‘Deeply sorry’ Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos admits pandemic mistakes
Embattled Victorian Health Minister says ‘the truth will set you free’ in a series of late-night tweets.
Victoria’a health minister Jenny Mikakos has turned to social media to admit mistakes have been made in the state’s COVID response and to offer an apology if her efforts to keep people safe haven’t worked.
In a series of Twitter posts late Saturday night, Ms Mikakos also said she looked forward to the independent inquiry into the hotel quarantine issue to play out, as “the truth will set you free.”
Ms Mikakos praised the efforts of health workers after more than 200 had contracted coronavirus in the past two days.
“Since the first case in January, a huge effort by thousands of health care workers and many others has been a huge amount of good work achieved in preparing our health system,” she tweeted.
“It was work that needed to be done quickly and nimbly because the virus would not wait and no doubt mistakes were made along the way because humans are flawed, yet contagious viruses are unforgiving.
Let the independent judge do her job, let the cards fall where they may. I believe there is nothing to fear in seeking the truth. The truth will set you free.
— Jenny Mikakos MP #StayHomeSaveLives (@JennyMikakos) August 8, 2020
“Since that fateful day on 25 January, when we had our first-ever case, I‘ve worked every day to keep everyone safe. I have put every ounce of energy I’ve had into that effort. If I wasn’t enough, then I’m deeply sorry,” she said.
The apology came just hours before Premier Daniel Andrews announced 17 deaths — the state’s highest daily death count since the pandemic began — and 394 new cases.
He said those working across the health sector were under a lot of stress.
“This virus doesn’t stop and none of us can afford to, either. And I won’t be,” Mr Andrews said.
“We will see this through. All Victorians, we are resilient, we are strong.”
On Sunday he announced a $60 million funding boots to mental health to deal with a surge in Victorians seeking help for mental health issues.
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