If government was planning closure, it should have run better
One hopes that Victoria's contact tracing system is more efficient than their testing procedure.
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On Saturday a friend, who had driven for 10 hours from northern NSW to get over the border before it was closed, waited in a queue for two and-a-half hours whilst the occupants of only 20 cars ahead were tested.
The reasons for the slowness became obvious when my friend reached the testing point.
The provision of personal data only occurred when actually at the testing point, and necessitated my friend telephoning a number, provided on a piece of paper, which was answered by someone sitting at the testing point. Not beyond the intelligence of DHHS, I would have thought, for someone to have walked down the queue of cars to ensure that this part of the process was completed before arriving at the testing point.
Only one line, of three cars, was processed at a time. The location was big enough for two lines.
Only one tester focused on each car. Two testers per car would have helped speed things up. There was no urgency displayed, with the process conducted at a snail's pace.
IN OTHER NEWS:
No wonder carloads of "returnees", many with small children whose holiday had been cut short so abruptly, were seen to be annoyed.
My friend was the third car in the line at the testing point, and the only person in the car. But no car was permitted to leave until the "slowest" car was finished.
The Victorian government's comments that "people were warned not to go to NSW" reveal that they were intending to shut the border.
It is a pity their "preparations" didn't extend to a more streamlined testing process.
And perhaps it would help if the staff were to be paid per test rather than by the hour.
Paul Hauff, Wahgunyah
We treat animals better
I am really confused and angry that we treat our animals better than humans ('People need assistance when dying, not assisted dying', The Border Mail letters, January 4).
I am a big animal lover but think they are often treated better than our families. When our furbabies are obviously at the end of life, we hold their paws and see then cross the rainbow bridge. Human beings are not so lucky.
At 63, my mum died from bowel cancer. She basically rotted and wanted to go as she knew there was no other treatment available.
The worst pain was experienced by her family - nothing to help us through the agony of watching and waiting for the end.
The Netherlands have an amazing system where, if you want, you can choose when and what time you wish to depart. You get to spend time with those you love and pass peacefully.
Please think about how you or your loved ones should be treated at that "time".
Nardine Shaw, Lavington
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