THE region’s medical fraternity has called for residents to download the national COVID-19 tracing app in a move to fast-track the lifting of restrictions and safeguard the health of the community.
While more than 4.5 million people have downloaded the COVIDSafe app, government officials are urging millions more to sign on to the tracing technology.
The region’s nurses and specialists – along with regional political figures – have rallied behind the tracing app, calling on Limestone Coast residents to urgently download the nationwide initiative.
This comes ahead of the National Cabinet meeting this Friday that will canvass the potential easing of economic and social restrictions.
Standing united with fellow health professionals yesterday, registered nurse Kylie Duncan – who works at the Mount Gambier Hospital – said the app was a vital tool in COVID-19 tracing.
“Hopefully, we can get everything back to normal if everybody downloads the app,” Ms Duncan said.
“The app will also make us a much safer community.”
Fellow registered nurse Julianne Teagle revealed she had already downloaded the app.
“I am hoping, with the help of the app, we can stop the spread of the coronavirus.” Ms Teagle said.
“I would love to get back to normal. I feel for children who cannot play sport and are missing out of all of those things.”
She said the coronavirus fall-out had rippled across the Limestone Coast community.
“I feel for those struggling in the community and the people who have lost jobs,” Ms Teagle said.
“It is affecting people’s livelihoods, their work and the future of our community.”
Member for Barker Tony Pasin – pictured left – also made a heartfelt plea to the broader community to download the app.
“Australians have been doing an amazing job at following the advice of experts and as a result we have seen a decline in COVID-19 cases around the country,” Mr Pasin said.
“Like all Australians I want things to get back to normal as quickly as possible and the more people that download the app the quicker this can happen.”
The Liberal MP revealed lifting restrictions depended on comprehensive contact tracing.
“If you want to get back to playing sport, watching it, maybe visiting the pub or perhaps dinner out with friends then downloading the app,” Mr Pasin said.
Mount Gambier orthopaedic surgeon Barney McCusker has been busily spreading the message about the importance of the app.
“It is the only weapon we have against COVID-19 until we get a vaccine, which may be two years or longer away,” Mr McCusker said.
He said this tracing technology was the only way to control COVID-19.
“South Australia, in particular, has made a great start and the numbers of COVID-19 are world class, but it is only a great start to a long race,” the resident specialist warned.
“The one weapon we need is tracking and testing. Before we can test, we need to be able to track.”
While there appeared to be widespread support for the app across the region, the specialist warned everybody needed to climb on board.
“All of my patients are supportive of the app, without exception and nobody has been concerned over ‘big brother’ concerns,” he said.
He said privacy concerns aired by some people were baseless and “scaremongering”.
Mr McCusker said the app would help quickly identify possible COVID-19 clusters so people could be isolated to prevent community transmission.
“We have to be very vigilant. This app will give us the capability of tracking COVID-19 and keeping on top of it,” he said.
“We are going to have to live with COVID-19 for some time. In Australia we are isolated and our governments both federal and states, along with the oppositions, are doing a great job.”
Queried what he missed due to the current restrictions, he revealed having coffee in a cafe setting and interacting with people.
“Looking them in the eye and not talking to them on the phone. It is nice to be able to sit with people and discuss things.”
He said it was critical the nation won the fight against COVID-19 for the nation’s younger generations.
“It is for the children. They are herd mentality kids and they are being restricted from that.”
