Your unvaccinated friend is roughly 20 times more likely to give you COVID

Your unvaccinated friend is roughly 20 times more likely to give you COVID

As lockdowns ease in New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT, and people return to work and socialising, many of us will be mixing more with others, even though a section of the community is still unvaccinated.

Many vaccinated people are concerned about the prospect of mixing with unvaccinated people. This mixing might be travelling on trains or at the supermarket initially. But also at family gatherings, or, in NSW at least, at pubs and restaurants when restrictions ease further, slated for December 1.

Some people are wondering, why would a vaccinated person care about the vaccine status of another person?

Briefly, it’s because vaccines reduce the probability of getting infected, which reduces the probability of a vaccinated person infecting someone else. And, despite vaccination providing excellent protection against severe disease, a small proportion of vaccinated people still require ICU care. Therefore some vaccinated people may have a strong preference to mix primarily with other vaccinated people.

But what exactly is the risk of catching COVID from someone who’s unvaccinated?

What’s the relative risk?

Recent reports from the Victorian Department of Health find that unvaccinated people are ten times more likely to contract COVID than vaccinated people.

We also know that vaccinated people are less likely to transmit the disease even if they become infected. The Doherty modelling from August puts the reduction at around 65%, although more recent research has suggested a lower estimate for AstraZeneca. Hence for this thought experiment, we’ll take a lower value of 50%.

As the prevalence of COVID changes over time, it’s hard to estimate an absolute risk of exposure. So instead, we need to think about risks in a relative sense.

If I were spending time with an unvaccinated person, then there’s some probability they’re infected and will infect me. However, if they were vaccinated, they’re ten times less likely to be infected and half as likely to infect me, following the numbers above.

Hence we arrive at a 20-fold reduction in risk when hanging out with a vaccinated person compared to someone who’s not vaccinated.


The Conversation, CC BY-ND
 

The exact number depends on a range of factors, including the type of vaccine and time since vaccination. But, in Australia we can expect a large risk reduction when mixing with fully vaccinated people.

The calculation holds true whether you yourself are vaccinated or not. But being vaccinated provides a ten-fold reduction for yourself, which is on top of the risk reduction that comes from people you’re mixing with being vaccinated.

So, dining in an all-vaccinated restaurant and working in an all-vaccinated workplace presents a much lower infection risk to us as individuals, whether we are vaccinated or not. The risk reduction is around 20-fold, but as individuals, we need to consider whether that’s meaningful for our own circumstances, and for the circumstances of those we visit.

There are also added complexities, in that there are three vaccine brands available, and eligibility is still limited to those aged 12 and older. Although, we do know kids are less susceptible and less likely to show symptoms.

However, as more information emerges, we can always update our estimates and think through the implications on the risk reduction.

What about people who can’t be vaccinated?

Some people haven’t been able to get vaccinated because they’re either too young or they have a medical exemption. Other people are immunocompromised and won’t get the same level of protection from two doses as the rest of the community.

Increasing our coverage across the board will help protect those who aren’t fully protected by vaccination (whether that’s by eligibility, medical reasons or choice).

Those at higher risk also enjoy the risk reduction if they’re able to mix primarily with vaccinated people.

And other choices we make can help reduce the risk of transmission when vaccination is impossible, for example, wearing masks, washing hands carefully, and so on.

Do rapid antigen tests help?

Some people have proposed that frequent testing could be used to suppress COVID spread for those who are unwilling to be vaccinated.

Health minister Greg Hunt said Australians can buy rapid antigen tests from November 1, so they can test themselves at home or before entering certain venues.

So how much does a rapid antigen test reduce risk to others?

To answer that question we need to consider test sensitivity.

Test sensitivity is the probability a rapid test will return a positive result, if the person is infected.

It’s challenging to get an accurate estimate. But rapid antigen tests are about 80% as sensitive as a PCR test, which are the traditional COVID tests we do that get sent off to a lab. The PCR tests themselves are about 80% sensitive when it comes to identifying someone with COVID.

So, if you did a rapid antigen test at home, it’s about 64% likely to pick up that you’re positive, if you did have COVID.

Therefore, rapid antigen tests can find about two-thirds of cases. If you’re going to a gathering where everyone has tested negative on a rapid antigen test, that’s a three-fold reduction in risk.

Even though rapid tests provide a reduction in risk, they don’t replace vaccines.

When used in conjunction with high levels of vaccination, rapid tests would provide improved protection for settings where we’re particularly keen to stop disease spread, such as hospitals and aged care facilities.

Consequently, despite the high efficacy of COVID vaccines, there are still reasons a vaccinated person would prefer to mix with vaccinated people, and avoid mixing with unvaccinated people.

This is particularly true for those at higher risk of severe disease, whether due to age or disability. Their baseline risk will be higher, so a 20-fold reduction in risk is more meaningful.The Conversation

Christopher Baker, Research Fellow in Statistics for Biosecurity Risk, The University of Melbourne and Andrew Robinson, CEO of the Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis, The University of Melbourne

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.


TGA provisionally approves Pfizer booster shots for Australian adults

TGA provisionally approves Pfizer booster shots for Australian adults

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has today provisionally approved a booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine (COMIRANTY) for Australians aged 18 years and older.

The provisional approval means adults may receive a booster shot (third dose) of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months after being fully vaccinated, even if the first two doses were AstraZeneca or Moderna shots.

In addition, consistent with Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) advice, the TGA says a third dose may be given to severely immunocompromised people aged 12 years and over at least 28 days after the second dose.

“TGA provisionally approved the booster dose following careful evaluation of the available data supporting safety and efficacy,” the TGA said.

“The TGA's decision was also informed by expert advice from the Advisory Committee on Vaccines, an independent committee with scientific, clinical and consumer representation.

“The Australian Government's priority continues to be completion of a two-dose vaccination schedule as this enables strong protection against severe illness and hospitalisation. Further information on the vaccine roll out will subsequently be published on the Department of Health's website.”

Updated at 9.32am AEDT on 27 October 2021.


SA reopening interstate borders to fully vaccinated travellers from 23 November

SA reopening interstate borders to fully vaccinated travellers from 23 November

South Australia has today unveiled its roadmap out of COVID-19 restrictions today, announcing its state border will reopen to all inoculated domestic travellers from 23 November, at which point health authorities expect 80 per cent of the local eligible population will be fully vaccinated.

In addition, remaining restrictions in the state such as mandatory mask-wearing and the prohibition of dancing will be eased once the population reaches the 90 per cent fully vaccinated mark - a milestone expected to be hit before Christmas although no date has yet been set for when that might be.

Under the roadmap, from 23 November anyone travelling interstate into South Australia will be permitted to do so as long as they have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. This includes travellers from states like Western Australia and the Northern Territory where travel is currently unrestricted into SA.

At that time, the only local restriction that will be eased is the 20 person capacity limit on home gatherings. That will rise to 30 people per gathering.

All other restrictions will remain in place, but international arrivals into SA that have been fully vaccinated will only have to complete seven days of hotel quarantine rather than 14.

Once the state hits the 90 per cent fully vaccinated target SA’s international border will reopen to all fully vaccinated overseas arrivals, but unvaccinated travellers will still have to complete two weeks of quarantine in a state-run facility.

Most remaining COVID restrictions will ease at this time too, but “high-risk” activities like dancing at nightclubs and standing consumption of alcohol indoors will be reserved for vaccinated people only.

Masks will no longer be mandatory except in aged care settings and hospitals, and COVID management plans will still be required for large events.

“South Australians have worked extraordinarily hard over the last 19 months - they’ve stood shoulder to shoulder together in a time which can really only be described as one of the most turbulent in recent history,” SA Premier Steven Marshall said.

“I think South Australia is now enjoying a very enviable status and I’m very grateful to the people of South Australia for the hard work they have put in.

“I’m asking them to continue to work hard so make sure that we can get to as normal Christmas as possible.”

Updated at 3.19pm AEDT on 26 October 2021.


QLD sets out plan for return of international students

QLD sets out plan for return of international students

An international education sector that was worth $5.8 billion to Queensland economy before the pandemic could be on track for a revival, with the state government planning to use an under-construction quarantine facility to welcome student arrivals for the first semester of 2022.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced international students will be the first to use the regional quarantine facility being built at Wellcamp outside Toowoomba - a project slated to be partially operational by the end of this year and due for completion in mid-2022.

The announcement comes with two conditions. A proportion of students must study at universities outside of Brisbane, and priority will be given to medical and health students who will work for Queensland Health.

The Premier said Wellcamp provides the perfect solution so that the students do not displace returning Australian citizens and residents.

"This is why we went it alone to make Wellcamp a reality," she said.

"It gives Queensland an opportunity other states don’t have."

Tourism, Innovation and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said 20,000 students enrolled with a Queensland university had been studying offshore.

“While remote learning has made it possible for students to continue Queensland university studies from their home countries, we recognise it isn’t a sustainable, long-term substitute for to face-to-face tutorials and practical experience," Minister Hinchliffe said.

“We also know international students make an important contribution to the culture of Queensland cities and our regions.

“International students are an important source of workers for many businesses in Queensland’s regional and metropolitan areas."

He added the absence of international students had been particularly felt in the rural, hospitality and tourism industries.

Minister Hinchliffe explained a Student Arrivals Plan had been sent to the Federal Government in response to the Commonwealth’s Protocols and Preconditions for International Student Arrivals. 

"This plan is the first phase of scaling up from semester one and seeing more students return to Queensland over time," he said.

Professor Sandra Harding, Vice Chancellor and President of James Cook University, and Chair of the Queensland Vice Chancellor Committee, said the sector had worked collaboratively with the State Government.

“We are delighted the State Government has progressed plans to bring back international students,” Professor Harding said.

“These students have been studying online for almost two years waiting to return to Queensland and many of them need to undertake important practical assessments to complete their studies.  

“International students are such a vibrant part of all of our campuses and communities, and we look forward to welcoming them back to our state.” 

Updated at 2:08pm AEST on 26 October 2021.


Queensland records two new cases, exposure sites listed in Bundaberg, Glass House Mountains

Queensland records two new cases, exposure sites listed in Bundaberg, Glass House Mountains

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced the state has recorded two new cases of COVID-19 today, only one of which is of concern to health authorities, while three new exposure sites have also been listed in Bundaberg, the Glass House Mountains and the suburb of Crestmead in Logan.

Speaking in Parliament this morning, Premier Palaszczuk said the case of concern is an unvaccinated 17-year-old on the Gold Coast who presented to the Gold Coast University Hospital with a headache.

The second case is a woman in her 30s who arrived in Queensland from Melbourne and is currently undertaking home quarantine. As such, she is considered low risk.

Palaszczuk also announced a truck driver who tested positive to COVID-19 in New South Wales was infectious in Queensland while travelling to Bundaberg.

As such, three exposure sites have been listed by QLD Health:

  • Fresh Fields FoodWorks Thabeban, Bundaberg Central on 23 October from 4-4.45pm
  • Caboolture South Travel Centre (Truck stop area men’s toilet), Glass House Mountains on 23 October from 8.50-9.35pm
  • Graham Lusty Trailers, Crestmead on 21 October from 7-10.45am

The news comes just hours after the Western Australian government announced it was planning on reopening its borders to travellers from Queensland tomorrow.

As such, Queensland is set to become a ‘low risk’ jurisdiction at 12.01am on Wednesday - a change that was delayed following the detection of a case on the Gold Coast late last week.

However, the WA government notes the change is subject to no further outbreaks in QLD. As a result of the new cases today, this reclassification may be delayed once again.

Updated at 11.14am AEDT on 26 October 2021.


Victorian retail to reopen a week earlier, milestone set for scrapping masks and capacity limits

Victorian retail to reopen a week earlier, milestone set for scrapping masks and capacity limits

With Victoria poised to hit its 80 per cent double dose vaccination milestone almost a week ahead of schedule, the state has unveiled what its COVID-normal will look like with eased restrictions now confirmed for this Friday.

In addition, the state government has outlined that in one month’s time capacity quotients and most restrictions will be removed once the state hits the 90 per cent fully vaccinated mark.

As such, at 6pm on Friday 29 October more restrictions will fall away in line with the state’s eligible population reaching the 80 per cent double dose target.

Most indoor settings, including restaurants, pubs, gyms and hairdressers will open with no caps subject to a one person per 4sqm limit, if all staff and patrons are fully vaccinated. Most outdoor settings will remain at one person per 2sqm limit up to 500, where staff and patrons are fully vaccinated.

These indoor and outdoor settings will also apply to weddings, funerals and religious gatherings if all attendees are fully vaccinated. Caps of 30 people will apply for weddings, funerals and religious gatherings if vaccination status is unknown.

At long last, entertainment venues will reopen. For indoor seated venues including cinemas and theatres, there will a 75 per cent capacity or one person per 4sqm limit up to 1,000 people and for non-seated indoor entertainment venues there will be a one person per 4sqm limit with no patron cap.

Outdoor seated and non-seated entertainment venues including stadiums, zoos and tourism attractions will be open with a one person per 2sqm limit up to 5,000 where staff and patrons are fully vaccinated.

Events – such as music festivals – will be able to host up to 5,000 attendees, subject to any restrictions related to the venue.

Masks will remain mandatory indoors but will no longer be required outdoors.

At the 90 per cent double dose vaccination target, predicted to arrive as early as Wednesday 24 November, gathering caps will be removed for all settings and masks will only be mandatory in some high-risk settings such as hospitals, aged care, public transport and justice and correctional facilities.

There will also be no restrictions for indoor and outdoor events provided they follow COVIDSafe rules including vaccination requirements.

“We made a deal with the Victorian community – we asked them to get vaccinated and promised that when they did, we would open up and begin to live alongside the virus. Today we are delivering on that promise,” Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said.

“Victorians have met this challenge beyond any of our expectations and these vaccination rates are an incredible achievement. We’re on our way to being one of the most vaccinated – and therefore one of the safest – places in the entire world.”

The changes to the Victorian roadmap have been welcomed by the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) CEO Paul Zahra who notes they allow for an earlier reopening for ‘non-essential’ retailers for double vaccinated customers and staff, so they can maximise their trading potential during the critical pre-Christmas sales period.

“Every day counts for retail as we enter the most important trading period of the year - particularly for small businesses on the brink of collapse," Zahra said.

"Victorian retailers were losing $55.2 million a day in retail trade as a result of the most recent lockdown. Most discretionary retailers make up to two thirds of their annual profits during the all-important Christmas trading period so we need to ensure they can open and trade at their full potential.

“Victorians are forecast to spend $15.4 billion in the pre-Christmas sales period – a 1.3 per cent increase on last year, and a significant increase on pre-pandemic conditions. There’s a lot of pent-up demand for people to get back out and shop and we’re looking forward to seeing double vaccinated people being rewarded."

Updated at 9.29am AEDT on 25 October 2021.


Victoria opening to vaccinated international arrivals from 1 November

Victoria opening to vaccinated international arrivals from 1 November

With lockdown lifting today in Victoria the state’s government has more good news, announcing international borders will reopen to fully vaccinated travellers without quarantine requirements from 1 November.

In addition, there will no longer be a cap on fully vaccinated returning Australians wishing to enter Victoria, as long as they demonstrate their vaccination status to the Commonwealth with a vaccine approved or recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Arrivals will also be required to test negative to COVID-19 within 72 hours of their departure and must undertake testing within 24 hours of arrival in Victoria.

At the same time, Victoria will cap the number of unvaccinated or unverified international travellers at 250 per week - they will also still be required to undergo two weeks of quarantine.

“The Commonwealth's new quarantine facility at Mickleham is under construction and is on track for becoming operational in January to house unvaccinated arrivals, as emergency accommodation following natural disasters such as bushfires or for use in future pandemics,” the Victorian government said.

“With our first-dose vaccination rate at 90 per cent and growing every day, these changes will help our returning Australians come home safely while preserving our health system and ensuring Victorians can still get the healthcare they need when they need it most.”

1 November also coincides with the date Victorians will be permitted to travel internationally without having to seek an exemption from the Commonwealth Government.

Victoria came out of lockdown at 11.59pm last night after hitting 70 per cent double-dose vaccination. The next milestone in the Roadmap will be when Victoria hits the 80 per cent double dose vaccination target, which is predicted to be the first week of November.

“Victorians have achieved something incredible, and I couldn’t be prouder. Thank you, Victoria,” Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said.

“Today’s welcome news was made possible because of the hard work Victorians did to get vaccinated. With our first-dose vaccination rate at 90 per cent, we’ll open Victoria’s vaccinated economy – and we can’t wait to welcome the rest of the world.”

Updated at 1.10pm AEDT on 22 October 2021.


As Melbourne cautiously opens up today, what lies ahead?

As Melbourne cautiously opens up today, what lies ahead?

This morning, Melburnians are waking up to the end of the city’s sixth lockdown.

Since March 2020, Melbourne has spent more time in lockdown than any other city in the world. It’s been a long and arduous journey for its five million people, as well as other parts of Victoria at certain times.

Today’s relaxations reflect the fact that Victoria has reached its milestone of 70% of eligible adults fully vaccinated against COVID earlier than expected.

So what can Melburnians do from today, how did this happen earlier than expected, and will hospitals cope?

What will change today?

People are no longer confined to five reasons to leave home. Ten people are able to visit households and the nightly curfew will end. There will be no distance limit for travel within metropolitan Melbourne.

Hospitality venues can open to 20 fully vaccinated people indoors and 50 outdoors. Most outdoor settings – cafes, cinemas, and physical recreation facilities including pools – will open with up to 50 fully vaccinated people per venue. At last, fully vaccinated Melburnians can get a haircut and have their dogs groomed.

To the relief of many parents exhausted by home learning, the start of the staggered school return of Grade 3 to Year 11 in metro Melbourne commences today.

Has the roadmap changed?

Yes, the previously announced roadmap has been modified and some restrictions have been eased ahead of time, such as the ceiling on household gatherings and travel limits.

The school opening schedule has also been brought forward.

The reasons given by Premier Daniel Andrews for these changes have been the accelerated pace of COVID vaccinations, facilitated in part by increasing vaccine supply, and the shortening of intervals between first and second doses.

Modelling by the Burnet Institute conducted in mid-October provided more optimistic and reassuring estimates of the impact of reopening on health services than earlier modelling.

In addition to the faster than anticipated uptake of vaccines, this is in part because assumptions made in the revised model are based on real world Victorian data, rather than projections based on international evidence. The anticipated length of hospital stay has been on average much shorter than previously anticipated. The chances of overwhelming the hospital system after reopening have dropped from 63% to just 23%.

As of yesterday, 3.4% of active cases in Victoria were hospitalised and 0.6% were in ICU. These are much lower rates than those experienced in NSW at the peak of its outbreak.

What can we expect next?

Modelling by a number of institutes, including Doherty and Burnet, predicts an increase in cases after lockdowns end. Victoria will be able to observe the outcomes of easing restrictions in NSW.

However, there are important differences between the two states. Cases began to steadily decline in NSW once 50% of eligible adults were fully vaccinated, and average daily case numbers were down to 530 on the day the lockdown ended. On the other hand, Victoria’s seven-day average of new daily cases is almost 2,000.

Meanwhile, we can learn from the experiences of other countries that eased restrictions at comparable levels of vaccination. A lot has been said about Denmark’s relative success at controlling COVID after lifting restrictions.

However, Denmark didn’t remove restrictions until more than 70% of its entire population was fully vaccinated (83% of eligible adults). Melbourne has just over 55% fully vaccinated when considering the total population.

When Denmark began to ease restrictions, it was reporting around 500 cases a day (similar to NSW) and the number continued to decline to around 300 ten days later. Since then, the number of cases has steadily increased to a current average of 700 per day. However, the health system is coping with around 126 people hospitalised and 11 in ICU.

Portugal currently has the highest vaccination rate in the world – 85% of the entire population is fully vaccinated. The COVID infection rate and hospital admissions have dropped to their lowest levels in nearly 18 months.

However, it was cautious about easing restrictions and only allowed bars and nightclubs to reopen last month when the entire population vaccination coverage was greater than 80%. Even now, customers at entertainment venues have to show a digital vaccination certificate or a negative COVID test and masks are still compulsory in specific settings.

The safe road ahead

Today should not be seen as “freedom day”. But it is the first step towards a time when the pandemic won’t dominate our daily lives.

Victorians have made significant sacrifices over 2020 and 2021, and will now be able to enjoy a wide range of social choices as our vaccine coverage increases.

But it’s important the community understands the breadth and sustainability of these freedoms will depend on remaining vigilant around a few key prevention behaviours, especially recognising COVID symptoms, testing, and short periods of isolation for people who contract COVID.

Modelling has shown better outcomes when vaccinated people continue to test when they have symptoms. We need to continue to get vaccinated and aim to reach and perhaps exceed global leaders in vaccination levels, as we prepare for booster shots later this year.

Experience overseas indicates the Delta wave is also disproportionately affecting the young, including school children. Safe schools are an absolute necessity – improved ventilation, vaccinated teachers and children 12 and above, and indoor masks can mitigate the risk of infection.

Navigating the next few months will require a whole-of-community effort. Victorians have done it before and can do it again.

We acknowledge the valuable assistance by Burnet Institute researcher Scott Umali.The Conversation

Michael Toole, Associate Principal Research Fellow, Burnet Institute and Mark Stoové, Head of Public Health, Co-Head HIV Elimination Program, Head of Justice Health Research, Burnet Institute

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.


"Wake-up call" for the Gold Coast as rideshare driver tests positive to COVID-19

"Wake-up call" for the Gold Coast as rideshare driver tests positive to COVID-19

An unvaccinated Gold Coast-based rideshare driver in his 30s is reportedly too sick and breathless from COVID-19 to fully assist Queensland Health officials with contact tracing, but it is believed the Broadbeach resident may have contracted the virus while interstate in Melbourne on 10 October and was infectious in the community for 10 days.

Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young told a press conference in Mackay this morning that it was difficult to get answers from the individual due to their condition, and the fact he has not used the QR check-in app since 18 September.

The news comes as the Sunshine State prepares for a vaccination blitz on Saturday in a bid to improve jab rates that are lagging behind the rest of the country, thus putting the state at a much higher risk of outbreaks and hospitalisations upon reopening.

Dr Young said the new case lives in an apartment complex in Broadbeach and started developing COVID-19 symptoms on 11 October, which means his infectious period dates back to 9 October.

She said he presented to the emergency department of Robina Hospital yesterday, where two separate COVID-19 tests returned positive results.

"So he then was transferred later that evening to the Gold Coast University Hospital where he is now. He lives by himself, he works as an Uber driver, so we're working very closely with Uber who have been excellent this morning to get information about whether he has had any drives during the time that he was infectious," Dr Young said.

"He is so sick that he is having difficulty communicating with us and difficulty remembering as you can imagine. So this was very difficult for him, but it is also very difficult for the Gold Coast community because I can't give you those areas that he's been."

A spokesperson for Uber claims the driver has not driven with the platform since 19 September.

"We work with public health authorities in each state, and have processes in place to temporarily remove an individual’s access to the Uber app if authorities report an infection," the spokesperson said.

"We may also limit other individuals’ access to the app if health authorities advise there is a risk.

"The well-being of those who use the Uber platform is a key priority for us, and we have a dedicated team working around the clock to support them the very best we can."

Dr Young urged anyone from the Gold Coast with any symptoms at all to come forward for testing.

"Please don't wait like this poor gentleman has," she said.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk described the latest case as a "wake-up call" for the city, where 156,000 eligible people are still unvaccinated out of a population of more than 710,000 including ineligible children.

Dr Young clarified there are also a further 20,000 kids aged 12-15 who haven't yet been vaccinated.

"People who are not vaccinated, you can go this Saturday to Pimpama State Secondary College, Upper Coomera State College, Southport State High School, Palm Beach Currumbin State High School, Coombabah State High School, Nerang State High School, Varsity College, Miami State High School, Elanora State High School, or Helensvale State High School," the Premier said.

"We need people to be vaccinated. If you are unvaccinated you are more than likely ending up very sick from COVID or in hospital or in ICU (intensive care unit). I don't want to see that happen to residents across Queensland.

"Come on and get vaccinated, and support our super Saturday vaccination blitz."

While the push is on for people around the state to get vaccinated, Dr Young urged Gold Coast residents to do so immediately.

"We've got a 10-day window to get every everyone vaccinated because then you'll be fully protected when we open up our borders in December, so this is so important," the CHO said.

The Premier said 73.12 per cent of Queenslanders have had their first dose of the vaccine, and 58.07 per cent have had their second dose.

"I'm absolutely concerned about regional Queensland. So in Mackay these showgrounds here can do up to 500 doses a day on average but it can actually ramp up to 900," she said.

"Mackay's vaccination rate is 66.4 per cent first dose and 49.5 per cent second dose...but I am concerned about some of the regions' vaccination rates, for example Bowen - 48.4 per cent have had their first dose."

She noted some areas that are major tourism hubs had low vaccination rates as well, including Proserpine (67.2 per cent) and the Whitsundays (63 per cent).

"We know Mackay and Proserpine and the Whitsundays are absolutely gateways to tourism, and we know that on the 17th of December  there will be tourists coming here from all around Australia, so please, please go and get vaccinated."

Updated at 10:54am AEST on 21 October 2021.


NSW tourism and events sector gets $530m shot in the arm

NSW tourism and events sector gets $530m shot in the arm

As New South Wales blasts through vaccine milestones, the state government is stepping up to invest $530 million in the tourism and events industry which has been hard hit by pandemic restrictions.

The package, unveiled today, sees the Stay & Rediscover scheme expanded, support extended to major events across the state, and the introduction of a Festival Relaunch package among several other programs.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said this package would bring back tourists and supercharge the businesses and attractions that contribute $38 billion to the local economy.

“Millions of people around the world dream of visiting Sydney and our regional areas. This package not only ensures they can, but that they’ll experience the very best of what we have to offer,” Perrottet said.

“It’s also great news for people right across our state, reviving events and businesses and bringing our major drawcards back to life.  

“Importantly, more than 300,000 people rely on our tourism industry and our aim is to reclaim our position as one of the world’s favourite destinations.”

The tourism and events recovery package includes:

  • $250 million for the expanded Stay & Rediscover scheme providing a $50 voucher to all NSW adults to redeem at accommodation premises across NSW.
  • $150 million to support the recovery of major event activity across the state including $50 million for a Regional Events Package to support major events, festivals, agricultural shows and community events across the regions.
  • $60 million for an Aviation Attraction Fund to incentivise international airlines to re-commence flights to Sydney.
  • $6 million to bring business events back to the city.
  • $50 million for the CBDs Revitalisation Program to support events and activations in CBDs across Greater Sydney and surrounds.  
  • An Event Saver Fund to provide immediate support to organisers if events are cancelled or disrupted by any public health orders during the 2021-22 summer.
  • $25 million for the Festival Relaunch package – to stabilise established commercial and not-for-profit festivals, big and small, so they can program with confidence into 2022/23.
  • $10 million for a Recovery Marketing Campaign including an extension of the successful roadtrips campaign launched in 2020.

Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the much-needed investment will help revive shuttered businesses and bring tourism providers back to their vibrant best.

“This was a one in one hundred year event which severely damaged our tourism industry,  operators barely hung in there as they lost bookings, customers and staff, now as we rebuild we can do so with confidence,” Ayres said.

“For our visitor economy to reach its full potential we need event owners to dream big, airlines to fly in and for locals and visitors to embrace our world class venues and hospitality with enthusiasm once again.”

The package has been welcomed by peak industry bodies today which have applauded the government for supporting the state’s tourism and events operators.

“The uncertainty of snap lockdowns has crippled the events industry; this new fund will allow organisers to start planning today for a cracking 2022,” NSW Tourism Industry Council executive manager Greg Binskin said.

“This in turn will encourage more visitor spending, providing social and economic benefits to all those towns and villages who have tourism and events as a key source of income.”

Business NSW chief executive Daniel Hunter was pleased the package supports businesses state-wide, not just those operating in Greater Sydney.

“Business NSW has been telling government since the start of the pandemic that different industries were being impacted in different ways, but the tourism, hospitality and events sector has been the hardest hit,” Hunter said.

“What is particularly pleasing is this is not a Sydney centric package but recognises that all of NSW has a part to play in the economic recovery through regional events and tourism, with support for satellite CBD’s a cornerstone of this funding.

“The exciting part about this support package is that it will actually encourage more business investment and drive a collaborative partnership between business and Government in securing events and once again making NSW the number one destination in the Asia Pacific region for both business and travel.”

It comes as the peak body representing the Australian tourism export sector, Australian Tourism Export Council, has called on the Federal Government to provide a date and a framework for reopening international borders so tourism businesses can plan for 2022.

“Since the announcement by the NSW Government last Friday, our members have been fielding inquiries from intending travellers looking to book an Australian holiday or visit their family but they still can't make these bookings with any certainty,” ATEC managing director Peter Shelley said. 

“We simply can't afford to continue to keep our borders closed to high spending international travellers and miss critical ‘booking windows’ as these people simply will choose to holiday in other competing destinations, putting Australia at the bottom of their bucket list. 

“Right now we are heading into the northern hemisphere's annual booking season when the US, Europe and the UK are facing a long winter and typically plan their travel to warmer climates like Australia. If we miss this booking window it will not surface again for another 12 months."

Updated at 12.10pm AEDT on 20 October 2021.


WA to open quarantine-free travel bubble with QLD from Friday

WA to open quarantine-free travel bubble with QLD from Friday

Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan has announced his state will establish a quarantine-free travel bubble with Queensland from 12.01am Friday 22 October, as the Sunshine State goes 19 days without community transmission today.

After transitioning from the ‘low risk’ status to ’very low risk’, Queenslanders will no longer have to self-quarantine for two-weeks when entering WA.

Under the ‘low risk’ settings, safe travel is permitted into the state subject to the following conditions:

  • completion of a G2G Pass declaration before travel, stipulating the traveller does not have any COVID-19 symptoms and which jurisdictions they have visited in the previous 14 days;
  • all Perth Airport arrivals to undergo a health screening;
  • travellers to be prepared to take a COVID-19 test, if deemed necessary by a health clinician (voluntary asymptomatic testing also available); and
  • land arrivals to be met at the border checkpoint for a health screening and to have their G2G Pass declaration checked.

"The Chief Health Officer will closely monitor the COVID-19 situation in Queensland and should border controls need to be strengthened quickly, we will not hesitate,” Premier McGowan said.

"WA's border controls with ACT, NSW and Victoria remain in place.”

"My Government's priority continues to be to get as many people vaccinated as possible to reach high levels of vaccinations that will help keep the WA community safe."

Over the last two months, Queensland travellers have been allowed to enter WA without approval, but self-quarantine had been mandatory.  

"We have not had to endure long lockdowns, hundreds of deaths, tens of thousands of positive cases, business shutdowns and closed schools like NSW and Victoria in their most recent devastating outbreak,” WA Health Minister Roger Cook said.

"It is pleasing we can now ease border controls again with Queensland.

"Now we need Western Australians to continue to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Don't hesitate before it's too late."

Updated at 4.00pm AEDT on 19 October 2021.


Palaszczuk outlines plan for quarantine-free travel into Queensland by Christmas

Palaszczuk outlines plan for quarantine-free travel into Queensland by Christmas

The Queensland Government has unveiled its roadmap for the easing of border restrictions for travellers from Australian hotspots like Sydney and Melbourne today, with plans to allow fully vaccinated visitors to enter the state quarantine-free from 17 December.

The state’s plan, which also envisages permitting fully vaccinated travellers from hotspots to come into Queensland and complete two weeks of quarantine at home from 19 November, hinges on the eligible population going out to get a COVID-19 jab.

At this point in time, the government anticipates 70 per cent of the eligible population will be fully vaccinated on 19 November. As such, in a little over a month, people arriving by air into Queensland from a declared hotspot can enter as long as they are fully vaccinated and receive a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours prior. Once in Queensland, travellers must then quarantine at home for two weeks.

One month later, on 17 December, fully vaccinated travellers that test negative 72 hours prior to departure can arrive in Queensland by air. From this date, no period of quarantine will be required to be completed.

In addition, at this time, described by Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant as a “deadline”, international arrivals can undertake two weeks of home quarantine provided they are fully vaccinated and received a negative COVID test in the previous 72 hours before arrival.

At 90 per cent of Queenslanders fully vaccinated, which the government did not provide a timeframe for, there will be no entry restrictions for vaccinated arrivals from interstate or overseas. Unvaccinated travellers (domestic or international) however will need to apply for a border pass and undertake up to 14 days of quarantine.

 

 

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk noted that if Queensland hits the 70 per cent fully vaccinated milestone prior to 19 November then the first stage of the border relaxation plan will be brought forward.

Currently 72.26 per cent of Queenslanders have received one dose, and 65.58 per cent have received two doses after more than 14,000 vaccines were administered yesterday, including nearly 8,000 at Bunnings stores state-wide.

“I cannot stress the imperative to getting vaccinated because there is going to be a risk of Delta outbreaks happening in Queensland and we need to be prepared,” Palaszczuk said.

“I can say that in Brisbane the vaccination rates are much higher than in regional Queensland, and we are one state, so we need the vaccination rates to increase right across the state.

“We’re going to weather the storm. We can be so prepared for this storm if we get vaccinated now. So I’m urging Queenslanders: this is your last opportunity.”

Deputy Premier Steven Miles’ message could not be more clear: “get vaccinated”.

“If you want to move around more, travel around more after the 17th of December - get vaccinated,” he said.

“If you want your family to visit for Christmas - get vaccinated.

“If you want to avoid regionalised lockdowns and restrictions - get vaccinated.”

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeanette Young echoed the Deputy Premier’s message, noting that younger people in the state could be doing more to protect the community.

“We have a deadline: that’s the 17th of December,” she said.

“I make a plea to younger people; if younger people were to get vaccinated we would reach that target even earlier.

“It’s younger people in that 20 to 39 year age group who probably feel they’re invincible, but you’re not. You need to get vaccinated so we can return to a normal way of life.”

Queensland recorded no new cases of COVID-19 today.

Updated at 2.15pm AEDT on 18 October 2021.


“We're on top of this”: Southern Tasmania to exit lockdown tonight

“We're on top of this”: Southern Tasmania to exit lockdown tonight

Southern Tasmania will leave lockdown at 6pm tonight following three days of stay-at-home restrictions which were initially established to stop a potential outbreak of COVID-19 last Friday afternoon.

The restrictions were put in place after a COVID-positive man breached hotel quarantine last week and was allegedly “uncooperative” with health officials, refusing to detail his 18 hours of movements in the community.

Since the lockdown was established no new COVID-19 cases were detected in Tasmania, with the state’s Premier Peter Gutwein declaring today he was “on top of this”.

As such, lockdown will end for 12 local government areas (LGAs) in Southern Tasmania as scheduled at 6pm tonight.

For the most part, the LGAs are snapping back to pre-lockdown rules, but masks must still be worn indoors and visitation restrictions for aged care and hospitals will remain in place until 6pm on Friday.

In terms of business support for those impacted by the three-day lockdown, Gutwein says Business Tasmania is working on a one-off package which will be unveiled later this week.

Updated at 11.45am AEDT on 18 October 2021.


Melbourne to leave lockdown on Friday with state set to hit vaccine milestone early

Melbourne to leave lockdown on Friday with state set to hit vaccine milestone early

High rates of vaccine take-up have put Victoria in a position to leave lockdown nearly a week earlier than expected, meaning significant restrictions are set to be eased from Friday.

More than 3.5 million Victorians are now fully vaccinated, and the state will hit its 70 per cent double dose vaccination target in the roadmap this week.

As such, from 11.59pm on Thursday 21 October, a number of restrictions will be eased.

Up to 10 people (including dependents) per day will be able to visit homes in both regional and metropolitan Melbourne. To ensure this is done safely, it’s highly recommended that Victorians only permit people aged 12 years and over who are fully vaccinated to visit them at home.

In metropolitan Melbourne, the curfew and the 15km travel radius will be lifted, however movement between regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne will only be allowed for permitted reasons. This is to ensure Melburnians don’t spread the virus further into regional Victoria while the state pushes to the 80 per cent double vaccinated target.

People in metropolitan Melbourne must continue to work from home if they can. Anyone on the authorised workers list is required to have had at least one dose of the vaccine in order to work on-site.

Childcare will be open to children who are already attending, as well as children whose parents or guardians are fully vaccinated. The return to school plan will also be brought forward in line with the rest of these settings, with the start of the staggered return of Grade 3 to Year 11 in metro Melbourne commencing on Friday 22 October.

Religious gatherings, weddings and funerals will be able to take place with up to 50 people outdoors and 20 people indoors subject to density limits and only if all attendees are fully vaccinated. Or, if vaccination status is unknown, 10 people are permitted indoors for funerals, weddings and religious gatherings.

Most outdoor settings – outdoor cafes, cinemas, and physical recreation facilities like pools – will open with up to 50 people per venue but are subject to density limits and only for those fully vaccinated.

Indoor settings like restaurants and cafes will be able to reopen with up to 20 people indoors with density limits, and only if all attendees – including workers – are fully vaccinated.

Large scale construction sites will increase to 100 per cent capacity but only if all workers are fully vaccinated.

Masks will still be required both indoors and outdoors for all Victorians.

In regional Victoria, indoor settings – like restaurants, cafes and gyms – will increase from 10 to 30 people per venue, if everyone is fully vaccinated.

Outdoor venues will increase from 20 to up to 100 people per venue, but only if everyone is fully vaccinated. If vaccination status is unknown, the venue can only have a total of 20 people.

“Victorians have sacrificed so much to protect their families, friends and the whole community from coronavirus – and have saved countless lives because of it,” Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said.

“The milestone we’re about to hit marks a new and hopeful path for the whole state – allowing businesses to reopen and Victorians to get back to things they love.”

The state is expected to hit the 80 per cent double dose vaccination mark in the first week of November. Once that milestone is reached more restrictions will ease.

“The rate at which Victorians have been getting vaccinated is nothing short of incredible, but if we want to ensure our health system isn’t overwhelmed and our hospitalisation rates aren’t too high as we open up, we need to keep that momentum going. Today is the day to book that vaccine appointment,” Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley said.

Victoria today recorded 1,903 new locally acquired cases today, while seven people with COVID-19 have died.

Updated at 9.18am AEDT on 18 October 2021.


PM throws cold water on new NSW Premier's 'opening to the world' plan

PM throws cold water on new NSW Premier's 'opening to the world' plan

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has shrugged off NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet's plans to open the state to any traveller worldwide who has been vaccinated with a TGA-approved vaccine.

Perrottet's bold announcement this morning is in conflict with the Federal Government's previously announced roadmap, agreed to by National Cabinet, which in the first instance was only announced for Australian citizens or permanent residents and also included home quarantine provisions.

In a press conference the Prime Minister reiterated the Federal Government was "not opening it up to anything other than Australian citizens and residents and their immediate families".

"That is what will happen from the 1st of November in New South Wales, and indeed all around the country for Australians departing," he said.

"To return to Australia, obviously they'd have to do that through Sydney or under the capped arrangements in other states and territories."

He said this meant international travellers and international students would not yet be returning, although he claimed the NSW Premier had not been hasty in suggesting international travellers could enter the country from the start of next month.

"What the Premier did today was advise me and announce today that when international students, when international travellers, when skilled migrants are permitted to return to Australia by the Commonwealth Government, then they will not be required to quarantine when they come," the PM said.

"The Premier understands that that's a decision for the Commonwealth Government, not for the state governments. And when we believe that's the right decision to make, we'll make it at that time.

"I'm going to progress steadily, but at the same time, carefully, and I welcome this first step. I think it's a positive step."

Morrison also said the Federal Government would continue to support home quarantine trials in different states and territories.

"Remember, no state or territory is coming from the same place. They're all starting in different positions, with different rates of COVID in their states and territories," he said.

"And, indeed, I understand today in Tasmania they're going into a very short lockdown. They're still in phase A. And it's a reminder, wherever you are in Australia, please get vaccinated."

Updated at 6:06pm AEDT on 15 October 2021.

 


Southern Tasmania to enter three-day lockdown from 6pm tonight

Southern Tasmania to enter three-day lockdown from 6pm tonight

Those living in Southern Tasmania will go into lockdown for three days from 6pm tonight to avoid an outbreak of the Delta variant after a COVID-positive man who escaped hotel quarantine was not cooperative with contact tracing authorities.

The man who escaped hotel quarantine “has not been cooperative, leading to inconsistency and non-disclosure of information”, according to Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein, and was in the community for 18 hours.

So far, 36 people have been labelled close contacts of the man and another 19 casual contacts. As such, 12 local government areas (LGAs) in the state’s south, including Hobart, will go into lockdown until at least 6pm on Monday.

“Unfortunately, the COVID-positive man who absconded from hotel quarantine has not been cooperative, leading to inconsistency and a non-disclosure of information,” Premier Gutwein said.

“Unfortunately, it took two days to verify that he was at the Woolies and we’re growing concerned now that he has in fact several touchpoints within the community.

“We can’t continue to wait another two days to find out more about what’s been going on.”

In addition, a primary close contact of the man breached home quarantine last night. He has since been apprehended, fined and will spend time in a government hotel quarantine facility.

“Prior to reaching our vaccination goals and the readiness to open our borders before Christmas, we simply cannot afford for an outbreak to occur,” Gutwein said.

From 6pm tonight, the following LGAs will enter lockdown for three days:

  • Brighton Council
  • Central Highlands Council
  • Clarence City Council
  • Derwent Valley Council
  • Glamorgan-Spring Bay Council
  • Glenorchy City Council
  • Hobart City Council
  • Huon Valley Council
  • Kingborough Council
  • Sorell Council
  • Southern Midlands Council
  • Tasman Council

There will be only five reasons to leave the house including shopping for essentials, personal exercise, medical appointments (including testing for COVID and getting vaccinated), going to permitted workplaces and going to school if education cannot be undertaken from home.

Those under lockdown will also only be permitted to travel up to 5km from their house for exercise and shopping, and face masks must be worn.

No indoor or outdoor gatherings are permitted, and no more than 10 people can attend a funeral. Weddings can only occur for compassionate reasons and with just five people in attendance.

Cafes, restaurants and hotels can open for takeaway and delivery services only, and personal care businesses like hairdressers and gyms must close.

Construction will also pause for three days except for emergency repairs.

Those affected by the lockdown can apply for the Federal Government COVID disaster payment.

“We might get to Monday evening at 6pm and see no more cases. We may get to Monday evening at 6pm and see many more cases,” Gutwein said.

“One of the things that we do not want to be in this state is either Sydney or Melbourne who acted too late in both instances when dealing with Delta.

“It is important at this point in time, as we cannot be certain about the information that we have, that we ensure that we take every step that we possibly can to ensure that the state doesn't have a Delta outbreak of scale that would impact this community.”

So far there are four exposure sites in Tasmania relating to the man who breached hotel quarantine:

  • Jetstar flight JQ715 from Melbourne to Hobart arriving 8:27pm, October 11
  • Hobart Airport arrival area male bathroom between 9:10pm and 9:15pm and 9:25pm and 9:30pm, October 11
  • Hobart Airport arrival hall including baggage pickup between 8:54pm and 10:07pm, October 11
  • Woolworths Bridgewater between 3:30pm and 4:00pm, October 12

Updated at 3.17pm AEDT on 15 October 2021.


Victoria reopening to fully vaccinated NSW travellers from next Wednesday

Victoria reopening to fully vaccinated NSW travellers from next Wednesday

Changes to state border arrangements are coming in thick and fast today, with Victoria this morning announcing it would permit fully vaccinated travellers from New South Wales to enter the state from Wednesday 20 October.

Anyone from a NSW ‘red zone’ will be permitted to enter Victoria from next Wednesday so long as they have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and have received a negative PCR test result no more than 72 hours prior to departure.

Once travellers enter VIC, they must isolate until they receive another negative test within 72 hours of arrival. From there, they’re free to go ahead and explore Victoria as long as they abide by local restrictions.

VIC Minister for Health Martin Foley said the changes could be made thanks to the high rates of vaccination across NSW.

“As the risk profile between the two Staes changes and as we get both states moving towards a more integrated reopening position we’ve got further announcements to make,” he said.

“These changes are made on the advice of the public health team and the chief health officer and come as the Victorian community rapidly approaches and passes today 88 per cent of our population aged 16 and over having received at least one dose and 63 per cent having two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.”

The new rules also apply for anyone coming from ‘orange zones’ under Victoria’s traffic light border system.

These announcements come as Victoria today reports 2,179 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 and six deaths attributed to the virus.

Updated at 11.53am AEDT on 15 October 2021.


NSW reopening to the world on 1 November, regional travel from Sydney deferred

NSW reopening to the world on 1 November, regional travel from Sydney deferred

“We are opening Sydney and New South Wales to the world,” NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said.

Travellers from anywhere in the world who have been fully vaccinated with a Therapeutic Goods Administration-approved vaccine will be allowed to fly into New South Wales without having to quarantine from 1 November, marking a major milestone for Australia.

In addition, the state government has deferred the decision to permit regional travel for those in Sydney due to lower rates of vaccination in local government areas (LGAs) outside of the state’s capital, also until 1 November.

The major announcements come ahead of the state reaching the 80 per cent fully vaccinated milestone, expected to occur over the weekend. As such, NSW will move to the next stage in its COVID-19 roadmap on Monday, allowing even more freedoms for those in the state.

NSW will work with the Commonwealth Government in changing its international border arrangements, but for tourists wanting to visit the state they can do so from 1 November without quarantining as long as they are fully vaccinated and receive a negative PCR test before boarding the flight.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet labelled the reopening of the state to the world as “the most significant announcement”.

“We want people back,” Perrottet said.

‘We’re leading the nation out of this pandemic. Hotel quarantine, home quarantine is a thing of the past. We are opening Sydney and New South Wales to the world.”

This marks a major departure from Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s plan, agreed to by National Cabinet, that international arrivals would undergo home quarantine once states cross the 80 per cent fully vaccinated threshold.

International arrivals that have not be fully vaccinated will still be required to complete 14 days of hotel quarantine, and NSW is going to cap unvaccinated arrivals at 210 people per week.

In response to the announcement Qantas (ASX: QAN) says it will bring forward the restart of its international flights by two weeks to 1 November.

The airline will operate up to five return flights per week from Sydney to London, and up to four from Sydney to Los Angeles.

The announcement has been welcomed by general manager of Flight Centre's (ASX: FLT) corporate travel arm FCM, Melissa Elf, saying the change would "mean the world to businesses".

“Having to quarantine for any period of time when travelling from overseas for business has been a big obstacle for companies wanting to do deals with Australia and I commend NSW for taking the lead on opening us to the world – Australia is open for business once again,” Elf said. 

“Intrastate travel has been incredibly strong for businesses throughout the pandemic, especially in Queensland and Western Australia, but this announcement will give global business the confidence to fly into Sydney without the hindrance of any form of quarantine. "

The Australian Tourism Export Council was similarly jubilant, labelling the move as "the key the industry has been desperately waiting for".

"Australia's tourism industry has borne the brunt of international border closures with many businesses suffering with no income since March 2020,” ATEC Managing Director Peter Shelley said.

“This announcement not only gives tourism businesses their income back but also lets the world know they are welcome back in Australia.  

“While New South Wales tourism businesses will be ecstatic to see borders reopen, tourism businesses in other states will continue to suffer from both domestic and international travel restrictions which are stifling their income and threatening their future."

On 1 November, travel between Greater Sydney and regional NSW will also be permitted to allow those in the regions more time to receive their second vaccine.

To support regional businesses likely to be impacted by this change the NSW government will defer the second taper of the JobSaver program until October 31. Eli­gible regional businesses will receive 30 per cent of weekly payroll, before tapering payments to the scheduled 15 per cent from 1 November.

“We have reached this vaccination milestone quicker than anyone thought we could, and that is a testament to the hard work of people across the State turning out to get vac­cinated," Perrottet said.

“Welcoming back fully vaccinated travellers will not only mean families and friends can be home in time for Christmas, it will also give our economy a major boost.”

In addition, on 1 November, hospitality venues and restaurants will receive further reprieve, with the state government to remove a cap of 20 people per booking.

This comes on top of significant easing of restrictions coming into effect from Monday after the state crosses the 80 per cent fully vaccinated threshold, permitting 20 people at home gatherings, 50 outside, standing up at pubs, and no limits on those allowed at weddings and funerals.

NSW today recorded 399 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 and four deaths from the virus.

Updated at 10.30am AEDT on 15 October 2021.


NSW eases border restrictions with ACT and Queensland

NSW eases border restrictions with ACT and Queensland

As the Australian Capital Territory leaves lockdown today and Queensland continues its streak of no new locally acquired COVID-19 cases, New South Wales has decided to welcome travellers back from the two jurisdictions.

As of 11.59pm last night, restrictions for people entering NSW from the ACT and QLD eased - but rules for travellers from both locations differ.

NSW no longer considers the ACT an area of concern as the territory inches toward hitting the coveted 80 per cent rate of its eligible population fully vaccinated - expected to occur over the weekend.

As such, ACT residents no longer need to complete a declaration form on entry into NSW or follow stay-at-home rules on arrival.

However, NSW will consider travellers from the ACT the same as those living in regional local government areas (LGAs) in the state, meaning Canberrans are not permitted to enter Greater Sydney.

Additionally, due to low rates of community transmission, QLD will no longer be considered an affected area.

As such, QLD residents will no longer need to complete a declaration form on entry into New South Wales.

Unlike those in the ACT, Queenslanders can enter Sydney but once there cannot leave to visit regional areas and are subject to the same COVID-19 restrictions that Sydneysiders are. On the flip side, if Queenslanders travel to regional NSW they cannot then enter Sydney.

The changes come as New South Wales today records 399 new locally acquired cases and fourth deaths from COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Victoria today reported 2,179 locally acquired cases and six deaths from the coronavirus.

Updated at 10.03am AEDT on 15 October 2021.


NSW offers hospitality businesses $5,000 grants for outdoor dining initiatives

NSW offers hospitality businesses $5,000 grants for outdoor dining initiatives

A year after first announcing an outdoor dining pilot program to breathe new life into Sydney's hospitality businesses, the NSW Government has today announced a $66 million statewide Alfresco Restart package for the streets to "come alive" post-lockdown.

Treasurer Matt Kean says as the state opens up to the fully vaccinated, NSW will be ready for people eager to enjoy a meal and a day out with friends and family.  

“Alfresco dining is not only a great way to dine, it’s a safe way to socialise as we open up. That’s why we are supporting new outdoor entertainment and dining precincts to pop up right across the state through our $66 million Alfresco Restart initiative,” Kean says.

Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor Dominello says the NSW Government is doing all it can to revive the hospitality and entertainment industries, while ensuring people can safely socialise in the sunshine.

“After a long winter, it’s time for Sydney to enjoy a meal or drink in the sunshine and the NSW Government is committed to helping businesses do that in time for summer,” Dominello says.

“We’re providing 5,000 hospitality businesses a $5,000 grant to get their outdoor dining venture off the ground - whether that’s to help set-up curb-side dining or a pub-style courtyard, we’re here to turn their ideas into reality.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes says the Government’s Alfresco Restart Package will help the hospitality, arts, and music sectors get back on their feet after a long winter in lockdown.

“After many months in lockdown, the people of NSW are ready to enjoy themselves, so we’ve thrown out the rule book with new temporary alfresco measures, while also making last year’s trials permanent,” Stokes says.

“In addition to the permanent easing of rules for dining on footpaths and public spaces, we’re temporarily allowing outdoor dining on privately-owned bowling greens and carparks, meaning businesses can expand outdoors on almost any piece of land they own to welcome more customers."

The Alfresco Restart initiatives being rolled out from November include:

  • The Festival of Place - including the Long Summer Nights Program at the Rocks, Darling Harbour and The Domain, Streets as Shared Spaces Program, Summer Night Fund Program and Open Streets Program;
  • Emergency temporary alfresco measures for outdoor dining in parks or on private land with the owner's consent; and
  • $5,000 grants for hospitality businesses to establish new alfresco settings;
  • Permanent outdoor dining as an exempt development for pubs and small bars state-wide.

Updated at 12:52pm AEDT on 14 October.

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Pfizer jab closer to approval for children, IDT to make new Monash vaccine

Pfizer jab closer to approval for children, IDT to make new Monash vaccine

Australian children aged five to 11 years of age could receive Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine soon after the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) granted a provisional determination to the company in relation to the jab.

The provisional determination does not mean the Pfizer jab is approved for children now, rather it opens up a pathway for the pharmaceutical giant to submit an application to the TGA to have the vaccine approved.

Pfizer still has to submit data to the TGA in order to receive approval, but the provisional determination will speed up the process.

“In making its decision to grant Pfizer a provisional determination for use in individuals five to 11 years, the TGA considered eligibility criteria, including factors such as the evidence of a plan to submit comprehensive clinical data in relation to use in this age group - and the seriousness of the current COVID-19 pandemic,” the TGA said.

Currently, everyone in Australia 12 years and older is eligible to book an appointment to receive a Pfizer jab.

IDT secures manufacturing agreement with Monash University for COVID vaccine

Australian pharmaceutical manufacturing company IDT (ASX: IDT) has entered into a deal with Monash University to produce a new COVID-19 vaccine as part of a clinical trial.

Trials of the proposed Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences’ (MIPS) vaccine, an mRNA jab, are funded by mRNA Victoria and the Commonwealth Government’s Medical Research Future Fund.

IDT says the initial clinical trial will commence in the fourth quarter of this calendar year.

The vaccine candidate has been developed by MIPS in conjunction with The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity and is Australia’s first locally developed mRNA vaccine candidate to progress to the clinical trial stage.

If successful, IDT believes it will be the first-ever Australian manufactured mRNA finished product.

Monash University President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Gardner AC said Monash is home to Australia's largest network of RNA and mRNA researchers.

“We are building an RNA ecosystem that will lead to the rapid development of life-saving vaccines and therapeutic treatments for communities across the country,” Professor Gardner said.

“To enable Australia to avoid ongoing issues around vaccine supply chains from other countries, we need our own mRNA production connected to research and development, and late-stage clinical trials capability.

“This partnership agreement with IDT and the ongoing support from the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments is a significant step in Australia moving towards establishing unlimited capability."

IDT Australia CEO Dr David Sparling said he was thankful to the Australian and Victorian Governments for their assistance in preparing the company’s sterile manufacturing facility for production of mRNA vaccines.

“We are very appreciative of the Australian Government’s support in getting IDT’s sterile manufacturing facility ready to take on a project of this nature; and for allowing IDT to utilise the facility for this work,” Dr Sparling said.

“We are also very appreciative of the Victorian Government’s support for this project. Being Australia’s first locally developed mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, all of the team here at IDT are excited to be a part of the MIPS project.

“It is a great opportunity for IDT to develop and showcase our cGMP manufacturing capabilities in mRNA product manufacture.”

IDT shares are up by more than 4 per cent at $0.625 each at 11:20am AEDT.

Meanwhile, following media reports that bio-medical giant CSL (ASX: CSL) would cease producing the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine by Christmas, the company has reaffirmed its commitment to its deal with the Federal Government to produce the jabs into 2022.

In a statement, CSL said it was committed to the manufacture of approximately 50 million doses of the vaccine.

“Already over 20 million doses have been produced to protect Australians and those in the Asia Pacific region, and it is expected that the remaining production will be completed early next year,” CSL said.

CSL shares are up 1.84 per cent at $299.45 each at 11:20am AEDT.

Updated at 11.20am AEDT on 14 October 2021.


TGA approves 15-second COVID-19 killer Nanocyn

TGA approves 15-second COVID-19 killer Nanocyn

Able to kill COVID-19 in 15 seconds, Nanocyn, a hospital-grade disinfecting solution produced by Adelaide-based MicroSafe Care Australia, has received approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Compared to traditional products that can take between one and 10 minutes to kill viruses, Nanocyn claims it stands alone as the only natural disinfectant and sanitiser in the world that can kill COVID-19 within 15 seconds, and the only hospital-grade disinfectant of its kind in Australia that eliminates the virus so quickly.

It is also able to eliminate Norovirus (Gastro), Influenza, fungi and mould by up to 99.9999 per cent.

“Nanocyn is a game-changer for any hospital, aged care or health service, transport-provider, business, school, tourism or hospitality venue and even office space wanting to ensure their premises are COVID-safe, not just from a pandemic point of view but also having been disinfected with a product that does not leave any harmful residues behind that could cause other health issues in the long-term,” said MicroSafe managing director Matt Seifert.

Nanocyn can also be used as a fogging agent in a variety of sizeable locations, such as commercial buildings, schools, hospitals, and health and aged care facilities.

Certified by all major aviation manufacturers, the product can clean aircraft without damaging materials.

Coming in a range of three sizes, the hospital-grade disinfectant is registered with the TGA and entered into the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

It is also the only disinfectant to also be certified by Good Environmental Choice Australia.

“It’s the fastest-acting product in Australia, leaves no residue and is non-toxic, which means it’s safe for those whose immune systems are compromised,” said Seifert.

“The TGA additional approval has also been timely as we know states will be re-opening borders before Christmas.

“Ensuring COVID-19 can be eliminated quickly in public areas will be reassuring for millions of people.”

Updated at 12:43pm AEDT on 13 August.


Vaccine-only approach not enough for ongoing workplace safety post-lockdown, says OzSAGE

Vaccine-only approach not enough for ongoing workplace safety post-lockdown, says OzSAGE

Independent expert organisation OzSAGE has urged employers to extend the usual health and safety measures to areas like ventilation, workplace hygiene and mask wearing, emphasising "a vaccine-only approach is not enough" as workers return to offices from lockdowns.

Despite the high rate of vaccination in NSW, after Greater Sydney emerged from lockdown yesterday the multidisciplinary network of Australian experts is adamant that in addition to vaccine requirements, further optional health orders are necessary.

NSW has made it optional for office workers to wear masks as part of the Perrottet government’s revised roadmap, and has suggested scrapping general indoor mask mandates earlier than the originally proposed date of 1 December. 

However, Professor Raina Macintyre from OzSAGE says this decision could result in a dramatic surge in infections, and that masks should remain a core part of workplaces’ health response. 

“Once we accept that SARS-CoV-2 is airborne, it is clear that safe indoor air is essential and that masks indoors will play a role in safe working for some time,” says Macintyre. 

“The current vaccines are not enough to control the Delta variant - If we open up with safe indoor air and a vaccine-PLUS as a strategy, we may avoid a crippling cycle of repeated lockdowns.” 

OzSAGE says these measures are particularly important given that many small businesses do not have the adequate resources or information to be reasonably “COVID-safe”.  

As a result, workplace risk management now falls into the hands of workers and employers, which OzSAGE representative Professor Jason Monty says will ultimately benefit businesses if followed correctly. 

“Embedding layers of controls against pandemic disease into your business, such as safe air and masking when needed, will make it far more likely that your business will remain open, not be subject to disruptions, nor lose key staff or clients to illness,” Monty said. 

“Despite vaccination levels, all controls are important to protect health as immunity to the vaccine wanes, and reduce transmission.” 

Updated at 12.52pm AEDT on 12 October 2021.


ACT to leave lockdown on Friday as planned

ACT to leave lockdown on Friday as planned

The Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister Andrew Barr has today confirmed lockdown restrictions will ease at 11.59pm on Thursday 14 October as planned, after the jurisdiction passed the 70 per cent fully vaccinated milestone this week.

As of today, 72 per cent of the eligible population are fully vaccinated, meaning ACT residents will enjoy some freedoms come Friday once lockdown restrictions are lifted.

While those in the ACT will be free to leave their homes, visit loved ones and shop for non-essential items, there will be some restrictions in place for the meantime.

These restrictions include:

  • A 25 person capacity limit for indoor gatherings
  • A five person limit for at-home gatherings
  • Licensed venues can welcome five customers across the venue indoors or enforce the one person per four square metre rule (whichever is less)
  • However, up to 50 patrons will be able to sit outside at a licensed venue
  • Sports teams can resume training and pools will be able to reopen with limits
  • Hairdresser and personal care services can resume trading at a limited capacity

For the most part, non-essential retailers will return to a click and collect model until 29 October, but these businesses will be allowed to have up to two people from the same household book an appointment to shop in-person from this Friday.

Barr says this will enable certain retailers to operate, like car dealers performing test drives and clothing shops permitting customers try on clothes and shoes.

While Barr says he expects case numbers to rise once restrictions ease, modelling predicts the ACT will have 99 per cent of its eligible population fully vaccinated by the end of November.

“As we’ve seen around the world, and even in places that have very high vaccination levels, the virus will continue to spread,” Barr said.

“There will be pressure on the health system. There will be Canberrans who will need acute health care, even if they are fully vaccinated.

“Being fully vaccinated provides you with protection. It may not prevent you from getting the virus, but it does reduce the likelihood, and being fully vaccinated provides a very effective protection against severe disease.”

The Chief Minister also announced some changes to its border bubble with New South Wales, allowing people living in areas immediately surrounding the ACT to travel in and out of the state.

Details on which postcodes will be included in the expanded bubble will be announced on the ACT’s COVID-19 website later today.

“New South Wales residents in these regions, as well as the border postcodes that are already covered by the existing expanding exemption, will be permitted to travel to and from the ACT to undertake work or study to access schools or essential shopping and healthcare without needing to apply for an exemption,” Barr said.

"Residents in these postcodes can also enter the ACT to visit family and friends under the existing ACT gathering limits whether inside the household or outside."

Updated at 12.09pm AEDT on 12 October 2021.


NSW Government announces summer stock guarantee to give SMEs confidence

NSW Government announces summer stock guarantee to give SMEs confidence

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in New South Wales will soon be able to take advantage of a new ‘Summer Holiday Stock Guarantee’, giving businesses the confidence to open up now and plan for the future.

Under the program, eligible businesses with an annual turnover of between $75,000 and $50 million will be able to apply for a grant of up to $20,000 to compensate for the loss of perishable stock or claim $10,000 for reduced capacity to sell non-perishable items in the even they are affected by another lockdown.

In addition, the State Government is planning on expanding the Small Business Fees and Charges Rebate for all eligible SMEs for use until 30 June 2022.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the measures were key to giving businesses the confidence to reopen and helping to reboot the state economy.

“Now that we’ve reached the 70 per cent double vaccination target, it’s wonderful to see businesses reopening their doors and welcoming back customers,” Perrottet said. 

“These measures will give businesses and workers confidence to purchase stock and invest for the future knowing their doors will remain open as we get our economy firing again.” 

Treasurer Matt Kean said the Stock Guarantee of up to $20,000 would be available if non-essential SMEs were forced to shut their doors between 1 December 2021 to 31 January 2022 due to public health orders. 

“It’s devastating for businesses and their employees when they have to shut due to COVID but the grants will make it easier for businesses to manage their stock with confidence,” Mr Kean said.

“We want businesses to have the confidence to get out and spend and invest in their business ahead of the busy Christmas trading period.

“We expect the summer will be a bumper time for businesses as the people of NSW emerge from lockdown and look to support their local, and we want business owners to know we have their back.”

The changes have been welcomed by the state’s peak business organisation Business NSW.

“Business confidence has taken a hit in recent times and we know one of the pressure points for business has been being left with stock they can’t sell while their business is closed,” Business NSW chief executive Daniel Hunter said.

“Businesses can now plan and order the stock they the think they’ll need while their business begins to scale up again, with the knowledge the Government has a level of protection in place for them.

“This confidence will be particularly welcome in regional NSW, where lockdowns have had a dramatic impact on business prosperity – not only have they missed out on local trade but tourists from Sydney who stay and spend money in their town.”

For Ben Thompson, co-founder and CEO of people-management platform Employment Hero, the prospect of localised lockdowns would "understandably make employers in NSW nervous", but the announcement from the state government today is sure to ease some anxiety for SMEs.

"The national reopening plan, which was driven by the Doherty Institute, warned of “highly targeted lockdowns” beyond the 80% vaccination target. This is just the reality, which means today’s announcement by the NSW government looks like sensible policy to me and it’s certainly a win for small business owners," Thompson said.

"That $20,000 isn’t a lot in the context of a lockdown that lasts months and months. But if the NSW can keep future lockdowns not just targeted, but relatively short, that’ll mean they get more bang for their buck out of the loss of revenue support.

"The extra $500 for fees and charges rebates until the end of the year will also be handy. There’s going to be a lot more deliveries on the road, combined with a surge in consumer demand, which will create yet more deliveries. A little bit more help for things like toll road charges and council rates will be welcome."

Whether it is enough for businesses to prosper over summer, Thompson said it "depends on the amount of capital they’re sitting on or their ability and appetite to borrow".

"A lot of small businesses went under during the first 18-months of the pandemic because they had no choice but to whittle down their capital base," he said.

"Small business owners would be looking at their bank accounts and thinking to themselves, “Gee, I’d love to make those investments but I’ve got to spend the first few months building that breathing room back up again.

"Some small businesses will be blessed with some extra firepower, so I’d expect to see some companies go berserk this summer and all the power to them. But for those that are just able to start putting the pieces back together, I’m sure they’ll be happy to have survived and be operating again. That’s also an extraordinary achievement."

Updated at 9.38am AEDT on 12 October 2021.


Day one of NSW retail reopening “surprisingly smooth”

Day one of NSW retail reopening “surprisingly smooth”

Retailers in New South Wales have declared the first day of reopening post-lockdown a “fantastic start” according to the sector’s national representative, although the condition shoppers must prove their vaccination status has been a slight road bump for some.

Overall Australian Retailers Association (ARA) CEO Paul Zahra said the mood has been positive, with excited and mostly compliant and respectful behaviour observed as itchy feet made their way back into stores.

“It’s been a fantastic start,” Zahra said.

“NSW Retailers are relieved and excited to be open and customers are out and about taking full advantage of Freedom Day privileges – with hairdressers and beauty therapy one of the most popular destinations.  

“Naturally there were a few teething problems today with vaccine certification, with some customers still unsure how to access their certificate. However, most people have remained patient and overall, it’s been surprisingly smooth.”

Zahra said the day’s efforts are a credit to retailers and their teams, and also to the NSW government in keeping the roadmap on track. Pleasingly, there has been an overwhelming spirit of collaboration amongst shoppers. 

“It’s taken enormous effort on the part of NSW government and businesses to reach today’s milestone – and we can be proud of the results,” Zahra said.

“Today’s outcome is a great test-case for Victoria and we can feel confidently optimistic of a positive experience when retail reopens there.”

Zahra also encouraged retailers to ensure they are well-prepared for operating in this transitional period.

“Checking vaccination status is a new safety protocol and like QR codes it will take a little time for customers to adjust. Naturally, this will be an even smoother experience when the NSW COVID Safe app is integrated,” he said. 

“Retailers need to ensure they have taken ‘reasonable steps’ to ensure compliance and this includes things such as having clear signage at the entrance points and through the store, and training staff in how to check vaccination status.  

“Businesses should also have completed and updated their Covid safety plans which help inform government that they have thought about and taken their reasonable steps.”

Updated at 4.40pm AEDT on 11 October 2021.


NSW takes first step out of lockdown, Melbourne Cup to go ahead with vaccinated punters

NSW takes first step out of lockdown, Melbourne Cup to go ahead with vaccinated punters

After Sydneysiders spent more than 100 days in lockdown, the state will take its first steps back to normal life today with businesses reopening to fully vaccinated customers.

Businesses like cafes, restaurants, pubs, and retailers have reopened to fully vaccinated customers across NSW today after the state cracked the 70 per cent double dose milestone on Thursday last week.

In addition, up to 10 people can gather in homes or 30 outdoors, weddings and funerals can have up to 100 people in attendance, and swimming pools have reopened under changes made to the roadmap by new Premier Dominic Perrottet.

“As we re-open after more than 100 days we ask everyone to treat staff with kindness and respect when they ask you to check-in or see your vaccination certificate,” Perrottet said.

“Following these simple measures will help keep us all safe and keep us moving forward out of the pandemic.”

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres welcomed the reopening and reminded people to act responsibly when going out.

“NSW has pulled together to get our vaccination rate to more than 70 per cent, which means we can begin the reopening process. We need the same spirit of cooperation to keep people safe and ensure that venues remain open,” Ayres said.

“Like many people, I can’t wait to have a beer and a schnitty at my local, but we all have a responsibility to stick by the rules. Book ahead, check-in with your QR code, show proof of vaccination, be respectful to staff and look after each other.”

The NSW Government has encouraged all businesses to visit nsw.gov.au to ensure they are complying with the 70 per cent roadmap.

Crowds to return for Melbourne Cup and concerts in Victoria

Up to 10,000 people will be allowed to descend on Flemington Racecourse on the first Tuesday in November after the Victorian Government announced changes to its reopening plans that will also benefit the state’s arts and music scene.

Further, subject to consideration of the venue’s COVIDSafe Plan and approval from the Chief Health Officer, several thousand people will be able to watch Victorian artists perform and celebrate the return of live music at one of Melbourne’s most iconic outdoor venues - Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Smaller gigs are planned around the state at the same time, subject to approval from the Chief Health Officer.

The alterations are part of Victoria’s ‘Vaccinated Economy’ trials, which will let more people safely attend venues and major events if fully vaccinated. These venues will test event settings attached to the 80 per cent double vaccination mark - a threshold the state believes will be achieved on or before 5 November.

The final two days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival – Oaks Day and Stakes Day – will also welcome up to 10,000 patrons if the 80 per cent double-jab threshold has been passed. Racing fans will be spread across a number of zones at Flemington in allocated seats, and will be required to wear masks and be fully vaccinated or holding a valid exemption.

These events will follow the first stage of trials under the 70 per cent double dose settings which kick off today at regional venues including cinemas, hotels, and cafes, as well as a gym, a church and a beauty clinic.

Some 15 venues and events in six local government areas will operate with higher capacity and density limits, including a midweek race meeting at Warrnambool on Thursday, 14 October.

The participants in the Vaccinated Economy trial are:

  • Bass Coast – North Pier Hotel in Cowes, Churchill Island Cafe
  • Buloke – Terminus Hotel in Wycheproof
  • East Gippsland – East Gippsland Art Gallery in Bairnsdale, Lakes Squash and Movie Theatre in Lakes Entrance, Wilson Property in Traralgon
  • Greater Bendigo – Anglican Church of Australia in Flora Hill, Bendigo Art Gallery, Village Cinemas in Bendigo, Body Fit Training in Bendigo
  • Pyrenees – Avoca Hotel
  • Warrnambool – Darlings of Beauty, Roberts One Real Estate, Warrnambool Racing Club (race meeting), Warrnambool Art Gallery.

The trials will allow real-world testing of the vaccine certification technology, confirm the best processes for establishing vaccination status, as well as fine-tuning training for staff and support for business owners and public communication of vaccine requirements.

Victorians attending a Vaccinated Economy trial business or event will be asked to show they are fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 digital certificate displayed through the Service Victoria app, Medicare app, or equivalent smartphone wallet, or present a printed version of their certificate or immunisation history statement, or provide evidence of a valid exemption.

Updated at 9.48am AEST on 11 October 2021.

This update is brought to you by Employment Hero.

Click here to go to Employment Hero’s COVID-19 Resource Hub for essential resources to help employers, managers and HR specialists navigate the ongoing pandemic. 


 


ATAGI recommends third booster shot for immunocompromised individuals

ATAGI recommends third booster shot for immunocompromised individuals

Australia’s advisory group on immunisations has today recommended individuals who are “severely immunocompromised” receive a third booster shot of a COVID-19 vaccine two to six months after receiving the second.

The updated advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) was provided to address the risk of suboptimal or non-response to the standard two-dose schedule, and is intended to maximise the level of immune response to as close as possible to the general population.

As for which vaccine immunocompromised people should receive, ATAGI recommends an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) over AstraZeneca for the third dose.

However, ATAGI says “AstraZeneca can be used for the third dose for individuals who have received AstraZeneca for their first two doses if there are no contraindications or precautions for use, or if a significant adverse reaction has occurred after a previous mRNA vaccine dose which contraindicates further doses of mRNA vaccine”.

“The recommended interval for the third dose is two to six months after the second dose of vaccine,” says ATAGI.

“A minimum interval of four weeks may be considered in exceptional circumstances (e.g., anticipated intensification of immunosuppression, outbreaks). People who have had a second dose more than 6 months ago should receive a third dose whenever feasible.”

The vaccine advisory group does not recommend subsequent doses beyond the third at this point in time, but notes protection from three doses in severely immunocompromised individuals may still be lower than the general population.

As such, ATAGI recommends people continue risk mitigation strategies such as mask wearing and social distancing even after receipt of a third jab.

“ATAGI will continue to monitor the evidence around duration of protection and advise on the need for subsequent (booster) doses in immunocompromised populations to address waning of protection or risk from variants of concern,” says ATAGI.

“ATAGI will provide further advice on booster doses (including for healthcare workers, older adults and the general population) separately.”

Updated at 2.14pm AEST on 8 October 2021.

This update is brought to you by Employment Hero.

Click here to go to Employment Hero’s COVID-19 Resource Hub for essential resources to help employers, managers and HR specialists navigate the ongoing pandemic. 


 


Southeast SA regions see COVID restrictions wound back to Level 1

Southeast SA regions see COVID restrictions wound back to Level 1

The South Australian local government areas (LGAs) of Mount Gambier, Grant and Wattle Range are now subject to the same level of restrictions as the rest of the state after a brief COVID scare last week.

The three southeast LGAs are now subject to the following restrictions:

  • Three people per four square metre density requirements (for seated activities)
  • No communal consumption facilities
  • One person per two square metre density requirements (for non-seated activities)
  • One person per four square metre density requirements (for indoor fitness facilities)
  • Seated food and beverage consumption only for indoor defined public activities
  • COVID Management Plans required for events of more than 1,000 people
  • Shisha ban
  • Gathering at home cap: 20 (gatherings at residential premises, including residents of residential premises)
  • Private activity cap: 150 (private activities at non-residential premises)
  • Masks for high-risk settings
  • Masks for personal care services (except for the person receiving the service, if necessary for the provision of the personal care service)

The restrictions are in addition to existing SA restrictions:

  • Masks for health care services (except for the person receiving the service, if necessary for the provision of the health care service)
  • Masks for passenger transport services
  • Masks for indoor fitness facilities (except while exercising)
  • Masks for shared indoor public places (except bridal parties during ceremonies)
  • Restrictions on dancing and singing other than dancing at private functions and private activities & cap of 50 dancing
  • Private activities with food and beverage consumption whilst standing at 1/2 density and approved contact tracing system & cap of 150
  • Private functions with food and beverage consumption while standing at 1/2 density with approved contact tracing system & (when indoors) cap of 150 (at relevant or ongoing licensed premises.

Updated at 2.42pm AEDT on 8 October 2021.

This update is brought to you by Employment Hero.

Click here to go to Employment Hero’s COVID-19 Resource Hub for essential resources to help employers, managers and HR specialists navigate the ongoing pandemic. 


 


COVID-19 restrictions to ease in LGAs of Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan and more from 4pm today

COVID-19 restrictions to ease in LGAs of Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan and more from 4pm today

A number of Queensland local government areas (LGAs) will have restrictions eased from 4pm today in line with the rest of the state, after no locally acquired cases of COVID-19 were recorded overnight.

The LGAs of Brisbane, Gold Coast, Moreton Bay, Logan, Townsville and Palm Island will see some restrictions removed, allowing more people to gather at venues and permitting dancing in clubs.

On the advice of Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeanette Young, cafes and restaurants will return to one person per two square metres indoors and outdoors, and stadiums and events can have full capacity.

Up to 100 people can gather in homes, with no limit for people gathering in public spaces.

Visitors are once again permitted at aged care, correctional centres, hospitals and disability centres, and up to 200 people can attend funerals and weddings.

Some restrictions will remain, however, with Queenslanders still required to check-in at venues and wear masks where social distancing is not possible (like in shopping centres and on public transport).

“Because Queenslanders have done a great job, Dr Young has advised us this morning that those restrictions can ease,” Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

Updated at 12pm AEDT on 8 October 2021.