OMICRON CHANGES EVERYTHING
IT IS madness to stick to the December 15 border opening, a date that was announced in October and was based on our high double vaccination rate of 90 per cent.
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This was with the knowledge that the double vaccination protected us from the Delta variant.
The latest variant, Omicron, changes everything. It spreads rapidly, infects even with double vaccination and needs a booster to give only about 75 per cent protection.
Here in Tasmania, the Bass Strait has protected us so that we have lived for nearly two years with no virus and we have lived a mostly normal life.
Premier Peter Gutwein stood fast but has now ignored the effects of Omicron in the UK, where 78,610 cases in one day have occurred and Boris Johnson is reintroducing restrictions and warning of a "tidal wave" of the Omicron variant.
Close our borders now before things get very much worse and totally out of control.
Tasmania hasn't any experience of handling COVID outbreaks and disaster looms.
Christmas parties, self-isolation ignored by many, all will become "super-spreaders", as has happened in Victoria and NSW.
Peter Gutwein will be remembered as the premier who let the virus in, when he could have prevented it.
John Edelsten, Legana.
THANKS, GOOD SAMARITANS
I EXPERIENCED a minor medical problem at the Coles car park (Kmart) around midday, Saturday, December 11.
I would like to express my gratitude and many thanks to all the assistance I was given, especially the two young guys (men), the ladies who patched me up, and also the employee from and the many shoppers who took the time to stop and ask if all was OK.
No place like Launceston to live, Merry Christmas to you all.
Michael Medcraft, Newstead.
A DECISIVE AND DIVISIVE DAY
MONDAY, December 6, 2021, two of our family members (one a senior Vietnam veteran 1965, the other just turned 18 years old, who has been recovering for 10 weeks from his first Pfizer vaccination) are now not permitted by our state government to enjoy fellowship and refreshment at their local hotel and nightclub.
The truth and honest leadership has deserted this beautiful island and its people's lifestyle. One can foresee that all will be taken from individuals until they consent to be double vaccinated, followed by boosters.
Nicholas Lee, Launceston.
COMMUNITY COOPERATION
I'VE noted a quiet group of climate activists, one of whom has chosen to undertake a hunger strike for a total of six days, situated on the corner of St John and Paterson streets.
Many passing vehicles acknowledge support, as do pedestrians. However, I suspect many of our community members don't realise they are also playing their part to help offset the effects of the climate emergency.
For example, every employee of the City of Launceston council works for a council that was one of the earliest to declare a climate emergency. Walk to town, or take a MTT bus, and you are lowering your carbon footprint by not driving a private vehicle.
Numerous electrical contractors passed the corner activists - Tasmania's power is totally renewable, and the heat pumps these sparkies install are super efficient, so a double whammy there.
And all those gardening contractors doing their bit, the trees and plants you use are growing as future carbon sinks. I could go on with more examples. Next time you see a local climate activist, toot your horn, wave, thumbs up. They are doing their bit as well. We are all in this together.