Soaliha IqbalThe story of the man who continued working in his casual hospitality job after being told to self-isolate has brought out all kinds of toxic hate, but also thoughtful responses in regards to people who can’t self-isolate for the coronavirus.
What’s the bet he didn’t have paid sick leave? https://t.co/LWhUTmKcRP
— David Shoebridge (@ShoebridgeMLC) March 8, 2020
The truth of the matter is some people literally cannot afford to take a day off work. When you live paycheck to paycheck, taking two weeks off work means not paying rent, and sometimes not eating. On top of that, casual workers don’t get paid sick leave, and already struggle with job security as it is. If you knock back a shift, chances are you’ll get less shifts in the future.
Most people who need to make rent are not going to quarantine if it means unpaid leave and losing a job. This was a disaster waiting to happen.
— Angela (@TheKitchenista) March 8, 2020
Despite insistence that self-isolation is working on a voluntary basis, cops in Queensland are doing random spot-checks with the Red Cross. While I understand the need to encourage self-isolation by potentially infected individuals, the disregard for those who don’t have the means to realistically self-isolate is worrying.
Will Scott Morrison have anything whatsoever to say to the working people of the country about how he will support them during #coronavirusaustralia, esp casual workers?
— Sally McManus (@sallymcmanus) March 3, 2020
It’s unsettling that being poor will directly affect your ability to self-isolate, and that you can be brutally punished for your lack of resources.
No one should have to decide between following the advice of doctors or the government and keeping a roof over their heads.
The government must also extend Disaster Relief Allowance to workers without paid sick leave who get affected by coronavirus. https://t.co/TteStU1gpM
— Adam Bandt (@AdamBandt) March 8, 2020
What Happens If You Don’t Self-Isolate?
There are actually very hefty consequences should you be penalised for not self-isolating, with huge inconsistencies across different states.
The Tasmanian Health Minister, Sarah Courtney, declared that the Government was considering stronger ways of enforcing isolation after the incident mentioned above.
ABC reported that according to the Tasmanian public health act, the maximum fine for ignoring a public health order is $8,400 – which is much less than other states. NSW has a maximum penalty of $11,000 and can include six months jail time. Queensland has a maximum fine of $13,345, South Australia has a maximum fine of $25,000, and Western Australia has a whopping penalty of $50,000 or a 12 month jail term.
So for casual workers, if you self isolate it may cost you hundreds or thousands, you may not be able to pay rent, afford food, bills etc and my be evicted and if you don’t self isolate it may cost you thousands and time in jail?
Being #poor in Australia: criminalised. #auspol
— David P (@Pewnack) March 11, 2020
So far, no one’s been charged with these fines or jail-time, but after the Hobart man’s case it seems that the Government is taking things more seriously.
“If a person is suspected to have breached the notice they had voluntarily agreed to, we’ll initially work closely with the person to ensure they not only understand their obligations, but also the importance and seriousness of isolating under the current global circumstances,” a Queensland Health spokesperson said, reported by ABC.
Wont those harsh penalties discourage people who are ill getting a test? Isn’t that the opposite of what we want??
— JulieS (@JulieStoddart) March 11, 2020
Why These Measures Are Problematic And Won’t Stop The Coronavirus Spread
The trouble with these harsh measures is that they don’t actually address problems around why people might ignore advice to self-isolate, because trust me, no one actually wants to work sick.
And now, people are probably even less likely to get tested because they may be afraid of what the consequences will be if they find out they can’t self-isolate.
How do you self isolate if you are evicted then homeless @ScottmorrisonMP #auspol #coronavirusaustralia
— ferdi magellan (@ferdimagellan2) March 8, 2020
Scott Morrison has announced a stimulus package designed to hand out thousands upon thousands of dollars to businesses – prioritising profits over people. What about funding better health care, allowing workers paid sick leave, making landlords hold off on rent for those vulnerable and self-isolating, taking on the costs of medical treatment for coronavirus and funding all testing for the coronavirus?
It seems the Government is incredibly out of touch with the financial status and needs of many Australians – I hope they figure it out before it’s too late.
Image Sources: Twitter.
