Educating the public about Covid normal

The Omicron variant has demonstrated that the Australian politicians were not up to standard.

WHO designated it as a variant of concern only on 26 November but within 3 weeks, it has spread to over 90 countries around the world. The federal, NSW and Victorian governments are still sticking to their “opening plans” made at least a month before the appearance of Omicron. Medical experts urged other protective measures include mandatory masks, social distancing, and other hygiene measures should be imposed in public to slow down the spread of Covid-19 in the light of the super spreading power for Omicron. However, the message from these governments was that only the booster was the key to Omicron denying the need for other measures.

Yes, the booster is important but only available for those who have been vaccinated for over 5 months. What others should do and can do now is to strictly follow other protective measures for self-protection. These governments simply are deaf to the urge of the medical professionals. We can see that the number of infections in NSW rocketed and it is possible that Melbourne will follow.

Nobody will believe that closely following a plan of unlocking that was made long before the emerge of Omicron is a wise decision. Neither a kneel-jerk reaction of closing the border again will gain the support of the people. How to modify and adjust the opening procedures to both protect the lives of people and the economy will be a big test for our political leaders.

Unfortunately, our Prime Minister is more focused on the coming election and the state Premiers are more inclined to stick with their holiday plans. The emerge of the Omicron at a time when people are ready for a long vacation will simply make it unattended until it becomes a disaster.

Clearly, the governments should be more well prepared for such a scenario and the public educated in advance. The preparation of the society for Covidnormal should include helping the public to understand and accept the scenario of having a more transmittable but less mild form of Covid. The lack of responses from the governments towards assessment by medical experts may further decrease the trust of people towards governments.

Raymond Chow
Publisher, BlessingCALD