In past week I have experienced or observed on TV the following:
NSW Health’s actions re tracing travellers from New Zealand and having them tested and isolated
WA going into a five day lockdown
NSW relaxing the requirements regarding wearing masks in shops and supermarkets
VIC announcing last night about a new case in Melbourne and therefore an immediate tightening of restrictions, but not yet going into lockdown (although I think it is coming)
The significant and harsh criticism by each state towards the other states regarding how they have acted in handling Covid measures.
What does this tell me…
We are living this pandemic hour by hour, and we (NSW) could be thrown into lockdown or more restrictions at any time. If that were to happen I don’t think this would have any implications with my return travel plans in mid-March unless my flight is cancelled.
Since the restrictions were lifted here a few days ago we have been able to go shopping without wearing masks, and I was pleasantly surprised just how many people were continuing to do so (about 2/3rds). This has gradually reduced over the several days to now be only about 1/3 of people wearing masks and you can see a significant rise in complacency regarding scanning in the QR codes at each shop.
On public transport we must still wear a mask even while standing on train platforms and at bus stops. I am seeing 100% compliance on the trains but very disappointed with people on buses. The number of people who are allowed on without a mask, remove their mask once on or who pushed their mask down around their throats so that they can talk on phones is very high.
Come on NSW, lift your game.
My Fear Share 