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Amber-Jade Sanderson’s claim Eastern States have been experiencing ‘lockdown’ conditions causes Twitter storm

Headshot of Bethany Hiatt
Bethany HiattThe West Australian
Western Australian Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson speaks to media at Dumas House on Jan 23, 2022. Matt Jelonek
Camera IconWestern Australian Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson speaks to media at Dumas House on Jan 23, 2022. Matt Jelonek Credit: Matt Jelonek/The West Australian

The social media backlash has been swift and withering to WA Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson’s claim the Eastern States have been experiencing “lockdown” conditions because of the rapid spread of COVID-19.

Ms Sanderson on Sunday defended the McGowan Government’s decision to delay plans to open WA’s borders on February 5, saying the furloughing of staff in the Eastern States was “crippling” supply chains and the health sector.

“We have, in all but name, lockdowns over East,” she said. “It’s essentially lockdown by default.”

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Hundreds of people living in the Eastern States were quick to point out on Twitter that was not the case — noting the weekend crowds flocking to major sporting events, festivals, beaches and shopping centres.

“So, the WA government just gets to make things up now?” commented Aljazeera program editor Steven Wilson.

“Damn those cardboard cut-outs are making a very convincing live crowd at the Australian Open,” Sydney man Jason Hughes tweeted.

Sky News journalist Peter Stefanovic posted a laugh-crying emoji alongside the quote “The east is in lockdown”.

“Hate lockdown over here” a Melbourne resident tweeted, highlighting Big Bash League games taking place this week.

“I was with 40k people at the tennis yesterday, 25k today,” Twitter user Murray Conallin said. “Really locked down here in Melbourne.”

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