Editor’s Desk: Proof of vaccination requirements are both harsh yet fair

At risk of sounding like Mark McGowan, life is about to get very tough for those who have chosen to remain unvaccinated from COVID. The unvaccinated cohort in our community is made up of two types: militant, rusted-on anti-vaxxers who oppose any kind of immunisation and those people who are hesitant about this particular vaccine, whether they feel it’s been rushed or are worried about potential side effects or are waiting for more research. From January 31, the reality is these people will become government-sanctioned pariahs everywhere in WA. And probably even more so from February 5 when WA rejoins the rest of the country and the world. Their world is about to get a lot smaller — between home and work (if they still have a job, that is, with their unvaccinated status) and only the permitted essential locations of the supermarket, servo and chemist. And they better get used to a lot of takeaway coffee and meals. They won’t be able to dine in a cafe, restaurant or pub, enter a bottle shop or gym or a play centre, go to the cinemas or a live music show, visit anyone in hospital or an aged-care home or go to any big event with more than 500 people. But at least they can still get their hair done — a true essential service. It’s going to a bitter pill to swallow. And it probably will convince some of the unjabbed to finally roll up their sleeves for the greater good. I fully realise the vaccine may not stop me from contracting or spreading COVID but I hope most people realise by now that getting the jab will lessen the severity of the virus and reduce the risk of death and long-term complications. There is no cure, but I know which side I would rather be on. A big part of me welcomes these restrictions, in that I will feel more comfortable and protected sitting down in a cafe or restaurant or going to an event knowing those people around me are also fully vaccinated. But another part of me fears the repercussions of the Government’s decision. The vaccinated versus unvaccinated debate is already so divisive and that will increase tenfold under this new regime. There will be more antagonism and vitriol from both sides, more protests and not to mention a greater burden on businesses to police these new rules. I know people — people close to me — who are stubbornly unvaccinated and are off to Perth soon for a week’s stay at a flash hotel as a last hurrah of sorts. To get in before they get locked out. I feel sorry for them under this new world order. They will be hamstrung and restricted at nearly every turn. And these are people I love who I want nothing but the best for. Their views on what is best differ from mine but it doesn’t stop me caring about them and their wellbeing. I just hope people realise this isn’t a prison they have to unwillingly enter. Yes, their lives will be in lockdown. But there is a choice involved. They can grab the key and let themselves out if they want to.