Chris Hopkins
In the language of economics, they impose a “negative externality” on the community. And when transmission rates become high, so do these spill-overs. Several states, for example, make it an offence to refuse a random breath test and such a refusal can carry with it significant adverse consequences such as being disqualified from driving and receiving a large fine. The rationale is clear: to protect other road users.In all other cases, governments should do everything short of compulsion to encourage individuals to take actions that protect the broader community.
Similarly, it would mean governments conditioning the lifting of lockdown measures in specific areas on a sufficient level of community testing being achieved.Incentives of this kind are an imperfect way of encouraging individual compliance with requests for testing. Individuals can still hope that others agree to a test so that they don’t have to.
In fact, we might do well to consider why it is that some people refuse a test: a fear of discomfort or a medical condition might be one reason. But another might be a fear of the economic consequences of a positive test – and being prevented from attending work and losing the means of survival.
This freedom of the individual line is utter rubbish. Can we refuse a blood alcohol or drug test? Just more right wing BS
If they refuse the test wouldn’t it be fair for society to keep them in isolation until they submit to the test? And if it exceeds the 14 days then maybe bill them for each day over that? Or am I being too harsh?
They r putting the public at risk! What about those who hv done all the right things since day1. Stop being selfish and ignorant. I can't believe they refuse testing so childish and stupid.
This should not even be a topic for discussion. This is a worldwide pandemic. Wash your hands, isolate, wear a mask, work from home if you can. Get tested or go & live in America!
No. You can’t refuse a random breath test because they were started to keep drunks off the road and ave lives. This is no different
One of the worst articles I’ve ever read! Put your opinion first and straightforward instead of burying it deep into depth. Too much waste information hurts the core badly!
More hyperbole transmitted like a virus from the USA from anarchists who dismiss being governed and deny that democracy requires a commitment to public health. Individual freedom for them overrides the public good. A cute offering for clickbate from The Age. auspol abc730
Anybody who refuses testing should be heavily fined.
Testing should be compulsory. If the sick and elderly get infected, it is virtually a death sentence. ......any form of medical procedure or invasive form of testing..What a load of bullshit.
I will absolutely be refusing, the Government has fucked this up and won’t get any help from me.
No we shouldn't refuse , because it is for the benefit of everyone.
And we should be able to make up our mind if we want to vote or not, without a fine!! SteveAustinABC
couldn't disagree more. when it's your dad or gran you'll figure out to take this seriously.
The HS & LIBS are probably corruptly at work in VICTORIA as well encouraging COVID SPREAD!! It SMELLS when you think we went from LOW NO's too overnight massive jump in No/s!! The massive daily increase can't be down to a FEW guards!!👎👎👎😷👍🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪
Why are we not following Sweden's Herd Immunity Policy. Its practical and would have a significantly less effect on our economy.
Sure but they should stay home, dont leave dont take government support.
NO!!! Their selfishness can lead to the deaths of other people!
As long as they stay away from everyone else that's fine. auspol
Agree. But only if the medical procedure or in this case, lack there of, impacts others directly. You see, we have gun laws to avoid the minority from harming others, we have driving laws to keep thrill seekers harming others. What’s the difference here?
Great American freedom = great American deaths. Anarchism.
Post big signs up across all these postcodes. DON'T PICK YOUR NOSE IT INVADES YOUR BODILY INTEGRITY
Individuals should not be free to put at risk the health of others. The Covid -19 test is a cotton bud in the mouth and up the nose. both apertures that these people no doubt invade on a daily basis. It has no affect on their bodily integrity. Bullshit! Instant stupidity fine
I had a covid19 test yesterday, nose and mouth swab, it was fine and not a big deal at all. Getting tested is the socially responsible thing to do.
Do we get a choice about breath testing?
No they shouldn’t! They should get tested for COVID-19. That is what protects everyone else. Anything short of not accepting to be tested is ignorant, irresponsible and selfish.
COVID provides a stress test upon our current concepts of civil liberties. Some concepts are the result of argumentum ad absurdum. Clearly a liberty that results in the death if multiple innocents has failed the test.
Oh please. It's a pandemic that affects all and certainly not exclusive to the individual. This is starting to sound like th hicks in the US mid west and look at their curve and deaths.
Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
They can refuse a COVID test. They should then be locked in quarantine for 4 weeks. If in that time they develop the virus, they shouldn’t expect any medical treatment at which point they may die & spare those of us from being exposed to it who are doing the right thing.
...but clearly that sentiment doesn’t include the right to refuse vaccinations? FFS! Clearly this is all really about culling and global DNA collection.
The headline is misleading. Also, could you please bring back subbies?
But it's no longer a personal decision when it comes to dealing with a super infectious disease. That's precisely the reason China needs to be held accountable for hiding the information from the world about this coronavirus COVIDー19 outbreak at its early stage...or any stage.
Test or prison. Take your option.
Sooo we should be able to drink as much alcohol.. do as much drugs.. and drive as fast as we want!!! Same thing .. this virus kills people.. you may not think you matter but others lives do!!!
No
And should be confined to home with police checking daily.
Why refuse a free test that could save lives ...including yours... pathetically ignorant!!!!
Maybe lockdown continues until these postcodes have the lowest cases in the state. It would also be great to find this alleged super spreader and of course taking action on the hotel quarantine, which was now allegedly about 2 weeks earlier but no action was taken.
I think that a Coronavirus test is not only individual issue ; this is a matter involving the public interest and the interests of others , you should not put your own bodily integrity above the public interest
No. Compulsory!!!
In a pandemic situation I think to refuse a corona virus test and then expect to move around freely in society is simply wrong - the needs of the many ie the community outweigh the needs of the one ie your right to refuse a test
Oh f*** off! Collective responsibility .
Y s , take their drivers licenses off of them...
If we understood why they won’t have tests.
We are not a fascist country, yet. So no, people should not be forced but they should be compelled to quarantine for 3 weeks if the refuse
Rubbish, if they refuse a test, fine them.
Ok than, let’s also stop breathalyzing drivers, do away with drug testing and get rid of vaccinations. Happy days! 🤪🤪🤪
If they refuse a test they should be put in isolation on Christmas Island for 24 days (14+10), to protect the rest of Australia.
Give the people their choices
I’d rather have a throat & nose swab instead of a Pap smear anytime! People who refuse to have COVID19 tests are ignorant & selfish.
Just say you are not eligible for Centrelink payments unless you do.
Bullshit! This is a pandemic and it’s a simple test. It’s irresponsible and the height of ignorance.
Sure as long as you agree to go to Christmas Island for a moth or two
Treat them as positive until they prove otherwise
What will happen when the vaccine arrives? antivax
NO, not when other lives are at stake
Not when it comes to COVID19. It is a deadly disease, that unless we get on top of it, could go on and on for years. Until there is a vaccine or cure, we have no choice.
It’s a swab not rape FFS
Will never stop it then so let’s move on, the fittest will survive, natural attrition.
If we know who the people are who refuse a test (without a reasonable justification), can we better understand the reasons (needing education) and seriously address them.
yes so long as the refuser accepts that if they are infected by the virus they accept that they will be given basic bed and rest treatment , no other medical aid as they volunteered for this problem
The positive results have shown that people in our society aren’t smart enough to be making these decisions for themselves
...penetrative tests, yes.
Clearly, any individual should be able to refuse a COVID-19 test. Those refusing a test should then be quarantined for a period at their own expense. Testing is crucial if the spread of the virus is to be controlled and the health of the general community is to be safeguarded.
I am still in absolute ignorance why people would refuse the Corona virus test when it is being offered at their door steps. I can quote a million stories of people dying to get the tests done but refused because of lack of testing kits? First World Hubris?
Unfortunately it does not stay confined to the individual, the question of health and well being go beyond that of the 'self' this time, it is for the greater good.
I can see this perspective; however, 2 things to bear in mind: 1) Testing for COVID19Aus is not esp. invasive; it's basically a blood sample. 2) NOT testing can severely impact many others when someone has it & fails to act appropriately. Sorry, cannot agree w/this. Auspol
Not in this environment. I thought we were all in this together. Is so, get on board and rule yourself in or out, for the good of all of us.
yes or no
The arrogance of the ignorant. Let me guess. The anti-vaxers, flat earthers, science deniers are the legends thinking being tested in a pandemic is too invasive. Wait till they can’t breathe. They’ll change their mind. Unless they only kill other people, who cares,right?
Your freedom would cause others’ lives.
No! Not when the health of the whole country is at stake! It’s one verses 25 million! Go figure 🤯
How often should one be tested?
Not if it threatens the lives of other people.
There is not much individuality in it , it is a public health matter . How can you refuse to do it , knowing that the virus might spread and put people’s in danger. Common sense !
Why would you seriously it’s ridiculous
No fucking other state had this conversation, just get on with the job and get it fixed. The indecisive decision making is costing this state a fortune....Andrews just doesn't seem to get it.
So perhaps we refuse breath tests then? WTF no choice make them take the test.
What about vaccines?
This is a pandemic and the test consists of a cotton swabs rubbing throat and sinuses. No injecting, cutting or intubation. This is not all about the individual, but the entire community.
I agree it’s up to the individual. I had a test and it was uncomfortable but so what? If you refuse you should be quarantined regardless of whether or not you have symptoms.
A transvaginal ultrasound is invasive, a swab up a nostril is not..
Spit test option : )
Sure and the community should be able to put measures in place to protect itself from people’s choices when they are in the best interest of the ‘I’ and not the ‘we’.
Yes we should. Covid is killing less people, yet we are acting like more positive tests is going to kill more people.
Refuse but stay home
Random breath testing and drug testing happens every day. It's possible and legal get over it
Spitting in a cup surely isn’t a big deal
Yes, yes we should. Simple answer to a simple question. You don't need a whole article written about it.
In any other situation other than a global pandemic. Get real people.
DictatorDan CedarAndrews
That's it dickhead. Encourage the idiots to say no to testing and put more of us at risk.
No different to RBT alchohol/drug test, or random tests conducted prior to sign on in a many industries.
Always going to be a small percentage that will say no.........10,000? Jenny Mikakos is only protecting her job as Victoria have crashed protecting Victorians health.
YES AND WE SHOULD HAVE THE MEDICAL TREATMENT THAT ITALY IS USING OR USED ON COV-19 !!
Sure.. and who is liable should these individuals be infected and go on to infect more - possibly resulting in a death? If there was a vaccine, sure deny, you can be treated later. But until then, better to be safe than sorry.
What does any individual gain by refusing the test or lose by taking it?
It is not at all complex! No test, no release from ISO!
It’s like Freedom of Speech. It’s not without consequence. Make your choice not to be tested and the result is compulsory quarantine. Same as refusing a drink driving test. GetTested
Why does even bother to provide a forum for this opinion? JustAsking
You can shove that opinion up your nose. Perhaps you suggest people abstain from roadside breath tests too.
So let’s just let the minority rule the other!! We have a small % of people who think getting tested is an inconvenience,wait until you can’t work,the federal govt pull all support payment away and you have no job.I guess if you’re happy to sit in a Westfield Ctr all day, gd luck
Rights versus responsibilities. You can't have one without the other. You have the right to refuse. You are then responsible for any consequence of that refusal.
I don’t want a Drink Driving test. Is this ok?
No
Not in a pandemic when their refusal can lead to the death of other peeps!!!!
Pity our health professionals can’t refuse to treat them ...
No No No! Not when it’s affecting our Planet 🌎 and the aged & our Children.
Then I should be able to refuse a breathalyser test.
No, it is a selfish attitude, get it done or get locked down until you get it done
Does this same logic apply to breathalysers or blood alcohol tests? FFS.
No. Suck it up and do it so that we can contain it.
Hope everyone will take the time to read the whole article, not just the headline- it is brilliant. The authors go to the trouble of explaining why some people might refuse a test, and how governments could help prevent this refusal- e.g. expanding jobkeeper to casual workers.
No. The safety of the public is more important. If they refuse the test they should remain in their homes 14 days after stage 3 is lifted and a temperature check before they leave their home. 14 days with no job seeker payment.
True if they are willing to stay home for a month. Acting like toddlers.
Soooo...the “we’re living in unprecedented times” schtick is over then😂😂😂
Yes I have Crohn's disease and started refusing invasive tests unless I need them, these swabs diagnose precisely nothing.
Absolutely agree. But the other 25 million people who have done the right thing so far are fucking done with it. If they want to choose to be a risk to the rest of the population they should also be choosing isolation from the rest of the population.
Covid test should be no different to breathiliser test. Compulsory.. to protect community
Nah probably not...
It’s going to be really interesting to see where welfare recipients who have been drug tested for payments sit legally if people can refuse a test for a virus that impacts an entire community?!
I used to buy this newspaper once upon a time.
Unless the whole population is tested simultaniously , its pointless anyway !!! If their trying to gathers figures. The test does'nt protect you from getting covid-19 at a later stage !!
They’ve got 90% compliance- that’s pretty good I reckon
That’s all well and good where you are the only person affected. We know the risks involved with asymptomatic people going about life like it’s normal, until such time it isn’t. We don’t have a choice about lockdowns, therefore testing should be mandatory.
No
Yes
We got a choice?Be in lockdown and die a slow death, no money, no job, no food for the famliy and a huge financial burden and mental anguish to go with it! Or get the test, isolate for few days. If negitive carry on with life, if positive get treated ,as the virus is real.
freedom is only justifiable if it is at the interest of the community you live off of, or if you're not harming/have the potential to harm anyone. Otherwise yeah refuse your tests on an island where everyone else refuses tests and have fun.
Yes.
Not if they’re planning to leave their house
... and someone spreading HIV should be free to do so and not be required to test?
Really, if individual can refuse testing and evade being quarantined, then there is no way to stop the virus from spreading without lockdowns which is a serious invasion our democratic freedom according to the constitution. The selfishness of some are ruining our freedom.
Have a read of this article -
Not when others have the right to life and coming across an infected person may curb and jeopardize that right.
Not in the current circumstances.
Under the current circumstances, testing should be compulsory.
Following that logic, people should be able to refuse a breathalyser test too, no?
Your choice not to - but you should be deemed an active case and quarantined
They shouldn't have imposed the lockdown in the first place. Ludicrous short term response to a long term problem with no clear escape route. Learn to live with it, it only kills a tiny proportion of mostly already sick people.
You can't force people to undertake a covid test. It amounts to an assault to do so.
Can I just say that while I disagree with some of the responses here, they are all levelheaded and at least reasonable - compare this to the batshit crazy on the Texas Governor asking people to wear masks today. I do enjoy living in a somewhat vaguely sane country.
I worry about using community lockdowns based on test rates as it punishes those who do the right thing for something beyond their control. Instead those too selfish to get a test should be allowed to refuse, but should be required to self isolate to protect the community.
we have RIGHTS and we have RESPONSIBILITIES.
The cult of the mask.
I am so sick of political correctness and how as a society we are racing to the bottom in terms of stands and expectations.Of course we need to treat people as we would want to be treated ourselves,of course people need the right to speak,but we have gone to far .
Perhaps be free to choose, but not be free of consequences for your choice
How about if you refuse a test you must self quarantine for the 14 days from every time you are asked.
Yes you should be able to refuse testing, but such refusal should not be consequence-free
Sure. However, you’d hope that humanity was better than that. In fact, I’d have expected people with decent moral fibre to volunteer to do it and not even need to be asked. This is a perfect example of where human decency has failed.
This sounds like an argument that breath, blood and saliva testing for drivers of vehicles to refuse such tests without penalty. Is that really the opinion of this newspaper?
Absolutely. But you can stay in your hotel room until you can demonstrate you don’t have Covid
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