Tesch calls for 'case transparency'

Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch has called for "case transparency" with public announcements of local coronavirus cases.

Ms Tesch said there was a strong public interest in notifying the community of where the cases are from.

"It is concerning to hear that the community had to do their own investigating to get to the bottom of where the cases were from."

Ms Tesch said that she was also concerned at the delays in local notifications.

"There are growing reports where those in contact with an infected person were not made aware and informed to get tested for up to 10 or more days after contact.

"People need the correct information in a timely manner.

"It is not good enough that we have potentially infectious people in the community not made aware of their exposure to such a serious disease, who then potentially continue to interact with family, colleagues and community.

"It is more important than ever that residents be extra cautious and go about their business with the assumption that those around them may have Covid, and act accordingly."

Ms Tesch said: "With Covid-19 spreading across NSW and case numbers rapidly growing, contact tracers are unable to efficiently identify all those who have come into contact with positive cases.

"Labor has recognised the immense workload contact tracers are dealing with, and have implored that the Liberals increase their tracer numbers to keep the community safe and informed.

"The situation is out of hand due to early failures in decision-making by the Berejiklain Government, and we cannot hope to be out of lockdown anytime soon unless they deliver on such basic requests as more contract tracers to monitor this unfolding pandemic.

"This is beyond politics. This is about people's lives."

SOURCE:

Media release, 11 Aug 2021

Liesl Tesch, Member for Gosford