Existing contact tracing measures were proven inefficient, a concerning matter about the spread of disease.
Victoria recorded 4542 cases in the state, after an exponential increase over the past weeks. Tracers should manage quickly the continuous growth of cases in the state to keep track of the infection. However, controversies arose concerning the potential inefficiency of the contact tracing measures done in the state.
Matt Mclean, who was tested positive of COVID-19 after his partner turned out to be positively experiencing the excessive bureaucratic procedures when it comes to contact tracing. A full-contact tracing interview only took place 4 days after his partner tested positive. This is problematic because the lack of immediate response could potentially spread the virus during the given duration.
Mr. Mclean expressed his concern over the state’s capability of conducting efficient contact tracing procedures.
The lack of urgency as manifested by the procedures done just proved how it can be detrimental in providing close contacts a certain degree of assurance regarding their exposure or if they would need self-isolation practices all throughout.
An anonymous GP said that the excessive bureaucratic steps in Victoria’s contact tracing measures just proved how inadequate the state’s system was in dealing with the pandemic. It was said that there was an instance when the procedure took 4 weeks before it was completed.
The GP even said that the health services sector of the state is extremely underfunded and understaffed, which could be a reason for the slow movement of the organisation.
The said GP’s experience with the flawed system was supplemented by an encounter with limited testing. GPs can only test close contact asymptomatic cases, which is a very problematic matter for the GP and all people residing in the state who are prone to infection.
This system could miss out on a huge chunk of potentially asymptomatic patients who may turn out to be positive of coronavirus. Asymptomatic testing shall be provided to people who have experience in association with the outbreak, travelers, care workers, and people who were exposed to a positive case.
GP Dr. Simon Benson recommended an online platform in soliciting contact tracing information for speedy and efficient procedures. This could help manage the continuous growth of the number of cases across Australia. He said that for every confirmed case of COVID-19, healthcare providers should be able to quickly respond to a contact tracing measure and update it as soon as possible.
Contact tracing is a crucial part of controlling the infection and it should not take 48 hours before it is completely done.
