Queensland reopening to Greater Sydney from next Monday

Queensland will reopen its border to Greater Sydney from Monday, 1 February, meaning any person in New South Wales will be able to cross the border north unrestricted.

The announcement comes after NSW recorded 10 consecutive days of no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 yesterday.

Palaszczuk has encouraged those in Sydney to visit QLD for a well-deserved holiday.

"Now that the Chief Health Officer has recommended it's safe for Greater Sydney residents to come to Queensland, the borders can come down," she said.

"People have done a terrific job looking after each other through the pandemic and now Queensland is good to go.

"I want to encourage anyone in New South Wales who is thinking about having a holiday, come up to Queensland."

QLD reported one new case of COVID-19 yesterday - a person in hotel quarantine.

Updated at 9.24am AEDT on 28 January 2021.

SA to ease quarantine requirements for visitors from Sydney

Requirements for travellers from Sydney to quarantine for two weeks on arrival in South Australia will be eased from this Sunday, but mandatory testing will stay in place.

Announced today by SA's Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, from 12.01am on 31 January arrivals from Sydney into SA will be required to isolate for one day and receive a COVID-19 test.

If that day one test comes back negative they will be free to move into the community. However, they will still need to get tested on days five and 12 on arrival in SA.

"If someone does provide a positive test on day one, their exposure to the community has been dramatically limited so we can wrap that up in a close contact arrangement," said Stevens.

Further, from this Sunday, those already completing two weeks of quarantine will be permitted to leave isolation if they have already tested negative for the coronavirus.

Stevens said the easing of restrictions can be done because Sydney has gone 12 days without community transmission. But if another local COVID-19 case is discovered the restrictions could be reimposed.

Ultimately, he hopes to be able to fully remove restrictions in the coming days.

"We're trying to find that middle ground position where we're protecting South Australians, but enabling as much travel as possible between the states and territories," Stevens said.

"We continue to monitor the situation in New South Wales and as soon as we can remove that PCR testing obligation we will certainly be doing that, but we're waiting to see how that unfolds."

NSW reported no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 today, but three infections were detected from overseas arrivals in hotel quarantine.

Updated at 1.18pm AEDT on 28 January 2021.

NSW to ease restrictions on Friday, but some mask rules will remain

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced a series of restrictions will be relaxed on Friday in Greater Sydney, Wollongong, the Central Coast and the Blue Mountains, with a message for businesses to prepare for a 2 square metre rule setting in two weeks' time.

Private gathering limits will be lifted to 30 indoors and 50 outdoors, and up to 300 guests will be allowed at weddings and funerals if the 4 square metre rule is observed.

Masks will no longer be mandatory in most settings, although the Premier explained they would still be required on public transport, for hospitality workers facing the public, in places of worship, gaming rooms and beauty salons.

"In relation to retail and in relation to the public, we recommend a mask when you can't guarantee social distancing," the Premier said.

"But it will not be compulsory if you're going retail shopping or if you're a retail worker, or obviously if you're attending a hospitality venue."

She said there was a high likelihood of a further relaxation of restrictions if the state continues on its current course, although the state's Health Minister Brad Hazzard lamented that not enough people were coming forward to get tested.

"If we continue to see zero to low case numbers and reasonable rates of testing, then all of the settings that we've currently described as being subjected to the four square meter rule will revert to the two square meter rule," Berejiklian said.

"We're not there yet, and the reason is that whilst we've had two 14-day cycles of the Northern Beaches not having any community transmission, in Southwest and Western Sydney we've gone through one cycle of no community transmission."

She highlighted the NSW Government aimed to take a balanced approach to keeping the virus under control and keeping the economy as open as possible.

"We're sending this message out today so that businesses can be prepared; so that businesses can know that in a couple of weeks' time they will feel increased trade and be able to plan for the year ahead," she said.

"We will also be looking at compliance. Do we need to increase fines to make sure businesses are being as vigilant as ever? Because because our strategy will only work if people do the right thing.

"What we're trying to do is prevent a super spreading event."

Minister Hazzard added there had been reports of large groups dancing and singing at weddings in violation of social distancing requirements, putting the community at risk.

Updated at 1:34pm AEDT on 27 January 2021.

Australian border closed to New Zealand after one COVID-19 case detected in Auckland

Effective immediately, Australia has suspended 'Green Zone' travel arrangements with New Zealand after one new case of COVID-19 was detected in Auckland.

The border closure will be effective for a minimum of 72 hours, meaning all travellers from NZ will have to go into hotel quarantine for 14-days on arrival.

The decision was made today by Australian health officials, with Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt declaring it was done "out of an abundance of caution".

Until today, New Zealanders have been permitted to enter most Australian states and territories without needing to complete 14-days of hotel quarantine because of low case numbers on the neighbouring island nation.

However, NZ Health officials found a positive case in Auckland yesterday - a person who had developed symptoms of COVID-19 just days after leaving hotel quarantine.

Officials confirmed this person has been infected with the South African variant of COVID-19 - a more transmissible version of the novel coronavirus.

Hunt has apologised to those who may be inconvenienced by the sharp decision, noting two flights were due to land in Australia from NZ this afternoon.

"This is being taken on the basis of strong, clear, immediate medical advice from the AHPPC, immediately considered in the cabinet arrangements, and accepted by the Prime Minister," Hunt said.

Updated at 5.02pm AEDT on 25 January 2021.

Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in Australia

A COVID-19 vaccine developed by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has been provisionally approved for use in Australia today by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

According to the TGA, the vaccine meets the high safety, efficacy and quality standards required for use in Australia.

The approval is for individuals 16 years of age and older, and two doses will be required - at least 21 days apart.

As such, the Australian Government will roll-out the vaccine into the community in stages - however, according to Prime Minister Scott Morrison, the timeline has been slightly delayed.

Because of manufacturing and production challenges the roll-out will commence in late-February, rather than mid-month as previously advised.

If there are delays in shipping or production, the possibility remains that commencement could be in early March, however guidance remains for late-February.

Nevertheless, the Government hopes to vaccine around 80,000 people per month.

The vaccine was approved through the regular channels, and not on an emergency basis as done in countries like the UK and the US where COVID-19 is still running rampant through communities.

However, it has received "provisional" approval by the TGA, meaning it is valid for two years and subject to strict conditions such as the requirement that Pfizer continue to provide information to the approvals body on longer term efficacy and safety from ongoing trials and post-market assessment.

"Australians can be confident that the TGA's review process of this vaccine was rigorous and of the highest standard," the TGA said.

"The TGA will continue to actively monitor the safety of the Pfizer vaccine both in Australia and overseas and will not hesitate to take action if safety concerns are identified."

PM Morrison said the TGA approval was an important step in the fight against COVID-19.

"I welcome the TGA's approval of the Pfizer vaccine, with our own Australian experts finding it is safe, effective and of a high standard," the Prime Minister said.

"Australians should take confidence in the thorough and careful approach taken by our world-class safety regulator.

"Our priority has always been to keep Australians safe and protect lives and livelihoods.  Today's approval is another big step forward for our community, particularly in the protection of our most vulnerable people."

News of the vaccine approval comes as Australia goes seven consecutive days of no community transmission of COVID-19.

There are currently no Australians on ventilation or in the ICU because of COVID-19 complications.

However, the situation is not the same overseas, with more than 25 million active cases in the world.

Just yesterday the US confirmed 173,067 new cases of COVID-19 and more than 3,000 deaths.

Meanwhile, 61,121 cases were confirmed in the UK yesterday, and 33,552 in Brazil.

In total there have been more than 99 million people infected with the coronavirus globally and more than 2 million have died.

Updated at 10.02am AEDT on 25 January 2021.

Victoria to open up to Brisbane and regional NSW as restrictions ease

Travellers from Brisbane and regional New South Wales will be able to freely travel into Victoria from tomorrow when the state eases COVID-19 restrictions further.

In addition, Victorians will be able to enjoy larger home gatherings of 30 people from midnight tonight, following reduced exposure risk and continued low community transmission in the state.

As such, Premier Daniel Andrews and Minster for Health Martin Foley will declare Greater Brisbane and regional NSW as 'green zones', meaning travellers do not have to isolate for 14-days on arrival.

The Greater Sydney Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Blacktown City, Burwood, Canada Bay City, Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield City, Inner West, Liverpool City, Parramatta City and Strathfield Municipality will join the rest of Greater Sydney, Wollongong and Blue Mountains as orange zones.

For now, Cumberland LGA will remain a red zone. People from Cumberland are still not permitted to travel to Victoria without an exemption, exception or essential worker permit.

Anyone who is now in an orange zone and meets the permit criteria can now apply for an Orange Zone Permit from 6:00pm tonight.

Travel from an orange zone requires people to self-isolate, get tested within 72 hours of arrival and remain in quarantine until they receive a negative result.

Travel from a green zone requires people to watch and get tested if they have any symptoms at all.

"Victorians have done an incredible job getting tested and we're happy to be able make these changes to private gatherings in time for a public holiday so families can continue to enjoy a COVIDSafe Summer," Premier Andrews said.

Victoria reported no locally acquired cases of COVID-19 today, and one positive case in hotel quarantine, from 16,465 tests.

Globally there are now 98,085,548 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and more 2 million people have died from the coronavirus. 

Updated at 10.48am AEDT on 22 January 2021.

Restrictions to be lifted in Greater Brisbane

Restrictions imposed in response to the UK COVID-19 strain cluster in Greater Brisbane will be lifted from 1am tomorrow, 14 days after the last connected case entered hotel quarantine.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said there were now just 23 active cases in the state, and the run of zero local transmission meant the local government areas (LGAs) of Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Redlands and Moreton Bay could return to December roadmap conditions.

This means up to 50 people will be allowed to gather in private homes, 100 people in public spaces, and 200 at weddings or funerals, while hospitality venues such as pubs, cafes and restaurants will go back to the one patron per 2 square metre rule.

"But I also remind everyone, don't forget to continue to leave your contact details at these venues - it is absolutely critical that you do that," the Premier said.

"And of course, all guests can dance indoors and outdoors," she said, adding people will also be allowed to stand and drink on licensed premises.

Premier Palaszczuk commended people in all the affected areas for doing a terrific job.

"Because of that it means that the masks also can come off, except of course where National Cabinet has mandated that the masks must be worn in our airports and on planes," she said.

"Also too, we're asking people that you are encouraged, if you are going into a crowded area on public transport, or in a shopping centre and you can't socially distance and you feel uncomfortable, just put a mask on - you can do that, that's entirely up to you."

She described Brisbane Australia's first battleground for the new strain of the virus.

"A short, sharp shutdown was successful in keeping the movement of people and the virus to a minimum," she said.

"We followed that with the mandatory use of masks in crowded places for the 14 day incubation period.

QLD Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young highlighted the "enormous" amount of testing that had been done.

"We've not found other cases, so that is really good," she said.

"We did see those three initial cases all transmit to their closest contacts, so that gives evidence that this is a particularly infectious strain."

Dr Young also applauded the cleaner at the start of the outbreak who came forward to alert authorities of her conditions, and the ongoing support she provided to contact tracers. 

Updated at 9:25am AEST on 21 January 2021.

Ellume sends first rapid COVID-19 tests to US

Brisbane-based medical technology company Ellume has sent its first shipment of rapid COVID-19 home testing kits to the USA today, with plans to send 20 million tests to the country by the end of 2021.

The exports to the USA - where to date there have been more than 410,000 deaths from the virus and almost 25 million reported cases - are part of a US National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiative to scale up production with US$30 million (AUD$40 million) in support of the Australian company.

Founded by 2020 Brisbane Young Entrepreneur of the Year Dr Sean Parsons, Ellume harnessed its years of development in fluorescent immunoassay technology to find a fast detection solution for COVID-19.

In December its efforts were rewarded with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the testing kits.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Steven Miles visited Ellume's Richlands facility to congratulate the company on its achievement.

"Ellume is another successful Queensland manufacturer rolling up its sleeves to fight the global pandemic and employing hundreds of Queenslanders to do so," Minister Miles said.

"We have the best manufacturers in Queensland, and we will always back them, as we continue our economic recovery and create jobs."

Miles confirmed the Queensland Government was providing funding to the company from the Essential Goods and Supply Chain program, announced in May 2020.

"This funding will allow Ellume to increase manufacturing of its suite of rapid testing kits at its new facility in Richlands," he said.

"The company's 300-plus employees currently working at the Richlands production laboratory are currently scaling up to manufacture more than 200,000 testing kits a day, and at full capacity, the facility will be capable of producing 10 million tests a month."

Ellume CEO Sean Parsons said the funding would allow the company to install state-of-the-art automated production lines to assemble its suite of rapid COVID-19 tests for export.

"The funds from the State Government will greatly assist in upscaling manufacturing to meet the growing demand for Ellume's products, providing greater supply security," Dr Parsons said.

"This is world-leading and life-saving diagnostic testing technology, created and manufactured right here in Queensland."

Miles said Queensland was in an enviable position thanks to the hard work of all Queenslanders.

"Thanks to our world-best health response, Queensland has avoided the significant case numbers experienced overseas," Miles said. 

"It is a testament to our hard work and wonderful healthcare system that we can manufacture at-home COVID-19 tests right here in Queensland and export them overseas to countries who need it."

The company has plans to expand availability of its tests into Europe later this year, subject to securing the required approvals.

Updated at 3:46pm AEST on 20 January 2021.

NSW: Berejiklian hopes to lift restrictions next week

After a third consecutive day of no new locally transmitted cases of COVID-19 in New South Wales, Premier Gladys Berejiklian believes the state could soon be on track to having similar conditions to those that were in place before the Northern Beaches outbreak in December.

At a press conference in the Mid North Coast, the Premier thanked the 20,000 people who got tested in the 24 hours to 8pm yesterday, which was almost double the previous day's figure.

"We had a good health advice this morning and consultation with colleagues, and the best health advice is that we should wait another week before we ease restrictions," Berejiklian said.

"But I do want to assure the community that the government's intention is to get as close to pre-Avalon conditions as possible next week," she said, clarifying this did not depend on having zero new cases every day, but numbers must remain low with good testing rates.

However, she emphasised people needed to go back to work in a COVID-safe way, with the right settings in place in light of the more contagious strains of the virus.

"In particular I'd like to highlight masks for example on public transport might be something that stays in place indefinitely, but for the vast majority of restrictions, we would like to see things go back to pre-Avalon as close as possible next week.

"Together we've achieved the results we have and relief is around the corner. Now, if we move too quickly in easing all these restrictions, that could cause a flare-up we don't want.

"More importantly, we don't want to be in a position where we're announcing things ad hoc."

Elsewhere, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said her state was "100 per cent on track" to lifting its restrictions - such as gathering limits, numbers of patrons per square metre and mask wearing requirements - if everything goes well in the next 24 hours. But her comments did not relate to border restrictions for visitors from hotspot areas, which remain in force.

Updated at 11:30am AEDT on 20 January 2021.

Victoria relaxes rules for travellers from NSW

The majority of Sydneysiders as well as residents from the Blue Mountains and Wollongong will soon be able to enter Victoria under a relaxation of rules announced today by the state's Premier Daniel Andrews.

From 6pm tonight only the following 10 local government areas (LGAs) in NSW, all in western Sydney, will be classified by the Victorian authorities as red zones, meaning if someone has visited these areas in the past 14 days they will not be allowed in without an exemption:

• Blacktown City
• Burwood
• Canada Bay City
• Canterbury-Bankstown
• Cumberland
• Fairfield City
• Inner West
• Liverpool City
• Parramatta City
• Strathfield

"What the detailed and extensive evaluation of the epidemiological conditions in Greater Sydney, indeed in New South Wales, is that transmission and cases are pretty much confined to those local government areas," Premier Andrews said.

"We have not seen cases and spread or contacts that are in isolation in those other 25 local government areas," he said, in reference to the Sydney LGAs that were relaxed from red to orange under the state's 'traffic light' system, whereby visitors must apply for a permit.

"Based on the same detailed analysis, from 6pm tonight the Blue Mountains and Wollongong will also be downgraded from red to orange."

The Premier also confirmed 16 LGAs in NSW alongside the Victorian border will be downgraded at the same time from orange to green.

"What that will mean, not so much for local residents because they're already in a bubble, but for visitors to those communities if you travel into NSW you will need a permit to come back but you will not have to isolate and get a negative test.

"That's a consequence of having seen no cases there for a sufficient period of time.

"All in all this is a very good day when you look at 50 per cent of office workers in the private sector and 20 per cent in the public sector going back to work today, reverting to the mask rules that we had in place in Christmas time as opposed to New Year," he said, adding there had now been 12 days with zero cases and strong testing numbers.

Updated at 2pm AEDT on 18 January 2021.

Nation's fastest rebound forecast for Victoria after doldrums of 2020

Victoria had the worst economy in Australia in 2020 "by far" according to Deloitte Access Economics, but is forecast to record the country's fastest economic growth in 2021 at 5.4 per cent.

Deloitte's latest Business Outlook Report says it would be a "mug's game" to claim different approaches to COVID-19 from Australian states were better or worse than others, with every state and territory well positioned to continue recovering in 2021.

"Victoria chose the hammer over the dance. The hammer worked, but the risk was the harder hit to its economy would delay recovery," the report said.

"So it's superb news that Victoria's recovery to date has been remarkable.

"And NSW has danced divinely, successfully using its tracing capabilities as a shield of steel, and so allowing it to outperform the national economy."

In terms of forecast growth rates, Victoria is ahead of Queensland (4.6 per cent), New South Wales (4.4 per cent), Western Australia (3.5 per cent), South Australia (3.4 per cent), Tasmania (3.4 per cent), the Northern Territory (3.2 per cent) and the Australian Capital Territory (2.4 per cent).

"Australia is one of just five nations - Taiwan, China, Vietnam, New Zealand and ourselves - who enter 2021 very well-placed," the Deloitte report exclaimed.

COVID numbers are very low, the vaccine news is excellent, confidence is rebounding, Victoria is catching up to the recovery already underway elsewhere, there are heartening developments in job markets, and China's trade war with Australia has so far at least actually added to national income rather than hurt it."

Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas described the assessment as welcome news, supporting recent economic indicators showing Victoria's economy is rebounding, such as strong growth in employment and retail spending.

Victoria's labour market has bounced back faster than Deloitte first anticipated. Employment increased by 4.8 per cent in the two months to November.

The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) also shows positive signs of recovery, with more than 150,000 Victorians finding work in the last quarter of 2020. According to the data, employment increased by 74,000 in November on the back of an increase of 82,000 in October.

The forecast of a strong recovery after the pandemic restrictions follows the broad range of stimulus measures outlined in November's state budget.

"The early positive results of the hard work of all Victorians in contributing to our economic recovery are encouraging - and shows our strategy is working," says Pallas.

"It shows how important our strategy of driving case numbers down and opening up has been to getting our economy going again.

"Jobs will remain front and centre in our recovery plans as we continue to invest in employment support across Victoria, together with our record pipeline of infrastructure projects."

Melbourne workers keen to return to city workplaces

The recovery forecast coincides with a Roy Morgan survey of more than 500 workers in the City of Melbourne, which found the majority want to get back to their workplaces so long as COVID-safe plans are in place.

"Almost 60 per cent of people surveyed wanted to return for improved health and wellbeing, and 53 per cent were motivated by the improved productivity of the office environment," says City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp.

"Our message to workers returning to the city is that we've missed you, welcome back.

"We want Melbourne businesses to thrive again because they are a vital part of what makes our city great."

The Lord Mayor says the research shows while many people have embraced greater flexibility and convenience working from home, they don't want to live at work.

"More than 90 per cent of people were willing to return to the office," she says.

"The research shows people miss the benefits of working face-to-face, including the increased collaboration and socialising, along with the atmosphere and buzz of the city."

The Lord Mayor adds business leaders have a critical role to play in bringing people safely back to the workplace, with more than half those interviewed indicating their decision to return was largely influenced by their direct manager or CEO.

"We welcome the Victorian Government's decisions to continue the staged return to workplaces and, when the time is right, the City of Melbourne is committed to having 100 per cent of our workforce return safely," she says.

"We encourage employers across the city to do the same as restrictions ease.

"We are working with the Victorian Government and the business community to ensure workers feel confident they are returning to a COVID-safe environment."

The surveys took place between Friday 27 November and Thursday 10 December 2020, with the following key findings:

• Almost two thirds of respondents were either willing to return to their central Melbourne workplaces or had already returned by late November and December, while 44 per cent were willing to return and 15 per cent had already returned.
• More than 90 per cent of workers willing to return to work.
• COVID-safe procedures and adherence to measures was the most commonly cited factor leading to people feeling safe to return to work.
• 64 per cent of respondents said the city atmosphere was a drawcard and motivated them to return, including the opportunity to go to cafes, support local businesses and enjoy the buzz of the city.

City Activation portfolio chair, Councillor Roshena Campbell, says prior to COVID-19 city workers made up almost half of the city's average daily population, so their safe return is critical to keeping city businesses viable and Melburnians in jobs.

"Melbourne faces a new challenge of trying to create economic growth after the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic," says Cr Campbell.

"Having office workers begin to return today is an important step forward for city businesses that have recently endured some of the toughest trading conditions in generations.

"We're already seeing more people return to Melbourne each day, enjoying the restaurants, shops, bars and art galleries that make Melbourne the engine room of Victoria's economy."

Updated at 10:52am AEDT on 18 January 2021.

Hazzard: regional quarantine not for NSW

Following yesterday's proposal from Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to move quarantine services to regional mining camps, New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard has rejected a push to do the same in his state.

Speaking to ABC News Hazzard said NSW's current system is working well and is able to cope with the large number of returning overseas travellers the state receives every day.

"New South Wales has taken by far the majority of people coming back into our hotel quarantine system," Hazzard told ABC News.

"So it will be very challenging to find a regional area that can cope with that.

"Secondly, our public health officialsindicated that [regional quarantine] would create further risks for us, particularly in transporting people on busses."

Despite his rejection of the push for regional quarantine in NSW, Hazzard welcomes the proposal made by other states.

"We're not saying to Queensland don't do it that's their call, we're not saying to WA don't do it that's their call, they have mining camps and other areas that might work for them," Hazzard said.

"All of our systems around the country are based on people they're human systems, so it's a constant matter to try and find any little holes where there might be a hole.

"We've had over 115,000 people pass through the Sydney quarantine system, and I think we've maybe had three relatively small issued. So that's a very small number in a very, very big system."

NSW recorded zero new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 today for the second day in a row.

However, Premier Gladys Berejiklian was disappointed with the number of tests done yesterday, and has called upon those in the state to get testing numbers up so restrictions can be eased.

"I want to stress to the community that relief is on its way so long as we maintain low or zero numbers of cases on a daily basis and also so long as we get those testing rates high," Berejiklian said.

Updated at 12.41pm AEDT on 15 January.

Mask restrictions to ease as VIC goes eight days without local transmission

Mask rules and capacity limits in office spaces will ease for Victorians on Sunday evening as the state goes more than a week without new local cases of COVID-19.

According to Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, the efforts of contact tracers to contain an outbreak of the coronavirus in the state mean he is comfortable to dial down restrictions.

As such, from 11.59pm AEDT on Sunday 17 January, masks will only need to be worn in "high-risk" environments like shopping centres, supermarkets, and on public transport.

Further, private sector business will be able to return to having 50 per cent of the workforce in the office, while the public sector will move up to 25 per cent of the workforce present.

"To produce eight days of zero is something that all of our public health team can be proud of," Andrews said.

"It doesn't mean that we should ever take for granted the precious things we've built. That's why we've had to make very difficult decisions.

"I think pausing for the week was the right choice to make, given there was some uncertainty."

The Premier also confirmed there are 18 people in VIC who stayed at Brisbane's Grand Chancellor Hotel during the period when a cleaner at the hotel contracted the UK variant of COVID-19.

As such, VIC health officials have asked those 18 people to either isolate and get tested, or just get tested, depending on when they were staying at the hotel.

"There's not one blanket answer, it depends on when they were in hotel quarantine," Andrews said.

"Because of the infections that have already been recorded in hotel quarantine between staff and residents...circumstances are very much based on each person's travel movements and when they were in hotel quarantine."

Updated at 12.29pm AEDT on 14 January 2021.

Palaszczuk proposes QLD mining camps as hotel quarantine alternative

Those returning to Queensland from overseas could be completing their mandatory fortnight of quarantine in the state's mining camps if a proposal from the Premier is approved.

Speaking at a press conference this morning, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was looking at using QLD mining camps to accommodate international travellers instead of CBD hotels.

At this stage the idea is simply a proposal, but the Premier will be raising the concept at the next National Cabinet meeting to seek approval from the Federal Government.

According to Palaszczuk, accommodation at mining camps is ideal for quarantine purposes: the facilities are top quality, complete with balconies for fresh air, and staff can stay on site.

The proposal follows the latest case of community transmission in Queensland, contracted at CBD-based Hotel Grand Chancellor by a cleaner of the quarantine facility.

That case, a positive infection of the UK variant of COVID-19, sent the city of Brisbane into a three-day lockdown last week.

The proposal mirrors the approach taken by the Northern Territory government where returning travellers are accommodated at the Howard Springs quarantine facility - a disused workers camp.

"With this new strain, we have to put all options on the table, and these are sensible, rational options," Palaszczuk said.

"Howard Springs works very well in the Northern Territory, and there's no reason why we couldn't do something similar here in Queensland.

"We are looking at alternative plans to hotel quarantine that is based right in the midst of the CBD where you have a whole lot of staff that come in from all around and you have people flying in and out of airports."

The announcement comes as QLD reported four new cases of COVID-19 today, all in hotel quarantine. None of the new cases were detected in Hotel Grand Chancellor.

Hotel Grand Chancellor public health alert issued in NSW

NSW Health has asked anyone who stayed at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Brisbane since 30 December 2020, either as a returned traveller or as a staff member, to isolate for two weeks.

The alert comes after six cases of the UK variant of COVID-19 were linked to the hotel.

According to NSW Health the Queensland Government said there were people staying at the hotel who have since returned to NSW.

"NSW Health is working with Queensland Health to identify these people so our contact tracers can provide public health advice and updated information as it becomes available," NSW Health said.

"This variant is known to spread more easily from person to person than other strains of the COVID-19 virus."

Photo via AUSCO Modular

Updated at 10.57am AEDT on 14 January 2021.

SA to open to regional NSW, but remains closed to Brisbane and Sydney

People living in regional New South Wales will be permitted to travel into South Australia from 12.01am ACDT tomorrow, but a hard border will remain to those from hotspots in Sydney and Brisbane.

According to SA Premier Steven Marshall low case numbers in regional NSW means the state's transition committee is comfortable to relax border restrictions.

The only requirement for those travelling into SA from regional NSW is that they get tested on days one, five and 12 on arrival in the state.

A hard border will stay in place for hotspots in NSW including Greater Sydney, Wollongong, Central Coast and the Blue Mountains.

Travellers from Greater Brisbane will also not be allowed to enter SA.

"I know that it's been hugely inconvenient, and I know people were hoping that we could do that [open to Brisbane] yesterday or today," Marshall said.

"But we're not in that position at the moment and there are still some worrying concerns there.

"We're hopeful it will be done in the coming days."

SA recorded two new cases of COVID-19 today, both in hotel quarantine.

Updated at 4.54pm AEDT on 13 January 2021.

Brisbane: Hotel Grand Chancellor guests to be moved

Genomic testing has revealed six cases of the mutant UK strain of COVID-19 at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Brisbane, which has been taking in quarantine guests since September according to Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.

The state government has announced a precautionary measure to try and stamp out the cluster through further tests of the remaining 129 guests, as well as moving them to other hotels.

"They will not be charged for their time at the Grand Chancellor or the hotels that they are going to be moved to."

"226 people who worked in the hotel since December 30 [the date the first case of the UK strain arrived in Australia] are going to be contacted and they will go into quarantine and get tested."

She said 250 quarantine guests who have left the hotel since December 30 are now currently being contacted, and they will be quarantined and tested as well.

"No more guests have gone into the hotel since the variant was discovered on January 7," she said.

"Everybody is cooperating, everyone is doing the right thing, the investigation is ongoing, but what we are seeing is that this UK variant is unknown.

"I think we need to immediately look at the way in which we are handling people coming into the country - international arrivals and also to looking at the quarantine hotels that they are going into.

"Of course, we have to put in additional precautions and we are doing that immediately."

There were two new cases in Queensland overnight, both in hotel quarantine, but the number of active cases has also gone down by two to 26.

So far, all the cases of the UK COVID-19 strain have been on the seventh floor of the hotel.

"We're going to be very, very careful about floor seven, of course, and see whether that's where it's spread," said Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young.

Dr Young noted authorities were tracing back any people who had been in contact with the hotel since 30 December, including maritime staff who may currently be at sea. She also called for people with even the mildest symptoms to get tested, especially if they have been to the following venues at the stated times:

• Sunday 3 January, Woolworths Calamvale, North Calamvale - 11.00am to 12.00pm
• Tuesday 5 January, Coles Sunnybank Hills Shoppingtown, Sunnybank Hills - 7.30am to 8.00am
• Tuesday 5 January, Nextra Sunnybank Hills Newsagent, Sunnybank Hills - 8.00am to 8.15am
• Tuesday 5 January, Bunnings Warehouse, Acacia Ridge - 2.00pm to 2.40pm
• Wednesday 6 January, Sunnybank Cellars (formerly Lucky Star Bottler) New Hellawell Road, Sunnybank Hills -  2.05pm to 2.15pm
• Wednesday 6 January, Cappriccios Italian Pizza Restaurant, Maleny - 6.30pm to 7.00pm
• Thursday 7 January, Purple Palate Cellars, Maleny - 4.15pm 4.25pm
• Thursday 7 January, Woolworths Supermarket, Maleny - 4.30pm 4.50pm

Updated at 10:11am AEST on 13 January 2020.

ACT lifts restrictions on several NSW regions

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has today made it easier for people to travel into the nation's capital from NSW, lifting quarantine restrictions on those who have been in the Central Coast, Wollongong, Campbelltown, Wollondilly, Penrith and the Blue Mountains.

These local government areas (LGAs) have been removed from the list of the territory's COVID-affected areas.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said this meant the following 11 LGAs in Greater Sydney remain on the list:

• Northern Beaches
• Blacktown City
• Burwood
• Canada Bay
• Canterbury Bankstown
• Cumberland
• Fairfield City
• Inner West
• Liverpool City
• Parramatta City
• Strathfield

"ACT residents and non-residents currently in quarantine from those 11 specific local government areas that I have just listed still need to complete their 14-day quarantine period," Barr (pictured) said.

"If you are uncertain about your status, you will of course receive information from ACT Health, so everyone will be informed of this change.

"These changes that affect some areas within the New South Wales are of course a positive step forward, but it's not a sign that we can all collectively drop our guard to the virus."

NSW recorded five new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 overnight, while Queensland recorded three new cases who are all currently in hotel quarantine, one of whom is the partner of the hotel cleaner who contracted the more infectious UK strain of the virus. 

More health alerts have been made for venues in Brisbane due to the new case's movements while infectious to Bunnings Warehouse in Acacia Ridge and Sunnybank Cellars on 5 and 6 of January respectively. 

Updated at 3:10pm AEDT on 12 January 2021.

Victoria to introduce traffic light permit system for all travel into state

A new travel permit system based on a traffic light structure will be introduced in Victoria this afternoon for all incoming domestic travellers, giving Australians further clarity and certainty when they travel.

The traffic light system see the chief health officer declare other regions in parts of Australia as green, orange, or red, depending on the COVID-19 risk.

Depending on a state's status, certain restrictions will apply for travellers from a given area.

The new structure will come into effect from 5.59pm today.

"Until we have a vaccine, we'll need to continue to react and respond to changing circumstances," Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said.

"This system will make sure we can do just that, while supporting the rapid response of our contact tracing team.

"With an easy to understand traffic light system, Victorians and Australians will understand exactly what the latest public health advice means for them, and their travel plans."

The type of permit will depend on where you have been, with applicants required to provide details on where they are coming from and where they are traveling to. These details will allow the contact tracing team to rapidly reach people should a new risk emerge.

The traffic light system

A red zone means if travellers have visited this area in the past 14 days they will not be allowed to enter Victoria without an exception or exemption. If they try to enter Victoria at a land border they will be turned away.

Returned Victorian travellers arriving by plane or by water without a valid reason or exemption will be required to self-isolate at home for 14 days and will receive a fine of $4,957.

Interstate residents presenting at an airport or seaport without a valid reason or exemption will be fined $4,957 and returned to their destination on the next available flight.

If this requires an overnight stay, these individuals will need to stay in hotel quarantine until their departure.

An orange zone means that travellers will be able to apply for a permit and will need to take a coronavirus test within 72 hours after arriving in Victoria, isolating both before and after your test, until they receive a negative result.

Under this system regional NSW, including the Central Coast, will be reclassified as an orange zone.

A green zone means that travellers will be able to apply for a permit and enter Victoria.

As part of the permit application, travellers will also be asked whether they have any COVID-19 symptoms, whether they have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or are a close contact with someone who has and whether they have visited particular exposure sites.

Until then current permits, including transit and worker permits, will remain valid.

"The necessary public health restrictions in place for the New South Wales border have been without doubt a challenge but they've also been integral to making sure we protect the wins of every single Victorian," Minister for Health Martin Foley said.

Updated 3.29pm AEDT on 11 January 2021.

Lockdown to be lifted in Greater Brisbane, but mask rules remain

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (pictured) has thanked residents in Greater Brisbane for their sacrifice during the pre-emptive long weekend lockdown, with encouraging results allowing stay-at-home directives to be lifted as planned at 6pm this evening.

A positive case of the highly infectious UK strain of COVID-19 led the state to take what Palaszczuk described as a "world-first" course of action on Friday, in a bid to nip a potential spread in the bud through a three-day lockdown in Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Redlands and Logan.

For the first time millions of Queenslanders were required to wear masks outside the home, and most were compliant after seeing the devastating effects of outbreaks and extended lockdowns in Melbourne and more recently in Sydney's Northern Beaches.

Premier Palaszczuk reported the "wonderful news" of zero new cases of community transmission overnight, with four new cases in hotel quarantine - two being Emirates flight staff - taking the state's total number of active cases to 25.

"Can I thank people in the Greater Brisbane region for responding the way that they did. It has been absolutely, truly remarkable," she said.

"So I can announced that the reward for this sacrifice is that we are able to end our lockdown after three days."

Follow live coverage and background on our COVID-19 feed

However, if the virus has seeded there is still a timeframe where continued abatement measures are needed, leading Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young to advise the continued use of masks until 1am on 22 January.

Requirements apply to anyone who has been in Greater Brisbane since 2 January, regardless of where they might be now. 

The new rules in Greater Brisbane from 6pm will be more relaxed, but the Premier's message is "when in doubt, wear a mask".

"You'll have to carry a face mask with you at all times. It is not dissimilar to what has happened in other jurisdictions," Premier Palaszczuk said.

She confirmed mask wearing would be required in the following locations:

• Shopping centres
• Supermarkets
• Retail outlets
• Indoor markets
• Hospitals and aged care facilities
• Churches and places of worship
• Libraries
• Indoor recreational facilities such as cinemas and art galleries
• Indoor workplaces where social distancing is not possible
• Public transport, taxis and ridesharing services
• Airports and on planes

People will not need to wear masks when driving alone in their own cars, or with family members in their own cars.

The State Government also set the following gathering and social distancing rules that will be in place until 1am, 22 January.

Businesses and venues

• Indoors: 1 person per 4 sqm
• Outdoors: 1 person per 2 sqm
• Seated eating and drinking only
• Smaller venues up to 200 sqm: 1 person per 2sqm up to a maximum of 50
• No dancing except for weddings

Gatherings

• Up to 20 in homes and public spaces
• Weddings: up to 100. No restriction on dancing
• Funerals: up to 100
• Indoor concert venues or theatres: 50 per cent capacity or 1 person per 4 sqm whichever is greater
• Outdoor stadiums: 50 per cent capacity with COVID-safe plans

Updated at 9:26am AEST on 11 January 2021.

Victorians in Brisbane urged not to leave

The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has called on residents who happen to be in Greater Brisbane to stay put for a few days, in line with the National Cabinet agreement to declare the Queensland capital and its surrounds a hotspot.

The move comes as other states and territories put in place varying quarantine and isolation requirements for people who have arrived, or will be arriving, from Greater Brisbane.

In Western Australia's case, this means a hard border not just for Brisbane but all of Queensland. 

The approach from Victorian health authorities has been to put more onus on the individual and hopefully avoid any last-ditch attempts to beat the Brisbane lockdown.

"Anyone who has been in, visited or travelled through the local government areas of Brisbane City Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council, Redland, Ipswich or Logan city councils since 2 January should not leave those areas until at least Monday," the DHHS said.

"The Queensland Government has ordered a three-day lockdown of the area.

"All Victorians in these areas are advised to follow the guidance of the Queensland Government and any Victorian with plans to travel to these areas should cancel them."

As is the case in the Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania and New South Wales, anyone in Victoria who has been in the local government areas (LGAs) concerned since the relevant date will need to get tested.

While other jurisdictions' advice ranges from a fortnightly self-isolation to just urging social distancing, authorities in Victoria are asking these people to stay at home until Monday when a further assessment will be made.

"We are working with our counterparts in other jurisdictions to address this matter which is obviously of national concern. The department is working through the implications for our current permit system and will provide more information on this shortly," the DHHS said.

"The border with NSW remains closed and the department is working though more than 4000 exemption applications for travel to Victoria for compassionate and medical reasons. 

"579 exemptions have been granted so far and staff are processing the most urgent cases first with priority given to Victorian residents. 

"Every exemption is assessed on a case-by-case basis and is being processed as quickly as possible."

The number of active cases in Victoria is now 39, made up of 28 locally acquired cases which is no change since yesterday and 11 cases in hotel quarantine, an increase of one in the past 24 hours.  The number of active cases linked to the Black Rock Restaurant cluster remains at 27.

Updated at 4:52pm AEDT on 8 January 2021.

WA to shut out QLD travellers over UK COVID strain concerns

The Western Australian Government will close its border to travellers from Queensland from midnight tonight, as authorities await impacts from the nation's first community transmission of the highly contagious UK COVID-19 strain in Brisbane.

In a statement on his Facebook page following a National Cabinet meeting, which agreed to a 50 per cent reduction in WA's international arrival cap among other new measures, Premier Mark McGowan said the new super-fast spreading strain set a new benchmark in the fight against COVID-19.

"The rulebook continues to evolve, as does COVID. As result, we cannot hesitate - we cannot sit back, wait and watch. With COVID-19 and this new strain we cannot assume anything," he said.

"Given the number of contacts and potentially affected venues and locations, we need to move fast. Queensland and the whole of Australia are on high alert."

The National Cabinet agreed today to set restrictions nationwide for travellers from Greater Brisbane or who have been there since 2 January, but WA has taken a stricter approach with a hard border to come into place from 12:01am on 9 January.

The measures will be the same as WA's hard borders for NSW and those set for VIC at the start of 2021, with exemptions in place for certain government officials and defence personnel, freight and logistics workers and other special cases including on compassionate grounds.

Those who are currently in WA and have been in QLD since the date concerned - some 7,500 arrivals according to state police and a further 1,400 on flights scheduled today - will need to self-quarantine and get tested

"Our thoughts are with our friends and family in Queensland," Premier McGowan said.

"Tonight, when they go into lockdown, they are not just doing it for Queensland they are doing it for the whole nation."

Recent arrivals will need to be tested or COVID-19 by Tuesday, 12 January.

"Obviously today is 41 degrees so from a health perspective, we are NOT telling people to rush to a COVID clinic today," said McGowan, who is also dealing with a bushfire emergency north of Perth at the moment.

"But you do need to expect delays just like we see everywhere around Australia and the world - so we ask everyone to be patient and to bring water and sun protection, in case the wait is long.

"They will also need to be tested on Day 11 of their quarantine."

Western Australia has now been free of community transmission of COVID-19 for 272 days, or almost nine months.

Updated at 11:49am AWST on 8 January 2021.

Masks to be mandatory on all flights

The National Cabinet has approved pre-flight testing requirements for anyone travelling to Australia as well as mandatory mask wearing on all international and domestic flights, according to South Australian Premier Steven Marshall.

"Our suggestion for pre-flight testing has now been adopted by the National cabinet," Premier Marshall said.

"Secondly, we have now adopted a new national standard with regards to the wearing of masks on international and domestic flights. This previously was on advice people should wear them; it is now people must wear them."

In a later press conference, Prime Minister Scott Morrison clarified the mask rule would however not apply to children aged 12 or under.

The PM also added international flight arrival caps would be cut in half for NSW, QLD and WA. 

Premier Marshall noted Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk had called out for other states to declare Greater Brisbane a hotspot, and the National Cabinet agreed to this on an Australia-wide basis.

The Northern Territory and Tasmania announced their measures for travellers from the concerned Queensland LGAs today, meaning anyone who arrives from today has to enter quarantine.

South Australia has given a little bit more leeway with a cut-off for midnight tonight, although the state's government has strongly discouraged travel from any Queensland residents. 

How significant is this new highly virulent UK COVID strain?

The UK strain of COVID-19, which has been the cause of today's drastic containment measures both in Queensland and around the country towards people who have been in Greater Brisbane, was described by the Prime Minister as 70 per cent more transmissible than the previous strains of the virus.

"This strain is likely to become in the very near future, the dominant strain," Prime Minister Morrison said.

"So the idea that it somehow can be contained just out of the United Kingdom is a false hope...80 per cent of Australians looking to come back are in countries that have had exposure to that strain of the virus.

"It is a very wise decision by the Queensland Government, by Premier Palaszczuk, to put in place the precaution she has over the next few days. It moves so quickly, far more quickly than previous strains of the virus, and that means we need to give our contact tracers that head start to ensure they can track down and run down all the contacts from this individual."

The Independent Sage, a group of scientists in the UK, issued a statement last week concluded the new strain of COVID-19 that seems to have emerged in the southeast of England is between 40-80 per cent more transmissible than earlier variants.

The scientists said COVID-19 was "out of control" in the UK with current Tier 4 stay-at-home restrictions now unable to contain its spread, even with closure of schools and universities.

"The pandemic is now out of control, and the NHS is struggling, with some hospitals having to stop non-COVID activities. The NHS (National Health Service) is no longer being protected," the Independent Sage commented.

"For these reasons, there is a strong argument for maximising the coverage of the population with at least one dose of vaccine, even though this requires a change to the dosage schedule.

"The urgency of concerted and effective action to supress the new variant cannot be overstated."

The Independent Sage also called for restricted movement from and to Great Britain with the rest of the world. There are currently at least 40 nations worldwide that have closed their borders to UK arrivals, including Singapore, Spain, Canada and India.

Updated at 12:56pm AEDT on 8 January 2021.

Tasmania, NT slap quarantine requirements on Brisbane travellers immediately

Clarification: This afternoon it was confirmed that National Cabinet agreed to a nationwide stance on Greater Brisbane as a COVID-19 hotspot, with corresponding restrictions and quarantine or isolation requirements in place. However, the timing of the implementation of these new measures varies across different states and territories.

Governments from Tasmania and the Northern Territory have responded swiftly to Queensland's latest lockdown measures, setting quarantine measures for travellers who have been in the affected areas since 2 January.

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said the state had declared Greater Brisbane - including Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Redlands and Logan - a high-risk area.

Those arriving from these areas from today will need to quarantine immediately for up to 14 days, and if people can't find "suitable premises" they will be placed in a government quarantine hotel.

People who are already in Tasmania but have been in the affected Greater Brisbane areas since 2 January will need to self-isolate and contact the Tasmanian Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738 to arrange a test.

The Northern Territory's approach is similar, with anyone entering QLD hotspots from today requiring hotel quarantine while those who have been in hotspots need to call the territory's COVID-19 hotline on 1800 008 002.

If that is your situation, you will likely need to be tested and physical distancing is required for 14 days since your arrival in the NT.

This physical distancing directive is defined by the government as "keep 1.5 metres away from others, if unwell stay home, sleep in a separate bedroom away from others, minimise contact with people".

Updated at 12:25pm AEDT on 8 January 2021.

NSW orders isolation for QLD hotspot visitors, records 11 new cases

Clarification: This afternoon it was confirmed that National Cabinet agreed to a nationwide stance on Greater Brisbane as a COVID-19 hotspot, with corresponding restrictions and quarantine or isolation requirements in place. However, the timing of the implementation of these new measures varies across different states and territories. 

NSW Acting Premier John Barilaro says the state government will not be taking a "knee jerk reaction" to recent COVID-19 developments in Queensland, but those who have been in the Sunshine State's hotspots since 2 January will need to self-isolate.

From 6pm tonight Queensland's local government areas (LGAs) of Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Redlands and Logan will go into a three-day lockdown after a hotel quarantine cleaner tested positive to the highly contagious UK strain of COVID-19.

Anyone who has been in these areas since 12:01am on the cut-off date and is in or going to NSW will need to self-isolate.

"We won't be locking down the border, but we are going to be applying the same level of restrictions to those that are either coming or are here in New South Wales that have come from those areas," the Acting Premier said.

NSW recorded 11 new cases of the virus overnight of which four were locally acquired, while a positive sewage detection has also occurred at a treatment plant in Ulladulla.

It is not yet clear whether that detection relates to community transmission or from individuals who have since left the plant's catchment area, but the plant is around 50km south of Huskisson in Jervis Bay where a health alert was issued for a venue recently. 

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant confirmed today that six return travellers in hotel quarantine have tested positive to the UK strain of COVID-19 since 30 November, four of whom have been successfully managed and discharged after clinical assessments showed they were no longer infectious.

The two other cases with the UK strain will remain in what's known as 'special health accommodation' (SHA) until they are no longer infectious.

In addition, a preliminary test that was received last night showed a group of four travellers in the SHA who are positive to the new COVID variant from South Africa, but further testing is underway to confirm the results.

"But as a precaution, the 16 people that were accompanying on that flight, have as a precaution moved to the SHA, and that is because there are concerns that the South African strain does share the similar mutation from the UK that may be associated with increased transmissibility," Dr Chant said.

Updated at 11:47am AEDT on 8 January 2021.

Brisbane to enter three-day lockdown to contain contagious UK COVID strain

The Queensland Government is taking a leaf out of South Australia's playbook in a bid to stamp out a potential COVID-19 outbreak, with a three-day lockdown to start from 6pm today in Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Redlands and Logan.

The announcement follows yesterday's confirmation that a confirmed case of a hotel quarantine cleaner from Brisbane's south has the highly contagious UK strain of the virus.

People in the affected local government areas (LGAs) will be required to stay at home except:

• for education, or work if they can't work from home;
• to buy essentials like groceries and medicine within their local area;
• look after the vulnerable; and
• exercise within their neighbourhood with no more than one person from their household.

Masks will also need to be worn everywhere in those local government areas except if people are at home.

Cafes, pubs and restaurants will be open only for take-away service, and there will be closures for cinemas, entertainment and recreation venues, gyms, and places of worship.

Funerals will be restricted to 20 guests and weddings restricted to 10 guests.

People in Greater Brisbane have been advised not to leave the area during the period, including non-residents. People can choose to enter Brisbane during this period but are bound by the same restrictions and are urged to delay travel, although they can enter Greater Brisbane to attain health care. 

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was asking people to have a long weekend at home, as "there are no second chances with this pandemic".

"We have learned from Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales that a short, sharp lockdown is better than a long one and this a more contagious strain," she said.

"Three days is better than 30."

The Premier said she once again called on Queenslanders to protect each other.

"All we can do is stay home and stay safe and please get tested," the Premier said.

BREAKING: Following a confirmed case of the highly infections UK coronavirus strain, Greater Brisbane will be entering a three day lockdown.

These measures are tough, but they are important to keep our community safe.#covid19pic.twitter.com/o8CfnRraYl

Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) January 7, 2021

Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said extra testing clinics with more staff had been opened.

"We want to see as many people tested as possible and people stay home and stay safe," the Minister said.

"We know that to stop the spread of the virus we have to stop the movement of people and test, test, test," Dr Young said.

"Queenslanders have done a tremendous job of containing this virus for so long- we just have to keep it up."

Prime Minister Scott Morrison praised the Queensland Premier on Twitter for her decision, describing it as a "wise call" to have a brief lockdown while authorities get on top of the recent case.

"This will buy much needed time," the Prime Minister said.

Wise call by Qld Premier @AnnastaciaMP to have a brief lockdown to enable Queensland health authorities to get on top of the UK strain case in Brisbane.

A big thanks in advance to everyone in greater Brisbane for their patience in coming days.

This will buy much needed time.

Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 7, 2021

New strain's spread "out of control" in the UK

The Independent Sage, a group of scientists in the UK, issued a statement last week concluded the new strain of COVID-19 that seems to have emerged in the southeast of England is between 40-80 per cent more transmissible than earlier variants.

The scientists said COVID-19 was "out of control" in the UK with current Tier 4 stay-at-home restrictions now unable to contain its spread, even with closure of schools and universities.

"The pandemic is now out of control, and the NHS is struggling, with some hospitals having to stop non-COVID activities. The NHS (National Health Service) is no longer being protected," the Independent Sage commented.

"For these reasons, there is a strong argument for maximising the coverage of the population with at least one dose of vaccine, even though this requires a change to the dosage schedule.

"The urgency of concerted and effective action to supress the new variant cannot be overstated."

The Independent Sage also called for restricted movement from and to Great Britain with the rest of the world. There are currently at least 40 nations worldwide that have closed their borders to UK arrivals, including Singapore, Spain, Canada and India.

Updated at 8:51am AEST on 8 January 2021.

Australia plans vaccine roll-out in February

The Federal Government aims to have four million Australians vaccinated for COVID-19 by the end of March, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison announcing plans to get the process underway in mid-to-late February for high priority populations.

After emphasising the sombre statistic that many countries - such as the UK, Germany, Brazil and Mexico - are recording daily COVID-19 death rates equivalent to Australia's total fatalities from the virus, the PM set an indicative vaccination timetable today but warned it would not be a "silver bullet".

Authorities expect the necessary data on the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to be ready by mid-January and if all conditions are met, a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approval by the end of the month.

But Pfizer's global protocols indicate a two-week delivery time post-approval, followed by around a week that is required for batch processing. 

The data gathering for another vaccine from AstraZeneca is due for the end of February, and health authorities are unable to give a more precise timeline around that roll-out.

"We anticipate optimistically that we would hope to start the vaccination with around 80,000 vaccinations a week - that's what we are targeting, and then seeing that build up over the next four to six weeks," the Prime Minister said.

"We hope by the end of March to have reached some four million population."

Distribution timeline

Five phases of priority population vaccinations have been planned.

"Today we are going to talk about the process of those first two phases that will provide the most necessary ring of containment and protection to the Australian population," he said.

"Those populations in that first phase are quarantine and border workers, frontline health officials as well as those working in aged care and disability care, and those in aged care and disability care residents."

These populations represent Phase 1a, while Phase 1b covers elderly adults aged 70 and over, Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders aged over 55, younger adults with underlying medical conditions, and critical and high-risk workers in industries such as defence, police, fire, emergency services and meat processing.

Phase 2 will then include Adults aged 50 and over, Aboriginal and Torrest Strait Islander people aged 18 and over, and other critical care workers.

However, the Prime Minister emphasised once the vaccinations start it does not mean that COVID-Safe practices come to an end.

"They continue to be a 2021 lived experience," he said.

"But this will add a very, very significant defence, and offence I should also say, in combatting the virus here in Australia and around the world."

"The outbreak and containment structures that have been enhanced during the course of the pandemic are succeeding, are protecting Australians, are saving lives," added Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt.

Department of Health Secretary and former Chief Medical Officer Dr Brendan Murphy said the vaccines would be manufactured on-shore, ensuring Australia has a guaranteed supply of the vaccine.

"That will lead to a rapid ramp-up within weeks of that initial start and we will expand the roll-out to a significantly broader range of, again, the at-risk population," Dr Murphy said.

"Over the second quarter of this year we will have a very significant portion of the population covered.

"And then we will go on to the rest of the population and the last group we will consider is children. We know children are at the lowest risk of getting COVID and transmitting COVID, and the vaccines currently haven't been properly tested in children."

One new case in QLD

There were no new cases reported in NSW or VIC today, but in QLD there was one new case who is a hotel quarantine worker, leading the state's Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to call on residents of Sunnybank Hills, Algester and Calamvale to get tested if they have symptoms.

"There's a lot of contact tracing that has been going on overnight, and I want to thank [Queensland Health]...they are doing everything they can to alert the community, so we need the community to stay alert." the QLD Premier said.

The patient was unknowingly infectious from 2 January 2021 and tested positive for COVID-19 on 6 January 2021.

Queensland Health has released the following details of the individual's movements while infectious:

• Saturday 2 January - 7am - Train from Altandi station to Roma street
• Saturday 2 January - 4pm - Train from Central Station to Altandi station
• Sunday 3 January - 11am -12pm - Woolworths, Calamvale North
• Tuesday 5 January - 7.30am - 8am - Coles, Sunnybank Hills
• Tuesday 5 January - 8am - 8.15am - Newsagent, Sunnybank Hills Shopping Town

Updated at 1:08pm AEDT on 7 January.

Public health alerts issued for venues on the NSW South Coast

The south coast of New South Wales is on alert for the potential spreading of COVID-19 after a person with the virus visited venues in the region.

In addition to visiting a cricket ground and a restaurant in Parramatta and the Merrylands RSL the case went to venues in the popular tourist region of the south coast leading to a number of public health alerts being issued overnight.

The alerts come as NSW records no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.

Anyone who attended the following south coast venues at the times listed below should monitor for symptoms and, if they occur, get tested immediately and self-isolate until you receive a negative result:

• Kangaroo Valley, Nostalgia Factory Shop - Sunday 27 December 11.20am to 11.30am
• Huskisson, Taj Indian Restaurant - Sunday 27 December 4.45pm to 5.20pm
• Parramatta, Saravanaa Bhavan - Monday 28 December 9.50am to 10.50am
• Merrylands Merrylands RSL (Ariah Room) - Monday 28 December 4pm to 4.55pm
• Merrylands, Merrylands RSL (Smoking Gaming Area) - Monday 28 December 4.55pm to 5.15pm
• Merrylands, Merrylands RSL (Sports Lounge) - Monday 28 December 5.15pm to 6pm

In addition, anyone who attended any other area of the Merrylands RSL between 4pm and 6pm on Monday 28 December should monitor for symptoms and get tested if they appear.

Anyone who played cricket at the listed time below should immediately get tested and self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result:

• Parramatta, Ollie Webb Cricket Ground (cricket ground) - Monday 28 December 7.30am to 11am

Anyone who was present in the Ollie Webb Cricket Ground grandstand between 7.30am to 11am on Monday 28 December should immediately get tested and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.

These latest public health alerts come on the back of other new announcements released by NSW Health yesterday afternoon.

These public health alerts relate to a number of venues in the western Sydney suburb of Wentworthville.

Anyone who attended the following venues at the listed times is considered a casual contact who should get tested immediately and isolate until a negative result is received, and continue to monitor for symptoms and test again if any symptoms develop:

• Wentworthville, BWS - Sunday 27 December 8.30pm to 8.35pm
• Wentworthville, Domino's Pizza - Sunday 27 December 8.50pm to 9pm

Anyone who attended the following venues at the listed times is considered a casual contact who should monitor for symptoms and if they appear, isolate and get tested until a negative result is received:

• Wentworthville, Woolworths - Wednesday 30 December 12pm to 12.10pm
• Wentworthville, Green Farm Meat NSW Halal - Wednesday 30 December 12.10pm to 12.15pm
• Wentworthville, Udaya Supermarket - Wednesday 30 December 6.30pm to 6.35pm
• Wentworthville, Ambeys Big Apple - Friday 1 January - 5.30pm to 5.40pm
• Wentworthville, Sri Lakshmi Supermarket - Friday 1 January 5.40pm to 5.45pm
• Wentworthville, Pizza Hut - Saturday 2 January - 8.30pm to 8.40pm
• Wentworthville, Ambeys Big Apple - 8.45pm to 8.50pm
• Wentworthville, Udaya Supermarket - Sunday 3 January - 6.30pm to 6.40pm
• Wentworthville, Udaya Supermarket - Monday 4 January - 6.30pm to 6.35pm
• Wentworthville, Swagath Biryani House - Monday 4 January 6.40pm to 6.50pm

NSW reordered four new cases of COVID-19 yesterday after the state recorded 32,667 tests.

Updated at 10.37am AEDT on 7 January 2021.

P&O Cruises extends New Zealand operations pause until 2022

A rolling pause of P&O Cruises Australia's operations in New Zealand will be extended until July 2022 as the industry continues to be battered by the choppy seas of border closures and COVID-19 restrictions.

The cruise line, which has had ships based in Auckland for a number of years, will now return to New Zealand for a dedicated 150-day season in July 2022.

P&O Cruises Australia president Sture Myrmell says the start of the new year brought renewed optimism and confidence but maintains it is important for the operator to be realistic about the immediate future of the industry.

"We know that much better days lie ahead and we remain positive about the resumption of cruising," says Myrmell.

"While we've paused operations, P&O Cruises together with the wider industry has been using the time wisely to plan for cruising's return.

"As we work towards this goal, we wanted to provide our Kiwi guests with as much certainty as possible and flexibility around their 2021 bookings and an opportunity to reschedule their cruise holiday for 2022 or beyond."

Initially scheduled to start sailing from Auckland from 6 February 2021, Pacific Explorer's operations were previously paused to 4 March 2021 and are now paused to 25 April.

In Australia, Pacific Adventure is currently scheduled to begin sailing from Sydney on 30 April 2021 while Pacific Encounter is due to call Brisbane home from 7 May - although additional voyages may be added earlier, depending on the timing of the return of cruising in Australia.

The extended pause in operations from New Zealand affects the following cruises:

• Pacific Explorer: X112N, X113N, X114N, X115N, X116N, X117N, X118N, X119N, X120N.

Australia reports five new COVID-19 cases

Four new COVID-19 cases in New South Wales and one in Victoria have been detected in Australia today, sparking further concerns of community transmission of the coronavirus.

The four new cases in NSW were discovered after 32,667 people went out and got tested for COVID-19 yesterday - a welcome improvement in testing numbers according to Acting Premier John Barilaro.

With the Sydney cricket test between Australia and India set to begin tomorrow health authorities have asked all attendees to wear a mask while at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

They have also asked attendees to reconsider using public transport to attend the match while Sydneysiders in Western Sydney COVID-19 hotspots have been banned from attending.

The one case in VIC is so far unlinked to any of the current outbreaks in the state.

The man who tested positive has sparked fears of potential spreading of COVID-19 in VIC as he attended day two of the Boxing Day test match at the MCG and went to Boxing Day sales at Chadstone Shopping Centre on 26 December.

Those who were in Zone 5 of the MCG's Great Southern Stand or who went to any of the stores the man visited on Boxing Day have been urged to get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result.

Victorian health officials have listed the following stores in Chadstone Shopping Centre as sites of concern:

• Culture Kings
• Huffer
• JD Sports
• Jay Jays
• H&M
• Uniqlo
• Myer
• Superdry
• Foot Locker
• Dumplings Plus

Updated at 12.18pm AEDT on 6 January 2021.

New year, new restrictions: the state of COVID-19 in Australia

Welcome back to Business News Australia's COVID-19 live update feed for 2021.

Over the last two weeks an outbreak of COVID-19 in Sydney's Northern Beaches region ruined Christmas and New Year travel plans for many Australians, sparking border closures and new restrictions around the country.

The outbreak, initially contained within the Northern Beaches area, has since spread down to Melbourne where new cases have been popping up in recent days.

Another cluster in the NSW capital's western suburbs, connected to a returning overseas traveller, has largely centred around a BWS liquor shop in Berala.

Today the NSW Government announced two new cases connected to the outbreak of COVID-19 at the BWS store in Berala were discovered overnight.

These new cases are not included in the state's official daily case updates as they were discovered after 8pm on Sunday, but were announced by NSW Acting Premier John Barilaro this morning.

In total there are 188 active cases of COVID-19 in NSW, not including the two new cases that were confirmed overnight.

Meanwhile in Victoria three new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 were reported this morning, bringing the total number of active cases in the state to 36.

Because of these outbreaks new restrictions have been put in place in NSW, including the mandatory wearing of masks, and border restrictions have come back into play in all states and territories.

Restrictions in New South Wales

Mandatory mask wearing

Overnight the mandatory wearing of masks became enforceable for residents of Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Wollongong and Blue Mountains.

Those caught not wearing a mask in certain indoor settings (shopping centres, indoor entertainment, public/shared transport, waiting areas for transport) can be fined $200 on the spot.

Masks are also mandatory for places of worship, hair and beauty premises, and when visiting aged care facilities.

Staff in hospitality venues and gaming areas in licenced premises must also wear masks.

Gathering restrictions

Restrictions on gatherings are different depending on where people reside in NSW.

In the northern area of the Northern Beaches (from North Narrabeen to Palm Beach):

• Stay at home rules apply, and residents may only leave the house to exercise, to purchase essential goods or services, or to get medical care or supplies;
• Up to five people, including children, may gather outdoors in a public place for exercise or another recreational activity;
• General outdoor gatherings not for exercise or recreational activity are restricted to no more than two people.

In Greater Sydney, Central Coast and Wollongong:

• Household gatherings are restricted to five visitors;
• Outdoor public gatherings are restricted to no more than 30 people;
• Outdoor events are subject to the one person per two square metre rule, with a maximum of 500 people if attendees are assigned to a seating area or 2,000 people if assigned to specific seats;
• Venue operators must ensure there are at least 2 square metres of space in outdoor areas and 4 square metres of space in indoor areas;
• Gyms are restricted to the four square metre rule and a maximum of 30 people per class;

In regional NSW:

• Up to 50 visitors from any household may visit another household at any one time;
• Hospitality venues must ensure there are at least 2 square metres of space for each person on the premises.

Victorian COVID-19 restrictions

As of 31 December 2020 the following restrictions are in place for Victoria:

• The number of people who can visit a home per day (either at once or across the day) has been reduced to 15 (excluding members of the household and children under 12 months);
• Masks are mandatory indoors.

Border restrictions in place

Across the country different border controls have been implemented since Sydney's third wave of COVID-19 commenced in late 2020.

The current border restrictions by state are as follows:

New South Wales

NSW is currently open to receiving travellers from all Australian states and territories with no permit required.

However, health authorities recommend delaying non-essential travel within NSW, especially between Greater Sydney and regional areas.

Queensland

Queensland residents who have been in Greater Sydney in the last 14 days must apply for a Border Declaration Pass and will be directed to quarantine in government arranged accommodation on arrival. Those who have been or intend to go to NSW but not Greater Sydney must also apply for a pass.

As of today Queensland hospitals, aged care facilities, disability accommodation facilities and correctional facilities are closed to all visitors that have been in Victoria on or since Monday 21 December 2020 or left Victoria less than 14 days ago.

Victoria

VIC's border closed to New South Wales on 1 January 2021, with returning residents to get tested and isolate at home for 14 days on arrival.

Victorians must not enter from Greater Sydney, Northern Beaches, or the Central Coast.

Those living in VIC border communities will continue to be able to access the 'border bubble' using their driver's license to prove their residential address.

Tasmania

Travellers who have been in high-risk areas in NSW or VIC can provide evidence of residency and seek to complete 14 days required quarantine at a residential address or other suitable premises.

Non-residents who have been in a high-risk area in NSW and VIC can only enter the state if they receive an exemption.

South Australia

Effective 12:01am 1 January 2021, anyone who has been in NSW in the last 14 days will be prohibited from entry into South Australia.

Northern Territory

All people travelling to the Northern Territory must complete a border entry form.

Anyone arriving into the Northern Territory from or through Sydney in the last 14 days must undertake 14 days mandatory quarantine in supervised accommodation.

Western Australia

Travel into WA from VIC and NSW is no longer permitted unless you are an exempt traveller.

Exempt travellers will be required to complete 14 days of self-quarantine on arrival in WA.

Anyone who has arrived from Victoria since December 21 or was in Victoria from December 21 and has since arrived in WA will be required to do the following:

• self-quarantine in a suitable premises until you have spent 14 days in WA;
• present for a COVID-19 test as soon as any symptoms develop;
• present for a COVID-19 test on Day 11 after arrival in WA.

Australian Capital Territory

Non-ACT residents who have been in the Northern Beaches, Greater Sydney, Central Coast, or Wollongong are not permitted to enter the ACT unless an exemption is granted.

If people have just transited through Greater Sydney, Central Coast and Wollongong without making any stops, they are not required to seek an exemption or complete a declaration.

ACT residents who have visited any of the Sydney hotspots must complete an online declaration 24 hours before they intend to travel back to the Territory.

Updated at 12.25pm AEDT on 4 January 2021.

Massive testing effort finds just 15 new COVID cases in Sydney

Sydney has avoided further restrictions to social gatherings for now despite the northern beaches COVID-19 outbreak growing to 83 cases overnight.

With 38,000 tests conducted in Sydney over the past 24 hours, just 15 new community-transmission cases were reported. All of these cases are linked to the northern beaches cluster.

An additional eight cases were recorded in relation to returned travellers who are in hotel quarantine, including two travellers from the UK who NSW health authorities say have the new COVID mutation which is reported to be highly infectious.

"Every single case (of community transmission) we've had to date has been linked to the Avalon cluster, and that's how we want to keep it," says NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

As a result, the NSW Government has not introduced any new restrictions as Sydney residents are now subject to a total shutdown from the rest of Australia from midnight last night.

Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania will require anyone entering their states from greater Sydney after midnight to now enter hotel quarantine. The cut-off for Queensland was 1am this morning, while Victoria also includes residents from the NSW central coast.

Berejiklian this morning offered a veiled criticism of the interstate restrictions imposed on Sydney residents and returning travellers. She argues that the only state NSW has ever closed its borders to during COVID this year has been Victoria during its second wave when cases exceeded 140.

"I use that to put that into perspective," Berejiklian says. "Of course, I am concerned but every response has to be proportional to the risk. Let's all of us make our decision on the facts. It's a very emotional time of the year and please ensure your response is proportional."

The premier also argues that NSW is carrying the load of international arrivals currently in hotel quarantine and preparing to be repatriated with family and friends interstate. She says it is a time to show "compassion" at this time of year.

Meanwhile, Greater Sydney residents were met with a previously announced round of restrictions from midnight last night. These include:

• A temporary limit of 10 visitors in household gatherings until 11.59pm on 23 December
• A one person per four square metre rule for all indoor settings, including hospitality venues and places of worship
• A cap of 300 people for hospitality venues and places of worship.
• Restrictions to singing in indoor venues, returning to a maximum of five performers indoors, provided they are 1.5 metres from one another and at least 5 metres from the audience who are not allowed to sing along
• Dancefloors will not be permitted, except for weddings, when a maximum of 20 from the wedding party will be permitted.

'Greater Sydney' comprises the following local government areas: Bayside, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Burwood, Camden, Campbelltown, Canada Bay, Canterbury-Bankstown, Central Coast, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Hunters Hill, Inner West, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Liverpool, Mosman, North Sydney, Northern Beaches, Parramatta, Penrith, Randwick, Ryde, Strathfield, Sutherland Shire, Sydney, The Hills Shire, Waverley, Willoughby, Wollondilly, Wollongong and Woollahra.

People in Greater Sydney are also urged not to visit residential aged care facilities, disability services or vulnerable people unless it is critical. This advice will be re-assessed on Wednesday 23 December.

They are also advised to wear masks in indoor settings such as shops and hospitality venues, in line with advice already issued to those in the Northern Beaches.

'Stay at home' orders in place for residents of the Northern Beaches local government area (LGA) will also continue until 11.59pm on Wednesday 23 December to control the spread of COVID-19. Further clear advice will be provided to the community before Christmas.

All residents of the Northern Beaches LGA are required to stay at home, unless permitted to leave for certain reasons, under the Public Health Order issued on Saturday 19 December.

Acceptable reasons for leaving home include shopping for food and other essential goods and services; travelling to work or an educational institution if working or studying from home is not possible; exercising; seeking medical care; providing carer's responsibilities and meeting compassionate needs. It is strongly recommended masks are worn when leaving isolation for these permitted reasons.

Any residents of the Northern Beaches LGA who left the area on or since Thursday 10 December 2020 must comply with the same restrictions that apply to the Northern Beaches, regardless of their current location.

Non-residents who have visited the Northern Beaches on or after Thursday 10 December should monitor closely for symptoms and get tested if any appear, no matter how mild. Anyone who visited the Northern Beaches since 10 December is also urged to check the NSW Government website for locations visited by confirmed cases and follow the associated health advice for the relevant venues if they have visited any of them.

Click here for the latest COVID-19 case locations in NSW.