It’s a bit of a scary time in Melbourne – and Victoria – at the moment, with news today emerging that the latest coronavirus cluster has begun emerging in the extremely precarious aged care sector. Government officials cannot confirm whether or not the current 7-day lockdown will be extended, although signs in that regard aren’t good. The list of COVID-19 exposure sites in Greater Melbourne and beyond has now ballooned out to well over 270, and now includes multiple major shopping centres, food markets, workplaces, and several public transport routes. Things are on such a knife’s edge at the moment that the State Government’s daily press briefings are once again becoming a regular appointment on the calendar of all Victorians, and the amount of anxiety attached to them seems to be growing exponentially.
The flip-side, however, is that the Hot Auslan Guy is regularly featuring on screens once again. So at least there’s that.
A grim feature of daily Victorian life during last year’s extensive and hugely challenging lockdown, the State Government has once again begun conducting daily press conferences to brief media and the public on the latest developments as this latest COVID-19 cluster continues to grow.
Though notable for the absence of the injured Dan Andrews, Deputy Premier James Merlino, Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton, and COVID testing chief Jeroen Weimar have, through these pressers, re-claimed position as the reluctant main characters in a lot of Victorian’s lives.
But in somewhat better news, these pressers have also heralded the re-arrival of the slate of Auslan interpreters who dutifully provide vital communication to the Deaf and hearing impaired communities.
Lauded for their enthusiasm and stamina – live interpreting press conferences, questions and all, is tiring gear – the Auslan interpreters who stand beside Government officials and cover all the crucial details provide an absolutely vital service.
Also there’s this one guy who is extremely hot, which is good too.
The unnamed interpreter is now back on screens on the reg, and it feels like being comforted by an old, Daddy-like friend.
Old mate first drew widespread attention in July last year for making a rather pointed gesture during a Dan Andrews press conference. We’re told it was the Auslan interpretation of the word “lazy” or possibly “available” or “holiday,” depending on context.
Shoutout to this legendary AUSLAN interpreter who absolutely nailed my feelings towards to current Covid sitch in my hometown of Melbourne. Stay safe Victoria! #shithouse #COVID19Aus pic.twitter.com/kOMONh5B71
— Dylan Alcott (@DylanAlcott) July 22, 2020
For better or worse, he’s back on our screens now, dutifully doing his thing in front of a very nervous viewing audience.
Welcome back you hot King.
