We are going to have to live with this virus; give us back our freedom

Greg Sheridan correctly states the Victorian government cannot be trusted with future policy to deal with the virus, but there are a vast number of governments that need to review their policies (“Grim past may be shape of what’s to come”, 29/9).

Even with a vaccine, the flu virus returns every year in some revised form. We may never eradicate the COVID-19 virus and, like the flu, outbreaks will continue regularly. The statistics for flu cases and deaths are higher than those for COVID-19, but we don’t take exceptional measures to deal with it.

It is time for governments to accept we are going to have to live with the virus and to leave individuals to take their own measures to protect themselves. The time for premiers to enforce childish rules dictating how we should live our lives is over and common sense needs to prevail.

R. Watson, Sunnybank Hills, Qld

Greg Sheridan is right on the button. It is unlikely any state in Australia will eradicate COVID-19 and we know, based on the influenza virus, that vaccination may not offer 100 per cent immunity. Because we may well be facing a third wave of infection we must accept the necessity to continue testing and tracing and to provide effective quarantine. I suggest the federal government urgently prepare a standard of best practice contact tracing. It may be worth benchmarking against Taiwan or South Korea. The cost of letting the virus get away for a third time is not acceptable.

Colin J. Agnew, Nedlands, WA

Our objective is to limit the number of people dying from COVID-19. We know the deaths occur among the elderly and the infirm mostly over 70 years of age, and mainly in aged care homes. We know the transmission is primarily via workers who are caring for the sick — nurses and aides. This is where our focus should be.

There is no correlation between the lockdowns and our objective. The lives of old people in nursing homes will not be saved by curfews; or stopping people playing golf; or children not going to school; or shops, pubs and cafes being shut.

Rescinding the curfew and opening primary schools is sound but insufficient; these restrictions need not have been implemented in the first place. The government should concentrate on contact tracing, secure quarantine and looking after health workers. The rest can be left to our common sense. There is no need to micro-manage the economy. It is too complex for that. Leave us alone. Treat us as adults. Set us free.

Peter Fenwick, East Melbourne, Vic

Super idea

I agree with the points made in Adam Creighton’s article “Historic deficit looms, but pressure is off Frydenberg” (29/9), especially regarding the 12 per cent superannuation increase. The increase should be dumped but, if not, workers should be able to opt out and take the same amount as cash in hand. Opt-out payments will help stimulate a post-COVID economy and partially satisfy workers’ desire to see pay increases. This would also have the effect of quieting Labor and the unions, as they could not object to people having choice about how to receive their own money.

Tony Mandin, Subiaco, WA

Timing, wharfies

It is difficult to understand why waterside workers, earning six-figure salaries and on generous hours and conditions, would seek to hamper exports and imports as Australia braces for its greatest economic challenge. I would have thought everyone would be happy to put their shoulder to the wheel to ensure, collectively, we get through the COVID fallout. This is virtually a wartime scenario. When I read of actions to hamper our competitiveness on the world stage I must question the motives of those who undertake such actions against their fellow Australians.

Grant W. Petras, Hindmarsh Island, SA