An Australian doctor has slammed Melbourne parking wardens for giving out tickets to healthcare professionals working hard during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Melbourne is currently in stage 4 lockdown as Victoria's cases of coronavirus continue to rise.
On Monday the state recorded its deadliest day of the coronavirus pandemic with 19 deaths and 322 new cases.
But parking wardens have continued to work, giving fines to essential workers including Royal Melbourne Hospital ICU doctor Katarina Arandjelovican.
Arandjelovican said she had worked 56 hours over four days to "look after some of our state's sickest patients" and was shocked to find the parking ticket on her windshield on Monday night.
"In lockdown, who do you think is parking in the streets by the hospital?" she asked in an open letter to the City of Melbourne and Lord Mayor Sally Capp.
"It is the doctors, nurses, orderlies, pharmacists, physios, technicians, cleaners, cooks, ward clerks.
"So when you send a parking inspector to Parkville, know that it is these people you are targeting."
She said the essential workers have no choice but to drive due to public transport being cancelled due to COVID-19, and the day before lockdown her bike was stolen from outside to hospital.
"It is not easy, but every single person in that building is working their butt off right now. It is inspiring.
"We make sacrifices and turn up - day in, day out, to serve you. So I guess @cityofmelbourne and @SallyCapp_, slapping fines on our cars is one hell of a thank you."
But a spokesperson for the City of Melbourne said the parking restrictions still applied to all residents during the lockdown.
"Vehicles parked in residential parking areas with red signs are still subject to restrictions," they said.
"We recognise the invaluable work our health workers are doing, that's why we've issued 9900 parking passes to frontline workers, including to the Royal Melbourne Hospital."
Lord Mayor of Melbourne Sally Capp also pointed out the parking passes and thanked hospital workers.
"Health workers have done an amazing job fighting the virus during this pandemic.
We understand they are playing a critical role saving the lives of many Victorians who have been diagnosed with COVID-19."
But Arandjelovican said there weren't enough parking passes for everyone, including her.
"Your 'free permits' are long gone. There were too few to begin with. Many missed out."
