Third exemption plea for man refused chance to visit dying mum denied in Queensland
A man's third exemption application to allow him to leave COVID-19 quarantine to say goodbye to his dying mum has been shot down by Queensland Health.
Anneli Marttila is on her deathbed at the family's Redcliffe home, given just days to live.
Her youngest son Marko will be in quarantine on the Gold Coast for another week, however, after arriving from the US recently.
A family is losing hope of a final reunion after a man was denied permission to leave coronavirus quarantine to visit his dying mother. 9News
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The family has said they are willing to comply with any additional conditions needed for Marko to visit.
However, Queensland Health told Marko there were "a number of relevant considerations" for the Chief Health Officer to balance in granting exemptions.
A small group rallied outside Marko's hotel last night, calling for him to be given permission to see his mum.
Anneli Marttila has been given just days to live. 9News
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"We've got a man here being refused compassionate leave when really I can not think of a more compelling reason to let someone out of hotel quarantine," protester Millie Fontana said.
9News contacted Queensland Health asking what would qualify somebody for an exemption, if Marko's case was not considered sufficient.
"We understand the health directions in place are strict, but they are designed to protect Queenslanders from COVID-19," the department responded.
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