Why we should keep getting tested for COVID for now - but not fining people

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Analysis: With contact tracing essentially abandoned, some Australians are asking why they need to keep getting tested for the virus at all, and whether those results need to be collected by authorities | michaelkoziol

With more than 100,000 cases of COVID-19 notched up each day in a country of 25 million people, and contact tracing essentially abandoned, some Australians are asking why they need to keep getting tested for the virus at all, and whether those results need to be collected by authorities.

Better data, especially on people’s age, gender, residence and vaccination status, would provide a clearer picture of how the virus was tracking, a preview of what might happen to hospitalisations over coming weeks and prepare us for likely future variants.“It’s just really important information to give us a more comprehensive picture of the cases that are being detected,” Professor Dore said.

“While we were doing COVID-zero and suppression to really low levels, capturing it all was really important,” Professor Collignon said. “Trying to capture all the cases at the moment is pointless ... we need a change of tack.”What was vital now was rigorous sampling that could be extrapolated to the wider population, he said, a point echoed by Professor Catherine Bennett, chair of epidemiology at Deakin University.

“We need to be pulling back on tests in situations where it doesn’t actually make a difference to the person, and my main target at the moment is people who are quarantining because there’s a case in their household,” she said.

 

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michaelkoziol For most us the 🦠 is no worse than a bad cold - why would we go out of our way, when sick, to “give government a clearer picture of the virus”. If gov doesn’t get the picture by now, god help us all.

michaelkoziol Sack this incompetent.... give me the epaulattes and I will turn every postie van into a food truck... every train into a food train... everyone on the dole picking fruit... every priest teaching kindergarten

michaelkoziol Yeah for sure. Trump was right, the best way to get a hold on Omicron and drop the numbers is to stop testing! Great idea Costello! Scotty would be proud!

michaelkoziol Tests don't cure anyone

michaelkoziol There is absolutely no need to test or the need to record results now

michaelkoziol A reasonable question to ask. Let's just give it away altogether. It's a waste of money and the numbers are not meaningful in the slightest!!

michaelkoziol They need something to base the blame game on. ' It's your fault for not testing' .' It's your fault for not reporting'. ' It's your fault for......'. Anything goes.

michaelkoziol ‘Better data, especially on people’s age, gender, residence and vaccination status, would provide a clearer picture of how the virus was tracking, a preview of what might happen to hospitalisations over coming weeks and prepare us for likely future variants.‘ ok but… 1/2

michaelkoziol The Government is not following medical advice 🤷🏼‍♀️

michaelkoziol 🙄

michaelkoziol Why would you get tested?

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