Coming into Christmas, there has been a number of unwelcome hiccups on our Covid journey including the devastation to many in our community through divisive mandates that had never been articulated previously, as well as inconsistences between states creating confusion and uncertainty in efforts to see loved one’s interstate.
However, amongst the frustrations and trepidations, there have been some very special gifts. One, wrapped in recycled glittery paper, was the true soul of Noosa. Diverse, inclusive and compassionate. Unprecedented thousands of emails, calls, texts and private messages overloaded our office from residents sharing their opposition to segregation based on vaccination status, with many coming from vaccinated Noosans. As they have relayed, nowhere in the map did it say that as greater freedoms were made available to those of us vaccinated, that current freedoms would be reduced for others.
As we have seen, health directives are essential to get through any health emergency. Rising above a handful of extremists from both sides, emerged an incredible sensible centre, focused on unifying our community to get through the coming weeks safely. They have loved ones with differing beliefs about managing their health, utilise businesses that may face closure or have friends about to become jobless. They have parents at our aged care facilities who cannot access registered nurses, or partners who work in, or are patients in various professional health modalities for which Noosa is renowned. Does anyone remember a tourism campaign from many years ago, titled Naturally Noosa? This was not just about an environmental stance, but also our wellness industries.
Ever since I have lived here, now 30 years, most of us utilise in some way one of the natural therapies, often not realising it! Whether it is herbal supplements, chiropractors, holistic dentistry or naturopathy, our health beliefs are as diverse as our residents. Many of our psychologists, doctors, counsellors, pharmacists and care workers, as well thousands of clients, share common belief structures around the impacts of what every day we put into our bodies. Their commitment to wellness and healing includes avoiding chemicals absorbed via our skin such as parabens, and what we consume, including sugars, alcohol and preservatives which are considered toxic to our bodies. Their industries, unlike hospital and aged care workers, have not previously required vaccinations as part of their work requirements.
They are clear this is not about being anti-vax. For these Noosans, it is about remaining true to a particular natural ethos and regime. They include residents recovering from cancer or substance abuse, as well domestic violence and rape victims already traumatised by force or coercion. Sadly, they feel vilified and incorrectly labeled by governments and media as hippies in the hills and renegades. These university-educated professionals and trained practitioners, alongside their patients of all ages and backgrounds, are deeply respected in our community. That they have not been offered alternatives utilised throughout this pandemic by them and other businesses, such as telehealth and venue capacity restrictions as we transition, does not make much sense to them or their patients.
Given that across Australia, governments cannot keep up with the demands on our systems by poor health choices that lead to diminished immune systems, preventable chronic illnesses and death, we have to ask the question – why are we ostracising those who work in prevention and education?
As I said in my speech in Parliament, these practitioners, and the research associated with, are vital components in our health journey into the future. At the Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine healing from nature utilising Indigenous knowledge is a focus. The Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research is spending millions developing a treatment to get our immune systems fitter to deal with viruses and other diseases. Who knows, in 50 years we may not need vaccines at all because of their work.
Regardless of what occurs in the coming weeks, as we hit further vaccination targets and merge into our new norm, may the discussions around those that practice natural health turn to one of opportunity, and move away from divisive labelling.
The logistics of managing Covid is now forefront in our minds and will continue for some time. With the combination of our high vaccination rates and then natural immunity from those who catch it in the coming weeks, we trust that herd immunity is not too far off, though as we have seen, this provides no guarantees. Just like each year with the flu, which in 2019 saw on average five Queenslanders die each week, we will have many sick, and some sadly die.
Of note, since hygiene measures were brought in because of Covid, flu deaths dropped from 1080 in 2019 to 55 in 2020. Someone said a coincidence, however, when you think about the consequences of our actions every day, these statistics say something very important. Regardless of vaccination status or percentages, we cannot let down on our hygiene practices and other safeguards. Hand washing, distancing, masks and getting tested/staying at home if unwell that I have nagged everyone about over so many months is what we need to adhere to especially when outbreaks start.
The term recently being bandied about that this is a pandemic of the unvaccinated is misleading through its inference. As our vaccination rates have increased, we have seen a decrease in hygiene practices and use of the check-in app which is a vital tool for tracers. If we are not careful, we may become a pandemic of the complacent. Over many months the strategies incorporated has been around logistics and the capacity of our health services. Even without Covid, these have been struggling for many months with extended surgery waitlists, ambulance ramping and up to seven months to see a psychologist. The greatest Christmas gift would be that Government reconsider directives that are creating so much unnecessary trauma where there are safe alternatives such as telehealth and PPE to ensure we have all hands on deck, as well clarify at what vaccination percentage mandates that are untenable for our businesses will be lifted so they can plan accordingly.
So, after unwrapping that glittery present and all it contained, I hope there is respectful vibrant discussion with friends and a glass of bubbles. Now, time for some reminders!
Firstly, be ready in all ways for the holidays. Whether it be Covid outbreaks which is all but guaranteed, flood, fire or storm, be prepared including vaccinations or boosters to avoid lengthy queues or supply issues. Make sure you have your Noosa pack always with you. Sunscreen, hat, a good read, water and vitamins to deal with the aftermath of the many events and parties on the advent calendar, spare masks and your smile! As well those links to our local businesses so you can shop online and off.
