Victoria providing $50m to establish mRNA vaccine manufacturing facilities

The Victorian Government will invest $50 million to establish mRNA vaccine and therapeutic manufacturing in Melbourne through partnerships with universities, researchers and Australian and international manufacturing companies.

Onshore production of mRNA vaccines, based on messenger RNA which is the molecule that essentially puts DNA instructions into action, has been identified by the Commonwealth Government as a national priority.

Victoria is already home to world-class vaccine manufacturing facilities owned by CSL (ASX: CSL) in the Melbourne suburbs of Broadmeadows and Parkville.

The state will work closely with the Commonwealth and world-leading experts from Monash University, the University of Melbourne, The Doherty Institute and other leading research institutes to develop the first mRNA manufacturing capability in the Southern Hemisphere.

mRNA vaccines are a promising alternative to traditional vaccines because of their high efficacy, capacity for rapid development, low-cost manufacture, and safe administration.

This has been highlighted by the success of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna which are manufactured in Europe and the United States.

"It's vital that we can develop and manufacture mRNA vaccines and treatments locally to ensure we have vaccine security here in Australia and across our region," VIC Acting Premier James Merlino said.

Not only is the move important in the fight against COVID-19, mRNA and other forms of RNA nanomedicines can be used in the treatment of cancer, rare diseases, cellular engineering and protein-replacement therapy.

"There are major advantages to this technology including high efficacy, rapid speed in development, and flexible manufacturing processes. Victoria is well positioned to be at the forefront of this effort," VIC Minister for Health Martin Foley said.

To date, the Federal Government has secured up to 170 million doses of Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Novavax vaccines, including 20 million extra doses of the jab from Pfizer.

The Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine was recently recommended as preferred over the AstraZeneca alternative for recipients aged under 50, following advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) in response to blood clot risks.

As of today, 1.66 million vaccine doses have been administered in Australia, with 399,313 of those delivered in Victoria.

Updated at 12.11pm AEDT on 21 April 2021.

Australia welcomes NZ arrivals, Gold Coast splashes out on trans-Tasman marketing blitz

"New Zealand was Australia's second biggest source of international visitors before the pandemic. Today, it's about to go straight to number one," says Qantas CEO Alan Joyce.

As of today and for the first time since the pandemic began, Australians are being welcomed into New Zealand without having to complete two weeks of mandatory quarantine.

While the bubble gives many the opportunity to visit friends and family in New Zealand, it also means tourists from across the ditch will have confidence to see Australia without having to set aside a fortnight of isolated tedium when they get back home.

However, travel between the two countries will not be like it was pre-COVID. The guidance is for a "flyer beware" approach; if an outbreak is detected in certain part of Australia, travellers who have been to the affected area will not be compensated for any sudden quarantine required.

In any case the sector has been emboldened by the move, with airline Qantas (ASX: QAN) even adding new flight paths from tourist hotspots including the Gold Coast and Hobart to New Zealand.

Qantas says "Kia Ora"

For Qantas, today marks the first quarantine-free trans-Tasman flights in over 400 days and means 630 employees will get back to work.

The first international flight for Qantas was from Sydney this morning, with flights to resume across 14 other routes during the day.

In total, 29 Qantas/Jetstar flights between Australia and New Zealand will operate today.

Speaking from Sydney International Airport to farewell departing passengers, Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce said the opening of the two-way travel bubble was a significant milestone for both countries.

"Quarantine-free travel has been almost 400 days in the making. Reopening these flights across the Tasman is a very important milestone in the recovery from the pandemic for Australia and New Zealand but also aviation and tourism," Joyce said.

"The opening of the two-way bubble is fantastic for the family and friends who are reuniting after so long apart and for the many jobs which are so heavily dependent on tourism. It means we'll be able to get more planes back in the sky and more of our people back to work.

"New Zealand was Australia's second biggest source of international visitors before the pandemic. Today, it's about to go straight to number one."

Airports open up to NZ

Australian airports are also flying high on the milestone today, with many friends and families to reunite in terminals this week.

Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff says the travel bubble is vitally important as New Zealand is one of Queensland's most important international markets.

"Today is an incredible day for the many families and friends who will be able to reunite, but also for the thousands of businesses in Brisbane, the regions, and across Queensland who rely on tourism," he says. 

"Brisbane Airport will welcome flights from Christchurch and Wellington for the first time since 28 March 2020, some 387 days, which, for us, it has felt almost as long as the last time the Wallabies won the Bledisloe Cup."

In 2019, around 1.5 million passengers flew between BNE and New Zealand, with more than 100 flights each week and five airlines operating services to five New Zealand cities (Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Dunedin, and Queenstown).

In Victoria more than 19 trans-Tasman flights will land in Melbourne today, which equates to approximately 4,000 seats.

Each week around 140 services will operate between Melbourne and New Zealand, and the number will rise to 180 weekly flights by the end of May taking the airport back to around 70 per cent of its pre-COVID flight capacity.

Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Lorie Argus said New Zealand was an important market to re-establish.

"We're absolutely thrilled to see international travel restart, bringing us one step closer to normality. Now people at both ends can dust off their passports to visit family and friends, and take that long-awaited holiday," Argus said.

"New Zealand is a significant market for Melbourne and Victoria. It is our most popular outbound international destination and our second busiest inbound market so we're confident both sides will be busy.

"Hopefully the safe reopening between Australia and New Zealand can be used as a blueprint for other international markets throughout the year."

Destination Gold Coast announces $1.3m marketing blitz in NZ

The Gold Coast turned out a big show for trans-Tasman arrivals this morning, including a sky diving display featuring giant Australian and New Zealand flags landing at the southern end of the airport during sunrise.

This extravaganza for visitors comes as tourism marketer Destination Gold Coast puts forward a $1.3 million marketing push to attract Kiwis to the city.

Destination Gold Coast CEO Patricia O'Callaghan says the campaign will debut on 21 April.

"We know New Zealanders can't wait to come back to the Gold Coast and they will be welcomed with open arms by our 4,600 tourism businesses," O'Callaghan says.

"Our $1.3 million marketing push is the Gold Coast's largest-ever spend in New Zealand, so the proportion of investment reflects the importance of re-engaging with this key visitor market.

"New Zealand was our second-largest international visitor market source pre-COVID and this is a significant milestone for Gold Coast tourism operators being the first international market to come back online in more than a year."

The 12-week campaign will entice New Zealanders to come and play through great value holiday offers promoted on national TV networks in partnership with House of Travel, New Zealand's most awarded travel group, and across cinema, digital placements and on social media.

O'Callaghan says Kiwis have a strong affinity with the Gold Coast.

"One per cent of all Kiwis live on the Gold Coast and we know an annual holiday to our region is a tradition for thousands of Kiwi families who will now be able to flee winter for a sun-soaked holiday.

"The marketing approach reinforces the Gold Coast as top-of-mind for families abroad and our visiting friends and relatives' market.

"The campaign will highlight the Gold Coast's top-rated travel activities and a breadth of lesser-known experiences in addition to our golden beaches, rainforest hinterland, iconic theme parks, alfresco dining and calendar of events."

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate says the Gold Coast is a second home for New Zealanders.

"To our Kiwi cousins, I say come and play on the Gold Coast," he said.

"To see international flights arriving and departing gives us all great confidence that this is not the first travel bubble to expand out of the coast.

"Let's roll out the welcome mat just don't mention the rugby as we still can't pinch that trophy off them."

Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills said the airport team and tourism operators were extremely excited about the resumption of trans-Tasman travel, with 16 services scheduled in the first week alone.

"We have been waiting more than 12 months for the restart of international travel and today it begins with one of the Gold Coast's most important overseas markets and Australia's closest neighbour," he said.

"Given the impact of this separation on so many people, we are expecting to see lots of emotional reunions at Gold Coast Airport over the next few weeks.

"With 60,000 Kiwis living on the Gold Coast and the region rating highly on travel wish lists of New Zealand residents, we expect these services to be extremely popular in both directions."

Mills said the start of the inaugural Qantas Gold Coast-Auckland service on day one of trans-Tasman travel made the milestone day particularly special.

"Recovery is ramping up for the airport and the tourism operators we support, and Qantas starting the first international service in the airport's history has given us even more reasons to celebrate today," he said.

Air New Zealand taking off

On the other side of the Tasman, Air New Zealand (ASX: AIZ) is expecting more than 5,000 passengers to travel today between NZ and Australia.

Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran, a former head of Woolworths and Wal-Mart US, says the airline's trans-Tasman routes are firing on all cylinders.

"The accumulation of the opening of the trans-Tasman bubble and the start of the Kiwi school holidays has created a real sense of momentum and energy about the whole airline," says Foran.

"Monday will go down in history as one of the most monumental days for Air New Zealand and a real turning point for the airline. It's Day 1 of our revival.

"We estimate that three-quarters of our passengers crossing the Ditch will be family and friends reuniting with loved ones. We're humbled to be part of these reunions and reconnecting people who have missed out on so much over the last year."

Shares in AIZ are up 0.30 per cent to $1.64 per share at 12.01pm AEST.

Updated at 12.19pm AEST on 19 April 2021.

Brisbane biotech to trial "world-first" COVID-19 immunotherapy treatment

Brisbane and Seattle-based biotechnology company Implicit Bioscience has launched a Phase 2 clinical trial of its lead immunotherapy product to treat COVID-19 patients.

Implicit Bioscience, co-founded by renowned immunologist Professor Ian Frazer, will test the efficacy and safety of IC14 for treatment of hospitalised COVID-19 patients with respiratory disease and low blood oxygen in combination with the antiviral drug remdesivir.

The trial, called the COVID-19 and Anti-CD14 Treatment Trial (CaTT), is sponsored and funded by the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

IC14, wholly owned by Implicit Bioscience, is a monoclonal antibody that works by dampening damaging levels of immune response to viral infections that result in respiratory distress and serious damage to the patient's lungs, heart, kidneys, brain and other organs.

It targets CD14, a master regulator of the immune response to infection and cellular damage, that is implicated in more than 500 diseases.

Professor Frazer says as the world welcomes COVID-19 vaccine candidates and a widespread prevention strategy, it remains vital to develop viable treatments that can help people who experience a life-threatening response to the virus.

"The emergence of new viral strains that may be resistant to current vaccines and drugs highlights the pressing need for interventions to help people during the early stages of COVID-19 respiratory disease," says Professor Frazer, the co-inventor of the cervical cancer vaccine.

"IC14 represents a world-first approach to treating the effects of COVID-19 and we are energised by the opportunity to participate in this important study.

"We hypothesise, from previous IC14 research in patients with sepsis and lung injury, that the investigational drug will help to control damaging levels of immune response to the viral infection. IC14 targets CD14, a master regulator of the immune response to infection and cellular damage, that is implicated in more than 500 diseases."

That hypothesis is supported by NIAID director Dr Anthony Fauci.

"By blocking a protein called CD14 during the early stages of COVID-19 respiratory disease, the monoclonal antibody IC14 could potentially temper the immune system's harmful inflammatory responses to SARS-CoV-2, thereby limiting associated tissue damage and improving patients' health outcomes," Dr Fauci said.

The Phase 2 clinical trial is part of a broader body of research being undertaken to unlock the potential of IC14.

IC14 is currently being studied in 125 COVID-19 patients with respiratory distress in 20 US hospitals.

"Between these two studies, IC14 will be studied in more than 400 COVID-19 hospitalised patients across the USA, across the full spectrum of disease, from the medical ward to the intensive care unit," Implicit Bioscience CEO Garry Redlich said.

"We are deeply honoured to have our immunotherapeutic antibody sponsored for such comprehensive clinical testing during the global pandemic and look forward to leveraging our learnings for a broad range of potential disease indications for this promising biologic drug."

The CaTT study will enrol between 300 and 350 hospitalised COVID-19 patients aged 18 years or older at 10 to 15 sites in the US. All participants will also receive intravenous infusions of the antiviral drug remdesivir for five consecutive days.

Results are expected in early 2022.

Implicit's trial follows in the footsteps of another immunotherapeutic approach to treating COVID-19 developed by Immutep.

The company is currently in the randomised portion of its EAT COVID trial, which is looking to see whether an experimental cance drug can boost the body's immune response while fighting off a COVID-19 infection. 

Updated at 2.55pm AEST on 16 April 2021.

Masks no longer mandatory in Queensland from tomorrow with restrictions to ease

Queensland is poised to ease COVID-19 restrictions further tomorrow, removing the requirement to wear masks indoors and easing capacity limits on businesses, as the state goes 11 days without a locally acquired case of the coronavirus today.

From 6am AEST on Thursday 15 April, face mask wearing will only be mandatory at airports and on domestic or international flights departing or arriving in Queensland.

While no longer mandatory, Queensland Health still encourages those in the state to wear a mask on public transport, in a taxi or rideshare, in shopping centres, and in any space where physical distancing is not possible.

Restrictions on gatherings will also change, permitting 100 people to congregate at private residences. There will no longer be a limit to the number of people that can gather in outdoor public spaces.

Queenslanders will be permitted to visit aged care facilities, disability accommodation services, hospitals and correctional facilities too, provided they meet the visitor requirements of each facility.

Businesses will also welcome the easing of capacity limits from tomorrow, with the one person per two square meters rule back in effect. This applies for venues including restaurants, cafes, pubs, clubs, museums, art galleries, places of worship, convention centres and Parliament House.

Patrons at retail food services, entertainment venues and high risk businesses will be able to eat and drink while standing both inside and outside.

Dancing is also back in QLD, provided the one dancer per two square meter rule is abided by and physical distancing is observed both indoors and outdoors.

Venues with seating (like theatres, live music spaces, cinemas, indoor sport, universities and other higher education institutions) can have 100 per cent capacity, provided seating is ticketed and allocated.

Outdoor dance festivals and music festivals will still be required to abide by restrictions, but outdoor events like ANZAC Day parades do not need a COVID Safe Event Checklist or Event Plan anymore.

Open air stadiums will also be allowed to operate with 100 per cent ticketed and allocated seated capacity provided a COVID Safe Plan is in force. All patrons at these venues will be strongly encouraged to wear masks on entry and exit.

Weddings and funerals can have expanded attendance of whichever is greater:

• 200 people; or
• One person per two square metres; or
• 100 per cent capacity with ticketed and allocated seating.

QLD Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young reminded Queenslanders and visitors to the state to remain vigilant.

"It's great news that we're able to ease even more restrictions and while we're not yet returning to normal, we're steadily getting closer," Dr Young said.

"We're very lucky here in Queensland to be able to have gatherings and outdoor events, to go out to restaurants and cafes, go dancing and only have to wear masks in certain settings.

"But we must remember that we're still in the midst of a global pandemic. We must continue to be vigilant."

Over the past 24 hours, 2,568 vaccines were administered, bringing the total number of vaccines in QLD to 115,025 since the rollout began.

Updated at 12.30pm AEST on 14 April 2021.

Quarantine-free travel to WA effective for all Australian states from 19 April

Western Australia will soon be able to welcome any interstate traveller and New Zealand arrivals from 19 April as the state moves to drop border restrictions.

New advice from the state's health officials means Queensland and New Zealand will be designated as "very low risk" jurisdictions from 19 April.

This means the rest of Australia and our neighbours across the ditch will be able to travel to WA without having to complete two weeks of self-quarantine on arrival.

WA Premier Mark McGowan says the COVID-19 situation in his state is "very encouraging", allowing for border restrictions to be eased.

"Our situation in WA is very encouraging and if it continues to track the way it is, it will demonstrate good reason for further changes - pending public health advice at the time," says McGowan.

"While these changes are very positive, Western Australians should not underestimate the virus and its ability to disrupt and destroy lives and livelihoods. 

"It was less than two weeks ago that Queensland went into a snap three-day lockdown following an outbreak, and while our border arrangements allow for safe travel it is also a fast and effective measure to stop the virus. That is why I will not hesitate to bring back hard borders should we need to protect Western Australians from COVID-19."

Travellers will still be expected to register for a border permit before travelling into WA and must consent to a health screening at Perth Airport.

WA stadiums moving to 100 per cent capacity from tomorrow

At midnight tonight major venues in WA like Optus Stadium, RAC Arena, HBF Stadium and HBF Park will be allowed to fill 100 per cent of the fixed seating capacity for events.

In addition, indoor and outdoor venues with fixed seating in WA will be premitted to operate at 100 per cent capacity.

Seated hospitality venues, including restaurants, cafés, food courts and bars that provide seated service only, will remain at 75 per cent capacity. This is based on the latest public health advice, due to their higher risk of increased mixing and face to face interactions.

The two square metre rule will continue to apply to all other venues and facilities with a mixture of seating and standing, unfixed seating or standing alone. 

It is expected these arrangements will be in place for at least a month before being reviewed by WA's Chief Health Officer, and if the situation remains encouraging, the Chief Health Officer is set to make more recommendations on further easing of restrictions.

"While these changes are welcomed and will be enjoyed by our community, it's also a timely reminder that we must continue to practise COVID-safe principles," says WA Health Minister Roger Cook.

"Whenever you're out and about, please remember to check-in at venues using the SafeWA app and remember to stay at home if unwell.

"Western Australians have done a remarkable job to eliminate COVID-19 and I thank everyone for their efforts."

Updated at 4.21pm AEST on 9 April 2021.

Australia strikes deal with Pfizer to double vaccine intake to 40 million

The Australian Government has reached a deal with Pfizer overnight to increase the vaccine supply by 20 million doses, doubling the expected incoming orders this year to 40 million.

These new doses are expected to be ready in the fourth quarter of 2021, but the government will be pushing to bring the delivery date forward.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was yesterday recommended as preferred over the AstraZeneca alternative for recipients aged under 50, following advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) in response to blood clot risks.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison described the breakthrough as "very welcome news", particularly in light of the information received by ATAGI last night.

"Australia has entered into four separate agreements for the supply of COVID-19 vaccines, and these include agreements with Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Novavax and COVAX, and these agreements now total up to some 170 million doses," Morrison said.

An "informed consent" approach is now encouraged for health departments and vaccine recipients, prompting a decision from NSW Health to temporarily suspend administration of the AstraZeneca vaccine until adequate guidance materials are available.

The data to date globally shows an extremely low probability for AstraZeneca vaccine recipients suffering from blood clots - far lower than side effects for common pharmaceutical products such as contraceptive pills for example - and the vaccine is still the recommended choice for people aged 50 and over.

"Vaccinating our elderly Australians remains a key priority that also supports the continued opening up of Australia, because the risk factor of severe illness amongst the most vulnerable is therefore reduced," the PM said.

"I want to stress again that the advice that has been received, the recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation is not a ban on the AstraZeneca vaccine. It is not a prohibition on the AstraZeneca vaccine.

"It recommends and notes that the risk of these side effects are remote, they are very rare.

"We're talking in the vicinity of five or six per million, which is a rather rare event but it must be acknowledged so Australians can make informed decisions about their vaccination and their health care with their medical professionals, with their doctor."

The government is also recalibrating its plans for the vaccine roll-out to new groups, but the core focus remains on the '1a' and '1b' groups.

The first of these cohorts includes quarantine and border workers, frontline health workers, and aged care and disability care staff, while the latter comprises elderly adults aged 70 and over, other health care workers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 55 and over, adults with an underlying medical condition or significant disability, and critical or high-risk workers such as those in meat processing, fire and emergency services, and the police force.

Australia has so far delivered one million vaccines and will implement a daily system for updates about how the roll-out is tracking.

National Cabinet exploring more travel bubbles

The Prime Minister also discussed other matters raised in today's National Cabinet meeting including the possibility of new travel bubbles.

The National Cabinet has asked the Medical Expert Panel to deliver more information about what thresholds need to be met to let Australians travel overseas and return without having to go into hotel quarantine.

"This will be a major change," the PM said.

"We want to open up more, we want to do it safely, we want to ease restrictions, we want to do that in a consistent way across the country."

With a trans-Tasman bubble expected to launch this month, the PM already has his sights set on the next opportunity for international travel.

If all goes to plan, Singapore is the next destination on the cards for Australians.

The National Cabinet also agreed today that large, seated gatherings can have a 100 per cent capacity, on the condition that Australia's international borders remain substantively closed.

Updated at 1:33pm AEST on 9 April 2021.

NSW temporarily pauses administration of AstraZeneca vaccine for all ages

NSW Health has temporarily paused the administration of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in light of recommendations issued last night by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).

The pause in administration of the vaccine to all age groups at NSW clinics is in effect until informed consent information is updated.

A NSW Health spokesperson says AstraZeneca vaccinations for those aged 50 years and over will recommence later today.

"As with all other vaccines, informed consent is required before administering COVID-19 vaccines, ensuring recipients make decisions based on an understanding of the risks and benefits," says the NSW Health spokesperson.

"Following the new advice from the Commonwealth last night, informed consent information will be updated to provide patients and those administering the AstraZeneca vaccine with the latest information."

The Pfizer vaccine will continue to be administered as planned at NSW Health clinics.

The news comes after the Federal Government accepted recommendations from ATAGI that the Pfizer vaccine is preferable for people aged under 50.

It saw the Government place the onus on the public to decide whether or not they will receive the AstraZeneca vaccine, with health officials developing resources to let Australians give "informed consent" before receiving the jab.

The recommendations follow the discovery of rare and potentially deadly side effects experienced by a tiny portion of younger AstraZeneca vaccine recipients.

Updated at 12.40pm AEST on 9 April 2021.

Government favours Pfizer over AstraZeneca for under 50s

Due to "very rare" and potentially deadly side effects experienced by a tiny portion of younger recipients of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, the Federal Government has now recommended a preference for the Pfizer vaccine in people aged under 50. 

The recommendations, presented to the Federal Government this evening by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), mean the later stages of the national vaccine rollout will have to be adjusted.

It also sees the Federal Government place the onus on the public to decide whether or not they will receive the AstraZeneca vaccine, with health officials developing resources to let Australians give "informed consent" before recieving the jab.

Health officials still encourage older Australians receive the "highly effective" AstraZeneca vaccine, as side-effects are less likely for people aged 50 and over. 

Health Minister Greg Hunt emphasised this blood clot condition is extremely rare around the world. 

"This remains a highly effective vaccine, safe for over 50s on the advice we've received," Hunt said.

Chief Health Officer Paul Kelly outlined five recommendations to the public regarding the AstraZeneca vaccine:

1. At the current time, the use of the Pfizer vaccine is preferred over the AstraZeneca vaccine in adults aged less than 50 years who have not already received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
2. Immunisation providers should only give a first dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to adults under 50 years of age where the benefit clearly outweighs the risk in individual circumstances.
3. People that have had their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, without any serious adverse events, can safely be given their second dose. This includes adults under the age of 50.
4. People who have had blood clots associated with low platelet levels after the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine should not be given the second dose.
5. The Department of Health further develop and refine resources for informed consent that clearly convey the benefits and the risks of the AstraZeneca vaccine for both immunisation providers and consumers of all ages.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has stressed the choice to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine is still up to the individual.

"This is not a directive. This is not an instruction," the PM said.

"Why we're here tonight is just to be very upfront with Australians, so Australians can know that they're getting all the information that we have, and they can feel informed about the decisions they make about their own health.

"We want to empower them in those decisions."

Until today, most young Australians were set to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine later in 2021 as part of the Federal Government's staged vaccine rollout.

In light of the Government's decision to adopt ATAGI's recommendations, the rollout will be recalibrated. This process will be conducted over this coming weekend.

Department of Health Secretary Professor Brendan Murphy says authorities are talking to Pfizer to secure more supply of its vaccine. Additional supply would build on 20 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine already secured. 

"Pfizer have committed to 20 million doses this year, and we're working with them almost on a daily basis to see when they can increase their supply," says Murphy.

"We're confident that at some stage in the near future we will get improved supply of Pfizer. 

"We will finish [vaccinating] aged care in the coming weeks, and that will free up the Pfizer vaccine, and all of that Pfizer will go to those under 50."

Taking guidance from European data

ATAGI has held two meetings over the past two days as the AstraZeneca vaccine side-effects issue has escalated worldwide, with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) yesterday declaring a "possible link" to very rare cases of unusual blood clots with low blood platelets.

In a similar vein as Australia's "informed consent" response, the EMA reminded healthcare professionals and people receiving the vaccine to remain aware of the possibility of these rare side effects within two weeks of vaccination.

"So far, most of the cases reported have occurred in women under 60 years of age within 2 weeks of vaccination. Based on the currently available evidence, specific risk factors have not been confirmed," the EMA said.

"People who have received the vaccine should seek medical assistance immediately if they develop symptoms of this combination of blood clots and low blood platelets," the agency reported.

These conditions include shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling in your leg, neurological symptoms such as severe and persistent headaches or blurred vision, and tiny blood spots under the skin beyond the point of injection.

The EU's Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) carried out an in-depth review of 62 cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and 24 cases of splanchnic vein thrombosis reported in its drug safety database (EudraVigilance) as of 22 March, 18 of which were fatal.

"The PRAC noted that the blood clots occurred in veins in the brain (cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, CVST) and the abdomen (splanchnic vein thrombosis) and in arteries, together with low levels of blood platelets and sometimes bleeding," the agency said.

"COVID-19 is associated with a risk of hospitalisation and death. The reported combination of blood clots and low blood platelets is very rare, and the overall benefits of the vaccine in preventing COVID-19 outweigh the risks of side effects.

"One plausible explanation for the combination of blood clots and low blood platelets is an immune response, leading to a condition similar to one seen sometimes in patients treated with heparin (heparin induced thrombocytopenia, HIT)."

In response, the committee has requested new studies and amendments to ongoing ones to provide more information and will take any further actions necessary.

Updated at 7.39pm AEDT.

WA's hard border to Queensland comes down

Queensland is now considered a "low risk" state according to health authorities in Western Australia, meaning the hard border to travellers has come down.

The change, which came into effect overnight, means travel from or via Queensland is allowed, though arrivals will still need to self-quarantine for two weeks upon landing in WA.

In addition, arrivals will need to present for a COVID-19 test on day 11, undergo a health screening and temperature test at Perth Airport, and be prepared to take a COVID-19 test at the airport if necessary.

The WA chief health officer will continue to monitor and review border controls to determine if restrictions to QLD travellers can be eased further in the future.

"On March 27, Queensland was moved to a medium risk rating following a community outbreak. Since then Queensland authorities have done an excellent job to contain the virus," says WA health minister Roger Cook.

"So it is pleasing that we can now act on the latest health advice to change the risk rating to low.

"We will continue to act in the interests of all Western Australians to ensure our State remains as safe as possible."

Other states and territories still have border restrictions in place to travellers from QLD in the wake of last week's COVID-19 outbreak.

In Victoria, the Greater Brisbane area (which includes Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay and Redlands) is designated as an 'orange zone'.

This means travellers from Greater Brisbane must apply for a permit to enter VIC and isolate on arrival until a negative COVID-19 test result is received.

Travellers to New South Wales from Greater Brisbane must complete an entry declaration form before travelling. In addition, travellers who have been to any close contact or casual contact venues in QLD must be returning NSW residents to enter the state.

South Australia is requiring arrivals from Greater Brisbane to self-quarantine until a negative COVID-19 test is received. Travellers must also submit to testing on days five and 13 after arriving in SA.

Tasmania now considers QLD to be a "low risk" area, meaning there are no restrictions on arrivals. However, those who have been to any of the close contact venues visited by confirmed COVID-19 infections are still not permitted to enter TAS.

The ACT has eased travel restrictions from Greater Brisbane, however public health requirements such as self-quarantine remain in place for those that have been to exposure sites.

The Northern Territory no longer considers QLD a COVID-19 hotspot, so there are no restrictions on entering the territory.

Updated at 10.21am AEDT on 7 April 2021.

Quarantine-free travel to New Zealand in effect from 19 April

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has described the upcoming re-opening in two weeks as an "important first step", while travel agents and airlines along with their investors have responded enthusiastically, albeit cautiously in the case of Virgin Australia. Meanwhile, Accommodation Australia has thrown a wet blanket on the news, seeing 'very little benefit' for a struggling tourism sector. 

Australians will be free to travel to New Zealand without having to self-quarantine from 19 April, after our neighbour's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the terms for a two-way, Trans-Tasman travel bubble today.

The Trans-Tasman travel bubble will come into effect from 11.59pm NZT on 18 April, giving loved ones across the pond the opportunity to finally reconnect from the 19th.

"The Director General of Health considers the risk of transmission of COVID-19 from Australia to New Zealand to now be low, and that quarantine-free travel would be safe to commence," Ardern said. 

"Cabinet accepts that advice, and is confident not only in the status of Australia but also in our ability to manage the travel arrangements."

However, travel between the two countries will not be like it was pre-COVID. The guidance is for a "flyer beware" approach; if an outbreak is detected in certain part of Australia, travellers who have been to the affected area will not be compensated for any quarantine needed.

"People will need to plan for the possibility of having travel disrupted if there is an outbreak," Ardern said.

"To help people plan ahead, and make decisions around their travel, we want to share as much information as we can about our decision making."

Travellers to NZ will be booking on "green zone" flights, further reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission from Australia.

"When those in Australia currently make the welcome decision to come to New Zealand, they'll be making a booking on what is called a green zone flight - that means there will be no passengers on that flight who have come from anywhere but Australia in the last 14 days," Ardern said.

"They will also be flown by crew who have not flown on any high-risk routes for a set period of time.

"Passengers will need to provide comprehensive information on how they can be contacted while in New Zealand. They won't be able to travel if they have cold or flu symptoms. When they fly they will be required to wear a mask on the flight and will also be asked to download a NZ COVID Tracer app."

In addition, new airport protocol will be enforced, ensuring flights with returning overseas travellers from other countries do not overlap with those travelling within the bubble.

"On arrival passengers will be taken through what we call the green zones, meaning there'll be no contact with those who are arriving from other parts of the world and going into isolation or quarantine facilities," the NZ PM said.

"We'll also be undertaking random temperature checks of those arriving as an extra precaution; all of that alongside of course the usual welcome that we like to give all those who are either our guests or are returning to Aotearoa-New Zealand."

Officials in NZ will be working closely with their Australian counterparts to monitor any potential outbreaks, and information will be provided to travellers about the status of the border.

New Zealand authorities will be taking a similar approach to managing outbreaks in Australia as for regions in their own country.

For example, if an outbreak of COVID-19 were detected in Adelaide after the bubble comes into effect, travellers from other states and territories would not be impacted, but flights from South Australia in that scenario would likely be temporarialy paused.

The recent outbreak of COVID-19 in Queensland has not put a dampener on the announcement either, with the New Zealand cabinet confident that outbreak is contained.

"Cabinet believes any residual risk can be managed," Ardern said.

"The Director General of Health will also give final confirmation of any conditions of travel that may affect Queensland by next Wednesday."

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison described today's announcement as an important first step.

"This is the first of many more steps I believe as we get back to a more normal position, not only over the course of this year, but beyond," he said.

"Australia and New Zealand have led the way when it comes to managing COVID. We have ensured that both our countries, despite dealing with the virus, have not suffered the same types of virus impacts that we've seen in so many other countries around the world.

"I very much appreciate the arrangement that the New Zealand government has come to today and we welcome them back, as indeed Kiwis will be welcoming Aussies, and all in time for ANZAC Day too which is tremendous."

Prime Minister Morrison highlighted the Trans-Tasman route was one of Australia's busiest in terms of volume.

"That means more planes in the air, it means more jobs on the ground and in the air as well for our airlines, it means further support for our travel agents who book many of the first of the international that we will see for Australians."

The effects have already been felt on the country's travel agents and airlines. Flight Centre (ASX: FLT) and Webjet (ASX: WEB) have seen their shares rise by 4.4 per cent and 4.7 per cent respectively. Meanwhile, Qantas shares have risen by more than 3 per cent.

Qantas and Jetstar to run 122 NZ return flights per week, Virgin hesitates

Qantas (ASX: QAN) and its subsidiary Jetstar will restart flying to NZ when the bubble opens later this month, but complex border requirements have seen Virgin Australia delay most of its trans-Tasman services until 31 October.

Australian airline Qantas has encouraged Aussies to pack their jandals and hop on one of 122 return flights operating every week across the Tasman.

The national carrier will also launch two new routes direct from Auckland to Cairns and the Gold Coast, bringing the total number of weekly seats on flights between the two nations to 52,000.

"Restarting flights to New Zealand is about more than starting to rebuild our international network, it's about reconnecting families and friends and getting more of our people back flying again," Qantas domestic and international CEO Andrew David said.

"Hopefully, stories of missed weddings and birthdays on either side of the ditch will now be a thing of the past.

"We know Australians are keen to head overseas again, so we expect strong demand for flights to New Zealand and there are many Kiwis who can't wait for a winter escape to warmer weather in Australia."

Qantas' enthusiasm is not shared by rival Virgin Australia, with the now-private airline hesitating on relaunching its services between Australia and New Zealand.

According to a company spokesperson, the evolving border requirements add complexity to Virgin's business.

As such, the airline is suspending the sale of most New Zealand services until 31 October 2021. A limited schedule for flights to and from Queenstown will remain available for booking from 18 September.

"The New Zealand Government's decision to establish quarantine-free travel between Australia and New Zealand is a step in the right direction and provides a boost of confidence for travellers looking to reunite with family and friends and do business across the Tasman," the Virgin spokesperson said.

"We are working with Air New Zealand to provide impacted customers with alternative options and will be contacting them directly. In all cases, options to select new travel dates or obtain a refund to the original form of payment are being made available."

Meanwhile, Air New Zealand (ASX: AIZ) CEO Greg Foran has welcomed PM Ardern's announcement.

"This is terrific news. I know Kiwis and Australians have been wanting to reconnect with family and friends for a year now and we're incredibly excited to be playing a part in those reunions," Foran said.

Air New Zealand trans-Tasman flights are now on sale - a move that has been welcomed by AIZ shareholders, with stocks up 7.28 per cent to $1.70 per share at 3.31pm AEDT. 

Travel bubble no silver bullet for tourism, but still welcome

Scott Morrison explained Australian tourism had benefitted from opening its borders to New Zealand travellers, and today's news would help that further as Kiwis could visit Australia without needing to quarantine when they return home.

However, the Accommodation Association has issued a statement claiming there will be very little real benefit for Australia's tourism sector in the short term.

The peak body claims tailored support is still desperately needed for Sydney and Melbourne CBD properties which rely so heavily on international and corporate markets.

"The opening of the trans-Tasman corridor is a very welcome step in the right direction but the reality is while it's good news for the travel sector, given most travellers will be catching up with friends and families there's very little immediate benefit for our tourism sector or our hotels and motels," Accommodation Association CEO Dean Long said.

"With the end of JobKeeper and given the massive holes in the market especially in Australia's international hubs of Sydney and Melbourne, the flow on benefits for our hotels and motels, and the many small businesses who supply them is negligible.

"There's no doubt it will be a big kick along for consumer confidence but it doesn't erase the need for tailored support for our accommodation sector. The reality is it's great news for our travel sector but not so good for tourism."

Long said NZ would have a net positive gain from an open border with Australia.

"Australians represent over 50 per cent of all visitors to NZ and we spend nearly $1700 per trip with the majority on their ski fields," he said.

"Total spend prior to COVID was $2.5 billion with 1.5 million Aussies visiting as at year end December 2019. Kiwis spend around $1,800 per trip with 1.2 million visitors to Australia, with total spend of $2.1 billion."

The Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) was much more optimistic in its response, stating the bubble would help re-establish some of Australia's long term travel relationships, marking the first step in reopening our export tourism industry to international visitors.

"Our industry will be very happy to hear that a travel bubble has been agreed between the Australian and New Zealand governments which will see one of our most significant markets back online," ATEC managing director Peter Shelley said.

"Australian tourism businesses, like those across the world, have suffered severely with the closure of international borders and this marks an initial step towards re-establishing our $45 billion annual export industry.

"Thousands of tourism businesses across the country have suffered a severe drop in their income with the closure of international borders and many are simply holding on for announcements like this."

A recent ATEC survey of the export industry showed Australian inbound tour operators (ITOs) were suffering the most under the international border closures with 80 per cent operating with less than 10 per cent of their pre-COVID revenue.

"While our tourism product supplier members are doing their best to turn to the domestic market and are working hard to make ends meet, ITOs are only staying afloat with the help of the Federal Government's travel agent grants program now that the JobKeeper subsidy has ended," Shelley said.

"Without the re-opening of borders or the certainty provided by ongoing government support, a large number of ITOs will be out of business within months, taking with them a significant pipeline of forward bookings made by international travellers and millions of dollars in revenue.

"ITOs are the businesses which sell Australian tourism product across the world and while they are small in number, they deliver a huge amount of business across the country, especially to regional areas which have developed strong destination appeal for international visitors.

"The reopening of international borders will be wholeheartedly welcomed across the industry and particularly by those businesses whose entire future rests on international visitation."

Queensland Airports welcomes Trans-Tasman bubble

Queensland Airports CEO Chris Mills has welcomed the news, with the Gold Coast Airport to host trans-Tasman services.

Flights between the Gold Coast and New Zealand have already gone on sale, with an average of four flights per day from 19 April to take off.

"We have been working closely with our airline and travel industry partners and government throughout this crisis to ensure we would be ready to facilitate flights between the Gold Coast and New Zealand at the earliest opportunity," Mills said.

"Pre-COVID-19, this was our largest international market, with about 520,000 passengers flying between Gold Coast and New Zealand annually.

"The Gold Coast is one of the first destinations Kiwis want to come and visit. These services are sure to be busy in both directions, with 60,000 Kiwis calling the Gold Coast home."

Shares in listed airports are also rising this afternoon, with Sydney Airport (ASX: SYD) up 3.14 per cent to $5.26 per share, and Auckland International Airport (ASX: AIA) up 1.2 per cent to $7.16 per share.

Updated at 3.18pm AEST on 6 April 2021.

With Bluesfest down and out, calls get louder for business interruption fund

Arts and industry peak body Live Performance Australia (LPA) has ramped up longstanding calls for a business interruption fund for the sector after yesterday's shock cancellation of the Byron Bay Bluesfest.

LPA chief executive Evelyn Richardson says the live entertainment industry cannot sustain continued "hit and runs" as the industry reels from the music festival's cancellation and Brisbane's sudden lock-down.

"One case of community transmission has shut down a major regional event with a $10 million plus loss that will destroy a business with a thirty-year trading history owned by someone who is risking everything to run his event in a COVID safe manner," Richardson says.

"LPA has been calling for a Business Interruption Fund since last year. This is now a matter of urgency. It should be top of the agenda at the next National Cabinet meeting on 9 April.

"This has cost hundreds of jobs, musicians who were about to perform their first gig in a year have been shut down, thousands of people who were attending the seated, COVIDSafe approved event have been turned away, and the local regional economy has been severely impacted."

This is the second consecutive year that Bluesfest has been cancelled. In response to last year's interruption, the Bluesfest Group commissioned a report by Lawrence Consulting which found the cancellation led to $203.6 million in lost tourism spending for NSW.

Now Richardson and the LPA are calling on the NSW Government to step up and provide support to Bluesfest to ensure it survives a second shut down due to public health directives.

"This is irrefutable proof that a business interruption fund is critical to the survival of live entertainment events in an environment where no promoter or producer can get insurance," she says.

"This is a watershed moment. Our industry has worked with all governments to get our people back to work, our shows back on stage and touring.

"However, continued snap lockdowns and border restrictions are killing consumer and industry confidence. We have been shut down for a year. We can't survive the next six to 12 months without some form of insurance."

She says the industry is trying to get back on its feet and get people back into work.

"At which point do we move to living with COVID? Our industry is getting theatre shows back on stage while we look to October to kick start our live music sector. We need certainty that we're not going to be shut down and that our governments can respond and manage community transmission," the LPA chief says.

"We all know that COVID is with us for a long time so we need to reframe the national narrative around this.

"We are also very concerned about the vaccine rollout which appears to have stalled. Urgent attention needs to be given to ramping up the rollout nationally. It's time for a military style operation so we can avoid closures like this in the future."

Updated at 13:34pm AEDT on 1 April 2021.

Brisbane lockdown to be lifted at noon: "Easter is good to go"

The three-day lockdown in Greater Brisbane will be cut short by five hours at noon today after the state reported just one new community case of COVID-19 overnight.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the government had two preconditions for lifting the lockdown which have both been met - no cases of unlinked community transmission and high testing rates.

After 34,711 tests in 24 hours and all known positive cases accounted for, Premier Palaszczuk said "Easter is good to go" and has called on other states and territories to lift Greater Brisbane's hotspot status.

"I understand a lot of families in the greater Brisbane have made plans, and the last thing we want to see are accidents on our roads at 5pm this afternoon into the evening," the Premier said.

"So if you have plans the lockdown is lifted from 12 noon today, and I encourage people to take care on the roads. Please be safe and enjoy your time away with family and friends."

She added there had been high arrival numbers at the Gold Coast and Cairns airports, boding well for the holiday season at two of Queensland's main tourism destinations.

As a precaution, restrictions previously applied to the rest of Queensland will be applied state-wide for 14 days, including mandatory mask wearing while inside, at hospitality venues, in public transport or where social distancing is not possible. Visitor numbers to private residences will be capped at 30.

People will need to carry masks at all times when outside the home, and patrons at restaurants, bars or cafés will need to be seated.

"We have to unfortunately keep those restrictions that have been in place for the rest of Queensland for the next 14 days because we're not completely clear," QLD Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said.

"We think we can manage it with those restrictions, and with the response that we've seen from Queenslanders.

"But it doesn't mean the outbreak is over. It just means that I don't believe we need a lockdown to manage this outbreak going forward - we can use those other restrictions."

Premier Palaszczuk also brought good news to churchgoers as Easter Mass will be able to go ahead across the state with a one per two square metre rule in place for congregations.

There were also nine overseas-acquired cases reported overnight who are all in hotel quarantine. This takes the state's total number of active cases in hospitals to 82, of which 68 were locally acquired.

The latest case attended the Byron Bay party where cross-infection into NSW residents has prompted heightened restrictions for four local government areas and a devastating blow for the Bluesfest, which was due to start today but instead was cancelled for the second year in a row.

NSW reported zero new cases of community transmission today, but restrictions and recommendations announced yesterday for the state's north remain in place.

NSW Health released an update for several locations of concern yesterday evening, while numerous contact tracing alerts have been issued in Queensland, particularly in the Brisbane suburbs of Hamilton, Everton Park, Newstead and North Lakes, as well as several bars across Brisbane City and Fortitude Valley.

Check in QLD mandatory from 1 May

Following in the footsteps of other states like NSW and SA, Queensland will soon make its new COVID-Safe check-in app mandatory for most hospitality businesses across the state.

Premier Palaszcuk said new requirement would come into force from 1 May, allowing contact tracers to more readily access information at a critical time for Queensland's public health response.

"Alongside testing, contact tracing is our most valuable tool to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community," the Premier said.

"Over the past 12 months, we have relied on our team of contact tracers to quickly identify and assist anyone who may have been exposed to the virus.

"So it is absolutely essential that our contact tracers have access to relevant, legible and timely information, to do the important work to keep all Queenslanders safe."

The 'Check in Qld' app can be downloaded on Google Play or Apple App Stores.

"When we work together and do our part to comply with Public Health Directions, we can look forward to better days ahead, with eased restrictions and greater confidence while visiting venues," the Premier said.

Dr Young said the mandate was necessary, with a number of recent COVID-19 cases linked to popular hospitality venues.

"Since 27 March, we've seen dozens of restaurants and cafes added to our list of COVID-19 contact tracing locations, including as locations for close contacts," Dr Young said.

"We all understand the threat the virus poses in confined, enclosed spaces even when people are practicing social distancing and hand hygiene and as we work to contain the highly-contagious UK variant, we must do everything possible to assist our health authorities.

"I thank hospitality businesses for their understanding and their cooperation as we streamline and accelerate contact tracing in Queensland."

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said more than 13,500 businesses had registered with the app so far with 3.8 million check-ins since its launch a month ago.

"The new mandate will ensure that wherever Queenslanders drink or dine, their records will be kept securely," he said.

"I hope this move will bring customers greater peace of mind when choosing to dine-in at Queensland's great pubs, restaurants and cafes."

Minister for Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said there had been strong support for the app so far.

"The app has been downloaded more than 1.2 million times," Minister Enoch said.

"From restaurants, pubs and cafes to hairdressers, libraries and gyms, the Check In Qld app has been helping Queenslanders stay COVID safe.

"One of the best features of the app is that you only need to enter your details once and the app remembers them for future check ins."

Originally published at 9:14am AEST on 1 April 2020, updated at 11:20am AEST.

Bluesfest cancelled over community transmission fears

Popular music festival Bluesfest will not go ahead over this Easter long weekend as planned after New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard signed an order cancelling the event.

According to NSW Health, the cancellation was made to minimise the risk of COVID-19 spreading in the local Byron Bay area after the region reported one locally acquired case today.

"NSW Health acknowledges that the cancellation of Bluesfest is disappointing for ticket holders and event organisers, however while urgent investigations and contact tracing are ongoing, NSW Health is adopting a cautious approach to keep everyone safe," NSW Health said.

Minister Hazzard says the festival's organisers are working on rescheduling the blues and roots festival for another date.

"While the cancellation of Bluesfest is disappointing for music lovers and the local community, I hope that ticket holders would support Bluesfest and hold on to their tickets as I understand Bluesfest will be working on a new date as soon as possible," says Hazzard.

The Bluesfest group issued a statement this afternoon lamenting the cancellation of what was to be the first major festival to occur in Australia since the summer of 2019-20, which would have had a capacity of 16,500 people over the five days that were planned.

Organisers noted the team had worked day and night for a year to achieve the approved COVID-19 Safety Plan - the first of its kind in the music industry.

"This is one of the most difficult statements I have ever had to make. We really wanted to be at the forefront of the return of live music at Pre-COVID-19 level," Bluesfest director Peter Noble said.

Organisers said they felt deeply for everybody affected, the fans, the artists and Bluesfest staff.

"But in the end, the health of our community must come first," they said in the statement.

"We will be having discussions regarding Bluesfest postponement and will update everybody soon. However, this weekend we will be packing down the event that was cancelled within 24 hours of gates due to open.

"All patrons will be contacted by Moshtix directly once we have an update on how to proceed."

The disappointing news for ticketholders comes after one new case of COVID-19 was reported in Byron Bay, leading to new restrictions for the Byron, Ballina, Tweed and Lismore shires.

The individual in his 20s visited the Byron Beach Hotel with three friends who have since tested negative to the virus, but they were all seated in close proximity to the Queensland group that was celebrating a hen's night in Byron Bay last Friday.

While unknowingly infectious, the man visited two Ballina venues on Sunday, 28 March - the Henry Rous Tavern between 1:20-2:20pm and the Ballina Golf & Sport Club between 2:25-2:35pm.

Full details of the latest NSW health alerts for venues can be found here.

??? https://t.co/wXJ72BvdF8

— Ocean Alley (@oceanalleyau) March 31, 2021

We are gutted that you have been stopped at the final hurdle, and we stand behind you in the hope there can be another Bluesfest to work toward and look forward to in the future. Absolute heartbreak today in The Cat Empire camp.

— The Cat Empire (@thecatempire) March 31, 2021

Blues Fest friends, we were so looking forward to seeing you this weekend but will have to be another time. We're sending our love to the @BluesfestByron team! Darwin mates, we'll still see you this Friday for SummerSalt.
Pic by KS Digital Media pic.twitter.com/gDf6vCCfXo

— theteskeybrothers (@teskeybrothers) March 31, 2021

It's just been announced that @BluesfestByron has been cancelled. While this is such huge blow for Aussie music, the health and well-being of this country has to come first. Thanks to the team at Bluesfest for doing the best they could in preparation. pic.twitter.com/4fpJBzqXAh

— Jimmy Barnes (@JimmyBarnes) March 31, 2021

A report prepared for the Bluesfest Group by Lawrence Consulting last year estimated the 2020 cancellation led to $203.6 million in lost tourism spending for NSW, implying foregone employment for approximately 1,158 people with the worst effects in accommodation and food services, retail and the arts.

Festival patron surveys conducted in 2019 indicated daily expenditure of $304 per person at the Bluesfest, representing a foregone annual stimulus of $30.8 million to Byron Shire and $51.3 million to the Northern Rivers region.

New restrictions for Byron, Ballina, Tweed and Lismore shires

NSW authorities have today identified one new COVID-19 case linked to an infected group from Queensland that visited the Byron Beach Hotel last Friday, leading to health alerts for four local government areas (LGAs) in the state's north.

The individual in his 20s visited the venue with three friends who have since tested negative to the virus, but they were all seated in close proximity to the QLD group that was celebrating a hen's night in Byron Bay.

While unknowingly infectious, the man visited two Ballina venues on Sunday, 28 March - the Henry Rous Tavern between 1:20-2:20pm and the Ballina Golf & Sport Club between 2:25-2:35pm.

Full details of the latest NSW health alerts for venues can be found here. 

"What we're asking people to do if you attended those venues, please immediately self-isolate and get a test, and we will be advising you after we've done that formal risk assessment," NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said.

"This gentleman, promptly on hearing about this issue presented for testing, immediately did the right thing in terms of self-isolation."

In response, Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced tightened restrictions for the LGAs of Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore and Tweed.

Under the new settings, from 5pm today masks will be mandatory while shopping, on public transport and for hospitality workers, the 4 square metre rule will be applied to hospitality venues where patrons must be seated, and only up to 30 people will be allowed to visit private residences.

"It is a very strong preference that if you live in any of those four local government areas that you don't travel outside those local government areas - we won't be policing that, but it's very strong advice," Premier Berejiklian said.

"If there is community transmission we don't want it seeded to other parts of New South Wales.

"We're not going to tell people to stop going to those four regions over Easter," she said, although she has asked people who are planning to visit those areas to reconsider their plans.

The Premier said the people of NSW needed to be on high alert, and called on those in the relevant LGAs to come forward for COVID-19 testing.

"The reason why we're not going as far as the other states is because the systems we have in place, we feel we can get on top of things as they are, but it is an evolving situation and if the health advice changes of course we will reconsider that," she said.

"But at this stage there is absolutely no cause for us to close borders, there is no cause for us to go beyond what we're advocating."

Dr Chant also noted authorities could not be absolutely sure which shops infected cases visited in Byron Bay, so anyone who was walking around the town's main retail area from 26-28 March should get tested for the virus.

She also urged people in the Byron vicinity to make the most of the "quite delightful" weather and spend more time in outdoor environments that are much lower risk.

The unfolding situation in northern NSW has also raised concerns over the Byron Bay Bluesfest, with discussions ongoing between event organisers and the government to determine whether it can go ahead in a COVID-safe way.

"For those who might be intending to come [to Bluefest] just be very alert to the messages that will come from the New South Wales Government in the next 12 to 24 hours," Health Minister Brad Hazzard said.

"It is important but and complex - so complex - that we weigh up the competing interests and trying to let people do what we've always done in New South Wales, and have as much freedom as possible.

"It's difficult. It would have been better if the Bluesfest had been perhaps in another few months instead of right now, or it would have been better if we hadn't had a hen's party in Byron Bay that appears to have now brought down our more secure North Coast area into now a highly suspect area."

In a Facebook post yesterday, the Byron Beach Hotel thanked the community for their support and highlighted work with NSW Health was ongoing.

"Our affected Beach Hotel staff are following NSW Health directives to be tested immediately and isolate until further notice," the hotel said in the Facebook statement.

"As we continue to create and nurture an environment of trust so that our people feel valued, we continue to support our team wholly throughout their period of isolation.

"With our precautionary expert deep clean now complete, and with the support of NSW Health and local Police, we feel confident to safely reopen our doors."

Updated at 12:14pm AEDT on 31 March 2021.

"Encouraging news" as QLD records two new community cases

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk congratulated the state's residents for a "mighty" effort to try and contain a COVID-19 outbreak with more than 33,000 tests overnight, revealing just three new cases including one in hotel quarantine.

The two cases of community transmission are both connected to a nurse who works at the Princess Alexandra (PA) Hospital, which went into lockdown last night while the Mater Hospital nearby also sent home some staff after it was revealed a COVID-19 case visited its maternity ward.

Yesterday evening Queensland Health also announced several new venues visited by known cases, flagging Gold Coast locations and events including a surf life saving competition in Tugun, the HOTA Markets at Bundall, a few cafés and an escape room in Southport.

But the Premier is encouraged by the figures to date as Greater Brisbane crosses the halfway mark of its three-day lockdown. Of the Queensland's 71 active cases in hospitals, only 13 were acquired locally.

"This is fantastic news that over the past 24 hours there have been 33,408 tests - that is a massive, massive number. I think that's probably our highest," Premier Palaszczuk said.

"If we see the same number of test results tomorrow, this is very, very encouraging news. The fact that we do not have any unlinked community transmission in the Southeast or in our state is absolutely encouraging news."

The Premier said if the news is still encouraging tomorrow, the hotspot for Greater Brisbane will be lifted.

From 8am today, only staff who have had their COVID-19 vaccines can look after people with the virus in the state's hospitals.

"I want to thank [Chief Health Officer] Dr [Jeannette] Young for putting that mandate in place. It makes sense and that'll be an added protective measure for our staff," the Premier said.

Today's new cases are part of the cluster involving the original PA nurse who was infected, although they are not believed to have caught it from her but rather the same returned overseas traveller at the hospital.

"The nurse was fantastic, she really is to be commended. She developed symptoms at 11 O'Clock on Sunday morning, immediately came forward and got tested. We had a very rapid testing turnaround, so we've got that result late on Sunday," Dr Young said.

Updated at 9:27am AEST on 31 March 2021.

Bluesfest to go ahead without punters from Brisbane on day one

??Update: Bluesfest 2021 has been cancelled over commnity transmission fears. Read more here.

The promoters of Byron Bay music festival Bluesfest have reassured punters the event is going ahead in two days' time, but ticket holders from Greater Brisbane will not be allowed to attend on day one.

The announcement comes despite concerns COVID-19 may have spread in Byron Bay after two infected sisters attended a hen's night party in the Northern New South Wales town over the weekend.

Queensland Health confirmed five more COVID-19 cases who also attended that event have been connected to the sisters. In addition, NSW Health added more venues to its list of locations of concern this morning.

Nevertheless, the five-day celebration of blues and roots music is expected to go ahead this Easter long weekend. The 2020 edition was cancelled just days before it was meant to begin due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Based on advice from NSW Health, festival organisers will not allow ticket holders affected by the three-day lockdown in Greater Brisbane to attend the festival on day one, that being Thursday, 1 April.

"We will keep ticket buyers informed and advise them to also keep updated via their state government advice," says Bluesfest.

"Festival Director Peter Noble has been in contact with NSW Health this morning and spoken with NSW Health Minister, Brad Hazzard. We are expecting further updates from NSW Health and will remain in close contact in the coming days."

The event will also be ensuring COVID-safe measures are in place, including asking attendees to sign in with Service NSW's QR code, having people be socially distanced, and keeping attendees in designated seating zones during performances.

Hazzard has reiterated the message of Bluesfest, telling those from Brisbane to stay home on Thursday.

"To the people of Brisbane who might have bought tickets to come to Bluesfest, do not come!" Hazzard said.

"Thursday is out of any question if you listened to what your government is saying. If the Government in Queensland extends the lockdown period, and we are not saying they will at this stage, but if they do, clearly people who have bought or are buying tickets from Brisbane are not welcome to attend the festival.

"In essence, people who have not been to Brisbane or to the areas that have been highlighted by the Greater Brisbane area; highlighted by the Queensland government, yes you are welcome, but nobody else during this particular period, so just be very cautious on that front."

NSW recorded no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 overnight, but a number of new locations were added to a list of venues of concern.

In addition to a list of venues of concern released yesterday afternoon, NSW Health says anyone who attended the following venues in Byron Bay is considered a close contact and must self-isolate for 14 days:

• Mokha Café patrons who sat in the Feros Arcade laneway, Saturday 27 March from 11am-12pm
• Betty's Burgers & Concrete Co patrons who sat in the Feros Arcade laneway, Saturday 27 March from 11am-12pm.

Further, NSW Health has expanded its warning for the Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park, asking anyone who was at the park from Friday 26 March to Sunday 28 March to get tested and self-isolate until a negative test result is received. Initially, the warning was for the women's communal toilets at the park.

The same direction applies for patrons of Mokha Café who were sitting inside or out the front of the venue (not in the laneway) from 11am-12pm on Saturday 27 March.

"Because known COVID-19 cases spent time at a shared outdoor laneway in Feros Arcade, NSW Health has identified two venues of concern," says NSW Health.

"The known cases were located in an outdoor section of the Mokha Café, in very close proximity to the outdoor section of Betty's Burgers & Concrete Co, meaning anyone who attended those outdoor sections of both restaurants is considered a close contact.

"Anyone who attended the indoor section of Mokha Café is considered a casual contact, but those indoors at Betty's Burgers & Concrete Co are not considered at risk of transmission at this time."

NSW Health has established new COVID-19 testing clinics in Byron Bay, including a drive-through, and Byron Central Hospital will increase its operating hours. NSW Health is also extending the hours of operation of other nearby testing clinics, including those in Tweed and Ballina.

Updated at 12.59pm AEDT on 30 March 2021.

Eight new cases in Queensland COVID-19 outbreak

Queensland has reported eight cases of community transmission overnight linked to two distinct clusters that have emerged, both arising from workers at the PA Hospital.

In total, 10 new cases of COVID-19 were detected including two cases in hotel quarantine, after the state's capital went into a three-day lockdown at 5pm yesterday.

Six of the community transmission cases are close contacts of confirmed cases, while two are still under investigation but are believed to be linked to a known historic infection.

There are now 78 active cases of COVID-19 in Queensland's hospitals, with the majority acquired overseas.

Based on genomic testing, the clusters have been divided into two groups: one connected to a doctor at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, and the other to a nurse from the same medical facility.

Of today's cases, five are linked to the nurse and her sister, and all attended a hen's night party in Byron Bay over the weekend. One of those five is a man living on the Gold Coast – an entertainer at the event.

The new cases come after 14,589 Queenslanders got tested for COVID-19 yesterday.

"We have seen a rapid escalation in testing numbers, which is fantastic, so we can find if we have further spread anywhere," Queensland chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young said.

With an influx of overseas travellers from Papua New Guinea, the number of active cases in Queensland's hospitals has ballooned in the space of a month, up from five in late February to 78 today. Of the total active cases, 65 were acquired overseas.

Palaszczuk notes new mandates for health professionals working with COVID-19 cases are coming into effect, ensuring all health workers in Queensland's coronavirus wards have received at least the first of two vaccine doses.

In terms of vaccination efforts, the Premier notes 89 per cent frontline healthcare workers and hotel quarantine workers have received at least the first jab.

Palaszczuk notes the call to place Brisbane into lockdown yesterday was the right one, considering the number of new cases reported today.

"We want to get on top of this community transmission, so the steps that we took to go into this lockdown, as you can see by those numbers of community transmission today, was absolutely the right call," says the Premier.

Queensland Health continues to provide updates on locations where COVID-19 cases visited. Late yesterday Brisbane CBD locations were added, including the Hanwoori Korean BBQ Restaurant and the Wintergarden carpark, while other locations have been added including a cafe near the Mater hospital and a gym in Morningside.

This afternoon authorities added a cafe in Newfarm to the list of venues, in addition to a cafe and chemist in the southern Gold Coast suburb of Tugun near the NSW border.

NSW is also on high alert in response to the outbreak in Queensland after confirmed cases visited a number of venues in Byron Bay. 

While no new cases were recorded in NSW overnight, the state's Premier Gladys Berejiklian said "we need to brace ourselves".

Globally the COVID-19 situation is far different than here in Australia. Over the past month, daily case numbers have been climbing. Just yesterday 441,857 new infections were recorded and more than 7,000 deaths.

Most of yesterday's new infections were in the US (59,707), followed by India (56,199) and Brazil (42,666).

Originally published at 10.29am AEDT on 30 March 2021, and updated at 4:42pm AEDT.

NSW Health publishes alert for more Byron Bay venues

NSW Health has issued a public health alert for several Byron Bay venues visited by two women who tested positive to COVID-19 in Queensland overnight, in addition to the Byron Beach Hotel and The Farm which were already named by authorities north of the border.

Greater Brisbane entered a three-day lockdown at 5pm AEST (6pm AEDT) in response to a growing cluster with the infectious UK variant of COVID-19, which has prompted new requirements around the country including stricter no-entry measures from the likes of South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria and Tasmania.

NSW health authorities have urged everyone in NSW, especially in the Byron Bay area, to get tested if they have even the mildest of symptoms and self-isolate until they get a negative result.

Anyone who has been to Greater Brisbane since 20 March and is now in NSW is required to stay at home, although those who have travelled through Brisbane Airport are exempt from these orders.

Individuals travelling to NSW from the Brisbane, Logan, Moreton Bay, Ipswich and Redland local government areas (LGAs) will need to fill out declaration forms which are available on the Service NSW website.

"This form includes contact details and confirmation whether people have been to any venues of concern. Declaration forms can be completed within the 24-hour period prior to entering NSW, or on entry to NSW," NSW Health said.

"NSW Health is advising people in NSW against non-essential travel to the Greater Brisbane area at this time."

Anyone who has been to the following venue must immediately get tested and self-isolate and remain in isolation until further advice is provided by NSW Health:

• Byron Beach Hotel, Friday 26 March from 7-9pm
• Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park women's communal toilets, 26 March from 6-6:30pm and 9:10-9:30pm, 27 March from 3:20-3:50pm
• Mokha Café, 27 March from 10:30am-11:30am
• The Farm Byron Bay, 28 March from 8:45am-10:30am

The following Byron Bay locations are listed as casual contact venues. Those who have been to any of these places at the listed times should immediately self-isolate and get tested regardless of symptoms, and stay in isolation until a negative result is received:

• Ghanda Clothing, 27 March from 12:00-12:15pm
• Tiger Lily, 27 March from 12:25-12:30pm
• Black Sheep, 27 March from 12:30-12:40pm
• Quiksilver, 27 March from 12:40-12:45pm
• Suffolk Bakery, 27 March from 2:45-3:15pm
• Park Hotel Bottle Shop, 27 March from 7:30-7:45pm

Updated at 6:09pm AEDT on 29 March 2021.

WA and VIC join SA in slamming borders shut to Brisbane

Update: Since this article was originally published, authorities in the Northern Territory and Tasmania have also announced various restrictions and requirements for anyone intending to travel from Queensland or the Byron Bay area. 

In response to a growing outbreak of COVID-19 in Brisbane, Western Australia and Victoria will introduced new hard-border measures aimed at containing the virus within Queensland.

The moves come after South Australia announced it will be implementing a hard border to Greater Brisbane from 4pm today, with only returning residents, essential workers, and those relocating able to enter the state.

WA has reclassified QLD as 'medium risk', meaning travel from the entire state into WA will no longer be permitted from 12.01am Tuesday 30 March, while VIC is only blocking out those who have been in Greater Brisbane from 6.00pm tonight.

The list of those exempt from WA's new restrictions is short and only includes essential travellers and Western Australians that may have travelled to QLD recently and need to return home.

Exempt travellers arriving after midnight tomorrow night will need to self-quarantine for two weeks, present for COVID-19 testing at Perth Airport and further testing on day 11 after arrival.

Further, anyone who has arrived from Queensland since 12.01am on Saturday 27 March is required to self-quarantine for 14 days and present for a COVID-19 test on day 11 after arrival in WA.

"The reintroduction of a hard border with Queensland is based on the latest health advice.

"We've been monitoring the situation closely and have scaled up our border controls as required, to keep our community safe.

"The hard border measure is necessary and is our best defence in keeping the virus out."

In contrast to WA, VIC's measures are directed only at the Greater Brisbane area, with the state government upgrading its classification of the region to a 'red zone'.

This means non-Victorian residents are not allowed to enter VIC without an exception.

Victorian residents in Greater Brisbane can apply for a 'red zone' permit to return, however on arrival they must go straight home and self-quarantine for 14 days.

More details regarding VIC's border closure will come later today.

As it stands, New South Wales is taking a self-quarantine approach based on venues of concern - those being locations visited by COVID-19 positive cases.

The Northern Territory has announced it will require visitors to enter a 72-hour self-isolation and get tested if they have been in Brisbane or the Moreton Bay region since 20 March, and the same requirements will apply to those who have been in Ipswich, Redlands, Logan or Gladstone since 25 March. 

Anyone who has been in the Byron Shire before entering the NT after 27 March will need to be tested. 

This afternoon the Tasmanian government announced anyone who has been in Greater Brisbane within 14 days of their travel to the state would not be allowed to enter, unless they are approved as an essential traveller.

Anyone travelling to Tasmania who has been in Queensland within 14 days of their arrival will have their Tas e-Travel registration, and they will need to reapply to identify if they have been in any high-risk areas.

"If approved you will be required to quarantine at a suitable premises on arrival for 14 days. If you don't have a suitable premises you will be required to quarantine in Government-designated accommodation (fees can apply)," Tasmanian authorities said in an update.

"If you are currently in Tasmania and have been in any of the five identified Local Government Areas since Saturday March 20 or NSW high-risk premises on the dates and time specified, you must self-isolate immediately and contact the Public Health Hotline to arrange a test even if you are not experiencing symptoms."

Tasmanian Public Health has also declared a number of premises in Byron Bay as high-risk.

Originally published at 3.58pm AEDT on 29 March 2021, updated at 5:45pm AEDT.

SA closing border to Greater Brisbane from 4pm today

The South Australian border to Greater Brisbane will be slammed shut from 4pm (ACDT) today as Queensland's capital goes into a snap three day lockdown.

In response to the growing outbreak of COVID-19 in Brisbane, now at seven cases, South Australia has declared the city a hotspot and will impose a hard border.

Only returning SA residents, essential workers, and people relocating to the state will be permitted to cross the border and must isolate for 14 days on arrival.

People entering from Brisbane will also be required to get tested for COVID-19 on days one, five and 13 of the isolation period.

In addition, anyone who has entered SA from Greater Brisbane since 20 March must get tested and self-isolate, and only leave isolation once a negative result is received.

These people will also be banned from going to any venues with a COVID-management plan - venues with a capacity of more than 1,000 people.

"This would have been our Fringe and Festival, so thankfully that has now passed," SA chief public health officer Nicola Spurrier said.

"But there may be some other events that have been planned in our state over the coming days and, again, that list will be put up on our website."

This weekend's AFL match between Adelaide and the Gold Coast has also been put into jeopardy as players are not considered to be 'essential workers' and will not be allowed into SA.

NSW Health has also updated those in Byron Bay about the evolving COVID-19 situation in the region.

More testing clinics with increased hours will be established across Northern NSW today after one of the COVID-19 positive people from Brisbane visited the region over the weekend.

Health authorities in both SA and NSW have encouraged anyone with even the mildest symptoms to get tested and self-isolate until a negative result is received.

Updated at 1.59pm AEDT on 29 March 2021.

Cynata COVID-19 treatment trial expanded to other respiratory illnesses

Stem cell therapeutics company Cynata's (ASX: CYP) pool of eligible patients in a COVID-19 treatment trial will be increased after the company received ethics committee approval to include those suffering from respiratory failure.

The expansion is a boon for the company that is currently relying on testing the few COVID-19 patients in Australian hospitals, giving them access to those suffering from respiratory failure who meet the criteria for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

The MEseNchymal coviD-19 (MEND) clinical trial was initially designed to investigate early efficacy of Cynata's proprietary Cymerus mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in adults admitted to intensive care with COVID-19.

The approved expansion will enable recruitment of patients with respiratory failure arising from other causes, with COVID-19 no longer a requirement.

With ethics committee approval secured, Cynata is seeking to enrol 24 adult patients admitted to intensive care with respiratory distress (or compromised lung function) at selected Australian hospitals.

Cynata CEO Kilian Kelly says ethics committee approval will significantly accelerate recruitment.

"The expansion of this clinical trial represents execution of our strategy to ensure that, despite the dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will substantially increase the catchment of patients to accelerate the completion of the MEND trial," Kelly says.

"We have developed a solid pre-clinical data set in relevant diseases models of the severe respiratory distress and associated complications suffered by many patients affected by respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and influenza.

"This expansion will increase the number of patients eligible for recruitment into this trial, which is designed to investigate the potential benefits of our MSCs in treating these severely ill patients."

The expansion of Cynata's trial comes after the group's major competitor and fellow biotechnology company Mesoblast (ASX: MSB) had to discontinue its own COVID-19 treatment trial.

MSB's trial failed to live up to expectations after its proposed treatment, remestemcel-L, failed to show a lower mortality rate for patients in the prescribed 30-day timeframe of treatment.

Shares in Cynata are down 1.59 per cent to $0.62 per share at 11.48am AEDT.

Updated at 1.08pm AEDT on 29 March 2021.

Brisbane under lockdown from 5pm today as COVID cluster grows

UPDATE: Queensland Health continues to provide updates on locations where COVID-19 cases visited. Early this evening, locations were added in the Brisbane CBD, while NSW Health has also put out an extended list of venues concerned in Byron Bay.

Those living in Greater Brisbane will be placed into lockdown from 5pm today for three days after a cluster of COVID-19 cases grew by four overnight.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk urged anyone who has been in Greater Brisbane since 20 March to stay at home, and in declaring the area a hotspot has asked all other states and territories to do the same.

In addition, because one of the new COVID-19 cases travelled to Gladstone while infectious, the rest of Queensland will be subject to new restrictions including compulsory mask wearing and gathering limits.

Two of the new cases - a nurse and her sister - were both recently in Byron Bay. How they caught the virus is still under investigation.

This latest lockdown comes as a cluster of the UK variant of COVID-19 grew to seven overnight after four new positive infections were detected on Sunday.

Queensland Health reported six other cases of COVID-19 today too, however they are all overseas travellers in hotel quarantine.

As such, from 5pm today for three days, those in Greater Brisbane will need to stay home except for four purposes: to buy food and medicine, to exercise, to conduct essential work, or to receive medical care.

Schools will close in the Greater Brisbane region which includes five local government areas: Brisbane, Logan, Moreton Bay, Redlands, and Ipswich.

Masks will be compulsory everywhere, except for in the home. For the rest of the state, people will need to wear a mask if they cannot physically distance, are inside, or are on public transport.

Those in Brisbane will still be allowed to have up to two visitors in the home and will be permitted to exercise in a family group.

Queensland chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young also outlined new requirements for the rest of the state.

"We will also be limiting visits to aged care, to disability accommodation services, to hospitals, and to prisons, because they are the most vulnerable in our society, plus people can only have gatherings in their own home of up to 30 people in total," Young said, with regards to areas outside of Greater Brisbane.

"Anyone who is going out to dine or to go to pubs needs to be seated, so the one per two-square-metre requirement remains with that additional requirement that people must be seated. And that's very important because we know that reduces mingling."

The lockdown will be reviewed again on Wednesday night, ahead of the busy Easter long weekend.

The Premier understands the Prime Minister has agreed to halve international arrivals in Queensland as the state grapples with the highest rates of COVID-19 positive arrivals in hotel quarantine, particularly due to an influx of travellers from Papua New Guinea. 

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says this lockdown is a protective measure and the right thing to do based on health advice.

"I do not take these measures lightly," says the Premier.

"This is the UK strain. It is highly infectious. We need to do this to avoid a longer lockdown.

"We've done this before, and we've got through it over those three days in the past, and if everyone does the right thing I'm sure that we will be able to get through it again."

Of the 10 new cases detected in Queensland overnight, six are overseas arrivals in hotel quarantine, while four are cases of community transmission.

Out of those four, two are known contacts to the previously identified 26-year-old man from the northern Brisbane suburb of Stafford who was infectious in the community from 19 May.

The remaining two cases are under investigation, but authorities believe one to be a nurse from the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane who worked in the COVID-19 ward. 

"What this says to us is the fact that there is now more community transmission, and these people have been out and about in the community," says the Premier.

"I didn't sleep last night, so I'm very worried."

Premier Palaszczuk has also urged people in Brisbane not to panic buy, noting the supermarkets will be loaded with supplies and will remain open as usual.

She has also encouraged employers to let staff go home early today if possible.

States and territories respond to the outbreak

Over the weekend Australian states and territories took different approaches to the COVID-19 outbreak in Brisbane, with some closing borders and others applying lighter restrictions.

More than 20,000 arrivals into New South Wales from QLD are being contacted, with authorities telling them to undergo a COVID-19 test and to self-isolate for 14 days if they have been to a venue of concern.

These venues are the locations identified by Queensland Health, which can be accessed via the state's dedicated portal, and include Black Hops Brewery in East Brisbane and Eatons Hill Hotel in Eatons Hill.

Victoria has deployed its traffic light permit system, labelling the local government areas (LGAs) of Brisbane and Moreton Bay as orange zones. This means travellers from those LGAs must apply for a permit to enter VIC.

In order to enter VIC, travellers must agree to the requirement of self-quarantine, get a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival and remain isolated until a negative test result is received.

South Australia is requiring those who visited Brisbane in the past week to seek an urgent COVID-19 test and to isolate while awaiting results.

Any arrival from QLD into Western Australia must get tested for COVID-19 and self-quarantine for 14 days.

The Northern Territory is asking all arrivals who visited Brisbane or Moreton Bay to get tested. Those who have been told they are close contacts of a positive case must self-quarantine for 14 days.

All travellers into the Australian Capital Territory from Greater Brisbane since March 11 must self-isolate until a negative COVID-19 test is received.

While in Tasmania, anyone who has been in one of the designated locations by QLD Health cannot enter the state. Anyone currently in TAS that has been in any of the specified locations must self-isolate.

Further, anyone in TAS who has been in Brisbane or Moreton Bay on or after 8 March is asked to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19.

Updated at 9.56am AEDT on 29 March 2021.

Brisbane man was infectious with COVID-19 in community since Friday

Update (1.46pm AEDT 26 March): Queensland Health has released a detailed list of locations visited by the infectious man.

A 26-year-old man from the northern Brisbane suburb of Stafford was infectious in the community from Friday last week, sparking new contact tracing efforts by Queensland's health authorities.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has revealed the individual visited a number of locations in Stafford including Bunnings, Aldi, and the Guzman y Gomez drive-through, as well as the Carindale Shopping centre, the Fresh Food Market stall at Gasworks in Newstead, Mamma's Italian Restaurant in Redcliffe and various locations in Fortitude Valley over the weekend. 

Since Palaszczuk's announcement a list of locations visited by the 26-year-old was released by Queensland Health, but does not include Aldi in Stafford or any locations in Fortitude Valley. The official list is as follows:

SATURDAY 20 MARCH:

• Carindale Shopping centre at around 11am
• Baskin-Robins ice cream in Everton Park at 8pm

SUNDAY MARCH 21:

• Fresh Food Market stall at Gasworks in Newstead at 9am
• Mamma's Italian Resraurant in Redcliffe at 12.20pm

MONDAY MARCH 22:

• Worked in Paddington as a landscaper
• Guzman y Gomez drive-through in Stafford at 12.30pm
• Bunnings in Stafford at 1pm

The Premier said the case was "no cause for alarm", but it was a timely reminder for people to keep up social distancing habits.

"We absolutely want people - especially over the next two to three days - to come forward and get tested if you are feeling unwell and you have symptoms," she said.

"From 12 noon today our aged care, our hospitals, our prisons, people caring for people with a disability, will be closed to visitors but this will be confined to the Brisbane City Council areas and to Moreton.

"These are sensible precautions to look after our most vulnerable."

She called on people in the Brisbane City Council and Moreton Bay Regional Council to return to wearing masks in crowded areas, pointing to sporting matches and crowded trains as prime examples.

Premier Palaszczuk also made the observation from various functions she's attended that people weren't taking the same precautions as before.

"We really need people to social distance, and the other thing that's coming back is people are doing handshakes again," she said.

"Please, we are still in the midst of a pandemic now is not the time to break our social distancing, our good hand hygiene.

"I'm sorry everyone, but we need to abide by these things if we're going to get through this."

More information on the new case is yet to come, but the Premier explained she wanted to advise the public as soon as possible, and will provide ongoing updates over the weekend if new cases are reported.

Seven new cases were reported today of which six were in hotel quarantine - three from Papua New Guinea, the most common source of new cases in the state, one was from Ethiopia and another was an historic case.

There are currently 69 active cases in Queensland, where more than 53,000 vaccines have been administered to date. 

Updated at 11:24 AEST on 26 March 2021.

Victorian COVID-19 restrictions to ease from Friday

With no active cases of COVID-19 in the state, Victorian health officials are poised to ease restrictions from Friday, allowing more visitors in the home, reduced mask wearing, and larger public gatherings.

Ffrom Friday 26 March, masks will no longer be required in retail settings but Victorians will still need to wear one on public transport, in rideshare vehicles and taxis, and in aged care facilities and hospitals.

Home gatherings will be able to have up to 100 people in attendance per day, and outdoor public gatherings in public places can increase to 200 people.

Density limits in venues still operating under more restrictive settings - like casinos, karaoke venues and nightclubs - will move from one person per four square metres to one person per two square metres. This is in line with restrictions on cafes, pubs and restaurants.

Additional people will also be allowed in indoor non-seated entertainment venues with an increase from 50 per cent to 75 per cent capacity. However, the limit of 1,000 people per space remains.

Dancefloors will move to the same density limit of the venue and the 50 patron cap will also be removed.

There will no longer be limits on class sizes for outdoor and indoor physical recreation or fitness classes, and unstaffed gyms will be moving from a density limit of one person per eight square metres to one person per four square metres.

The 75 per cent cap on private and public offices workers will also be removed, which coincides with a revised flexible work policy for the Victorian Public Service (VPS) released today.

While all workplaces are still required to ensure people can work from the office in a COVIDSafe way - with a density limit of one person per two square metres - they will no longer be required to permit workers to work from home.

Following a successful first round of the AFL, crowds at games will be able to increase to 75 per cent of total capacity for Round 2.

"We know the risk is far from over but thanks to the incredible work of all Victorians, we're continuing to open up and see the Victoria we all love, return to life again," Victorian Acting Premier James Merlino said.

"More Victorians back at work means more people supporting their local cafes, restaurants and live music venues - boosting the economy where it's needed most."

Updated at 12.18pm AEDT on 23 March 2021.

New US trial finds AstraZeneca vaccine 79 per cent effective

A Phase III trial of the AstraZeneca vaccine in the US has demonstrated the shot is 79 per cent effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19.

Further, the vaccine has been proven to be 100 per cent effective at preventing severe disease and hospitalisation for those infected by COVID-19.

Importantly, in participants aged 65 years and over, vaccine efficacy was 80 per cent.

The interim safety and efficacy analysis was based on 32,499 participants accruing 141 symptomatic cases of COVID-19, with efficacy consistent across ethnicity and age.

"These findings reconfirm previous results observed in AZD1222 trials across all adult populations but it's exciting to see similar efficacy results in people over 65 for the first time," University of Rochester School of Medicine Professor of Medicine Ann Falsey said.

"This analysis validates the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine as a much-needed additional vaccination option, offering confidence that adults of all ages can benefit from protection against the virus."

The trial showed the vaccine was well tolerated, and an independent data safety monitoring board (DSMB) identified no safety concerns relating to the vaccine.

Following reports in Europe that the vaccine was causing blood clots in a small number of those that received the jab, the DSMB conducted a specific review of thrombotic events.

The DSMB found no increased risk of thrombosis or events categorised by thrombosis among the 21,583 participants that received at least one dose of the vaccine.

AstraZeneca executive vice president of BioPharmaceuticals R&D Mene Pangalos says these results from the US add to a growing body of evidence that shows the vaccine is well tolerated and highly effective.

"We are confident this vaccine can play an important role in protecting millions of people worldwide against this lethal virus," says Pangalos.

"We are preparing to submit these findings to the US Food and Drug Administration and for the rollout of millions of doses across America should the vaccine be granted US Emergency Use Authorization."

The results come days after the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) gave biotech company CSL (ASX: CSL) approval for the company's subsidiary Seqirus to manufacture the AstraZeneca vaccine.

It also comes as Australia's vaccine program is scaled up, with Phase 1B of the rollout commencing yesterday.

Updated at 9.56am AEDT on 23 March 2021.

CSL gets green light to manufacture AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

Melbourne-headquartered biotech CSL (ASX: CSL) has passed a critical hurdle in its plans to produce 50 million COVID-19 vaccines in Australia, after the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) today gave approval for the company's subsidiary Seqirus to manufacture the AstraZeneca vaccine.

The announcement allows for Australia's vaccine program to be scaled up as Phase 1B oriented towards the elderly and vulnerable starts tomorrow involving more than 1,000 general practices nationwide, to be ramped up progressively to 4,000 by the end of April.

In that timeframe the vaccine will also be rolled out at more than 100 Aboriginal Health Services and 130 Commonwealth-operated, GP-led respiratory clinics, while authorities are aiming to redirect one million vaccines produced in Europe to Papua New Guinea (PNG) where the virus has become widespread.

The latest decision follows TGA approval on 16 February for overseas-manufactured AstraZeneca vaccines to be administered to patients in Australia. 

"Today's approval is a critical and very exciting milestone in Australia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic," the TGA said today.

"Manufacture of biological medicines such as vaccines is a highly-specialised process and the establishment of Australian manufacture of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca by CSL - Seqirus has involved extensive work by both industry and the TGA over the last six months.

"Specific approval of Australian manufacturing by TGA was required to ensure that the locally-manufactured vaccine had exactly the same composition and performance as overseas-manufactured vaccine, was made to the same quality and is free of contaminants."

The active raw vaccine material is being manufactured at CSL-Behring Australia in Broadmeadows, while the final doses are manufactured with the vials filled and packed at Seqirus in Parkville.

Quality testing is also being carried out at both these Victorian sites.

"The final step for the Australian-manufactured vaccine is TGA batch release, which is required for each and every batch of any vaccine supplied in Australia," the TGA said.

"This involves a review of documents supplied by the commercial sponsor describing how the vaccine batch was made, tested, shipped and stored as well as TGA's in-house laboratory testing to ensure the vaccine has been manufactured according to the required standards.

"Receipt of the final batch release documentation from AstraZeneca is anticipated imminently and it is anticipated that the first batches will be released in the next few days."

The Australian Government has purchased 50 million doses of the vaccine, which will be manufactured by CSL on AstraZeneca's behalf.

The first doses out of 20 million Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines arrived in Australia in mid-February.

Updated at 8:23 AEDT on 21 March 2021.

IDT looks to manufacture COVID-19 vaccines on-shore

Victorian pharmaceuticals manufacturer IDT Australia (ASX: IDT) has announced it is looking into the possibility of utilising its facilities to manufacture COVID-19 vaccines.

The Australian Government has requested IDT Australia undertake a feasibility study for the proposal, which if successful would see IDT supplement CSL's (ASX: CSL) ongoing manufacture of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Shares in IDT surged on the announcement, up 54.05 per cent to $0.28 per share at the market close - a price not seen by IDT since 2016.

Utilising its facilities in Boronia, Victoria, the move would build on work already done by IDT during the pandemic for the Federal Government in its initial COVID-19 response efforts.

In August 2020, the Government tendered a request seeking information regarding IDT's capability and capacity to manufacture COVID-19 vaccines.

The company responded saying its facility was set up to produce the vaccines, and was able to be deployed as a primary or secondary site of manufacture of commercial quantities of a vaccine.

If IDT is to go ahead with manufacturing vaccines, it would complement biotech giant CSL's ongoing work in producing 30 million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine on-shore.

The announcement comes in the midst of Australia's rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, which is potentially being threatened by European nations withholding shipments of the vaccine due to the EU's assessment of Australia as a low-risk nation.

Earlier this month, Italy blocked a shipment of the AstraZeneca vaccine bound for Australia.

According to Italy's Minister of Foreign Affairs Luigi Di Maio, the shipment of 250,000 doses ordered by the Australian Government was blocked because the pharmaceutical giant had failed to supply the European nation with promised doses.

Italy's decision was backed by the European Commission, with EU regulation allowing countries that manufacture vaccines to prevent doses from being exported and marketed overseas.

The news also comes just days after Australia promised to send more than one million doses of the vaccine to Papua New Guinea, which is currently being hit by a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Though details are scant regarding IDT's potential role in the on-shore manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines, its assistance in the manufacturing effort would be vital in Australia's success against the coronavirus.

The company says it will provide updates as additional information comes to hand.

Business News Australia

QLD to lift restrictions today as infected doctor's contacts test negative

The Queensland Government will lift restrictions on hospitals, aged care and disability services from noon today, following a week of extensive contact tracing after a Princess Alexandra (PA) Hospital doctor tested positive to COVID-19 last week.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said approximately 650 of the doctor have been tested.

"The good news here is 99 per cent of them have come back, and all are negative," the Premier said.

"As of noon today, all restrictions on hospitals, aged care and disability service providers are lifted.

"I know there's a lot of people out there that need to go and see their loved one, so from 12 noon today you're free to go and do that."

She thanked the café, pub and gym that were involved with contact tracing.

"Their check-in data was excellent. You can see how far we've come in this pandemic when you have these processes in place now which makes it so much easier for our contact tracers to do the right thing," the Premier said.

The state's chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young thanked the doctor from the PA, describing her as "absolutely magnificent".

"She did everything right, and that's why I say it is the virus at fault, it really is. There is nothing that I can see that she could have done differently," Dr Young said.

"In our hospitals we have people who actually watch while someone is putting PPE (personal protective equipment) on and taking it off, that's how seriously this is taken.

"Although knowing that she had not done anything that would cause her to be infected, the first hint - and it must have been absolutely the first hint - she went and got tested, and those first tests had very, very high CT values which means there was very little virus, so I'm actually not surprised there hasn't been any further transmission."

The Premier highlighted there was no evidence of failure at the Hotel Grand Chancellor, which will begin taking people back into the hotel for quarantine, except for level one where contagions are believed to have taken place.

"The CCTV I'm advised has found no breaches whatsoever, so we do know this is a highly contagious strain."

The Premier added there were nine new COVID-19 cases reported in hotel quarantine in the last 24 hours, of which six came from Papua New Guinea (PNG), taking the state's total active case number to 57.

As part of the State and Federal Government's strategy to contain the potential spread of COVID-19 from PNG, so far 159 people in the Torres Strait have been vaccinated with more to come.

In non-coronavirus news, the Premier added an aggressive tourism campaigns would start this weekend targeting travellers from NSW and VIC.

Updated at 11:15am AEST on 19 March 2020.

WA reopens border to VIC, eases business restrictions

For the first time in almost a year, travellers from any part of the country can now enter Western Australia with a "very low risk" status after the border to Victoria reopened overnight.

Now that Victoria is in the ranks of all other states and territories for travelling into WA, travellers from the state will be able to enter WA provided they complete a G2G pass declaration, do not have any COVID-19 symptoms and will be willing to be tested on arrival.

Capacity has been increased to 75 per cent for a wide range of venues including restaurants, cafes, food courts, bars, theatres, concert halls, cinemas, comedy lounges, performing arts centres, places of worship, function centres, stadiums and funeral parlours, as well as community, recreation or youth centre facilities.

If the 2-square-metre rule is greater than 75 per cent capacity, the greater option will be permitted for these particular venues and events.

Meanwhile, the 2sqm rule will continue to apply to all other unfixed seating venues and facilities, including nightclubs, unseated events/festivals, galleries, libraries, sport and recreation facilities, museums, amusement parks, wildlife parks and the zoo, adult entertainment premises, outdoor venues with unfixed seating, pop-up events, casino and gambling venues, arcades, and events with COVID event plans.

WA first put a hard border in place to the rest of the country in April 2020.

Updated at 12:42pm AWST on 15 March 2021.

QLD flags "major concerns" over high COVID rates in PNG

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk hopes to speak with Prime Minister Scott Morrison within the next 24 hours after tests in neighbouring Papua New Guinea (PNG) revealed much higher than expected rates of COVID-19.

The state's authorities have already fast-tracked vaccinations in the Torres Strait amidst the worsening situation in PNG.

"We have major concerns now about what is happening in Papua New Guinea," Premier Palaszczuk said in a press conference this morning.

"We have been assisting with some tests in Papua New Guinea, and out of the 500 tests that our health authorities have done for Papua New Guinea, 250 have come back positive.

"Papua New Guinea is on the doorstep of the Torres Strait and Queensland, and I hope that I'll be able to speak to the Prime Minister or the Prime Minister's office in the next 24 hours just to talk about our concerns there."

She said conversations would look at incoming flights from PNG, as well as the issue of many Queenslanders who work or live in the country.

Queensland Acting Chief Health Officer Dr Sonya Bennett said the circumstances called for a coordinated response.

"I think there's an issue there for the Federal Government. I understand that they are providing some assistance into Papua New Guinea, but maybe we need to look at a vaccine roll-out program there as well," she said.

"It's right on our doorstep and it is a real risk, and as you know that's why we're getting our Torres Strait Islanders vaccinated as quickly as possible.

"I think we have to look at the flights. We know that the charter flights from Ok Tedi mine have already been suspended."

QLD community transmission update

The Sunshine State is also getting on top of any potential outbreak after its 59-day streak of no community transmission was broken on Friday, 12 March with a doctor from the Princess Alexandra (PA) Hospital testing positive to the virus

The individual had contact with COVID-positive patients in the early hours of 10 March, and tests indicate a low level of the virus which means they may have only been infectious in the community for around one day on 11 March.

A public health alert was issued on Saturday for four locations the doctor visited on 11 March - the Morning After Café in West End, Corporate Box Gym in Greenslopes and the Stones Corner Hotel, as well as the McDonald's Drive-Thru on Old Cleveland Road, Coorparoo.

The doctor's closest contacts have all tested negative to the coronavirus, but the Premier says 24 hours are still needed to see if there's any community transmission spread from the case.

QLD reported six new cases of COVID-19 today, all in hotel quarantine and none of them in the Hotel Grand Chancellor, which was put into lockdown over the weekend after there appeared to be contagion between guests on one floor, two of whom were patients seen by the doctor who became infected.

All guests who were on that floor between 5-9 March will be asked to go into quarantine and be tested again. People who stayed on other floors during that period will also be asked to get a test and isolate until they receive a negative result.

"All staff are tested daily through saliva tests and we have had no positive in staff, so that's very reassuring, but we're also retesting staff today through the usual gold standard nasal swab testing as well just to be sure," Dr Bennett said.

"There's also a lot of work to understand what the event may have been. We've seen this before - we know that some people are highly infectious and that is likely the case in this instance, and can transmit the virus through very little exposure."

QLD now has 38 active cases of COVID-19.

NSW update

On Saturday night NSW Health was notified of a new case of COVID-19 in a security guard who has been working in the hotel quarantine system and is now in isolation.

All four household contacts of this case have so far tested negative for COVID-19, and will self-isolate for a fortnight.

NSW Health has noted the security guard visited Pancakes on the Rocks in the Sydney suburb of Beverly Hills between 10:45am and noon on 13 March, and calls on anyone who was there at the time to be tested and isolate for 14 days regardless of the result.

Authorities have also listed venues and public transport routes where people who were present at the indicated times should monitor for symptoms and get tested should they appear.

• Bexley Aquatic Centre, 9-9:30am on 13 March
• Dae Jang Kum Korean restaurant, Haymarket at 12:15-12:20am on 13 March
• 7 Eleven, Haymarket at 12:20-12:25am on 13 March
• Hudson's Coffee Shop, Hurstville Private Hospital at 8:30-9am on 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12 March
• Coles, Hurstville Station at 8-9pm on 10 March
• T4 line, Hurstville to Central on 12 March, departing 6pm Hurstville and arriving Central at 6:30pm
• T4 line, Central to Hurstville on 13 March, departing Central 7am and arriving Hurstville at 7:30am

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said 8,000 people were tested on Saturday.

"The fact that we went 55 days without a case is almost miraculous during a pandemic," she said.

Global update

Globally, Brazil overtook India as the second-worst hit country by COVID-19 over the weekend with close to 11.5 million total cases and more than 278,000 deaths. This is out of a global total that has now surpassed 120 million and 2.67 million deaths.

Many nations likely have vastly underreported cases of the virus but the USA has by far the highest number of active cases at 7.37 million, followed by France (3.7 million), Brazil (1.14 million), Belgium (728,518) and the UK (635,997).

In terms of the vaccine roll-out Israel is the global leader, far ahead of the next most-vaccinated country the UAE which has almost 66 out of every 100 people vaccinated, then the UK (37/100), Chile (34/100) and the US (32/100).

Updated at 9:41am AEST on 15 March 2021.