Dear Readers,
On 1 November, Australia recorded its first “Donut Day” (which means zero new Covid-19 cases and zero death) since 9 June. Yes, there will be still new infections but the donut brings hope to all Australians, especially Victorians who have gone through over 100 days of lockdown since 8 July. Life is no longer the same.
Victorians should be proud as their sacrifice of freedom in staying at home, wearing masks in public areas and during work, and submitting to Covid-19 tests and self-isolation, together with the following of good hygiene practices have repaid by being the very few places in the world that have really suppressed Covid-19 from a high of over 700 cases a day. No place in the world has achieved such success by sacrificing so much.
As compared with European countries which enter into winter now, it is expected that the burst in Europe and North America will finally result in an uncontrollable second wave. It is a blessing that Australia, especially Melbourne has survived. The policies of federal and state governments in putting lives of Australians as a priority area to be appreciated.
However, the over four months Melbourne Hotel Quarantine Inquiry, with its final report now due in late December, suggests that the Victorian government is to be responsible for this disaster. Unfortunately, politicians are not taking up their responsibilities and simply denied by “losing memories”. Many bureaucrats simply refused to provide details in the process. Governments should not cover up their mistakes.
The CALD communities are not well supported in Covid-19 information. Low quality translated Covid-19 information is insufficient to equip and engage CALD communities. We have seen that they were disproportionally penalized by fines applied by breaking quarantine rules simply because they have not been well informed. The governments should support and empower CALD media to produce, distribute and promote Covid-19 information.
BlessingCALD is committed to playing this role.
Please support us to serve CALD communities.
Regards,
Raymond Chow
Publisher
2 November 2020