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Covid-19 News Updates


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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