"Stay put": Queensland CHO reveals key metric for lockdown lifting as 16 new cases recorded

Update (1:57pm): Since this story was published more exposure sites have been listed by Queensland Health, including Brigidine College and a swim school in St Lucia.

Queensland has reported 16 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 overnight, with Chief Health Officer (CHO) Dr Jeannette Young encouraged by the fact all were linked to the Indooroopilly school cluster.

Two more schools have been added to the growing list of exposure sites as well - Holy Family School in Indooroopilly and St Aidans Anglican Girls' School in Corinda - and given the nature of the latest outbreak, nine of the new cases are young people.

The update lifts the total number of positive cases in the cluster to 47, after 34,718 Queenslanders came out to get tested yesterday - a figure that is still shy of the 40,000 daily testing goal set by the CHO.

There are now 7,995 people in quarantine in the state including more than 400 health workers, which is putting the health system under increased strain. 

Dr Young also confirmed all cardiac surgeons at the Queensland Children's Hospital (QCH) had to be in quarantine, so authorities have worked through how one of them will be able to operate on urgent cases as they arise.

"We do have a large proportion of of our critical health workers now in quarantine, so unfortunately we have had to delay some surgery and some outpatient work to manage that," she clarified.

When asked what it would take to lift the lockdown this coming Sunday, Dr Young gave an indication of what the state would need to achieve.

"I will want to have seen that any new cases that have been coming up have been in quarantine for their full infectious period," she said.

This cannot be said of the latest cases, some of whom have been infectious in the community for up to six days.

"It's too early in the outbreak to expect that all of these people will have been in quarantine," she added.

The CHO said 20 per cent of people infected with COVID-19 don't develop any symptoms but can still pass on the virus, which is why lockdowns work because they allow the virus to "burn out".

"We do need to continue testing throughout all of those 11 LGAs and throughout Queensland. It's really important so that we can just make sure that we don't have any other transmission events, any outbreaks happening," she said.

"Please don't move the virus. So wherever you are in the 11 LGAs, if you can at all just stay put so that that virus then doesn't move, because we know that there are people out there who could have been infected and have no symptoms.

"If you don't need to leave home, don't leave home."

She also clarified her recommendations for people who are not able to wear masks for medical reasons.

"If you cannot wear a mask because of a medical reason - and there are medical reasons for it - and you haven't been vaccinated, you are at really high risk, so stay home and the Care Army has been activated again and they will help if you can't organise food or essential goods," she said.

"Don't go out of your home if you can't wear a mask, I hope I'm being really clear.

"That is to protect yourself. Please don't find excuses to not wear a mask. I think masks have stopped the last 14 incursions of this virus into our state from spreading; it is just this 15th one that has led to spread. Masks are absolutely critical."

Dr Young said she was also pleased to see very little traffic on the roads this morning, which shows residents are listening to the authorities' recommendations about the clearest pathway out of lockdown.

Click here for the full list of updated exposure sites, which health authorities recommend you check regularly if you are in or have been in Queensland recently.

Updated at 10:47am AEST on 3 August 2021.

Domestic border closures see Qantas stand down 2,500 crew

Around 2,500 Qantas (ASX: QAN) and Jetstar employees will be stood down for approximately two months in response to COVID-19 outbreaks around Australia that have forced most domestic borders to be closed for an extended period of time.

The airline claims the stand down is a "temporary measure" to manage a significant drop in flying caused by COVID restrictions, particularly in Greater Sydney, and the knock-on border closures in all other states and territories.

Qantas says no job losses are expected.

"This is clearly the last thing we want to do, but we're now faced with an extended period of reduced flying and that means no work for a number of our people," Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said.

"We've absorbed a significant amount of cost since these recent lockdowns started and continued paying our people their full rosters despite thousands of cancelled flights."

The airline says today's decision will impact domestic pilots, cabin crew and airport workers, mostly in New South Wales but also in other jurisdictions.

Employees will be given two weeks' notice before the stand down takes effect, with pay continuing until mid-August. After August the airline says workers can claim government disaster payments.

Joyce said lockdowns and border closures decimated the domestic aviation sector last month.

"Qantas and Jetstar have gone from operating almost 100 per cent of their usual domestic flying in May to less than 40 per cent in July because of lockdown in three states," he said.

"Hopefully, once other states open back up to South Australia and Victoria in the next week or so, and the current outbreak in Brisbane is brought under control, our domestic flying will come back to around 50 to 60 per cent of normal levels.

"Based on current numbers, it's reasonable to assume that Sydney's borders will be closed for at least another two months. We know it will take a few weeks once the outbreak is under control before other states open to New South Wales and normal travel can resume."

The CEO said the successful rollout of the Federal Government's COVID-19 vaccination program is key to ensuring the industry can fly steady domestically, but issues surrounding international travel remain.

"This vaccine rollout means the end is in sight and the concept of lockdowns will be a thing of the past. Australia just needs more people rolling up their sleeves as more vaccine arrives.

"The challenge around opening international borders remain. There are still several thousand Qantas and Jetstar crew who normally fly internationally and who have been on long periods of stand down since the pandemic began.

"Higher vaccination rates are also key to being able to fly overseas again, and finally getting all our people back to work."

Updated at 9.18am AEST on 3 August 2021.

Rent relief incoming for commercial tenants in Victoria

New legislation will be introduced today by the Victorian Government to provide rent relief to commercial tenants that have experienced a loss in turnover of more than 30 per cent during the pandemic period.

The Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme will see eligible businesses benefit from rent relief, with tenants and landlords encouraged to enter negotiations as soon as possible.

Under the Scheme, relief will be calculated by comparing business turnover for the final quarter of FY21 with turnover from the pre-pandemic corresponding period in FY19.

Tenants will only be eligible if the drop between the two periods is greater than 30 per cent, and the decrease will also determine the amount of initial relief available to the tenant.

Businesses that were not operating in 2019 will not be excluded from the scheme, with special arrangements to be put in place to assess turnover impacts for new companies.

Eligibility for the scheme will be a one-time test; businesses which are eligible at the beginning of the scheme will remain eligible throughout, with the proportion of rent relief adjusted in line with their turnover.

Landlords will also receive assistance from the Government in the form of land tax relief of up to 25 per cent, and small landlords who can demonstrate "acute hardship" will be eligible to apply for payments as part of a $20 million fund.

"It's encouraging to see the way tenants and landlords are working together to achieve fair outcomes and this new legislation will ensure they get the support they need," Minister for Small Business Jaala Pulford said.

"We know many small businesses have had a tough time due to the pandemic, but these changes will provide them with more security going forward and help them get back on their feet."

Updated at 9.58am AEST on 3 August 2021.

SA returning to 50 per cent capacity limits from Thursday but mask mandate to remain

From midnight on Wednesday 4 August, a number of restrictions on businesses in South Australia will be eased, but many rules including mask mandates and private gatherings limits will remain as the state tentatively returns to pre-lockdown settings.

The eased restrictions will come a week after SA completed a seven-day lockdown which saw an outbreak of the Delta variant of COVID-19 successfully suppressed in the state.

As of 12.01am on Thursday 5 August, businesses can return to 50 per cent capacity or the one person per two square metre rule while gyms will move to the one per four square metre capacity rule.

Sports will return for competition but there will be some conditions with regards to the number of spectators that can attend.

Masks will still be mandated in all high risk settings, for personal care appointments, on public transport and in indoor public spaces where social distancing is difficult.

Home gatherings will remain limited to 10 people, singing and dancing will still be banned, and schools will keep mask restrictions in place.

The state's border bubble arrangements will also change slightly, allowing competitive sport to occur.

"Historically, [border bubble travel] has been for school, for shopping, medical or work-related services," SA Premier Steven Marshall said.

"We'll be adding a further one this week which is for people to attend sport - we recognise that in the country competitive sport is very important to mental health and wellbeing."

The state's Premier also encouraged South Australian residents currently in Southeast Queensland to consider returning home soon as there is a possibility travel restrictions could tighten if the state's outbreak worsens.

Currently SA is only allowing returning residents to travel from Southeast Queensland who must quarantine at home for 14 days on arrival.

"If they can return to South Australia now, this would be our advice. We don't know that this week is going to hold for Queensland," Marshall said.

"We know that the lockdown in Southeast Queensland has been moved from three days right through to Sunday this week.

"This is something everybody should consider at the moment because there is a possibility that we could move to level six restrictions for South Australian residents as with those people in New South Wales."

Updated at 12.32pm AEST on 2 August 2021.

NSW records 207 new locally acquired COVID cases and another death

With around a quarter of New South Wales' 207 new COVID-19 cases confirmed to have been in the community for their entire infectious period, the state's Premier has once again stressed the need for vaccination rates to continue improving this month.

"August is the month where all of us should come forward and get vaccinated," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

"I've been saying for some months that 80 per cent of the adult population vaccinated we get our freedoms beyond lockdowns, that's 10 million jabs.

"But clearly when we get to five million jabs or when we get to 9.2 million jabs, which is the 70 per cent number, we'll be able to have a bit more freedom."

The comments came after the state was notified of another COVID-19 related death - a man in his 90s from South West Sydney who had received one dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine - bringing the total number of deaths connected to the current outbreak to 15.

Of today's 207 locally acquired COVID-19 cases, 89 were in isolation throughout their entire infectious period, 21 for part of their period and 51 for the entire period. The isolation status of 46 cases remains under investigation.

VIC tightens border bubble restrictions

Travelling across the border south into Victoria from border bubble communities in New South Wales is set to become more restricted from 11.59pm tomorrow when new rules kick in.

Announced today by the Victorian government the new rules will mean those in border communities without a travel permit must have one of six reasons to go south.

The six categories of permitted activity for border bubble residents without a permit are:

• For necessary goods or services
• For care and compassion reasons
• For paid or voluntary work
• For education
• To receive a COVID-19 vaccine
• Or for sport or exercise.

Fines will apply for cross-border travel for inessential reasons.

Updated at 11.49am AEST on 2 August 2021.

$260m business package released as Southeast Queensland lockdown extended to eight days

After reporting 13 new cases of COVID-19 linked to the Brisbane school cluster, the Queensland Government has concluded a Tuesday lockdown lift will be "insufficient" and has extended the stay-at-home orders until 4pm Sunday, 8 August.

Eligible businesses will receive a payment of $5,000 at an estimated cost of $260 million, on top of the COVID-19 disaster payments which were confirmed yesterday with the Federal Government's hotspot declaration for the locked-down areas.

Treasurer Cameron Dick noted previously retail and consumer spending had bounced back following short lockdowns, but the situation has been more challenging lately.

"But now we've had two lockdowns in the space of one month and that just hasn't allowed Queensland businesses to be able to recover from the impact of the first lockdown," Dick said.

"So today I'm announcing a $260 million package to support Queensland businesses, particularly small and medium sized enterprises. We'll be opening a 2021 COVID business support grant program that'll be $5,000 grants available to Queensland businesses; not just businesses in the lockdown area, but that'll be available to all Queensland businesses.

"That recognises the impact that the Delta variant has had on those businesses because it stopped the visitors, it stopped the tourists coming from other parts of the country who are also in lockdown."

Within the lockdown areas of Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Logan City, Redlands, Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Somerset, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and the Gold Coast, the government will also be ensuring those grants are available to large businesses that operate in the hospitality and tourism space.

"Can I just say to businesses across Queensland, thank you for your strength and resilience. You have been terrific, you've been fantastic during the pandemic, you've kept businesses going, you've kept our economy going, and now we're providing some support to you.

"Every lockdown is different and every lockdown requires a different response at multiple levels from government, but this is an important step.

"We're also calling on councils to look at how they can help businesses. The Federal Government's dug deep, the State Government's dug deep - we've gone into deficit and borrowed to help. We're looking to councils now to do their bit to help businesses in their affected local government areas as well.

Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'Ath has also revealed the Delta variant in Queensland is leading to higher rates of hospitalisation than in NSW. She emphasised this outbreak was not like any seen before in the state, and the lockdown in turn was also much tougher.

"Please don't just rely on what you know have been the lockdown rules previously. This lockdown is harder for a good reason. We're trying to save lives," Minister D'Ath said.

"The number of people you're allowed in your households, which is zero, where you can go, what you can do, the rules are stricter this time...check for exposure sites on a regular basis, multiple times a day.

"Retail shopping is not essential. Food shopping is but only go out when you really need to go shopping and getting your groceries."

Dr Jeannette Young explained the source of the first infection in the outbreak - the 17-year-old student of Indooroopilly State High School (ISHS) - is still unknown, and her previous speculation that a University of Queensland (UQ) medical student passed it onto her has been disproven.

"Now I am very confident that the medical student did not take the virus into that household with five people in it where the 17-year-old was. One of that household gave it to the medical student, so I don't know where the missing link is," Dr Young said.

"All I know is we had two people arrive from overseas into the Brisbane International Airport on the 29th of June, and subsequently those two people were found to have the Delta variant with a particular whole genome sequence, and now this outbreak, 29 additional people later, are all clustering with those two.

"But I don't know how it's got from those two original people to this household of five."

There are now 31 cases linked to the cluster that became known with the reporting of the case from ISHS on Friday. Of the latest cases, seven are Ironside State School students, five are household or family contacts of theirs, and another is linked to a case from a karate school that trains at the school.

The Ekka has also been cancelled for Brisbane in light of the circumstances.

"This is the first time that we've seen an outbreak like this one spreading in schools amongst students, teachers and parents, and by extracurricular activities and public transport. It will likely see thousands of people subject to home quarantine directions," Deputy Premier Steven Miles said.

"Clearly now the lockdown extends beyond the intended start day of the Ekka, and that means we've had to make the very regrettable decision to advise the Ekka to cancel their event fo this year. It will not be able to go ahead.

"I know that's sad and disappointing for many Queenslanders who love their annual ritual, their annual trip to the Ekka - we just can't afford to have an event like that where people travel into town and circulate in in large numbers. The risk is too great."

He added there were still too many people on the road in Brisbane at the moment, and too many people out and about.

"If you absolutely have to leave your home, please make sure you wear a mask. Just because you worked in previous lockdowns doesn't mean you should work through this lockdown," Miles said.

"This is a message to employers. Does your staff really need to be coming into work? Do they need to be coming into the office? Can they be working from home? If the answer is yes, then that's where they should be," added Minister D'Ath.

"The obligation is as much as employers as it is the individual workers to ensure that their staff are staying home unless it's absolutely essential."

Click here for an updated list of exposure sites. At the time of writing, five schools have been listed as exposure sites - ISHS, Ironside, Brisbane Boys' Grammar, Brisbane Girls' Grammar, and St Peters Lutheran College, among numerous other sites in Southeast Queensland.

Updated at 10:15am AEST on 2 August 2021.

Berejiklian issues stern warning to would-be protesters as NSW records 170 new community cases

"Do not give the ones you love the most a death sentence," said New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

With New South Wales today recording 170 locally acquired cases of COVID-19, the state's Premier Gladys Berejiklian has warned protesters planning to demonstrate against lockdowns in Sydney this weekend that they are putting lives at risk.

"Can I please warn against anybody taking up illegal activity and protesting tomorrow - you could be taking the disease home and passing it onto your parents, your siblings, your brothers and sisters," she said.

"Do not give the ones you love the most a death sentence.

"This Delta strain is contagious, it's deadly and it's affecting people of all ages."

The Premier's statements were backed up by NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller who said would-be protesters will be met by 1,000 police.

"We know this is such an important time for New South Wales in terms of winning the battle against the virus, and coming into town to protest is not the answer," Fuller said.

"If you think you can splinter from that and protest somewhere else in Greater Sydney, that force will be mobile and we'll be waiting for you."

Of today's 170 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19, 52 were in the community for part or all of their infectious period and 53 cases remain under investigation.

187 COVID-19 cases are currently in hospital, of which 58 are in intensive care and 24 are on ventilators.

The state's Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant today urged people to come forward and get tested as soon as any symptoms of the coronavirus present.

"Tragically, we've seen people present very late for care. When people present very late we haven't got the opportunity to provide them with the great care that our health services can provide and outcomes can be much poorer," Dr Chant said.

"Please get tested if you have COVID symptoms, and just to remind the community they are cough, fever, headache, loss of tastes and smells, sore throats, muscle aches and pains."

In order to mass vaccinate the cohort of Year 12 students in the eight local government areas (LGAs) of concern in Western Sydney (those being Fairfield, Canterbury Bankstown, Liverpool, Cumberland, Blacktown, Parramatta, Georges River and Campbelltown), who will return to face-to-face schooling on 16 August, a new immunisation hub will be opened soon.

As announced today by the Premier, from 9 August the Qudos Bank Arena will be transformed into a mass vaccination hub to give those Year 12 students the jab. Once it has performed that duty, it will become a regular hub for those in NSW to get inoculated.

Updated at 11.34am AEST on 30 July 2021.

Brisbane student tests positive to COVID: "I'm struggling to understand how she's acquired it"

Queensland Health is conducting whole genome sequencing to understand a new case of COVID-19, after a student from Brisbane's Indooroopilly State High School tested positive to the virus.

The 17-year-old female resides in the adjacent suburb of Taringa, but very little other information is known at this stage and Health Minister Yvette D'Ath has urged people to keep an eye out for updates.

"She became unwell yesterday and overnight her result has come back positive," D'Ath said, noting the student's family of five were all being tested as well.

"We're treating this as if the young lady was infectious from the 27th [of July] so she's been in the community for three days and at school for two days.

"I understand the school has already notified families and have closed down for a deep clean."

Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young described the new case as quite concerning.

"I'm struggling to understand how she's acquired it," Dr Young said.

"We'll have to wait till we get whole genome sequencing results back later today to be able to work out from where she's got this.

"We do know that we have had 13 incursions of the virus into Queensland over the last six weeks, and we know that in any particular outbreak someone can get infected, not have symptoms, and then spread the virus to someone else which is why it's critically important that we all remain very, very cautious until the vast majority of people have been able to be vaccinated."

Updated at 8:47am AEST on 30 July 2021.

New rules for areas of concern as NSW records 239 new COVID cases

"Based on those numbers, we can only assume that things are likely to get worse before they get better," New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

New South Wales will increase its police presence in eight Western Sydney local government areas (LGAs) of concern to monitor compliance and crack down on uncooperative businesses as the state records 239 new cases of community transmission - the highest daily total in this latest outbreak and to date in 2021 for any state. 

The eight LGAs of concern (Fairfield, Canterbury Bankstown, Liverpool, Cumberland, Blacktown, Parramatta, Georges River and Campbelltown) are now under new rules that will see masks mandatory everywhere outside of the house, and the imposition of a 5km travel limit.

It is part of the state's latest crackdown on the areas of concern, with compliance to be monitored by "thousands" of additional police which will be deployed in the LGAs today and given new powers to close a worksite or business if health orders are flouted.

"The powers particularly will focus on those people who are not doing the right thing," NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said.

"Many will do the right thing - they will follow the health advice. They shouldn't be punished for the few who are doing the wrong thing."

In addition, the fine for not wearing a mask will be increased from $200 to $500 to allow for that extra level of compliance and ensure another layer of deterrence to those who would do the wrong thing.

Of today's 239 new COVID-19 cases, 88 were infectious in the community for all of part of their infectious period, and the isolation status of 70 cases remains under investigation.

"Most of these transmissions are occurring amongst households and in workplaces, but also in health settings," Premier Berejiklian said.

"If you are going to a pharmacist or GP, make sure you don't have symptoms. Make sure that you're asking for medical help from home."

Updated at 11.28am AEST on 29 July 2021.

Another week of masks for SEQ as authorities reveal backpacker case was turned away in WA

With all eyes on the Sydney COVID-19 outbreak where another month of lockdown was announced yesterday, the minor inconvenience of having to wear masks for another week will be a small price to pay for residents and visitors in Southeast Queensland.

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young has repeatedly emphasised the beneficial - although not panacean - effects of mask wearing in containing the spread of COVID-19, so it is unsurprising the requirement has been extended for seven more days given the uncertainty around the spread from new cases.

There were no new community-transmitted cases of the virus announced overnight, but more details have emerged about yesterday's new case, most importantly that he flew to Western Australia after completing hotel quarantine and was sent back to Queensland, that he was in a shared room at a Brisbane hostel, and that he has the Alpha strain of COVID-19.

"I can report now that the genomic sequencing has come in from the gentleman who came in from the Philippines to Brisbane and who is staying at the Roma Street City Backpackers. What we have identified is he is a direct match with three other travellers who he was on two flights with - Philippines to PNG and PNG to Brisbane," Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said.

Those three travellers had different hotel quarantine arrangements to the case concerned who was at Quest Chermside, which D'Ath said confirmed he had contracted the virus while in transit on the plane or through the airport.

"We can confirm also that it is the alpha variant that we are dealing with. I want to thank the Backpackers because the manager there has been absolutely incredible, provided a lot of data which has allowed us to identify and test all individuals associated with that Backpackers," D'Ath said.

Authorities have received 59 negative results from the 62 people exposed to the gentleman in the hostel, with the remaining three results expected today as they were taken last night.

But it is the story of how he ended up at the backpackers that raises the most questions, particularly given his long incubation period with the virus.

"We know that around 1 per cent of people can have an incubation period of longer than 14 days, as has happened with this gentleman," Dr Young explained.

"When he got out of hotel quarantine here in Brisbane, had done his 14 days and got three negative tests, he then on-travelled to Western Australia but they turned him around - they put him into a hotel for two days till there was a suitable flight, and then he was placed on that flight and returned to Queensland.

"I'm just getting the details of that flight he was on. I don't have that yet, but we will contact trace the people who sat around him given he's got the Alpha variant."

Young said when the man arrived back in Brisbane he was already starting to have some symptoms of COVID-19 and upon arrival at the hostel he "essentially stayed in his room there because he was starting to feel increasingly unwell".

"The other two people in the room have tested negative which is good," she said.

Dr Young added the individuals who were at the hostel will be tested frequently.

"We're going to keep those people in the backpackers hotel, we're not moving them into a quarantine hotel, because we're quite comfortable with some extra support for that hotel. We can manage all of these people there - we'll just have to work out which of them have been close contacts and which [are] casual, so who needs to remain there and who we can allow to return to their normal lives.

"We still have those other outbreaks that we're managing with large numbers of contacts," she said, adding there were currently 2,000 people in home quarantine in Queensland.

"It's too early for us to relax at this stage, which is why I've asked that masks remain in place for the 11 LGAs (local government areas) for another week," she said.

Updated at 11:02am AEST on 29 July 2021.

Commonwealth raises COVID-19 Disaster Payment to JobKeeper levels

The Federal Government's COVID-19 Disaster Payment will see eligible Australians receive financial support more in line with what was on offer through the now-defunct JobKeeper programme, following an upgrade of the emergency payments.

Announced today, the government has upped support to eligible workers who will now receive $750 per week if they lose 20 hours or more of work due to state government lockdown restrictions, while those who lose between eight and less than 20 hours will receive $450 per week.

The new level of payment for the top tranche of workers ($750 per week) is equivalent to what the Commonwealth previously offered through the JobKeeper programme.

That support, which ended earlier this year, saw the Federal Government support businesses and workers with a $1,500 per fortnight wage subsidy paid to employees via their employer.

The COVID-19 Disaster Payment differs from JobKeeper in that those eligible will receive the money directly from the Federal Government.

In addition, individuals who currently receive an income support payment (like JobSeeker or Youth Allowance) will receive an additional $200 on top of their existing payment if they can demonstrate they have lost more than eight hours of work and meet the other eligibility requirements for the Disaster Payment.

The upgrade to the Disaster Payment comes as the New South Wales state government announced further business support measures in light of the month-long extension of its COVID-19 lockdown.

"This new level of payment recognises the significant impact that the new COVID-19 Delta strain is having on communities, businesses and workers," the Federal Government said.

"The Commonwealth Government will provide financial support to those in a declared Commonwealth Hotspot. The provision of financial support outside of these areas will be provided where requested at the cost of state or territory governments."

The new rate will commence for payments processed in the week commencing 2 August and will be automatically updated for those already in the Services Australia system.

It will be available from day one of any potential lockdown in the future, with claims made from day eight in arrears for the previous seven days. A weekly payment will then be made for the duration of the hotspot declaration.

There will be no liquid assets test applied to eligibility for these payments and an individual does not need to use up their personal annual leave before making the claim.

"Our Government will continue to support Australians facing the economic consequences of extended lockdowns," the Federal Government said.

"The Commonwealth Government, through Services Australia, has processed more than 955,000 COVID Disaster Payment claims, paying out more than $490 million to workers in New South Wales and Victoria."

Updated at 3.13pm AEST on 28 July 2021.

NSW bulks up business stimulus as lockdown extended by four weeks, retail radius imposed

With New South Wales today recording 177 new cases of community transmission, the state's Premier Gladys Berejiklian said it was "fairly obvious" residents would not be leaving lockdown this week and has extended the settings for another month until 28 August.

From midnight tonight residents will be restricted in where they can shop, testing requirements will be extended to more workers, new rules will apply for the construction industry, a 'singles bubble' will be introduced, and further financial assistance will be extended to more people and businesses. 

Given low vaccination rates, the current stay-at-home orders will remain in place for four more weeks across Greater Sydney including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour.

"Whilst we're looking closely at those areas outside the Sydney metropolitan area, based on health advice it's too risky at this state to release any of them," Berejiklian said.

"So therefore, all those areas currently in lockdown will continue to be in lockdown for a further four weeks."

Premier Gladys Berejiklian emphasised higher vaccination rates and following the health orders were the only way to guarantee a further easing of restrictions.

"Though the Pfizer supply is insufficient there is plenty of AstraZeneca, and updated federal health advice recommends anyone aged 18 and over in Greater Sydney should access the jab," Berejiklian said.

"If you are unvaccinated, please organise a jab as soon as you possibly can, especially if you live in an LGA of concern."

The extension of lockdown settings comes as NSW recorded 177 new cases of community transmission today, 46 of whom were in the community while infectious.

Retail radius imposed

In addition to the lockdown extension, new rules will be put in place from midnight tonight which will see residents given more consistent rules around shopping for essential goods and services.

This means residents of the locked down areas must limit their shopping to within their local government area (LGA) or within 10km from home if the item is not available locally.

Singles bubble introduced

Those living alone can now nominate one designated family or friend to visit for companionship during this extended lockdown period.

This means if you have been living by yourself you are permitted to nominate one person who can visit you, but it has to be the same person every time they visit and they must be someone within your LGA.

"It has to be the same person, it can't be a different person every day," Berejiklian said.

"You have to nominate the one person that is your buddy or part of your singles bubble for the next four weeks to make sure that we don't spread the virus.

"Apart from workplaces where critical work has to occur households remain the biggest problem in New South Wales."

Financial assistance extended

Businesses in NSW will benefit from the extension of the 'JobSaver' scheme, giving greater support to businesses and individuals impacted by the extended lockdown.

JobSaver payments will now be available to businesses with an annual turnover of between $75,000 and $250 million, up from $50 million, which have experienced a revenue decline of 30 per cent or more.

The maximum weekly payment has also been substantially increased, with employing businesses that maintain their employee headcount now able receive between $1,500 and $100,000 per week, up from $10,000, with payments based on 40 per cent of their weekly NSW payroll.

Berejiklian said the additional support would help deliver businesses and individuals the financial assistance needed during the extension of the lockdown.

"We know these restrictions are tough but necessary to get the current situation under control and that is why we are coming to the table to help businesses and individuals with more financial support," Berejiklian said.

"We don't want people to have to worry about how they are going to keep the lights on or reopen their businesses when restrictions ease, which is why we are investing billions to give people that peace of mind."

New rules for the construction sector

Construction will remain banned during the lockdown for eight LGAs that have been designated as areas of concern (Fairfield, Canterbury Bankstown, Liverpool, Cumberland, Blacktown, Parramatta, Georges River and Campbelltown), however outside of those areas construction can recommence in non-occupied dwellings.

In addition, outside of those eight LGAs tradies are permitted to visit a home so long as they won't have contact with anyone while they are working.

"Construction will resume on Saturday 31 July, with safety measures such as controls on movements between sites, reduced contact between workers within sites, improved tracing capability and a focus on encouraging workers to get vaccinated," NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said.

"Works in occupied premises including residential homes can also resume from this Saturday where there is zero contact between workers and residents. There will be a limit of up to two workers for indoor services and five workers for outdoor services, and works will only be possible where it is feasible for residents to vacate the area. If contactless arrangements are not possible, work cannot go ahead.

"Unfortunately, construction will not resume in the eight LGAs of concern - Fairfield, Blacktown, Cumberland, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Liverpool, Parramatta and Georges River Local Government Areas."

Year 12s to get vaccinated ahead of a return to school

The NSW Government will roll out the Pfizer vaccine to some Year 12s who are to return to face-to-face schooling in two weeks' time on Monday 16 August.

"I want to be clear that this is based on the fact that within those eight LGAs of concern the New South Wales Government will be vaccinating students 16 to 18 years of age who are in Year 12," Berejiklian said.

"So year 12s, because the Pfizer vaccine is allowed in young adults or young children or adolescents, the New South Wales Government will start a vaccination program.

"I want to stress we haven't been given extra doses of the vaccine from any other government or the states or the Federal Government."

Every other student in the state will continue home schooling until the extended lockdown period finishes.

Tougher restrictions for LGAs of concern

Residents living in LGAs of concern to NSW Health will not be permitted to work outside of the areas they live in because of high rates of case numbers being recorded in those specific areas.

As such, residents living in the LGAs of Fairfield, Canterbury Bankstown, Liverpool, Cumberland, Blacktown, Parramatta, Georges River and Campbelltown must not work outside of their area unless they're a healthcare worker or an aged care worker.

"We don't want anyone leaving the house in those areas unless they absolutely have to," Berejiklian said.

"The virus is now circulating in their community at a rate that we think is too dangerous to allow them to go out for work unless it's in those critical industries that we've identified."

The state government has also expanded its three-day testing regime to include every single worker that lives in the Canterbury Bankstown LGA.

"Canterbury Bankstown has now become the central spot where most cases are being generated," Berejiklian said.

Workers from the Fairfield LGA will no longer have to present for a COVID-19 test every three days, except for those working in the aged care or healthcare industries.

Updated at 12.01pm AEST on 28 July 2021.

Fresh $400m Victorian business support package targets SMEs, tenancy relief and more

The Commonwealth and Victorian Governments will jointly fund a new $400 million round of support packages to help Victoria's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) recover from the recent lockdown, including assistance for commercial property renters and landlords.

The news comes as the state emerges from its fifth COVID-19 lockdown with daily community case numbers back in the single digits with eight reported overnight, and comes hot on the heels of a $283 million stimulus announced a week ago.

The latest scheme, funded 50-50 and to be administered by the Victorian Government, includes a new $85 million Small Business COVID Hardship Fund and a $156 million Business Continuity Fund, as well as boosts for existing hospitality and alpine business support mechanisms.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Victorian businesses have borne the brunt of the heavy cost of lockdowns that kept the state and Australia safe.

"Together we can and we will recover from this," the Prime Minister says.

"Last year, Victoria and our nation faced heavy blows from COVID, but with the right supports in place our economy and businesses came back strongly and a million people returned to work.

"We will continue to do what is necessary to support Victorian businesses as we face the evolving challenges of COVID-19."

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says the package is all about protecting and growing jobs to support the state's economic recovery.

"With this funding we'll continue driving jobs and economic recovery here in Victoria, and for the nation," the Premier says.

The treasurers of both governments have also stressed the importance of these new measures to help Victorians on the pathway out of lockdown.

"No amount of support can make up for what business owners have experienced over the last year and half, but this latest package will support them as they reopen after this latest lockdown," Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, a Victorian himself, says.

"We're supporting Victorian businesses each step of the way as we continue to fight this pandemic," adds Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas.

"We know small businesses have been doing it tough and this new fund will give them the support they need to recover," Pallas says.

Further details on the new supports are as follows:

Business Continuity Fund

A $156 million Business Continuity Fund will be established to deliver $5,000 grants to up to around 30,000 businesses that remain impacted by capacity limits placed on businesses by necessary public health restrictions.

Twenty-four eligible sectors are covered by the fund including gyms, cafes, restaurants, catering services and hairdressers.

Recognising businesses located in the CBD will continue to be impacted due to restrictions on the number of staff allowed in office buildings, they will be eligible to receive an additional $2,000 recognising reduced foot traffic due to office density limits.

Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021

The Licenced Hospitality Venue Fund will receive a $70 million boost, with grants of up to $20,000 to be made available to support licensed venues as their operations continue to be impacted by current restrictions.

These grants recognise that larger venues depend more on dine-in and have higher operating costs, so need more support than smaller operations.

Again an additional $2,000 will also be made available to the business if it is located within the CBD.

To receive this funding, venues will need to have received or been eligible for the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021.

Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme and Landlord Hardship Fund

The package, to be fully funded by the Victorian Government, will deliver $80 million to provide support to landlords that provide rent relief to their tenants.

The Commercial Tenancies Relief Scheme will be reinstated to provide much needed rent relief to small to medium commercial tenants and their landlords with more details on the roll out to be provided by the Victorian Government soon.

A mediation service for tenants and landlords will further support fair tenancy negotiations.

Tenants and landlords will be encouraged to enter negotiations directly, with the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) available to provide mediation if parties cannot reach satisfactory agreement. Landlords will not be able to lock out or evict tenants without a determination from the VSBC.

Legislation will shortly be introduced to enact the Scheme, which will be applied from today to ensure rent relief can start immediately.

"As we emerge from lockdown, this is exactly the right time to provide relief for those businesses that need extra assistance to get back on their feet," says Minister for Small Business Jaala Pulford.

"We're calling for good-faith negotiations between tenants and landlords, and the hardship fund will mean landlords who find reasonable common ground will be supported."

Small Business COVID Hardship Fund

A new $85 million fund will be established to support small businesses who have not been eligible under existing business support funds.

Small businesses with a payroll of up to $10 million who have experienced a 70 per cent or greater reduction in revenue will be eligible for grants of up to $5,000.

Alpine Business Support Program

Alpine Business Support will receive a further $9.8 million to deliver grants of between $5,000 and $20,000 to 430 Alpine based businesses in recognition of restricted inter and intra-state travel during the peak winter season.

The funding also includes an additional $5 million support to alpine resort operators and management boards.

The Commonwealth and Victorian Governments continue to work together to support Victorians through this challenging time.

Updated at 11:54am AEST on 28 July 2021.

New Brisbane COVID case was infectious while staying at City Backpackers hostel

People who have visited the City Backpackers, Roma Street in Brisbane at any time since 22 July will be called upon for testing after a returned traveller who stayed there tested positive to COVID-19.

Queensland Health Minister Yvtte D'Ath and Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young told a press conference this morning the man is a Perth resident who had returned from the Philippines, and completed quarantine at a Quest hotel after three negative tests for the virus.

A Quest spokesperson has confirmed he was in quarantine at Quest Chermside in Brisbane's north.

The man left hotel quarantine on 17 July, but on 26 July he felt unwell and got tested at the Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital (RBWH) that night.

"It is deemed that he has been infectious in the community since the 22nd of July," D'Ath said.

"This individual has been residing at the Roma Street City Backpackers during this period."

Dr Jeannette Young noted contact tracing was underway for anyone who stayed at the hostel, and emphasised anyone who was in contact with him could have visited "anywhere in the state".

The case is one of 20 new reported COVID-19 cases in Queensland today, the other 19 relating to crew members from the bulk carrier vessel MV Sanyu which arrived in Torres Strait waters on Monday.

It was disclosed to authorities that many ship workers were sick, so health authorities boarded the vessel to test them for COVID-19.

"That ship will steam around to Weipa...if it hasn't arrived already this morning it should be arriving fairly soon. Then we will organise to take those sick crew off that ship, maintaining enough crew on that ship to keep that ship safe," Dr Young said.

"Then we'll bring those sick crew down to Brisbane to be managed in one of our quarantine facilities in Brisbane. All of that is happening as we speak."

Despite the lifting of lockdowns in South Australia and Victoria, Queensland is maintaining its hotspot designations for the two states but will be allowing some arrivals from both provided they are either Queensland residents or have been granted exemptions, and have suitable accommodation to complete home quarantine. 

At the time of writing Queensland Health has not yet updated its exposure sites list to include the hostel, but residents of the state are encouraged to check the list on a daily basis. 

Updated at 9:56am AEST on 28 July.

City council offers leg up to struggling Sydneysiders

With no clear end in sight to Sydney's lockdown, the City Council plans to dish out grants, masks and food in a bid to help struggling residents.

The rescue package will set Sydney council back $5 million in grants and donations,  plus an additional $7.8 million in estimated revenue foregone each month.

"The pandemic has had a severe impact on our community and economy. We are providing support through the crisis and ensuring we're ready to help breathe life back into the city when lockdowns are lifted," Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

"Funding the provision of food and masks and offering rapid response grants to community organisations and initiatives will help us support our most vulnerable."

Though the news comes just one week after the announcement of the multi-billion dollar 2021 COVID-19 Support Package, released jointly by the NSW and federal governments, Moore gave short shrift to Canberra in today's announcement.

"The need for such drastic action highlights just how serious the situation is. It also highlights just how seriously we have been let down by the Federal Government," she said.

"We need an urgent rollout of vaccines, greater health and safety in quarantine for incoming travellers and more support for businesses and people including the urgent reinstatement of JobKeeper.

"It is the federal government's role to look after people. It is the State government's role to look after businesses. It is the City's role to reinvigorate the CBD and attract workers, visitors and tourists back to support our businesses when the time comes but we must survive before we can look to recovery."

The package covers:

• $4 million in grants for businesses and creatives to work on initiatives to support reactivation post-lockdown.
• $8.9 million cash and value-in-kind through existing City grant programs.
• Donations of $300,000 each for OzHarvest and Foodbank and $100,000 for SecondBite, in order to help vulnerable communities access food.
• An additional $250,000 in new Covid-19 community emergency quick response grants.
• $50,000 for masks for vulnerable communities and connecting people with mental health services.
• Extension of the outdoor dining program and waiving of associated fees through to 30 June 2022.
• Continuing existing fee waivers for footway dining, venue hire, banners, parking services, childcare and health and compliance activities, as well as offering rent rebates on certain City-owned properties for the lockdown period, estimated to cost $7.8 million per month.

The lockdown recovery package adds to the $20 million CBD revitalisation fund established by the City and NSW government in October 2020, aimed at boosting the city centre economy and supporting businesses over the summer months.

The Lord Mayor also said that, moving beyond the current crisis, the Council would continue to zero in on stimulating the local economy.

"As restrictions ease, we will once again need to revitalise our city and attract workers and visitors back safely. We are opening an exciting new grants program that will encourage neighbouring businesses and creatives to collaborate on events and activations that will enliven whole city precincts," she said.

"We will continue to work closely with the NSW Government to help businesses reopen, attract patrons and operate in a Covid-safe way when the lockdown lifts."

Affected businesses will be able to seek information on how to access these grants through a concierge service operated by the City, which has provided one-on-one advice since the outset of the pandemic.

SA announces no new cases of COVID-19 ahead of lockdown lifting at midnight

South Australia has recorded no new cases of COVID-19 today, prompting the state to proceed with the planned lifting of lockdown settings at midnight tonight.

However, strict restrictions will remain including seated consumption of food and beverages, and mandatory mask wearing in certain settings.

"Thank you very much to all of those people who helped us get to this situation," says South Australian Premier Steven Marshall.

"I will particularly like to thank those people who had to go into a directed quarantine situation either at home or in the medi-hotel."

The shift will still see strong measures put into place to reduce any risks of further community transmission.

"I think we're going to be getting used to seeing far more masks around South Australia," the Premier said.

"We know the situation in New South Wales at the moment, so we do need to be at a higher level of readiness."

Masks will be necessary in care facilities, personal care services such as hairdressers (for the worker and the client), and indoor public places like supermarkets.

Students and staff in education will also receive support, with twelve trucks delivering facemasks for secondary schools. Masks are also being highly recommended within other workplaces. 

The $100 million business support package has already been delivered to 2,500 businesses across the state, giving them access to the $3,000 emergency grant.

Training for sport has been deemed acceptable, however matches will not be allowed for the following week. Chruch services will also be allowed to resume with one person per 4sqm. Singing in a choir will be banned, with only one performer allowed at a time. 

The current outbreak in NSW is still causing concern for authorities in SA. 

"Our thoughts are with the people in New South Wales," Marshall said.

"We have a huge number of applications for people to return to South Australia.

"We are trying to get through those in a priortised way but the risk of people coming in from New South Wales is actually higher than people coming from overseas."

There are a total of 25 active cases in South Australia, and two people are in hospital. 

Updated at 12:00pm AEST on 27 July 2021.

Victoria to exit lockdown from midnight but some restrictions will remain

With all of Victoria's 10 new cases of community transmission in isolation for their entire infectious period, the state will move to leave lockdown from 11.59pm tonight but many restrictions will remain in place.

Notably, Victorians will not be allowed to welcome visitors to their homes, while crowds will remain banned at AFL matches and theatres. But after living through the state's fifth lockdown, residents are sure to welcome the raft of changes announced today.

The new post-lockdown settings will be in place for two weeks, and will see the five reasons to leave the home, the 5km travel limit and the two hour exercise restrictions ditched.

Instead, more relaxed restrictions will come into effect including:

• Schools will reopen for all year levels
• Bars, restaurants, live music venues and pubs will reopen with the 4sqm rule in place
• Gyms can reopen with the 4sqm rule in place
• Community sport can resume
• Public gatherings will be limited to 10 people
• Funerals and weddings can go ahead with 50 people in attendance (excluding people who are intrinsic to the event going ahead)
• Masks must be worn in both indoor and outdoor settings
• Crowds will remain banned at AFL matches, the theatre, etc.
• Gatherings in the home are still not permitted. People will only be able to book accommodation with their household, intimate partner or single bubble person.

Victoria will return to the rule that 'if you can work from home, you should work from home' but office workers will be able to return up to 25 per cent or up to 10 people - whichever is greater.

People will be free to visit ski fields again, but due to the higher risk in these settings entry to Victoria's alpine resorts will require a COVID test and receipt of a negative result within 72 hours prior to visiting. Children under 12 years of age are not required to be tested.

In addition, new border control measures will come into play from 11.59pm today and will see the state's strict "Extreme Risk Zone" permit approach currently applied to most of New South Wales extended to the local government areas of Wagga Wagga, Hay, Lockhart and Murrumbidgee.

This means travellers from those areas will be banned from entering Victoria unless they receive an essential traveller permit.

"There's a refusal to lock people in Sydney into Sydney, so therefore I have no choice but to make these changes," Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said.

"We have seen off two Delta outbreaks - I don't think there's a jurisdiction in the world that has been able to achieve that.

"But at the same time we have to remain vigilant."

With regard to the continued mandate that masks be worn in all settings outside the home, Andrews pointed to a recent report from the Burnet Institute which found mask wearing was the single-most important control measure and "turned the epidemic around" in Melbourne last year.

Co-lead author Dr Nick Scott said the introduction of mandatory mask use by the Victorian Government on 22 July 2020 while Stage 3 restrictions were in place, turned an exponential increase in community transmission into an exponential decrease, almost overnight.

"We had a unique situation in Melbourne where masks were made mandatory as a single policy change, and compliance went from low use to a very high use of masks in the community very rapidly," Burnet Institute head of modelling and biostatistics Dr Scott said.

"What we saw was a significant 20-30 per cent reduction in the effective reproduction rate that correlated with that policy, so it turned the epidemic around from case numbers that were increasing every day to a situation where we could see the numbers were getting back under control."

In response to the news, Australian Retailers Association (ARA) CEO Paul Zahra welcomed the end of severe restrictions in Victoria which would have cost around $2 billion in retail trade.

However, Zahra has called on the Federal Government to urgently reinstate business support measures to offset mounting losses of continued Delta outbreaks.

"This has been an unprecedented time with lockdowns occurring across multiple states without an adequate business safety net, leaving many businesses and their employees with mounting debts and costs while having their income cut off," Zahra said.

"With Delta we are potentially facing another economic cliff. Small businesses around the country face continued hurdles as the Delta variant threatens commercial operations particularly in NSW, which is our economic capital.

"We have called on the Prime Minister to restore a number of targeted business support measures until vaccination rates improve considerably."

Updated at 11.43am AEST on 27 July 2021.

172 community cases for NSW as virus becoming "more prominent" in Western Sydney

COVID-19 case numbers remain high in locked-down Greater Sydney and the surrounding regions, as Premier Gladys Berejiklian flags a possible announcement tomorrow about what life will look like beyond 31 July.

There were 172 cases of community transmission recorded in NSW during the 24 hours to 8pm last night, of which only 61 are known to have been in isolation for the entirety of their infectious period.

The Premier also noted there were two deaths from the virus yesterday.

There are now 171 patients in hospital with COVID-19, of whom 46 are in intensive care with 19 on ventilation.

"Time and time again cases are popping up in workplaces, amongst workers in those critical places of employment, but also in households," the Premier said.

"Tragically, I want to extend my condolences to the families and loved ones of the two older women who succumbed to the disease yesterday."

In terms of key areas of concern, Berejiklian noted the virus was becoming "more prominent" in Western Sydney than Southwestern Sydney.

"Of course we want to ask the Southwestern community to stay vigilant. In particular I want to call out and thank the Fairfield local government area who have shown a positive result in declining number of cases, but now we've seen adjoining councils in Western Sydney increase the number of cases we have," she said.

"We ask for populations in the Canterbury Bankstown area, in the Liverpool area, in the Cumberland community in particular and also the Parramatta council area to make sure that they're vigilant, they're coming forward to get tested, and you're not leaving the house unless you absolutely have to."

The Premier continued the call-out to NSW residents to get vaccinated as part of the state's "recipe for freedom", reinforcing the message that the vaccine helps protect against serious illness and reduces how infectious you are.

"Pleasingly, from tomorrow we have increased our presence of pharmacists in Southwestern and Western Sydney providing vaccinations," she said.

"From tomorrow, over-18s will be able to access the vaccining pharmacists, and from Friday our NSW Health Hubs will be able to take bookings for people over 18 years of age for the AstraZeneca vaccine.

"This is positive news in line with the health advice, so I'm asking everybody to come forward and get the vaccine."

Click here for an updated list of NSW exposure sites.

Updated at 11:33am AEST on 27 July 2021.

SA lockdown on track to end from tomorrow midnight after one new local case detected

South Australia is poised to lift its lockdown from tomorrow midnight after the state recorded one new case of community transmission today, but a set of tight restrictions are expected hang around from Wednesday.

It comes as a man in his 80s who attended Tenafeate Creek Wines tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday, but was in quarantine during his infectious period. 

"I've got to say I'm very proud of South Australia and very grateful to all South Australians for the way they've adhered to restrictions that have been put in place," says Premier Steven Marshall.

"We've had one week with with very, very tough lockdown conditions. There will be a further week of restrictions in place.

"Now it's very likely that some of those restrictions will remain in place even after that."

For the week after lockdown lifts the one person per four square metre rule will return and consumption of food and beverage will be permitted indoors and outdoors. Work in retail, hospitality and construction will also be allowed.

Gyms will be allowed to re-open, with the restriction of one person per eight square metres, and a maximum of 10 people will be allowed to gather in a single household.   

Masks will still be necessary in the following high-risk settings:

• Personal care services such as salons and hair dressers
• Passenger transport service such as buses and taxis
• Health care services

Schooling will return to classroom learning, however the bans on singing, dancing and shisha will not be lifted. 

17,000 people were tested yesterday, and the list of exposure sites has reached 80 locations.

Updated at 12.01am AEST on 26 July 2021.

Canterbury Bankstown now at greatest risk as New South Wales records 145 new cases

The Premier of New South Wales Gladys Berejiklian has today encouraged residents of the Canterbury Bankstown local government area (LGA) to be extra vigilant in the coming days due to a heightened risk of contracting COVID-19 as the state records 145 new cases of community transmission.

As such, Berejiklian has urged those living in Canterbury Bankstown to be "extra careful" and abide by the strict lockdown rules because that particular LGA is at risk of seeing COVID-19 cases spike.

The Premier also said the LGA of Fairfield, previously the state's largest hotspot, has seen a reduction in the number of new people infected with COVID-19 as residents have abided by the rules.

"I really want to thank the people of Fairfield local government area - in the last few days we've seen a reduction in the cases that local council area has," Berejiklian said.

"We also know that they're the least mobile in all of New South Wales - they've actually been doing the right thing.

"Now we know there's greater risk in the Canterbury Bankstown area. So we ask residents in the Canterbury Bankstown area, in Liverpool, in the Cumberland local government area to be extra, extra careful and please abide by the rules."

Of the 145 new cases of community transmission in NSW, of which 76 were active in the community for all or part of their infectious period, meaning only around half were isolating for the entire time they were infectious.

"Can I stress again that it's really important for people not to leave home unless they absolutely have to," NSW Premier Berejiklian said.

In addition to abiding by lockdown rules, both Berejiklian and NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant stressed the importance of getting vaccinated.

It comes after the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) changed its advice regarding the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine over the weekend, now recommending all adults aged over 18 go out and get that jab.

"I welcome the revised health advice, which now says that all adults can get the vaccine, so please come forward and get vaccinated," Berejiklian said.

"Especially in those Southwestern Sydney suburbs and Western Sydney areas. We now have additional clinics, we've got pharmacists that are online, your GPs - its really important for people to get vaccinated.

"Not only does the vaccine assist in keeping you out of hospital, but it also helps protect your loved ones because we know that the vaccine helps in reducing how contagious people are."

Updated at 11.41am AEST on 26 July 2021.

Raft of new exposure sites listed in Gold Coast, Brisbane as delayed case reports come through

Update (27 July): It has been confirmed by Queensland Health that genome sequencing has linked the latest case who travelled from China to another hotel quarantine guest from South Africa, who had flown to Australia from Doha.

Queenslanders have been urged to keep a close eye on a growing list of exposure sites in the wake of revelations about two new cases in particular - a Sydneysider who is now known as the index case for a flight attendant whose positive test was revealed on Friday, and a man who returned to Australia from China.

Westfield Chermside, two Nundah locations, Harbour Town, Pacific Fair, the Q Super Centre in Mermaid Waters, a childcare centre in Parkwood, and a Chinese restaurant in Southport are among the new venues listed.

Yesterday the state's health authorities confirmed the flight crew member had likely been infected with COVID-19 when she picked up a man from Ballina, NSW - a close contact of a known COVID-19 case - on 14 July, giving some relief to regional communities and passengers connected to her previous flights to and from Longreach, Gladstone and Harvey Bay.

Today the Queensland Government has revealed one new case of community transmission who not only passed three negative COVID-19 tests before being released from hotel quarantine in Brisbane, but came forward for testing almost two weeks ago.

"I'm not sure of the acquisition of this case. It could have been in China, it could have been in hotel quarantine, or indeed it could have been in the community down in the Gold Coast," says Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young.

The man returned to his home on the Gold Coast on 12 July, but as he and his family felt unwell they went to their GP the next day and got tested.

It must be noted that visiting your local doctor is discouraged in these circumstances and that the health advice is to present to a COVID-19 testing clinic instead if you have symptoms.

"We got that first test result back yesterday, but it was a very, very high CT (cycle threshold) value so not a lot of virus, so we're just trying to work through what exactly that meant," says Dr Young.

"We got a second test done and that's come back at a moderate level of a CT value which means there's a reasonable amount of virus."

A CT value relates to how many cycles it takes for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to detect the virus, implying an inverse relationship between how high the CT value is and the viral load.

This value has no bearing on the severity of disease, but it can give health professionals or contact tracers a signal as to the stage of the virus a patient might be in and how infectious they are.

"So that [moderate CT value] means he's definitely at the acute stage of the new infection. So we'll just work through what that means," Dr Young says.

"We've already spoken to him, of course, and worked out where he's been out in the community and we've put all of those exposures sides up on our website. So there's quite a number of those for people to be aware of.

"Anyone who's been in the Gold Coast or in Brisbane, since 13th of July, please look at her website and check and see if you've been to any of those exposure sites."

Updated at 12:16pm AEST on 26 July 2021.

ATAGI changes AstraZeneca vaccine advice for adults in Sydney

Advice surrounding the administration of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine has changed over the weekend, with all adults in Sydney now asked to "strongly consider" getting the jab as cases continue to rise in the New South Wales capital.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) issued a statement on Saturday regarding the immunisation of all adults in Sydney, slightly changing its advice.

The advisory group's new advice is that all adults aged 18 years and older in greater Sydney should "strongly consider" getting vaccinated with any available vaccine, including AstraZeneca.

"This is on the basis of the increasing risk of COVID-19 and ongoing constraints of Comirnaty (Pfizer) supplies," ATAGI said.

"In addition, people in areas where outbreaks are occurring can receive the second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine 4 to 8 weeks after the first dose, rather than the usual 12 weeks, to bring forward optimal protection."

The advice is a departure from ATAGI's previous communication that the AstraZeneca vaccine was not recommended for those aged under 60 because of a blood clotting risk for younger Australians.

However, due to the size of the COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney, ATAGI said the benefits of receiving the AstraZeneca jab were greater than the risk of rare side effects for all age groups.

"In the context of the current risk of COVID-19 in NSW and with the ongoing constraints on Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine supplies, all adults in greater Sydney should strongly consider the benefits of earlier protection with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca rather than waiting for alternative vaccines," ATAGI said.

"Maximal protection requires two doses of vaccine, but even a single dose of either vaccine provides substantial protection (by more than 70 per cent) against hospitalisation.

"A single dose of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca partially reduces transmission by around half and therefore may also benefit close contacts and the community."

The updated advice preceded a Federal Government announcement on Sunday that an additional 85 million doses of the Pfizer jab had been secured - 60 million of which will come this year and 25 million in 2023.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the new supply schedule would provide every Australian with a booster vaccine if required.

"We have secured an additional 85 million doses of Pfizer, which brings Australia's total Pfizer doses to 125 million," the Prime Minister said.

"This is a significant shot in the arm for Australia's vaccine supply. Every Australian will have access to a booster shot if it is needed.

"This will ensure individuals, families and communities have certainty about their continued protection against the evolving threat of COVID-19 over the next two years. We have turned the corner in Australia's vaccine programme, and this is another milestone on our pathway back to a normal life."

COVID cases rise nationally

The updates come amid a weekend during which three Australian states were in lockdown and hundreds of fines were issued and dozens charged following anti-lockdown protests in Sydney.

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she was "utterly disgusted" by the protests.

"It just broke my heart that people had such a disregard for their fellow citizens," the Premier said.

As the protests were happening on Saturday NSW recorded 163 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19, and then 141 on Sunday.

Interstate, South Australia and Victoria also recorded new locally acquired cases ahead of planned easing of lockdown restrictions.

SA's situation is looking positive ahead of the end of its seven-day lockdown, set to finish on Tuesday, recording one new locally acquired case on Saturday and two on Sunday - all of which were in isolation while infectious.

Victoria recorded 12 new cases on Saturday and 11 on Sunday. All of Sunday's cases were in isolation while infectious.

Meanwhile Queensland authorities are scrambling to identify new exposure sites in the state after a man from Sydney ignored quarantine orders and travelled to the state, spending days in the community.

As such, several contact tracing locations in Chermside and Nundah were issued on Sunday afternoon, including multiple times and dates for Goodstart Early Learning Centre in Parkwood on the Gold Coast from 13 to 23 July.

The full list of new Queensland exposure sites can be found here.

Updated at 10.15am AEST on 26 July 2021.

Daniel Andrews calls for "ring of steel" around Sydney as Victoria records 14 new cases

After Gladys Berejiklian today declared the COVID-19 situation in New South Wales a "national emergency", her counterpart in Victoria has demanded a ring of steel be placed around Sydney to ensure the highly infectious Delta strain stops leaking interstate.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews made the comments this morning during his daily COVID-19 update during which it was revealed the state had recorded 14 new locally acquired cases of the coronavirus overnight.

"We need a ring of steel around Sydney so that this virus is not spreading into other parts of our nation," Andrews said.

"Let's focus on fixing what's going on in Sydney, let's focus on not spreading what's going on in Sydney across the rest of our country - we'll finish up with the whole country in lockdown.

"The last thing I want is Victorians to see off this second Delta outbreak, only to have further incursions because what's been going on in Sydney has not been contained to Sydney."

It comes as Victoria records 14 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases, of which three were infectious in the community and one is still under investigation.

"We now have 75 per cent plus of our new cases isolated, no risk to public health, no risk to anyone else," Andrews said.

"That's a triumph of the work that our entire public health team is doing, but its also a testament to about 20,000 people who are at home, isolating, to keep everybody else safe."

The state conducted circa 43,500 tests yesterday which Andrews says gives health authorities a "pretty complete picture of what's going on".

The Premier has encouraged Victorians to continue to get tested to give him confidence that lockdown restrictions can ease next week.

"It's very difficult for us today, on Friday, to predict what will happen next Tuesday at midnight," the Premier said.

"But I would say that the trend is with us - these results are very encouraging."

Updated at 12.29pm AEST on 23 July 2021.

NSW outbreak a "national emergency" as state records 136 locally acquired cases

Both NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian and Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant have labelled the state's outbreak a "national emergency", calling for an urgent increase in vaccination in affected areas.

It comes after the state recorded 136 cases of local transmission in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, of which less than four in every 10 were known to be in isolation for their entire infectious period.

Therefore, 83 of the new cases were either active in the community, only isolated for part of their infectious period, or their movement are unknown.

Berejiklian indicated that from today "the New South Wales Government will be calling on the Federal Government to refocus our national vaccination strategy" to prevent the outbreak spilling across state borders.

Dr Chant explained a rethink was needed given case numbers were not going down or flattening as authorities would have liked, calling to break the "myth" around AstraZeneca so that more over-40s get the vaccine, and more under-40s consider it.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard emphasised that while the probability of death from COVID was one in 200 for older populations, the probability of death from AstraZeneca-related complications was more like one in two million

With growing clusters concentrated in Western and Southwestern Sydney, Dr Chant recommended the refocused vaccine strategy should specifically target the existing key areas of concern in the local government areas (LGAs) of Fairfield, Canterbury, Bankstown and Liverpool, but also new LGAs with heightened restrictions - Blacktown and Cumberland.

Workers in Blacktown and Cumberland will now also be subject to rules that won't allow them to leave their communities, unless they are registered on an authorised list of "critical workers".

"What we've done as a government is is refocus our efforts in distributing vaccines in Southwest Sydney - we have a micro-plan for how we will get not only more doses of AstraZeneca in arms, but we also have to acknowledge that is a very young population in those communities, and we need at least more first doses of Pfizer," the Premier said.

"We will be taking to National Cabinet, through the advice of the chief medical officer, our strong advice and recommendation that consideration be given to at least having more people have at least one dose of either vaccine, which reduces transmission.

"Fortunately, one thing that's become apparent during the last few weeks is that barely anybody with two doses of the vaccine is having acquired serious illness. The vaccines are working."

She reiterated the vaccines help stop high rates of transmission which means stopping people spreading it as much as they otherwise would, or stopping people from getting very sick.

The Premier noted the virus continued to spread mostly through households and workplaces, with the latter coming from essential businesses that keep Sydney working and fed, such as in critical food outlets and critical distribution chains.

As lockdowns continue to impact residents living in those areas, Berejiklian hinted the NSW government will be considering "additional support" to those areas in the days to come.

Berejiklian said the lockdown is likely to be extended.

"There is no doubt that the numbers are not going in the direction we were hoping," the Premier said.

"It's fairly apparent that we won't be close to zero by next Friday."

Sadly, NSW Health also reported the death of an 89-year-old resident today.

Updated at 12.52am AEST on 23 July 2021.

"Early signs are very positive": SA announces one new case of COVID-19

Premier Steven Marshall has announced one new COVID-19 case in South Australia, which has been linked to the Tenafeate Creek Wines cluster that was announced two days ago and has now risen to eight cases.

Last night, SA health authorities also listed another winery in the state's growing list of exposure sites which now totals 79 - the Seppeltsfield Winery in the Barossa Valley.

The new case is a man who has been transferred to Tom's Court Hotel after developing symptoms while in quarantine, where he has tested positive.

The state has also hit an all-time record in testing with 23,572 results returned. The waiting time for results has remained around the 12-hour mark.

"All the early signs are very positive this will just be a seven-day lockdown," Premier Marshall says.

"I think we have cause for optimism, but we've only got cause for optimism because of the great cooperation that we have had from the people of South Australia.

A new testing site will also be added at Netball SA Mile End to keep up with demand.

Parts of the TAFE SA Regency Park campus have also been identified as tier 1 COVID-19 exposure sites, forcing people who attended those sections of the campus to immediately go into quarantine.

Anyone who attended the G block on the campus between 8:30am - 4:40pm on Monday must get tested immediately and quarantine for 14 days with all members of their household.

Other sections of the campus identified as tier 1 exposure sites include the campus's C and F block, iCentral and the main entrance. Anyone who was at those locations from 9:45am - 11:00am must also quarantine.

The entire campus has been listed as a tier 4 site, urging anyone who attended the campus to monitor for symptoms and get tested if they begin to feel unwell.

Today's announcement brings the total case numbers in South Australia to 15. 

Updated at 11.45pm AEST on 23 July 2021.

NZ to suspend Australian quarantine-free travel for eight weeks

The worsening COVID-19 situation in NSW with transmission into other states has led the New Zealand Government to act "with an abundance of caution", suspending the travel bubble with Australia for eight weeks starting at 11:59pm NZT tonight.

While New Zealand already has paused quarantine-free travel to the Australian states of NSW, VIC and SA, covering approximately half the country's population, NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says there is "no doubt the movement of people can complicate recovery".

"It is the government's duty to keep New Zealanders safe from COVID-19, and we continue to believe that the strongest health response is also the strongest economic response," PM Ardern says.

"The Director General of Health has recommended and Cabinet has agreed to suspend quarantine-free travel with Australia. From 11:59pm tonight Australians will no longer be able to enter New Zealand quarantine-free - this will be in place for at least the next eight weeks."

She clarifies the NZ Government is "absolutely committed" to getting New Zealanders in Australia home.

"For the next seven days we will have managed return flights for New Zealanders from all states and territories. Only New Zealand citizens and those ordinarily resident in New Zealand will be able to fly home," she says.

"While we have set the return period to seven days, if we have not met the demand for Kiwis to return in that time we will work with the airlines to extend those flights for a few days till we have brought all those who intend to come home.

As is already the case, anyone who has been in NSW in the last 14 days can only return to New Zealand by a flight from Sydney and will still have to go into manage isolation for 14 days. Those who have been in Victoria must have proof of a negative pre-departure test a and must immediately self isolate upon return, and return a negative day-three test before ending the isolation period.

"For everyone else, you can fly home provided you have evidence of a negative pre-departure test, which is our existing arrangement," Ardern says.

"Once we've exhausted the demand for Kiwis to return, then the suspension of travel will be fully implemented. That means all incoming travellers from Australia will need to have a spot in managed isolation."

The NZ Prime Minister did however emphasise she wanted the travel bubble, which has seen more than 200,000 people travel between the two countries, to return and an assessment will be undertaken at the eight-week mark.

"Firstly, we do want the bubble to resume. We remain committed to it, and when I spoke to Prime Minister Scott Morrison this morning I conveyed this view directly, but it must be safe," she says.

"In the lead-up to reviewing the suspension we'd need to be certain that the outbreak in New South Wales and wider Australia is contained, that in remaining cases are generally linked, that we don't see the large number of cases we're currently seeing in the community.

"We'd want to ensure that New Zealand's elimination strategy would not be at risk from resuming quarantine-free travel."

Updated at 11:57am AEST on 23 July 2021.

TGA grants provisional approval of Pfizer COVID-19 jab for those aged as young as 12

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has provisionally approved the use of the Pfizer BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine (COMIRNATY) in individuals aged between 12 and 15.

Previously, the TGA had only provisionally approved the Pfizer inoculation for use in individuals 16 and older, but today's decision means younger adolescents can theoretically receive the vaccine if it is made available.

However, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) must still make its own recommendation on whether those aged as young as 12 can receive the vaccine.

Currently ATAGI recommends the Pfizer jab as the preferred vaccine for those aged 16 to 59 years, but supply constraints means the Federal Government is prioritising those most at risk of serious illness or death from COVID-19 to receive that specific vaccine.

Updated at 10.19am AEST on 23 July 2021.

Brisbane flight attendant tests positive after several regional flights 11 days ago

A Qantas flight attendant who lives in Brisbane has tested positive to COVID-19 after working on several regional flights between 11-12 July, with authorities urging passengers on all flights concerned - to and from Longreach, Gladstone and Harvey Bay - to come forward for testing.

Positive sewage testing in Byron Bay has also raised alarm bells for Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles, who recommends only essential interstate travel and has claimed "what is at stake is the border zone itself".

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young confirms the Banyo woman in her 30s who works as a flight attendant has tested positive to the Delta strain of the virus, but genome sequencing shows this is unrelated to other outbreaks currently reported in the state.

"She came forward and got tested on the 21st of July. Her symptoms started on the 13th of July, so we're deeming her infectious period back to the 11th of July," Dr Young says.

"She crewed six flights on the 11th and 12th of July, and it is critical that anyone who was on any of those flights immediately comes forward and gets tested."

The new community case was on the following flights:

• QF2534 Brisbane-Longreach on 11 July
• QF2535 Longreach-Brisbane on 11 July
• QF2346 Brisbane-Gladstone on 11 July (stayed overnight at the Mercure Hotel, Gladstone)
• QF2331 Gladstone-Brisbane on 12 July
• QF2374 Brisbane-Harvey Bay on 12 July
• QF2375 Harvey Bay-Brisbane on 12 July

"We're just working with her to look at where she was and what she did from the 13th of July when she became unwell," Dr Young explains.

"Initially she's told us that she's essentially stayed at home, so we're just working that through to check that is the case and whether there any exposure venues.

"So I would advise anyone in Brisbane to check our website this afternoon. We'll put up exposure venues and we'll put out a press release for where she might have been in Brisbane."

Deputy Premier Miles adds Queensland Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Glenn Butcher, was on the specified flight from Brisbane to Gladstone, has been tested and is in home quarantine.

"Given this is some time ago, if we can get all of the passengers tested that will give a picture of whether there is a greater risk here than we're currently aware of," Miles added.

Updated at 9:50am AEST on 23 July 2021.

Premier "hopeful" SA spread has stopped as two new cases reported

With South Australia reporting just two new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 today, the state's Premier is "hopeful" the spread of the Delta variant has been stopped.

"I'm still extraordinarily hopeful that we have been able to stop the spread of this disease," Marshall said.

"Hopefully over this seven-day lockdown period we can stop it dead in its tracks but that will only happen with the continued cooperation of all South Australians."

Both of SA's two new cases are linked to a cluster at the Tenafeate Creek winery in Yattalunga, bringing the total connected to the state's outbreak to 14

The update from the Premier comes after a record number of COVID-19 tests were undertaken yesterday, with 17,592 people coming forward to get tested.

However, Marshall noted that with the large number of South Australians in directed quarantine that still need to get tested there may be more new infections uncovered in the coming days.

"There's still a huge number of test results to come in, a huge number of people who are in directed quarantine at the moment," Marshall said.

SA now has more than 70 COVID-19 exposure locations, and the Premier has urged residents to regularly check the SA Health website to see if they have visited any of the sites.

Updated at 12.28pm AEST on 22 July 2021.

NSW daily case numbers hit 124 as community exposure remains high

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has warned Sydneysiders to "assume anybody you're in contact with has the virus" after the state logged its highest number of new cases since the current outbreak began on 16 June.

There were 124 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 reported for NSW in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, of which only 37 were in isolation throughout their infectious period.

This means that more than two-thirds of the latest cases were either out in the community at some point while infectious or their movements are unknown.

NSW Health reports 48 were infectious in the community, 22 cases were in isolation for part of their infectious period, and the isolation status of 17 cases remains under investigation.

That 48 number represents an increase on 43 yesterday and 27 on Tuesday, showing a fluctuating percentage between 34-39 per cent of new cases who are classed as 'infectious in the community'.

"Now, given that number of infectious in the community, I'm expecting case numbers to go up even higher," Berejiklian said.

Via covid19data.com.au

Of the new cases, 67 are linked to a known case or cluster, with the remaining 57 under investigation.

While the vast majority of cases came out of the South Western Sydney Local Health District (LHD) and Western Sydney LHD, positive results were recorded across the metropolitan region, the Nepean Blue Mountains LHD, and Illawarra Shoalhaven.

There are now 118 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital in NSW with 28 people in intensive care, 14 of whom require ventilation.

Health authorities recorded more than 85,000 tests carried out during the reporting period.

Updated at 12:38pm AEST on 22 July 2021.