Covid-19 News Updates

ACT lockdown extended by one month, business support incoming

Australian Capital Territory Chief Minister Andrew Barr has announced the jurisdiction will remain in lockdown for an additional month until 15 October after recording 22 new COVID-19 cases today, of which only two were in isolation for their entire infectious period.

However, the Territory, which has been in lockdown since 12 August, will see some restrictions eased somewhat during that period, and business support is incoming.

According to Barr, the previously announced land tax and commercial rates relief will be doubled and extended until 31 December, and the utility concession will be increased to $1,000 in the current fiscal year.

Businesses will be receiving further financial support too, details of which will be announced in the coming days once a package jointly funded with the Commonwealth is finalised.

“The ACT Government is currently finalising agreements with the Commonwealth Treasurer to extend the jointly funded financial support programs for local businesses and the COVID disaster payments," Barr said.

"We anticipate being able to make joint announcements with the Commonwealth Treasurer shortly."

Barr said the ACT would be in a position to ease lockdown restrictions once COVID-19 vaccination targets were hit. Currently around 50 per cent of the Territory’s eligible population has been fully vaccinated.

“This next month is a period of uncertainty, and the next few weeks will be challenging,” Barr said.

“What we are certain of though is that a highly vaccinated Canberra is a safer Canberra. That is the safest path forward.”

Updated at 12.11pm AEST on 14 September 2021.

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Victoria's construction sector on notice, “zero tolerance” for non-compliance

With Victoria’s construction sector now considered a major source of COVID-19 transmission in the state, a compliance blitz will be enforced by the Government to ensure the industry remains open.

According to Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas, the industry is at a higher risk of spreading the virus, and many workers are not complying with current COVID-19 rules.

“[The] construction industry is young, it is mobile, as a workforce, they often visit multiple sites in any given week, and they return home to all areas of metropolitan Melbourne, particularly I might say in the north and western suburbs of Melbourne,” he said.

"And that represents a higher risk of spread of the virus.”

As such, a four-week blitz will be carried out by the Victorian Industry Enforcement and Engagement Operation in partnership with Workforce and the Victorian Building Authority.

The joint operation will have a ‘zero tolerance’ approach and will apply fines and prohibition notices to fix any serious non-compliance.

According to Pallas, the majority of constructions workers are complying with COVID-19 rules, but the few who aren't are taking the virus home with them to their families and communities.

"The nature of this workforce means that we have to go above and beyond the requirements for normal COVID compliance," Pallas said.

"This is not about special provision and exceptions for the construction industry, it's about recognising that they have an obligation to go that little bit further, given the opportunities that they have as permitted workers to continue to apply their trade.

"This industry needs to take these responsibilities seriously. They need to recognise that the rights and opportunities that they get as permitted workers come with considerable obligations to the community."

Further, to ensure the industry remains operational during the COVID-19 outbreak, construction workers will receive prioritised vaccinations.

The State is opening the doors of four major vaccination centres to walk-ups without a booking every day from today until 26 September.

Thousands of further priority Pfizer appointments will be released to construction workers too, as well as unlimited access to AstraZeneca.

Anyone who works at a site where civil works, building or construction activities take place, including contractors and architects working on site, will be eligible.

Our construction industry is critical to our state, but what is even more important is vaccinating each and every Victorian so we can slow the spread of the virus,” Pallas said.

“The construction sector’s ability to remain open is on a knife’s edge, and to ensure they can keep building, people need to get vaccinated and follow the rules.”

Victoria today reported 473 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases; the highest daily tally since the latest outbreak began.

Updated at 1.47pm AEST on 13 September 2021.

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Further support on the way for South Australian SMEs

Two new business grants have been announced today for small and medium businesses in South Australia, with the programs to deliver an additional $15 million in financial support to an estimated 3,500 local companies.

The new COVID-19 Tourism and Hospitality Support Grant will provide support for numerous sectors, including the performing arts, creative artists, taxis and car rentals.

The COVID-19 Business Hardship Grant has been introduced for businesses that have been significantly impacted by restrictions but were not deemed eligible for previous small business grants provided since July’s one-week lockdown.

Funding will be split evenly between the Commonwealth and SA governments, with the grant programs to offer:

• $3,000 for employing businesses with a turnover of less than $2 million
• $10,000 for employing businesses with a turnover of greater than $2 million
• $20,000 for employing businesses with a turnover of greater than $5 million
• $1,000 for non-employing businesses

Businesses in eligible tourism and hospitality sectors that have already received the COVID-19 Additional Business Support Grant will also receive $3,000 (employing businesses) and $1,000 (non-employing businesses). It is expected that the grants will automatically be paid within a week.

A COVID-19 Small Business Hardship Grant will also be introduced for businesses that have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 restrictions but have not been eligible for previous small business grants provided since SA's seven-day lockdown in July.

Employing businesses with payrolls below $10 million will be eligible to access $6,000, with $2,000 for non-employing businesses who have experienced a minimum 50 per cent reduction in turnover during the eligible period and have not been eligible for previous grant support since July.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said this package comes on top of the Morrison Government's $9.5 billion in direct economic support to South Australian households and businesses since the start of the pandemic.

"Already, the Commonwealth has provided $50 million in COVID-19 disaster payments to South Australia, supporting the incomes of around 86,000 individuals and in partnership with the State Government, committed more than $36 million to small and medium-sized businesses over course of the recent lockdowns," said Frydenberg.

"But there is light at the end of the tunnel. By sticking to the National Plan, agreed to by State and Territory leaders, we can safely ease restrictions and open up our economy."

The State Government is also increasing its Major Events Support Grant, with up to $100,000 available for large cancelled or postponed events where the event was expected to host 10,000 attendees or more.

For eligible events that already applied for the $25,000 grant in July, a top-up of $75,000 will be provided.

“We have recently been recognised as the most liveable place in the nation and our COVID recovery plan is focussed on standing shoulder-to-shoulder with small businesses as we navigate our way out of the global pandemic,” says Premier Steven Marshall.

“While we have more South Australians employed than ever before in the history of the state, there is no doubt many businesses have been doing it tough during the global pandemic.

"These new grants will further support our hardworking small businesses who are the backbone of the state’s economy.”

Applications for both new grant programs open on 17 September and close on 31 October.

“South Australian businesses have shown incredible resilience throughout this crisis,” Federal Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said.

“We’ve been with them every step of the way with unprecedented levels of support and continue to provide targeted assistance to those businesses still doing it tough.

“As we move towards vaccination rates that will allow us to further open up, this support will ensure businesses are there on the other side to employ more South Australians and contribute to our ongoing economic recovery.”

Pfizer bookings are now open to children aged 12 and over in SA

From today everyone aged 12 and older in South Australia will be eligible to book an appointment for a Pfizer vaccine in the State’s clinics.

SA Health has made an additional 60,000 appointment slots available, with capacity at Wayville vaccination clinic to be doubled. 

Pfizer appointments at state-run clinics are also open to over 60s from today.

The expansion comes as SA nears 60 per cents of the population over the age of 16 having received at least one dose of the vaccine.

SA has recorded no new cases of COVID-19 overnight. 

Updated at 10.11am AEST on 13 September 2021.

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Australia secures one million extra Moderna doses from EU

The Federal government has secured an additional one million Moderna doses from numerous European Union (EU) member states, with the stock to go to local community pharmacies across Australia.

It is expected the doses will arrive in the next week and will be delivered to 3,600 community pharmacies, alongside the first shipment of already contracted vaccines.

1,800 pharmacies will receive doses through the week of 20 September, with the remaining half to follow shortly after. 

Doses were sourced from surplus vaccines destined for Spain, Czech Republic, Portugal, and Bulgaria.

“Families will now be able to go along together to their pharmacy to get their vaccinations,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

“In October we’re going to have enough vaccines in the country to have offered everyone a jab meaning we’ll be able to take the next steps in our plan to safely reopen Australia.

“First thing’s first to take the steps to safely reopening – get vaccinated. The next few weeks are going to be critical to encourage your friends, family and colleagues to get the vaccine.”

The announcement comes as the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisations (ATAGI) is now recommending Moderna for people aged 12 years or older.

Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt says local community pharmacies will begin to receive Moderna doses within the next fortnight.

“These doses are adding additional capacity and will further ramp up the vaccination rate of young Australians,” says Hunt.

“Australia’s vaccine rollout is continuing to hit record levels every day, with 22.4 million doses delivered nationally.

"Some 13.6 million people have had one dose, and over 41 per cent of the eligible population are now fully vaccinated.”

Morrison thanked the European Commission and partnering countries for their cooperation – specifically mentioning Sweden and Norway for their assistance.

The additional one million Moderna doses builds on the four million Pfizer doses sourced from the UK, one million from Poland, and 500,000 from Singapore.

“This agreement further demonstrates the important role our diplomats play and the strength of Australia’s bonds with European nations and the European Union,” said Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women, Marise Payne.

“Australia is committed to working with all partners across the world because our shared recovery from COVID-19 depends on it.”

National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Trent Twomey said pharmacies across the country were ready to help even more Australians to be vaccinated.

“Community pharmacies are now stepping up to vaccinate Australian families against COVID-19," Twomey said.

“I encourage all Australians to visit their local community pharmacy and roll up their sleeves to get vaccinated."

Updated at 11.46am AEST on 13 September 2021.

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QLD reinstates NSW border bubble, positive COVID case sees students at Brisbane school sent home

Queensland announced its border bubble with New South Wales will be reinstated from 1.00am this coming Monday in line with the easing of lockdown restrictions for some regional areas south of the border.

It comes as students at the Sir Thomas Moore College in Sunnybank, Brisbane have been sent home and ordered into quarantine along with their families for 14 days after a pupil tested positive for COVID-19 today.

With a number of regional NSW local government areas (LGAs) set to emerge from lockdown on Saturday, border bubble communities will be permitted to enter Queensland from 1am on Monday 13 September.

Only students and essential workers from the 12 border bubble LGAs will be allowed to cross into Queensland at that time, but the Premier says it is great news for the local communities.

“This is going to be great news for those local communities, and we’ll be monitoring it very closely because I think, as they said yesterday, if they do have any positives that come into those local LGAs they will actually put them back into lockdown,” Palaszczuk said.

“So it’s basically going back to that border bubble that we’ve had previously, so that’s great news for those communities and will ease some of the pressures along our border.”

The change has also been welcomed by NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro.

“We know how seamless and invisible that border is but unfortunately communities do get impacted at times when borders are closed," he said.

"Good news today for the people in the north of the state and especially for New South Wales, for the Tweed community in the Northern Rivers community, and fingers crossed we can keep the new arrangements in place to support those communities."

Meanwhile, NSW today reported 1,542 new cases and nine deaths in the 24 hours to 8.00pm yesterday.

The state has now hit 76.4 per cent of its adult population vaccinated with one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 43.6 per cent fully jabbed.

The NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian also announced she will no longer be doing daily COVID-19 press conferences from Monday, and will instead only front the media when required.

Sir Thomas Moore College students sent into quarantine

QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said sending all of the students at Sir Thomas Moore College home was just a “precaution”, and would give the state’s health authorities time to investigate the latest case.

“As a precaution, as this is a student who is around 13 years of age…we’ve actually asked the school to send the students home today,” Palaszczuk said.

“They are to stay at home until we get more information.”

The State’s chief health officer Dr Jeanette Young said the student attended the school over the last few days.

“We’ve asked the Principal to advise all children in that school to immediately be picked up and taken home and to go into quarantine for the next 14 days unless we get other information that would change the advice,” Dr Young said.

“Their whole family needs to go into quarantine for 14 days while we just work that one through.”

In addition, Dr Young released a number of public health alerts relating to another COVID-19 case that was active in Queensland while infectious.

The case, a man in his 20s who worked as a truck driver and lives in NSW, was tested in NSW on 5 September.

The test came back positive today and Dr Young says he was infectious in the community on the 5th and 6th of September.

He visited a number of venues including a BP service station at Archfield on 5 September and the Westfield Garden City shopping centre on 5 and 6 September.

“So please, could anyone who’s been to the Westfield Garden City shopping centre at any time on the Sunday or Monday go on our website and have a look at those specific venues and get tested,” Dr Young said.

“That’s really important.”

Updated at 12.02pm AEST on 10 September 2012.

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AMA warns NSW post-lockdown roadmap will put ICU capacity under "enormous strain"

According to the Australian Medical Association (AMA), the New South Wales Government’s plan released yesterday to leave lockdown once 70 per cent of residents are vaccinated lacked sufficient detail, including any modelling of future case numbers and health system impacts. 

AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid said that although the NSW Government stated it was following the Doherty modelling prepared for National Cabinet, it seemed to have ignored warnings that easing restrictions when contact tracing systems were already overwhelmed would lead to higher case numbers and a greater burden on the health system. 

“The Burnet modelling released by NSW recently was predicated on current restrictions remaining in place and did not include an assessment of what the changes announced today would mean for the health system,” Dr Khorshid said. 

“The Burnet analysis shows that NSW is likely to ease restrictions at a time when there will still be more than 500 infections each day and with the health system under considerable stress. We already know it is beyond the capacity of the NSW health system to effectively trace contacts of many hundreds of cases a day. 

“NSW needs to release the modelling it has used to inform today’s changes to either reassure the community that infection numbers will continue to come down to manageable levels or give the community an honest assessment of their impact on the health system.” 

According to the Burnet modelling, during October, November and moving into December, ICU capacity in NSW would be under enormous strain.  

The AMA said the public needed to know that the proposed changes would not make projected peaks worse or mean that they lasted even longer. 

Dr Khorshid said high infection numbers put pressure on all parts of the health system - emergency departments, hospital wards, ICUs, and primary care - and diverted resources away from the day-to-day function of the health system. 

“NSW is right to ease restrictions slowly and to limit changes to people who are fully vaccinated. However, the key problem facing NSW is that it is looking to ease restrictions when case numbers are likely to be too high,” Dr Khorshid said. 

“NSW should look to achieve a higher vaccination rate in order to reduce pressure on the NSW health system and ensure that NSW could open up in a sustainable way.

“Unfortunately, [the] plan appears to leave NSW at considerable risk of having to return to lockdowns.” 

Updated at 10.18am AEST on 10 September 2021.

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Qantas boss confirms only vaccinated passengers will be allowed on international flights

All unvaccinated passengers will be banned from flying internationally on Qantas (ASX: QAN) planes once overseas travel resumes according to the company’s CEO Alan Joyce.

The airline will mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for all passengers flying overseas as the airline gears up to relaunch its international routes by Christmas.

It comes after Qantas announced in August it would require all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by 31 March 2022, with frontline employees to be fully vaccinated by 15 November this year.

Joyce’s comments were made at the Trans-Tasman Business Circle on Tuesday.

“Qantas will have a policy that internationally we’ll only be carrying vaccinated passengers,” Joyce said.

“Because we think that’s going to be one of the requirements to show that you’re flying safe and getting into those countries. We’re hoping that can happen by Christmas.”

The banning of unvaccinated flyers was first flagged by Joyce to ABC Radio in July 2020.

“Internationally we absolutely will [mandate vaccines] and that’s becoming a standard around the world,” he told ABC radio at the time.

The move comes in tandem with the New South Wales post-lockdown roadmap, which details how fully vaccinated people will have more freedoms than the unvaccinated in the state.

The roadmap says stay-at-home orders for adults who have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be lifted from the Monday after NSW passes the 70 per cent double vaccination target.

While no date has been given for when that freedom day will be reached, the state is anticipating it will be around the 25th of October 2021.

The State's Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new post-lockdown restrictions will be policed by incorporating a vaccine passport into the state's QR check-in system.

Updated at 9.41am AEST on 10 September 2021.

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WA boasts COVID response makes economy one of the "strongest in the nation and the world"

Western Australia’s COVID-19 response has driven the State’s strong economic performance according to Premier Mark McGowan who this afternoon claimed it was “one of the strongest in the nation and the world”.

According to the State’s latest budget, WA domestic economic growth was the strongest of all Australian states for a second year running at 4.3 per cent in 2020-21.

Further, Gross State Product (GSP) is estimated to have grown by 3.25 per cent in the period, and is expected to accelerate to 3.5 per cent in 2021-22, driven largely by strong activity in housing construction.

Western Australia's exports grew to a record $223 billion in 2020-21, accounting for well over half of national exports.

Despite the global economic shock brought on by COVID-19, employment figures in WA are at the highest level on record, with 27,300 more people employed than prior to the pandemic.

The unemployment rate has fallen to 4.6 per cent - it is the lowest level in almost eight years - and is expected to average just 4.5 per cent from 2022-23.

"Our policy to crush and kill the virus means Western Australians are living in one of the freest and most open societies in the world,” WA Premier Mark McGowan said.

"There are more Western Australians employed now than ever before, with 107,000 jobs created since my Government came to office.

"Our booming economy and enviable freedoms have also driven up the number of people moving to Western Australia, with the first growth in interstate migration since 2013.”

Updated at 4.53pm AEST on 9 September 2021.

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NSW unveils freedom roadmap for vaccinated, some regional areas to leave lockdown

New South Wales is today making strides toward freedom for the state’s vaccinated population after unveiling a roadmap, while also announcing some regional areas are set to exit lockdown from Saturday.

The roadmap details how stay-at-home orders for adults who have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be lifted from the Monday after NSW passes the 70 per cent double vaccination target.

While no date has been given for when that freedom day will be reached, the state is anticipating it will be around the 25th of October 2021.

The State's Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the new post-lockdown restrictions will be policed by incorporating a vaccine passport into the state's QR check-in system.

"It's really easy to police venues because all retail outlets and other places of hospitality require QR codes, and that is why we have been speaking about the vaccine passport," Berejiklian said.

"If you want to go and buy something which is regarded as a non-essential shop, you will put up your QR code and if it's not a green light saying you've been vaccinated you won't be welcomed inside.

"So we're giving venues plenty of notice and businesses plenty of notice so they can prepare."

Under the roadmap, only fully vaccinated people and those with medical exemptions will have access to the freedoms which include:

Gatherings in the home and public spaces:

• Up to five visitors will be allowed in a home where all adults are vaccinated (not including children 12 and under).
• Up to 20 people can gather in outdoor settings. 

Venues including hospitality, retail stores and gyms:

• Hospitality venues can reopen subject to one person per 4sqm inside and one person per 2sqm outside, with standing while drinking permitted outside.
• Retail stores can reopen under the one person per 4sqm rule (unvaccinated people will continue to only be able to access critical retail). 
• Personal services such as hairdressers and nail salons can open with one person per 4sqm, capped at five clients per premises. 
• Gyms and indoor recreation facilities can open under the one person per 4sqm rule and can offer classes for up to 20 people. 
• Sporting facilities including swimming pools can reopen.

Stadiums, theatres and major outdoor recreation facilities:

• Major recreation outdoor facilities including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos can reopen with one person per 4sqm, capped at 5,000 people. 
• Up to 500 people can attend ticketed and seated outdoor events.
• Indoor entertainment and information facilities including cinemas, theatres, music halls, museums and galleries can reopen with one person per 4sqm or 75 per cent fixed seated capacity. 

Weddings, funerals and places of worship: 

• Up to 50 guests can attend weddings, with dancing permitted and eating and drinking only while seated.
• Up to 50 guests can attend funerals, with eating and drinking while seated.
• Churches and places of worship to open subject to one person per 4sqm rule, with no singing. 

Travel: 

• Domestic travel, including trips to regional NSW, will be permitted.
• Caravan parks and camping grounds can open.
• Carpooling will be permitted.

Non-vaccinated young people aged under 16 will be able to access all outdoor settings but will only be able to visit indoor venues with members of their household.

In terms of masks, they will remain mandatory for all indoor public venues, including public transport, front-of-house hospitality, retail and business premises, on planes and at airports.

Meanwhile, the state says students will return to school on 25 October - the date it is expected 70 per cent of people will be fully vaccinated by.

“It’s really important for school communities, for students and teachers to have a fixed date they open to provide absolute certainty,” Berejiklian said.

The Premier said the state is on its way to hitting the 70 per cent double dose target, but mentioned rates of vaccination have been falling recently.

“I cannot stress enough how important it is for people to get vaccinated – if you have not had both doses of the vaccine by the time we hit the 70 per cent milestone, you will not be able to take advantage of these freedoms,” Berejiklian said.

“However, we are seeing that rate slightly decline and we really need to call upon anybody who hasn’t had any doses to come forward and get the first dose.”

When NSW hits the 80 per cent double dose target, the government intends to open up further freedoms around international travel, community sport, major events and other areas.

A representative from Business NSW Daniel Hunter has welcomed the new roadmap.

“This roadmap is what the business community has been crying out for and I thank the NSW Government for providing the path forward,” Hunter said.

“Some certainty for businesses will be a massive boost. 

“Businesses can start planning their re-opening right now, they can order stock, engage staff and re-engage with their loyal customers."

Australian Retailers Association (ARA) CEO Paul Zahra said the roadmap follows significant industry collaboration and is a huge relief for retailers.

“As well all know, the NSW lockdown is taking a significant toll on peoples financial, emotional and mental health, which is clearly not sustainable. At last, people and businesses have hope for the future and a clearer idea of what life will look like after lockdown. Importantly, some regional NSW businesses will have an immediate reprieve from lockdown restrictions,” Zahra said.

“The timing for reopening is incredibly important as we head into the busy Christmas shopping season, when most discretionary retailers make up to two-thirds of their profits for the year.

“Domestic travel to regional NSW will also be allowed under the reopening plan, which will provide a much-needed boost to regional businesses and tourism operators who’ve been severely impacted by the stay-at-home orders in Greater Sydney that have been in place for nearly three months."

The announcement comes as NSW reported 1,405 locally acquired cases of COVID-19 today, while six people lost their lives to the coronavirus.

Lockdown to lift in some regional NSW areas

Parts of regional NSW currently deemed low risk and which have seen zero cases of COVID-19 for at least 14 days will emerge from lockdown at 12.01 am Saturday 11 September, but will continue to operate under some restrictions.

The following freedoms will be available to all people in regional LGAs where stay-at-home orders have lifted:

Gatherings In the home and public spaces:

• Up to five visitors will be allowed in a home (not including children 12 and under).
• Up to 20 people can gather in outdoor settings.

Venues including hospitality, retail stores and gyms:

• Hospitality venues can reopen subject to one person per 4sqm inside and one person
• per 2sqm outside, with standing while drinking permitted outside.
• Retail stores can reopen under the one person per 4sqm rule.
• Personal services such as hairdressers and nail salons can open with one person per 4sqm, capped at five clients per premises.
• Gyms and indoor recreation facilities can open under the one person per 4sqm rule and can offer classes for up to 20 people.
• Sporting facilities including swimming pools can reopen.

Schools:

• Schools will reopen with Level 3 COVIDSafe measures in place.

Stadiums, theatres and major outdoor recreation facilities:

• Major recreation outdoor facilities including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos can reopen with one person per 4sqm, capped at 5,000 people.
• Up to 500 people can attend ticketed and seated outdoor events.
• Indoor entertainment and information facilities including cinemas, theatres, music halls, museums and galleries can reopen with one person per 4sqm or 75 per cent fixed seated capacity.

Weddings, funerals and places of worship:

• Up to 50 guests can attend weddings, with dancing permitted and eating and drinking only while seated.
• Up to 50 guests can attend funerals, with eating and drinking while seated.
• Churches and places of worship to open subject to one person per 4sqm rule, with no singing.

Travel:

• Caravan parks and camping grounds can open.
• Carpooling will be permitted.

Masks:

• Masks will remain mandatory for all indoor public venues, including public transport, front-of-house hospitality, retail and business premises, on planes and at airports.
• Only hospitality staff will be required to wear a mask when outdoors.
• Children aged under 12 will not need to wear a mask indoors.

“While unfortunately many regional LGAs will remain in lockdown due to COVID case numbers, for other parts of the state, stay-at-home orders will be lifted allowing more freedoms for those communities," NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said.

"This decision is based on NSW Health advice, and the LGAs which remain in lockdown will continue to be monitored and we will update those communities on a regular basis.

"My strong advice to everyone in regional NSW is to get vaccinated as soon as you can. Our communities need to continue to get vaccinated so that when NSW reaches 70 and 80 per cent, restrictions can ease significantly.”

The regional LGAs where lockdowns will remain in place are:

• Bathurst
• Bega
• Blayney
• Bogan
• Bourke
• Brewarrina
• Broken Hill
• Cabonne
• Central Coast
• Central Darling
• Cessnock
• Dubbo
• Dungog
• Eurobodalla
• Forbes
• Gilgandra
• Goulburn Mulwarre
• Snowy Monaro
• Upper Hunter
• Kiama
• Lake Macquarie
• Lithgow
• Maitland
• Mid-Coast
• Mid-Western
• Muswellbrook
• Narrabri
• Narromine
• Newcastle
• Orange
• Parkes
• Port Stephens
• Queanbeyan-Palerang
• Shellharbour
• Shoalhaven
• Singleton
• Walgett
• Wingecarribee

Updated at 11.37am AEST on 9 September 2021.

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Lockdown to lift in regional Victoria from midnight tomorrow

With the exception of Greater Shepparton, lockdown in regional Victoria will lift from 11.59 pm tomorrow, with low case numbers giving the State’s health officials the confidence to ease restrictions.

It comes as the state recorded 221 locally acquired COVID-19 cases today, bringing the total number of active cases in Victoria to 1,920.

As part of the easing of restrictions in regional Victoria, the five reasons to leave the home will be removed, and there will be no limit on the distance residents can travel from home - other than restrictions on entry to metropolitan Melbourne.

Metropolitan Melbourne and Shepparton will remain under strict lockdown restrictions as serious outbreaks of COVID-19 are ongoing.

Regional Victorians will return to the rule ‘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.

Regional schools will reopen for onsite learning for Prep to Grade 2 and Year 12 students who live in regional Victoria, while remote learning will remain for all other levels.

Funerals will be permitted for up to 20 people and weddings will be permitted for up to 10 people, plus those required to conduct the service. Stricter limits will be in place for both weddings and funerals with people from Melbourne in attendance.

Restaurants and cafes can reopen for seated service with patron caps.

Retail, hairdressing, entertainment venues and community facilities will also open in line with density limits and patron caps.

Masks will continue to be required indoors and outdoors, apart from private residences, unless an exception applies.

“While this is fantastic news for most of regional Victoria, we’re encouraging everyone in these areas to keep up all the COVIDSafe practices and most importantly, keep coming forward to get vaccinated,” Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said.

“We thank every member of the Shepparton community who has worked so hard to bring the outbreak there under control.

“If everyone keeps getting tested and supporting their friends and family to isolate when needed, then we hope Shepparton will soon be able to join the rest of regional Victoria in easing restrictions.”

The Premier also reiterated that Greater Melbourne will need to hit the 70 per cent fully-vaccinated benchmark before restrictions in the capital can be eased.

Home quarantine trial to commence in Victoria

The Premier also announced today Victoria will begin trialling home-based quarantine for residents who have been stuck on the New South Wales side of the border to return home.

200 residents who have been residing in a NSW Local Government Border Area for at least 14 days from Wednesday, 25 August to Wednesday, 8 September will be able to apply for a new permit exemption category to come home.

Applications for exemptions will be open for seven days from midday on Friday 10 September, closing at 6.00 pm on Friday 17 September 2021.

“With the situation in New South Wales still so serious, we want to ensure all Victorians on the border are able to return home to their families – this home quarantine pilot scheme will allow them to do that safely, while still protecting the community,” Victorian Minister for Health Martin Foley said.

“We recognise these are strict quarantine requirements but while Victorians are doing the hard yards staying at home to keep case numbers down, we can’t risk bringing additional cases in from interstate.”

Updated at 12.13pm AEST on 8 September 2021.

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