Neil Mitchell backs COVID-19 change a Greens MP is ‘keen that we try’

Greens MP for Brunswick Tim Read is calling for a rebooted pandemic approach in a bid to reduce illness heading into winter, and Neil Mitchell thinks it’s a good idea.

Dr Read is advocating for a campaign that encourages a culture of taking additional precautions — including mask wearing and use of air purifiers — to reduce the spread of disease.

He’s “keen that we try” a voluntary approach.

“The government, to their credit, have poured a lot of money in the latest budget into the health system, but a lot of that money is going to take some time to work to take pressure off the system,” he told Neil Mitchell.

“We don’t have to think about putting a seatbelt on, we don’t have to think about whacking a bike helmet on your head, you don’t have to think about brushing your teeth in the morning but these are all health habits.

“I think whacking a mask on if you’re walking into a room with people you don’t live with ought to be at least for winter, and if not a bit longer, a health habit.

“Let’s see how much we can achieve without rules, restrictions and mandates.”

Press PLAY below to hear about the campaign the Greens would like to see

In the first 29 days of May, 318 people have died with or of COVID-19 in Victoria — about 13.5 per day.

“Imagine if we were losing 13.5 people a day to the road toll!,” Neil Mitchell said.

“It is time for a rebooted pandemic policy.

“The Greens want one, I want one, every senior epidemiologist in the country wants one. They’re all warning we’re on the verge of something ugly here.”

Press PLAY below to hear Neil Mitchell’s thoughts

Correction: An earlier version of this article mistakenly referred to Tim Read as Adam Bandt.