Scott Morrison has denied the Federal Government has a “just letting it go” policy toward COVID-19 as the Omicron variant continues to put pressure on the workforce, supply chains and hospitals.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison denies the Federal Government’s COVID-19 response is a “just letting it go” policy calling the accusation a"complete falsehood".Mr Morrison made the remarks during a press conference with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg on Wednesday, where he outlined his government’s COVID-19 response in a wide-ranging speech.
“In Australia, we have isolation and we have testing where necessary. We have masks and distancing rules, we have density arrangements tailored to the circumstances in each state and territory,” Mr Morrison said. “We have got $9.8 billion that we announced in MYEFO to support the health effort which brings our total investment in the health response in the pandemic to $34.8 billion. $308.6 million on primary health, Telehealth, mental health supports. $180 million alone just in supporting our GPs to deal and support patients who have COVID," he said."There are free tests available to those who are working in healthcare and in aged care and other important settings such as that.
Mr Morrison acknowledged the pressures on the workforce due to the Omicron variant had “been a particular challenge” and said the ADF had been turned to again to help.