Australians apparently don’t like that tennis superstar Novak Djokovic received a (partial) exemption from COVID-19 immigration restrictions while they are forced into brutal lockdowns. But perhaps their anger should be directed less at Djokovic and more at their own government.
Djokovic, who is reportedly unvaccinated, was granted a vaccine exemption that would allow him to play in the Australian Open by Tennis Australia and the Victorian government.
Like other applicants, Djokovic’s application was anonymous, meaning he wasn’t granted special privilege because of his star status. But the federal government stepped in and is preparing to deport him, awaiting a hearing. A second player, Renata Voracova, has also been detained and her visa was canceled.
Reports from both ESPN and the New York Times noted anger in Australia at the original news that Djokovic had been granted an exemption. But Djokovic isn’t responsible for the restrictions they have endured.
‘Inside Australia’s Covid internment camp.’ From @unherd: https://t.co/kZW0Hbq83R pic.twitter.com/E2T6SI2Yyr
— Byron York (@ByronYork) December 3, 2021
“Residents in apartment blocks locked-down by NSW Health are having their alcohol deliveries policed… Residents are allowed to receive one of the following: six beers, one bottle of wine, or one 375ml bottle of spirits. Excess alcohol is confiscated.” https://t.co/mpNBKLamjJ
— Helen Andrews (@herandrews) September 8, 2021
Residents of Melbourne were put under police supervision and, in some instances, barred from leaving their homes. Australians were monitored while the government singularly focused on preventing an increase in cases.
According to the Australian government, 91.9% of people over 16 are fully vaccinated. They are not in danger from unvaccinated people inside or outside the country, but domestic travel is still restricted and the government touts that “restrictions, lockdowns and stay at home orders will continue to play a part in managing COVID-19.”
Djokovic was not responsible for any of this. He did not impose strict lockdowns or threaten to impose them in the future. Australians are mad about a perceived double standard. Perhaps they should wonder why they allowed the government to set strict standards for themselves in the first place.
