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Original poster

Melbourne apartment towers complete lockdown

351 replies

Imtootired · 04/07/2020 15:30

In Melbourne, Aus there are five tower blocks that will be put under complete lockdown for five days. I am all for being proactive about stopping the spread of coronavirus but this is madness. They are public housing so people on very low incomes for various reasons including elderly and disabled people, refugees and single parents. There will be police guarding each floor. No one will be able to leave for any reason. There have been many reports of bad hygiene practices for people quarantined in hotels and it makes me so angry that the government and dodgy contacted companies didn’t do their jobs properly and now the most vulnerable are paying the price. How will they be able to attend to all the individual needs of 3000 people? If I was stuck in a tiny apartment with my children with no time to prepare I would be furious. There were no armed guards for rich travellers returning home. I’m so angry and feel so bad for the residents. This is the beginning of a police state and once it’s happened it could happen again. If I was a resident I would be getting legal advice ASAP. I hope someone takes them to court.

OP posts:
hashtagbollocks · 04/07/2020 15:35

sorry, what has poor hygiene in hotels got to do with an outbreak in a tower blocks?

Keepdistance · 04/07/2020 15:39

I disagree it's rubbish but better a few than the whole state?
But do agree that if they let people fly in then they should be checked etc. Thing is that you can come down with it longer than 2w so letting people in is obviously a risk.
Uk are subject to isolating at no notice if you feel ill or there area rises too much.
I would rather we had been stricter so it would actually be safe for kids to go to school instead it is not

0963158b · 04/07/2020 15:39

In a way I agree with you. However, it may be the only way to stop more people becoming very ill. People in this sort of housing more likely to suffer poor outcomes with Covid-19 so perhaps they're thinking of the surrounding area as well as the importance of keeping numbers to what can be treated in hospitals? There is no easy answer to this but I agree, it looks very bad and there should certainly be quarantine rules that are fair.

Aquamarine1029 · 04/07/2020 15:40

I'd love to know how the authorities are going to support 3,000 people. How are they going to provide food, medicine, baby formula, nappies, pet food, etc, etc? This plan of action is very worrisome.

Original poster
Imtootired · 04/07/2020 15:41

The virus has spread from people bringing it in from overseas. If quarantine had been handled correctly then it wouldn’t have spread into the community. A security guard allegedly had sex with a quarantined hotel guest. There have also been a lot of reports about bad hygiene practices including not using protective equipment correctly.

OP posts:
Bluemoooon · 04/07/2020 15:41

5 days isnt' that long.

Readyme · 04/07/2020 15:44

I've heard of the UEA doing this, not sure if it's been reported but we used to live there and have friends still in the area.

I'm surprised Australia went with the same tactic it will be interesting to see if they have the balls to do it in the wealthier postcodes.

Original poster
Imtootired · 04/07/2020 15:46

I just think it is a disaster. There are so many other ways this could have been handled. I really hope that there isn’t an increase in violence and self harm but that seems to be the likely outcome

OP posts:
hashtagbollocks · 04/07/2020 15:54

if there has been an outbreak in a tower block then how do you think it should be handled?

Lindy2 · 04/07/2020 15:59

But the quarantine will be to protect the tower block residents just as much as the wider population.

If Covid is circulating in their accommodation then they are at risk if it's not contained. I'm sure steps will be taken to ensure residents have sufficient food and those with symptoms are tested. It's not a particularly long time to have to spend inside is it. I'd have thought 14 days would be more effective.

Original poster
Imtootired · 04/07/2020 16:00

There are a lot of other ways it could have been handled. Health workers and social workers talking to residents and finding out what they need to stay safe and healthy. Food delivery so people don’t need to go out for that. Cleaning of doors, lifts and stairways throughout the day. Temperature checks and mandatory quarantine for people who have the virus. All humans deserve to live with dignity

OP posts:
BrieAndChilli · 04/07/2020 16:01

I’m guessing it’s 5 days because they are testing everyone. Once you have the results the negative can get on with life and the households with positive results can continue to isolate.

pinkoneblueone · 04/07/2020 16:04

It everyone who gets the virus will get a temperature so this will not prevent the spread of it

pinkoneblueone · 04/07/2020 16:04

*not

Jaxhog · 04/07/2020 16:04

There are a lot of other ways it could have been handled. Health workers and social workers talking to residents and finding out what they need to stay safe and healthy.

Yeah, right. I doubt this would help the virus from spreading. In fact, it would probably make it worse. I presume the authorities will be making sure everyone has food and any essential medicine. 5 days isn't that long.

pinkoneblueone · 04/07/2020 16:05

Also 5 days isn't long at all

slipperywhensparticus · 04/07/2020 16:06

how are they going to eat?

Original poster
Imtootired · 04/07/2020 16:07

It’s easy to say five days isn’t long when you don’t have someone with a gun outside your door keeping you in. A lot of residents are refugees and this could be extremely traumatic for them.

OP posts:
Original poster
Imtootired · 04/07/2020 16:12

Food will supposedly be arranged but I’m sure that won’t be without problems. One major factor to this outbreak is cost cutting and privatisation. The government cannot do anything successfully these days, it’s a mess. They let the virus spread into the community in the first place and now they are responsible for the needs of 3000 people and will stop the virus? I don’t think it will go well

OP posts:
Aquamarine1029 · 04/07/2020 16:13

Five days isn't a long time? Obviously, not in normal conditions, but if you don't have food to feed yourself or your children, or you're out of formula and nappies, 5 days would feel like an eternity.

EnlightenedOwl · 04/07/2020 16:14

We are sliding into a police state here its terrifying

ItsSummer · 04/07/2020 16:27

@Aquamarine1029

Five days isn't a long time? Obviously, not in normal conditions, but if you don't have food to feed yourself or your children, or you're out of formula and nappies, 5 days would feel like an eternity.
I’m sure they’re going to make sure the essentials are sorted.
ItsSummer · 04/07/2020 16:28

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bluefoxmug · 04/07/2020 16:34

they do the same in germany and possibly other european countries.
it's very effective.

Original poster
Imtootired · 04/07/2020 16:36

@ItsSummer did you read what I said about armed guards? Many of the residents are survivors of war and violence so being held against their will could bring up a lot of memories for them. I can tell by your attitude that you’ve never had to worry about police violence and systematic oppression. If you think this is a matter of just “staying home” and your sure the government will get the essentials sorted you live a different existence than most of the planet. I’d tell you to try to put yourself in someone else’s shoes but I genuinely don’t think you’re capable of it.

OP posts: