Thread by @MelissaSweetDr

So yesterday was a HUGE day for public health, not only in NSW but nationally, with widespread attention on how leaders marked the easing of public health restrictions. #AusPol #publichealth #COVID

It was a day that called for careful, thoughtful messaging, about the ongoing need for caution and preventive efforts with COVID. Politicians could have used the Swiss cheese model of public health as so usefully employed by @K_Eagar in this article
croakey.org/covid-snaps-on…

They could have invested in some public health promotions around how to minimise the risks of opening up – and not only around COVID. How to look after self and others while marking the occasion. Why getting blotto may not be the smartest response.

They could have staged their media events in a way that underscored the need for ongoing precaution and solidarity around looking out people most at risk from the opening up, including health workers and priority communities and populations

So what did we get? The NSW Premier in a pub, toasting "freedom" with nary a thought/mention for those experiencing anything but freedom
abc.net.au/news/2021-10-1… Also, breaking #publichealth regulations. But no fine for him, unlike so many others

And here’s the Federal Opposition leader reverting to 1950s-style politics. skynews.com.au/australia-news…

It would take all day to list all the reasons why this is such disgraceful, unhelpful behaviour by so-called political leaders, not least at a time when COVID has exacerbated alcohol-related harm. What messages are they sending to the community, especially young people.

Meanwhile, COVID was recorded as cause of death for 1,108 people in the UK for the week ending 24 September. And literally millions of people are waiting for vital healthcare as COVID saps the system and workforce. coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/deaths #NotFreedomDay

More on that, via @Meera_Senthi : From England, the message is clear. Address health inequalities, or they will worsen croakey.org/from-england-t… Something for the politicians to focus on, beyond their beers.

Also, as @JudkinsSimon pointed out, *now* is not the time for politicians to be setting the example that will likely increase the load on already-stressed emergency depts:

https://twitter.com/JudkinsSimon/status/1447545010988064768

Also it is *never" the time...