Our Opinion – Pandemic blurs privacy

The pandemic has changed everything in a short space of time. Some changes may be temporary but others could be with us for the long haul – these include the impact on privacy.

Back in 2019 personal health information was private. Now it is out there and increasingly sharing your vaccination status will be required if you work in a particular profession, want to travel, attend a festival or gig, or even visit a bar or restaurant.

Your employer may ask for it – they have a responsibility to keep staff safe. As an employee you may wish to know whether those you work with are vaccinated or not. Recently this paper was asked about our local politicians’ vaccination status.

There were several reasons given – the public contact they have, including with people who may be old, very young, or immune-compromised. The idea that being vaccinated shows you care about keeping the community safe and getting businesses open.

One even said if anyone was resistant to the vaccine, it would affect how he votes in next year’s local body election. “They are paid from the public purse and need to be upfront, either way,” the reader said.

I asked the question and most politicians were happy to oblige. In fact they wanted to actively let everyone know that they have had the vaccine, agreeing that it’s part of being in a public-facing role.

Some local businesses are also promoting their vaccine status to reassure customers – with signs on the door that say ‘Fully vaccinated for your Safety”. A public health emergency is perhaps a strong reason to erode our right to privacy.

However, it is not a step to be taken lightly. It can lead to demonising and isolating those with alternative views.  No one wants to see another outbreak. It is hoped a high vaccination rate will take pressure off our health system, allow borders and businesses to reopen.

Further spread is more likely among the unvaccinated, affecting the places they work and the people they are close to.  It is possible therefore that more vaccine mandates are in the pipeline – including for our public servants. If that happens, it would provide answers for anyone curious about whether a politician has had the jabs. 

Hibiscus Matters does not believe putting those details in the paper is helpful but I invite anyone who is concerned to explain why you want to know, and ask that person directly. If there is a good reason why a politician’s vaccine status could affect you, they may be willing to give you a straight answer.