The Australian Olympic committee has slammed the decision to impose a 28 day period for some returning athletes
The AOC says the South Australian Government’s decision to ignore expert medical advice poses a significant mental health risk for those athletes.
The AOC says the South Australian Government's decision to ignore expert medical advice and the decision of National Cabinet by imposing a 28 day period for returning Australian Olympians poses a significant mental health risk for those athletes.https://t.co/V1Xk6StO0X
The fully vaccinated Australian Olympic Team has returned home and is currently undergoing the mandatory quarantine arrangements at hotels and facilities around Australia
However, the South Australian Government will impose a further mandatory quarantine period when South Australian athletes return from hotel quarantine in Sydney… totalling 28 days in isolation.
South Australia is the only state to do this.
There are 56 team members returning to South Australia with 16 currently quarantined in Sydney.
The SA government has rejected AOC appeals to grant exemptions for the returning Olympians, who will isolate at their homes rather than at quarantine hotels.
Adelaide’s Belinda White, a member of Australia’s Olympic softball team, will be the first athlete impacted.
Softball Australia’s chief executive officer David Pryles worried at her wellbeing during her next 14 days of isolation in Adelaide.
“To force Belinda to undergo an extra 14 days by herself upon returning to her hometown of Adelaide frankly gives us concern for the mental well-being of our returning Olympian,” Pryles said.
Many fans and athletes have taken to social media to express their concern.
Ridiculous decision. What a terrible way to treat our Olympians. Two weeks is enough.
AOC Chief Executive Officer Matt Carroll says the decision flies in the face of the expert medical advice of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Chief Medical Officer Dr David Hughes that the mental health of athletes can be severely challenged after returning from a highly constrained Tokyo Games environment into the further isolation of extended lockdown.
“While other countries are celebrating the return of their athletes, we are subjecting ours to the most cruel and uncaring treatment. They are being punished for proudly representing their country with distinction at the Olympic Games,”
“We are all promoting the obvious benefits of vaccination, but this important layer of protection is not working in favour of these athletes, given this decision. By any measure, this group of returning Olympians is extremely low risk.
“Not only are our Olympians fully vaccinated, but they have also been living in a highly controlled bubble in Tokyo, taking the upmost precautions – tested daily over many weeks.
Mr Carroll says the AOC has expressly followed the South Australian Health Department’s Exemption process, submitting medical evidence based on highly qualified advice.
“We have received no explanation as to why our application on behalf of these athletes has been rejected. If you run an exemption process, presumably that includes the prospect than exemptions can be granted based on scientific advice. We have received no response related to the expert advice we have provided,” Mr Carroll said.
AIS Chief Medical Officer Dr David Hughes says while he respects the South Australian process is designed to keep the state safe, the decision to reject the athletes’ application is profoundly flawed.
“To have individuals quarantined for such a lengthy period of time is in my opinion unreasonable and cannot be scientifically justified. It poses a significant risk to the physical and mental wellbeing of the individuals concerned,” Dr Hughes said.
Mr Carroll says numerous attempts to resolve this matter over some weeks without success.
“National Cabinet took a position that a double quarantine arrangement was unacceptable. Every COVID-safe procedure we have asked the Olympians to undergo, they have complied with. They can safely transfer to their home states after the mandatory hotel quarantine period without interacting with the public.
The AOC wrote formally to the South Australian Chief Medical Officer after weeks of discussions with departmental staff. Today the AOC was informed of the decision that the Olympians would be required to home quarantine, on top of the two weeks hotel quarantine just completed.
Mr Carroll says the home quarantine option is no less impactful. First the athletes are required to apply for home quarantine, with no certainty of approval.
“Athletes subject to home quarantine will not be permitted a welcome home hug. Either the athlete’s family must move away, the athlete must find a way of isolating from the family or the entire family goes into quarantine. That is not an acceptable option for someone who is fully vaccinated and who has already just completed two weeks’ quarantine,” Mr Carroll concluded.
Emmilia O’Sullivan’s inspiring journey highlights resilience in overcoming life-threatening health challenges and her mission to help others.
In Short
Emmilia O’Sullivan, an award-winning author, has faced severe health challenges since childhood but remains resilient and determined to inspire others through her book, podcast and beyond. She emphasises a positive mindset and actively engages with her medical team while supporting her family during her journey.
Emmilia O’Sullivan, an award-winning author, shared her journey through numerous health challenges starting from childhood.
Born with kidney disease, she had a kidney removed by age two and lived on one kidney until major complications arose at seventeen, requiring a bladder reconstruction and a kidney transplant at twenty-one.
However, shortly after her transplant, she faced a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at twenty-two. Following remission, she discovered rare EBV-driven smooth muscle tumors.
Over the years, Emmilia dealt with various medical issues, including a tumour requiring a craniotomy and a severe bout of sepsis that led to a coma.
Despite these obstacles, Emmilia demonstrates remarkable resilience, emphasising a positive mindset and a strong desire to survive. She actively engages with her medical team, focusing on treatments and timelines, determined to keep moving forward.
Her support system includes her husband and family, and she also plays a reassuring role for them despite her struggles.
Emmilia views her health challenges not as defining elements but as aspects of her life alongside her ambition to inspire younger individuals facing similar issues.
Through her book, & podcast she aims to provide guidance and support for others.
You can find her podcast on social media platforms and her website, ammeliaosullivan.com. Emmilia’s story is a testament to fighting spirit and the pursuit of life goals despite adversity.
Mental health support needs increased funding and resources to combat stigma and ensure affordability in Australia.
In Short
Demand for mental health support is rising in Australia, hindered by affordability, resource shortages, and stigma. Shehara Fernando, CEO of Crowned Cross Healthcare, calls for equal prioritisation of mental health services and systemic changes to improve access and reduce stigma.
The demand for mental health support continues to rise as affordability, resource shortages, and societal stigma present significant hurdles.
Shehara Fernando, founder and CEO of Crowned Cross Healthcare, highlighted the pressing need to prioritise mental health services on par with physical health care in Australia. High out-of-pocket costs hinder access, with current Medicare rebates often inadequate for ongoing therapy and specialised treatment.
Resource shortages, particularly of psychologists and psychiatrists, must be addressed through increased training of healthcare professionals and the expansion of telehealth options, which can reach rural populations effectively. Fernando emphasised the need for tailored services for diverse groups facing unique mental health challenges.
Overcoming societal stigma, especially among men, remains critical. Statistics reveal only 15% of Australian men with mental health conditions seek help, with a substantial number dropping out of treatment. Fernando urged public figures to speak openly about mental health, fostering an environment where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength.
Crowned Cross Healthcare aims to deliver quality mental health services and encourages individuals to connect through their website and social media for support and resources. More systemic changes and discussions are vital for improving mental health care access.
Trump and Netanyahu warn of renewed conflict if hostages are not freed by deadline.
Hamas has confirmed it will release three more Israeli hostages as originally planned, reversing an earlier threat to delay their release.
The terror group had warned that it would withhold the captives unless Israel provided compensation for what it claimed were unmet entitlements.
However, under mounting international pressure, Hamas has agreed to proceed with the release.
The announcement comes amid growing tensions, as both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump have made it clear that a failure to release all remaining hostages by Saturday at noon could result in the collapse of the current ceasefire.
Trump, during a press conference, stated that if the deadline is not met, Israel should “cancel it and … let hell break out.”
Netanyahu echoed similar sentiments, reinforcing that Israel would take decisive action if Hamas did not comply.
In a recent meeting, Trump and Netanyahu also discussed the possibility of resettling Palestinians outside of Gaza and even suggested U.S. control over the region—a proposal that has sparked debate among international leaders.
Josh Hasten a Middle East correspondent for JNS, and the co-host of the JNS podcast “Jerusalem Minute” joins Veronica Dudo to discuss.