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Editorial: Now is not the time to lapse. Farewell 2020 and welcome 2021 safely

THIS year has been a rough year for everyone. But this is life. There’s no excuse for lapsing just for one night when you consider what is at stake

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THIS year has been a rough year for everyone.

Coronavirus has led to sickness, loneliness away from family, our travel bug going off its nut as international and domestic borders have been regulated, jobs lost and much more on top of the regular curveballs life throws at you.

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But this is life. There’s no excuse for lapsing just for one night when you consider what is at stake – the encompassing health of our community.

While the pandemic has not yet entered the community, three cases from the Diamantina cattle export ship in the past two days have shown just how close the virus keeps getting to us.

NT Police Commander Matthew Hollamby and Northern Territory's Chief Health Officer Hugh Heggie want people to be smart and safe this NYE. Picture: Che Chorley
NT Police Commander Matthew Hollamby and Northern Territory's Chief Health Officer Hugh Heggie want people to be smart and safe this NYE. Picture: Che Chorley

If and when it does penetrate the community, it may spread quickly, with many of us used to a lifestyle relatively unaltered in the scheme of things.

Social distancing and isolation have become established social norms to ensure if and when an outbreak occurs, the spread won’t be as mighty throughout the community.

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Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison said this wasn’t the year to get cute and cuddly with a stranger – and she’s right.

If we have to forego a new year’s pash when the ball drops for one year, so be it.

Enjoy tonight for what it is – farewelling one of the worst years many of us will testify to, and starting 2021 on the best possible note.

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Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/opinion/editorial-now-is-not-the-time-to-lapse-farewell-2020-and-welcome-2021-safely/news-story/7418650f66cbb9fe20f7756ccfd6e881