The party is over
They have different political allegiances, but politicians Josh Burns and David Southwick have joined forces to stabilise the COVID fallout created by an irresponsible small group of Melbourne’s Jewish community.
David Southwick
In a joint statement, Federal Labor MP Burns and Victorian State Liberal MP Southwick said: “From the moment we were informed of positive COVID-19 cases in our local community, we have been working together with the Victorian Government’s Department of Health and community leaders to assist with communication, contact tracing and testing, including the rapid introduction of new testing sites in St Kilda, Caulfield and Elsternwick.
This is an extremely concerning local outbreak that has created many exposure sites across our local area.
The most vital task right now is to identify all people who have been at risk of exposure, to get them tested and in isolation.
After long and difficult lockdowns, we share the frustration at people not abiding by the public health rules.
The reports and footage from local gatherings are obviously deeply disappointing and are being dealt with by the relevant authorities. While we condemn such actions, online hate and social media bullying is also not appropriate.
Our message to those who have attended, or hosted gatherings is to please cooperate with public health authorities, to come forward and get tested and isolate to protect yourselves and to protect the entire community.
Josh Burns
Every Melburnian is exhausted and desperate for this lockdown to end. But the quickest way to end this lockdown – is for people to do the right thing – follow the rules; get tested and isolate if they’re symptomatic or have been at an exposure site; and get vaccinated if they’re eligible.
We are working with public health teams and we will continue to pass on information that we receive to keep the community informed.
We are available to assist the community during this challenging time.”
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry welcomed the statement issued by the Jewish Community Council of Victoria expressing the Jewish community’s strong disappointment in and condemnation of the actions of the 69 people attending an engagement party flaunting COVID rules.
ECAJ President Jillian Segal said: “The Delta variant of COVID-19 is highly transmissible and dangerous, and public health orders and restrictions must be strictly complied with”, said ECAJ President Jillian Segal. “It was the height of irresponsibility to hold an illegal gathering in a private house in Melbourne during lockdown. The reason is irrelevant. It was wrong. At least three people have now become infected as a consequence. More may follow. The message must be conveyed in loud and clear terms: Obey the rules. No exceptions”.
Victorian Police Commissioner Shane Patton stated that fines totalling over $350,00 have been issued adding it had been “an expensive engagement party”.
All guests have been tested and there has been positive results while the State’s are checking on all who have been in contact recently with each and every one of them.
name and shame.
ben
I have had my two Astra Zeneca injections and wear a mask when outdoors. Its up to all citizens to tell other citizens, who are not obeying the rules, to obey the rules. The police cant be everywhere so just don’t look the other way. I spoke to two young women at IGA Middle Park a few days ago who walked in without a mask and did not sterilize their hands. I said sterilize your hands which they then did. It only takes some prompting if you see a rule breach.