Covid-19 News Updates

Queensland reopening to Greater Sydney from next Monday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Updated at 9.24am AEDT on 28 January 2021.

SA to ease quarantine requirements for visitors from Sydney

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Updated at 1.18pm AEDT on 28 January 2021.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Updated at 5.02pm AEDT on 25 January 2021.

Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in Australia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Updated at 10.02am AEDT on 25 January 2021.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Updated at 10.48am AEDT on 22 January 2021.

Restrictions to be lifted in Greater Brisbane

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ellume sends first rapid COVID-19 tests to US

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NSW: Berejiklian hopes to lift restrictions next week

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Victoria relaxes rules for travellers from NSW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Updated at 2pm AEDT on 18 January 2021.