MORDIALLOC MP Tim Richardson has called for COVID-19 restrictions to be changed to allow people to reunite with their families.
In a letter to Victoria’s chief health officer Brett Sutton, Mr Richardson wrote that the establishment of “family bubbles” should be considered when the current stage four restrictions ease.
As it stands, Victoria is not on track to meet the five case a day average required to move to the next step of restrictions. However, Premier Daniel Andrews is expected to announce the removal of some restrictions on Sunday.
Mr Richardson wrote that “connection with family and loved ones needs to be a key priority” when deciding which restrictions can be eased.
“We have heard countless stories of constituents having not seen family since the start of the pandemic in March. This includes parents who have been separated from their children since March. Grandparents have told me they are yet to meet their grandchildren, while children write to me to tell me of their struggles daily in isolation,” he said.
“I ask that family bubbles be given strong consideration and not be subject to the five kilometer restrictions originally outlined in step three of the roadmap to recover. This is respectfully submitted based on the overwhelming feedback and engagement of many thousands of residents in Kingston and the Mordialloc electorate.”
The rules of the proposed “family bubble” would be similar to the social bubble for singles currently in place.
Mr Richardson said he had received “many thousands of messages, emails, phone calls, and comments” from residents struggling during the pandemic.
“Everyone is doing outstanding work complying with the rules and guidelines and we need to acknowledge them all for all they have sacrificed. To have the ability to see and spend time with family is crucial to our communities’ ability to confront this challenge together and keep hope and spirit alive as we head towards COVID normal,” he said.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 14 October 2020
