Of the 3,810 Victorians who tested positive for coronavirus over the past three weeks, almost 90 per cent kept going about their business after they began to show symptoms.
Kept going to the supermarket. Kept caring for loved ones.
Then, after having a test, 53 per cent did not isolate at home while they waited for the results.
This is not about apportioning blame or pointing the finger.
A choice between putting the safety of their colleagues and the community first – and putting food on the table.
Far too many people can't afford to miss a shift.
This is an indictment on the insecurity of our workforce – and a conversation we as a society must have.
So I implore all Victorians: if you're sick, get tested immediately. Stay home. Don't go to work.
It can't mean 'Hopefully I'll test negative, so I'll just keep going to work in the meantime.'
We have $1,500 hardship payments available for anyone who tests positive and their close contacts – and if we need to extend the criteria on this, we will.
That means if you start to feel sick, you should assume you have the virus – and behave accordingly.