Two weeks ago I was an alarmist. I saw the data from China, Italy, Spain & the UK. I wanted my colleagues to look out for the wave to come. We, Australia, got into action.

Today, since news of expanded testing criteria, I’m a realist and I see that we’re in a different place. 1/

Each move by @DanielAndrewsMP and @VictorianCHO has been well planned and well executed. Some say it’s too late, too early, too conservative, too liberal.

Now we look back and know that though imperfect, these decisions have been successful in getting us where we are now. 2/

We’re not out of the woods, of course, but we have bought ourselves in Victoria some time to plan, think & strategise.

Every medical unit, hospital, jurisdictional authorities have time to restructure. We’re modifying & changing.

Time is precious in a pandemic. 3/

What has been done since cancelling the Melbourne Grand Prix has been an exercise in cautious, staged preparation for a potential unprecedented medical disaster. Something we see and hear happening in other countries. My heart bleeds when I see the death toll in UK, US, etc. 4/

@DanielAndrewsMP & @VictorianCHO deserve praise for clear headed, straight talking leadership. I honestly feel they have not put a foot wrong in this disaster (personal opinion). As imperfect as the decisions may be in the eyes of some, our curve speaks of their success. 5/

Their decisions have bought us time and saved lives.

They do deserve credit for their hard work.

Thank you @DanielAndrewsMP and @VictorianCHO. 6/6

The success and failure of public health and pandemic interventions are plain for all to see.

Still much work to be done but I’m proud of the work of the Australian health officials today. There are a few good eggs in there saving lives through policies and protocols.