Déjà vu in Melbourne? Please let it not escalate.

[countessalmirena]

We don't know yet exactly what sort of lockdown it will be.

We don't know yet exactly how severe it will be, what things will be further restricted.

We don't know yet exactly how long the lockdown will be imposed.

But we know that there will be a lockdown.

I'm so disheartened by the fact that this was preventable. What possessed case number 5 (the case who contracted COVID-19 from the Wollert cluster (via a missing link, probably?) to ignore his symptoms for more than 4 days? What possessed him to go out and about while symptomatic? Was he wearing a mask? (I'll take a wild stab at it and say no, he probably wasn't.) Was he socially distancing? (Clearly not.)

Taken in conjunction with the general complacency and vaccine reluctance, the discarding of masks in public transport, the lack of enforcement (with police chiefs being - in my view - a bit ridiculous in scoffing at the task of enforcing health directives), the surging together of people  much closer than 1.5 metres when we know - surely we call know! - that this pandemic is far from over, and the number of people who are shaking hands and kissing and hugging... it's making my heart sink like a concrete boot.

I skipped wearing a mask twice recently, I admit. I had it with me, but I popped into the bank and thought it would be a good idea not to obscure my face for security reasons. I also went to a supermarket for one item, late at night just before it closed. It was not wise. Oh! And one more time... at the Melbourne Recital Centre while enjoying a fabulous concert. Every other time, yes, I've masked up. But now I feel foolish, and I won't be making any exceptions.

Stupid-decision-making people could be walking around in any part of Melbourne or indeed Victoria, refusing to be tested, brushing off their symptoms, scoffing at the notion of wearing a mask or sanitising their hands.

And more political point-scoring is being launched as well. I've no patience for it; we need to be working together to resolve these problems, and stamp out this outbreak. Ironically it is because we as a country have been doing so well that the complacent behaviour has crept back.

Fellow Melbournians and Victorians, we just have to be strong, and let's do our best to reiterate that the hygiene behaviours (    and unfortunately now (probably) as well) MUST be followed until Australia has achieved herd immunity - and even after that, we should at the very least maintain hand hygiene and cough etiquette.

Let's try to lead the world into effective long-term behaviour change.

And God help us all as we enter into whatever lockdown hell lies before us. *virtual hug* - because that's the only sort I can give you.

[countessalmirena]

I still see some wearing their masks incorrectly. Even in a healthcare setting, I see it and want to read the miscreants the riot act; however, as in those particular instances I’m not the authority, it becomes problematic.

Most people do not realise consciously when they are touching their face, adjusting or touching their mask, etc.

The majority of masks being worn by the general public do not offer protection against airborne transmission.

The evidence is really in now. The beast is airborne.

[eol-products]

Lots of talk of an extension to the lockdown but  at least the daily numbers are low. Just hope there is no spread from a traveller through the lower part of NSW which could make things more interesting with NSW possibly getting locked out from some states if any cases come forward.

[imastawka]

Up to 60 with the virus now.

Lockdown extended for another 7 days with easing for Regional Vic.

Some easing of restrictions, but the same 5 reasons to leave home.

Melbourne's lockdown extended for another week, restrictions to ease in regional Victoria (msn.com)

[rogespeed]

WHO has nick named the Indian variant B. 1. 617. 1  as " Kappa "

This is the super-spreader variant infesting Melbourne

https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2021/jun/01/who-names-covid-19-variants-first-found-in-india-...

[*stuff*books*]

After months of concern about QR code compliance, the Service Victoria QR code check-ins will now be mandatory across the whole state for places like supermarkets and shops.

So if you don't have WIFI on your phone you can't go shopping?

[imastawka]

COVID-19 Check-in help | Service Victoria

[*stuff*books*]

It would be handy if it could just be printed out then stick it in the plastic card holder in your wallet and you could scan it that way.

[imastawka]

??

You have to download the app.

Turn on mobile data.

You scan their code with your camera, fill out your details and then show them to the check in person.

That's how I understand it - someone correct me if I'm wrong - I don't get out and about.

[countessalmirena]

Another resident of the Aged Care home has tested positive...

    We've had lockdown extended for at least another 7 days...

        This is worse than a cat chasing its own tail; now the cat is pursuing the tail of every cat in the neighbourhood in a sort-of feline conga. The sense of dread that falls upon Melbournians in particular is difficult to describe. It's a wretchedly familiar feeling of being trapped inside a tunnel, desperately trying to wriggle out - and yet knowing that it will be some time before our heads will emerge so that we can gulp in sharp fresh air again.

Well... we have to do this. There isn't any way to stop this outbreak but by being merciless in crushing it. I am left still thinking "Why did you who were symptomatic not go and get tested? Oh, in the name of all you hold dear, why?" There is no question but that the complacency of too many in Victoria has played a terrible part in this. Yet human behaviour modelling warns us that anyone of us can tend to become laissez-faire about this brutally single-minded virus. When the danger no longer seems imminent, we can act like careless fools and console ourselves that "After all, it's under control here..."

But it's not. Fellow Melbournians, I wish I could organise a Melbourne-wide "Scream from home at 1 pm every day", just to engage in a mutually comforting roar, reminding ourselves that we aren't alone in our frustration and that at least we can make some noise and perhaps laugh a little at the ensuing reverberation.

[imastawka]

I'm all for screaming at home at a designated hour, Countess    

Now tell us all about QR codes, please, and how they work.