Giving people a choice to social distance will only make it a thing of the past

On June 12, the NT Government published a ‘Revocation of Directions for Physical Distancing’ announcing that police no longer have authority to fine people who do not adhere to social distancing, such as keeping 1.5m apart at all times, giving people a choice, writes DENISE CAHILL

East Point for Queens Birthday public holiday. Picture Katrina Bridgeford.

SOCIAL distancing: it’s your choice.

On June 12, the NT Government published a ‘Revocation of Directions for Physical Distancing’ announcing that police no longer have authority to fine people who do not adhere to social distancing, such as keeping 1.5m apart at all times.

The revocation was published on the government’s coronavirus website … that’s three clicks and a decent scroll from googling ‘nt government coronavirus’.

Unless you clicked through and scrolled you’d be none the wiser that the NT has gone soft on social distancing rules.

Interestingly, the revocation was published a day before an organised Black Lives Matter rally took place at Civic Park attracting more than 1000 people.

After forcing businesses to shut down, enforcing mandatory quarantine at a cost of $2500 and putting thousands of people through unpleasant COVID-19 testing, the government quietly removed any incentive to social distance.

On Thursday when announcing borders would open on July 17, Chief Minister Michael Gunner said: “Keep your distance where you can.”

But social distancing is now a thing a thing of the past because without repercussions, why would businesses limit the number of patrons putting money through their tills?

Why would revellers keep 1.5m apart on a dance floor?

Why would family members make sit apart during a picnic.

The Territory has been under strict rules for so long with fines to keep everyone accountable but all of the sudden it’s become a choice to social distance.

Health Minister Natasha Fyles last week said the removal of a social distancing punishment was part of easing restrictions to get us to the ‘new normal’.

But went on to say there was no cure or vaccine for coronavirus and easing restrictions was not without risk.

“It is a real and ever threat to us,” Ms Fyles said.

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So why not retain the police powers to enforce social distancing … it’s easier to swallow than watching our favourite cafe close, keeping us away from family and friends while the borders are closed or locking arrivals to the Territory in hotels at their own expense.

During the week, Gold Coast Primary Health Network chairman and GP Roger Halliwell said the second wave would come unless “we are incredibly lucky and people do the right thing”.

Everyone needs to do the right thing, not just a handful.

Even Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce said it would be a hard pill for businesses to swallow if they were asked politely to adhere to social distancing when more than 1000 people were walking the streets shoulder to shoulder during the Black Lives Matter rally.

While the peak body encouraged patrons to continue to “adhere to health advice” signage at venues, Mr Bruce warned that it was now expected the new rules to be “applied equitably throughout industry and the community”.

Noone wants to social distance and without enforcement they won’t.