need to check in with QR codes, travellers could cross state borders and take international flights, just as long as they had a negative test.


What happened was surely foreseeable. In the lead up to Christmas shops and venues were thronged with unmasked customers, testing stations were overwhelmed by the demand for tests from would-be travellers, case numbers ballooned and so did the number of health and other essential workers who had to isolate, and not work, because they tested positive or were contacts. Flights were cancelled. The wait for test results lengthened and people missed their flights or had to cancel their trips.


The numbers continue to rise. Most of the restrictions are back. At the supermarket all these signs, which had disappeared last week, are back in place. What a surprise.