False hope is no hope at all.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That was the resounding message from Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews yesterday at his marathon media conference where he laid out the state's plan to manage the next stage of our battle against the coronavirus.
For anyone with a lofty expectation that this was to be the moment the premier would announce a dramatic easing of restrictions, it was an extremely disappointing and frustrating occasion.
More news:
Regional Victorians look likely to emerge from stage three restrictions sooner than Melbourne will get relief from its stage four rules. That's a reflection of where the virus is at, and of the great work country Victorians have done in recent weeks to respond to the challenges posed by COVID-19.
But for whatever he and his government have gotten wrong throughout this pandemic, Mr Andrews has consistently refused to waiver from the data and from what the scientific community is advising him and the government to do.
Relaxing restrictions just because we're all sick of them simply isn't going to happen and the premier is always quick to remind us just why they were introduced, relaxed and then returned once already.
In his words - a restrictions on, restrictions off scenario is no way to spend 2021.
"I don't have the luxury of ignoring the data," he told Victorians yesterday.
Mr Andrews point to a number of scenarios presented by top medical and scientific experts as the reason the not relent - yet.
Instead, our path will be one of gradually easing restrictions, rather than the sudden withdrawal of a number of regulations we all dislike. Other countries that have in all likelihood erred by easing restrictions too rapidly, face the prospect of their hospitals being overwhelmed, or even worse, thousands more deaths from the virus.
Thankfully, he refused to buy into the border squabbles or a political bunfight when the opportunity was presented to him by a journalist.
The time for apportioning blame and responsibility is coming, but we need to address the incredibly complex challenges posed by the pandemic first.