TOUGHER CRACKDOWN ON COVID CASES NEEDED

WE have all seen the large number of positive COVID-19 cases reported over recent weeks in the Melbourne area. Our politicians have done well with their messaging and the efforts of Victoria Police and the ADF personnel have been exemplary in enforcing the current regimen.

However, I wonder whether we may be missing a vital link as the number of total active cases continues to rise? Is there a sufficient penalty to dissuade those people who have tested positive from venturing out to do a bit of “last-minute” shopping even with their masks attached?

We all know there is a $1652 penalty for being away from home in Melbourne without an adequate reason, and people have been fined for this. Similarly, there is a fine of $200 for those outside their homes in the lockdown area with no mask.

But what is the fine for someone who has tested positive being caught away from home during their 14-day isolation period? If such a fine exists, and it needs to be very substantial (like $10,000 or a period in jail) then the messaging from politicians needs to pick up on this.

If no such appropriate fine exists for breaking curfew while COVID positive, then a substantial fine needs to be established and then publicised widely.

In addition, perhaps more government support needs to be given to those who have tested positive to prevent them being tempted to quickly pop out to the shops for important supplies.

Russell Cooper, Point Lonsdale