Let's be clear - the snap lockdown is not good. And HQ will need to be re-evaluated again.

But many media responses have slammed our contact tracing.

Continuous improvement is not easy to do under immense pressure.

We all remember deficiencies in 2nd of #covid19vic.

1/2

But overwhelmingly we are now seeing:
- rapid turnaround for tests
- cases announced each morning with contact tracing interviews already completed, close contacts identified & isolated, & exposure sites listed.

This is high level + would likely have hoped with non-uk strain 2/3

We also continue to see deep hostility from much of the press.

1st q today - indignant 'where's dan' (why can't I berate him today)?

Probing, challenging questions are appropriate. But the tone can be respectful.

More health/science literate journalists should attend 3/4

PCR cycle thresholds are complex. A cutoff is set for a +ve test. If a test result falls outside the cut-off it's declared negative.

With heightened suspicion they have re-run the test and the result has now come just on the other side of the threshold. This is not a failure 4/5

These are not easy concepts to explain, particularly when the tone is accusatory/sensational.

Let's have calm, measured questioning from health/science journalists of our news outlets.

@Raf_Epstein sets the standard W incisive Qs, in respectful manner.

#covid19vic 5/5

Keep adding
It's also so IRONIC to see press accusing our leaders of exaggerating infectiousness of UK strain as a scare tactic.

WHY WOULD THEY WANT TO SCARE US????????

Hello pot, this is kettle here. Calling you black.

#thisisnotjournalism
#covid19vic