‘It stinks’: NSW Health Minister slams media for identifying Sydney COVID patient

NSW Health authorities have slammed media outlets for identifying the man at the centre of Sydney’s latest coronavirus outbreak.

Asked about the identity of the so-called “BBQ man”, Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said she was “incredibly disappointed” to see him being named in the media.

She said that was not in accordance with the wishes of the gentleman.

Chant said he has really gone above and beyond to help the health authorities and she thinks that it’s not a good outcome from public health.

She said they obviously take the approach that where they need to they will be very frank with any information but that was not necessary.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard also weighed in on the matter, saying it was “absolutely appalling”.

He said no journalist should think that it’s ok to go naming a patient, somebody who’s working with Health, it’s the quickest way to destroy the confidence of all of them if they think that some journalist thinks that it’s ok to name a patient who is actually working with them to make sure the community stays safe.

Hazzard said it stinks actually.

[Source: news.com.au]