Mayor Tom Tate slams Gold Coast Covid parties despite calling for pandemic to be treated like the flu

Anti-vaxxers hosting Covid parties been labelled “brainless” by Gold Coast’s top politician, despite him calling on health officials to allow the virus to be treated like the flu.

Queensland health officials have condemned anti-vaxxers choosing to host Covid parties to purposely expose themselves to the virus as “selfish and self-serving”.

It follows The Bulletin’s exclusive report which revealed a concerning trend of the gatherings emerging across the Gold Coast – the city with the highest rate of cases in ICU.

One woman who was invited to multiple gatherings – akin to Pox Parties – said the hosts believed deliberately spreading the virus would boost their immunity.

A medical worker in full PPE works on a patient who has Covid-19 in a negative pressure room in ICU. Picture: Joseph Prezioso

A Queensland Health spokesman has slammed the “reckless” actions of those hosting or attending events: “The vast majority of Queenslanders are sensible enough to know what is appropriate, especially when Covid-19 is rife in our community,” he said.

“We can’t make this any clearer: if you are sick – isolate and get tested. If you are a confirmed Covid-19 case or close contact, stay at home.

 “This is not the time to be selfish and self-serving.”

The spokesman echoed Dr Kat McLean’s previous comments on the added strain that an explosion of cases would have on the city’s health system as result of the parties.

“This reckless behaviour only increases the risk of Covid-19 to Queenslanders. Not only this, but it puts even further strain on our frontline workers who have been responding to this pandemic for more than two years,” he said.

“We understand having Covid and isolating from loved ones is a tough, however it is incredibly important you prioritise the health and safety of your family, neighbours and the broader community. 

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk warns anyone found breaching public health directives will be fined. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

“We urge Queenslanders to remember Covid-19 is not mild and in some cases may cause long-term health complications. The Omicron variant is no different – every day we see people dying around the world after contracting this particular strain of the virus.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk warned anyone “blatantly disregarding” public health directives will be fined more than $1300, while the state’s top health officials also criticised the parties.

“What would they say to our health workers who have to look after the people in ICU, what do they say to the family members of people who end up in hospital,” said Health Minister Yvette D’Ath while speaking in Brisbane on Tuesday.

“ … All because of something you can control because you choose not to, it’s reckless, it’s irresponsible.”

Chief health officer Dr John Gerrard branded the gatherings “utterly ridiculous.”

“The best way to get immunity to this virus is through vaccination, not through these parties.

“Please, please stop.”

Speaking to the Today Show on Tuesday, Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate labelled Covid parties a “brainless idea”: “I know one thing, (Gold Coast) is a very innovative city but this Covid party is really a no go zone,” he said.

“They’re all unvaccinated people and if you want to get Covid that’s the place to go and get it because someone’s going to have it and it spreads too easily, it’s a brainless idea and I wish they wouldn’t do it.”

It follows a strong column in the Bulletin on Monday arguing for the virus to be treated like the flu, and to allow it to spread rapidly through the city to reach its peak sooner.

A state government spokesman hit back at Cr Tate and said it was vital to continue “slowing the spread” until enough people were protected.

“The Gold Coast is at increased risk and the region’s vaccination rate continues to lag behind the rest of the southeast and more than half of the state’s ICU presentations have been on the Gold Coast,” he said.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate says Covid parties are a “brainless idea.” Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

“Getting vaccinated and wearing masks are an important part of our strategy to save lives and preserve the freedoms that Queenslanders have enjoyed for much of the last two years.

“We would undoubtedly see more deaths in Queensland if restrictions were scrapped entirely before the time is right”

Cr Tate again called for restrictions to be eased

“The unvaccinated are going to cop it, we knew that and the other people who are in there have other complications,” he told Nine Network’s Today Show.

“It is contagious but it is not as virulent, then let it rip.”

When asked what restrictions he would lift, the mayor said “the mask itself”.

“I am not asking people to disobey the law, I’m just saying let’s have a close look at it.”

Covid parties a ‘slap in the face’ to frontline workers

January 10, 2021

GOLD Coasters are hosting ‘Covid parties’ in which infected anti-vaxxers host gatherings to purposely spread it in an attempt to “boost their immunity.”

But a medical expert, noting the recent Covid death of a male in his 30s who was fully vaccinated, says choosing to get infected is “absolutely not a good idea”.

Reports emerged online in recent days after a concerned resident revealed she had received multiple invitations to such events. It fuelled outrage among a tense community who described the parties as a “slap in the face” to frontline workers.

An ICU nurse cares for a Covid-19 positive patient. Photo: Kate Geraghty

Sarah, who did not wish to use her surname, told the Bulletin some friends and a local business she knew of had openly shared invitations to their Covid shindigs.

“I obviously declined both invites,” Sarah said.

“An anti-vax friend of a friend whose partner has Covid is having a Covid party.

“They believe that it will give them natural immunity.”

It’s understood the latest gatherings are akin to pox parties or flu parties of the past, where families deliberately exposed young children to infectious diseases such as chickenpox.

Pox parties were traditionally arranged before some vaccines were available or due to the belief childhood infection would be less severe than during adulthood.

Respected general practitioner Dr Kat McLean urged those hosting or attending parties to reconsider: “A 30-year-old Gold Coast man who was fully immunised has recently died of Covid,” she said.

“Choosing to be infected is absolutely not a good idea. Whether it be chickenpox or Covid.

“Anything that enhances transmission also worsens the strain on our healthcare system.”

Anyone found breaching public health directions could be issued an on-the-spot fine exceeding $1300 or face six months imprisonment.

Sarah said: “The second invite was through Telegram from a business page that shares businesses who are refusing to make their staff get vaccinated.”

“I am on there (the group) so I know (the businesses) to stay away from.”

Covid-positive party hosts will likely have to face the wrath of Queensland Police if found breaching public health orders. Confirmed cases must isolate for seven days under existing rules.

Queensland Police have received no official reports of Covid spreading parties.

Chief health officer Dr John Gerrard revealed on Monday 11 Covid cases were in ICU on the Gold Coast – six of those are unvaccinated.

Valma Cronau was among the hundreds to slam the gatherings online, revealing she too knows of friends doing the same thing.

“I know people who are having them also for them and their children,” she said.

The new age parties are a twist on Pox Parties, where parents deliberately expose their children to infectious diseases like chickenpox. Picture: supplied

“I know for the majority of people it is safe but I would feel very horrible if I caught it and gave it to someone who was severely affected by it or worse.
“I think they are being a bit careless.”

It follows Mayor Tom Tate arguing in the Bulletin on Monday for the virus be treated like the flu and allowed to spread rapidly through the city to reach its peak sooner.

Asked whether that means he supported Covid parties, Mr Tate said: “I will never condone or encourage anyone to break the law.”

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