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Covid-19 News Updates


Australian children aged five to 11 now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination

Australian children aged five to 11 now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination

From today, children across Australia aged between five and 11 are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as the next phase of the immunisation program kicks into gear.  

Children will be able to receive two doses of the the paediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine eight weeks apart as recommended by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). The dose administered is one-third of the dose given to people aged 12 and older.

Despite concerns about appointment availability, Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt assured there will be enough vaccine supply for children.

“We have approximately two million doses that are available over the course of the coming weeks,” Hunt said.

“And then that will be supplemented by an additional million before January 3 for a population of 2.3 million children.”

“We want to encourage all parents to bring their children forward over the period between now and the end of January, to protect them and to help protect the community with the vaccinations.”

According to SA Health, children with pre-existing conditions are at greater risk of severe disease from COVID-19, including children with type 1 diabetes, obesity, a history of prematurity, heart disease, immunocompromising conditions, and complex and chronic illnesses.

As it stands, more than 73 per cent of children between 12 to 15 years old have been fully vaccinated. To date, Pfizer is the only vaccine approved for use for children aged between five to 11.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is also currently evaluating an application from Moderna for its COVID-19 vaccine to be used in Australia for children aged six to 11. The government has already put supply deals in place with the pharmaceutical giant should it be approved by the TGA and recommended by ATAGI.

Bookings can be made using the Vaccine Clinic Finder.

Updated at 10.43am AEDT on 10 January 2022.

Asymptomatic ‘critical workers' in QLD, NSW permitted to work if close contacts

Asymptomatic ‘critical workers' in QLD, NSW permitted to work if close contacts

UPDATE (11.11AM AEDT, 10 JAN 2022): Prime Minister Scott Morrison has this morning confirmed The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) has endorsed changes to close contact rules for asymptomatic workers in critical sectors. The proposal is now before National Cabinet for approval.

The states of Queensland and New South Wales have moved to permit ‘critical workers’ to attend a workplace if they are deemed close contacts, as long as they are fully vaccinated and are asymptomatic.

Both states cite the risk to essential services and the supply chain as an impetus to change the rules which will permit workers to continue to provide services while classified as close contacts.

    In NSW, critical workers will only be eligible to leave self-isolation if their employer determines that their absence from the workplace poses a high risk of disruption to the delivery of critical services or activities, and they are unable to work from home.

    These workers must wear a mask and comply with risk-management strategies put in place by their employer, including daily Rapid Antigen Tests.

    NSW says the following industries fall under the new rules:

    • agriculture (biosecurity and food safety personnel undertaking critical duties)
    • manufacturing (production and manufacturing of food, beverages, groceries, cleaning and sanitary products)
    • transport, postal and warehousing (food logistics, delivery and grocery fulfilment)

    Meanwhile, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the move was restricted to a narrow range of industries to ensure essential services and supplies like groceries, petrol, energy, water, freight and others could continue. 

    Workers in the state will need to be fully vaccinated, must wear a mask at work, and be asymptomatic.

    Those eligible and able to work during the usual close contact quarantine period will also be required to:

    • travel to and from work in a private vehicle
    • while travelling and working, wear appropriate PPE
    • maintain personal hygiene (hand washing etc)
    • undertake regular symptom surveillance 
    • undertake a RAT on Day 6, consistent with the requirements for all close contacts.

    If at any stage they develop symptoms, they need to return to quarantine immediately.

    “We know the number of COVID-19 cases will continue to rise over the coming weeks,” the Premier said.

    “People need to be able to have their lights on, have food in the fridge and have running water.

    “We want to ensure our hospitals are staffed, food continues to be delivered to our supermarkets and we can still fill our cars at the petrol station.”

    A ‘critically essential worker’ will be defined as someone employed in one of the following industries, who must be in the workplace to do their job:

    • health 
    • emergency services, including Police
    • the resource sector  
    • power/utilities
    • agriculture and fisheries production
    • freight and logistics
    • public transport
    • teachers
    • essential retail such as supermarkets and stores in remote locations/communities
    • major manufacturing, distribution, and critical supply chains (for example food and petrol).

    The announcements come after the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) urged the Federal Government to redefine the definition of a ‘close contact’, arguing the current interpretation of the term is too narrow.

    The ACTU hopes the term can be redefined to include contact with a COVID positive case that happens in a workplace, ensuring workers who are isolating or awaiting a test result can access pandemic leave payments.

    “It is ridiculous to think that Omicron only spreads in the home and that only household contacts should be considered close contacts and eligible for payment. Workers are currently being forced into isolation without pay when exposed at work. This is ridiculous and dangerous,” ACTU acting secretary Liam O’Brien said.

    “Australian workers are back in lockdown but this time there is no economic support available. With no money, how can Australian workers be expected to afford the overpriced and inaccessible RATs they require?

    “Scott Morrison’s failure to secure free and accessible rapid tests is forcing Australia back into lockdown. Workplace close contacts must be able to access the same economic support as everyone else.”

    AHPPC endorses new close contact rules for critical workers

    Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has this morning confirmed the decision making committee for health emergencies has endorsed a national plan that would enable asymptomatic workers deemed close contacts to continue working in critical industries including food processing, food production and emergency services.

    The plan will be presented to National Cabinet today, and Morrison said he expected to receive endorsement from state and territory leaders soon regarding the changes which have already been implemented by NSW and QLD.

    As endorsed by the The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), the plan would allow asymptomatic close contacts to go to work in the critical sectors deemed crucial for the national supply chain and the population's health and safety.

    Morrison said he is looking to take the new rules into other critical sectors including the transport sector and other distribution tasks, noting the rules do not apply for those in customer facing roles like at supermarket checkouts.

    "As the case numbers continue to rise, the volume of cases will of course have an inevitable impact on the workforce, so we're looking to maximise those who can remain in the workforce," Morrison said.

    "This is an incredibly tough time on business; there aren't lockdowns but there are many people obviously impacted by being close contacts or people being weary or those indeed who  have COVID themselves, and that is having an impact on consumer spending.

    "This will be a case for a while yet while Omicron walks its way through and moves to its peak, but that means it is very tough on business. So we're working to ensure that we can alleviate the impact on business."

    Updated at 9.48am AEDT on 10 January 2022.

    NSW bans singing and dancing from tomorrow, some elective surgeries put on hold

    NSW bans singing and dancing from tomorrow, some elective surgeries put on hold

    New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet has announced new measures for hospitality and entertainment venues in order to combat the spread of COVID-19, while category three surgeries will be put on hold to reduce the strain on the healthcare system.

    From tomorrow until 27 January, singing and dancing will be banned in hospitality venues, entertainment facilities and major recreation facilities. The rules will not apply to weddings, dance classes or performers in those settings.

    Elective surgeries which are not required within 365 days will also be paused until mid-February.

    “An overwhelming majority of major events across News South Wales will proceed,” said the Premier.

    “Only in circumstances where NSW Health deems that event to be a high-risk event, then we will contact those organisers and work through the current COVID-safe plans with you." 

    The new measures are an attempt to slow down the spread of COVID-19, as almost 50 per cent of cases in the past week have come from people aged between 20-39 years old.

    “When you're dancing on a dance floor, when you're energised and singing in a group and moving around, then you're actually risking exposing people that you would normally day to day not come into contact with,” Chief Health Minister Dr Kerry Chant said.

    “We're really just trying to slow the spread, reduce the introduction to new social networks as a mechanism of slowing the spread”.

    In line with National Cabinet’s plan to ease testing requirements, NSW will implement a system to report positive rapid-antigen COVID-19 test results.

    “We're working with our partners in Service New South Wales to establish a mechanism so that you can actually register your positive rapid-antigen test (RAT),” said Chant.

    “In this current setting of such high case numbers, if you've got symptoms and you've got a positive rapid test – then you’re a case.”

    “If you're a household contact or you've had those high-risk exposures, [and] you’re also positive – you’re a case.

    “Now if you had no exposures to anyone - it's really unusual that you have got a positive test. Under those circumstances you might get a PCR to validate it.”

    Booster shots will also be mandated for frontline healthcare workers and teachers.

    “Moving forward, we're not as interested in absolute case numbers," said Chant. 

    “What we're very interested in is making sure the right people with COVID are getting the care they need - if there's interventions we can do to support better outcomes or to manage the underlying health conditions.”

    The state has recorded 38,625 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, with 1,738 patients in hospital and 134 in ICU. The death toll has grown to 11.

    Updated at 2.10pm AEDT on 6 January 2022.

    Hong Kong to ban Australian passengers for two weeks

    Hong Kong to ban Australian passengers for two weeks

    As case numbers soar in Australia, Hong Kong's authorities have opted to ban passengers who have been here within 21 days prior to arrival, even if they only stepped foot in Australia for two hours.

    According to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's (DFAT) Smartraveller website, the new measure in Hong Kong will take effect from 8 January and the passengers it covers will not be allowed to board a flight to Hong Kong.

    "For entry before 8 January, you’ll be subject to 21 days of compulsory quarantine at a designated quarantine hotel on arrival, followed by seven days of self-monitoring," Smartraveller reported in a notice, adding compulsory tests would also be needed.

    However, only Hong Kong residents will be able to travel there from Australia prior to 8 January, and even then they won't be allowed to enter if they have been in Australia for more than two hours on that day or during the previous 21 days, according to Smartraveller.

    The ban will be in place for two weeks, subject to review.

    Hong Kong has also banned flights from seven other countries, including Canada, Britain, the United States, France, India, Philippines and Pakistan.

    National Cabinet agrees to ease COVID testing requirements

    National Cabinet agrees to ease COVID testing requirements

    All states and territories except Western Australia are set to remove testing requirements for interstate travel, following a National Cabinet meeting where ministers also agreed to scrap the need to take a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test if you've already had a rapid antigen test (RAT) come back positive.

    However, Prime Minister Scott Morrison told a press conference this afternoon exceptions would still apply in Queensland and Tasmania for the time being.

    "Queensland and Tasmania will make an announcement when they finally dispense with that RAT test requirement...that will be done in Queensland's case when they hit 90 per cent double dose vaccination, and Tasmania will be making an announcement on that in the course of the next week or so," the PM said.

    "If it's not an essential test, you're not a close contact, you're not symptomatic, you shouldn't be in those lines."

    He added there would also be no requirement for a second test post-arrival for those who are returning or arriving from overseas, provided their RAT on arrival is negative, "remembering that 99 per cent of those who are turning up at our airports are double vaccinated".

    "We are not seeing large number of cases come through international arrivals. Cases are community transmission - that's where the greatest risks are," he said.

    "There will no longer be that requirement for a second test other than in Queensland, where Queensland say they will still insist on that until we get to a position of 90 per cent double vaccination in that state."

    The measures are aimed at alleviating the strain on RAT supplies and PCR testing infrastructure.

    "We are looking at what is a relatively short term supply constraint, because we now have over 200 million tests between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories which they're on their way to Australia this month and next. The Commonwealth alone has 70 million," he said.

    The Federal Government will also use the Biosecurity Act to include RATs in the price gouging provisions, meaning anyone who sells these tests at more than a 20 per cent mark-up could risk a $66,000 fine and up to five years in jail.

    After Australia reported 64,715 daily cases today of which more than half were in NSW, these figures could well put the country in an unenviable Top 10 globally once other countries have submitted their data for the day.

    Yesterday, Australia was 11th in the world for new daily cases at 47,695, but today's figure is more in line with the numbers reported in India.

    "The rest of the country [except WA] now have case numbers that are on the trajectory of rapid escalation, just like we've seen in New South Wales and Victoria, and they're reporting the same limited impacts on their ICUs (intensive care units) and their ventilator requirements in those jurisdictions," the PM said.

    Updated at 6pm AEDT on 5 January 2022.

    QLD close contact rules change, SA ditches testing for interstate arrivals

    QLD close contact rules change, SA ditches testing for interstate arrivals

    COVID-19 rules for those in Queensland and South Australia are set to change, reducing the time needed to isolate for close contacts in the sunshine state, and the removal of testing requirements for those arriving down south.

    As announced today by Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles, anyone who is deemed a close contact and is double vaccinated will be required to quarantine for seven days instead of 14 days.

    This new rule comes into effect from 22 December, and close contacts must also get tested on day five of their isolation period.

    There are no changes to quarantine requirements for close contacts that are unvaccinated; they must still isolate for 14 days and get tested immediately and on days five and 12.

    Meanwhile, South Australia will no longer require intestate travellers to get tested for COVID-19 on arrival as long as they’ve tested negative 72 hours prior to travel.

    The state’s chief public health officer Nicola Spurrier said she was “mindful” of the testing burden being placed on those coming into SA currently.

    It comes as SA recorded 154 new cases of COVID-19 overnight, with five people in hospital.

    Queensland however recorded 58 new cases of the coronavirus yesterday.

    Updated at 1.23pm AEDT on 21 December 2021.

    Moderna booster vaccine produces “reassuring” antibody resistance to Omicron

    Moderna booster vaccine produces “reassuring” antibody resistance to Omicron

    American pharmaceutical giant Moderna (Nasdaq: MRNA) has released new data on the efficacy of a booster shot to produce an immune response against the highly-transmissive Omicron variant of COVID-19, noting the results are “reassuring”.

    The company says that the currently authorised 50 microgram booster of its mRNA vaccine increases Omicron neutralising antibody levels approximately 37-fold compared to pre-booster levels.

    However, a 100 microgram booster, which is not yet approved, delivers increased neutralising antibody levels approximately 83-fold compared to pre-boost levels.

    “The dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases from the Omicron variant is concerning to all. However, these data showing that the currently authorised Moderna COVID-19 booster can boost neutralising antibody levels 37-fold higher than pre-boost levels are reassuring,” Moderna chief executive officer Stéphane Bancel said.

    “To respond to this highly transmissible variant, Moderna will continue to rapidly advance an Omicron-specific booster candidate into clinical testing in case it becomes necessary in the future.

    “We will also continue to generate and share data across our booster strategies with public health authorities to help them make evidence-based decisions on the best vaccination strategies against SARS-CoV-2.”

    As such, the company is continuing to advance the production of  booster candidates to address emerging variants of concern such as Omicron.

    Moderna’s strategy includes evaluating the prototype vaccine at the authorised booster dose level of 50 micrograms, and a higher dose of 100 micrograms.

    “Moving forward, given the strength of the mRNA-1273 and the speed at which the Omicron variant is spreading, Moderna’s first line of defense against Omicron will be a booster dose of mRNA-1273,” Moderna said.

    “Given the long-term threat demonstrated by Omicron’s immune escape, Moderna will also continue to develop an Omicron-specific variant vaccine (mRNA-1273.529) that it expects to advance into clinical trials in early 2022 and will evaluate including Omicron in its multivalent booster program.”

    Updated at 12.05pm AEDT on 21 December 2021.

    How to have a safe(r) festive season with COVID-19 cases rising in our communities

    How to have a safe(r) festive season with COVID-19 cases rising in our communities

    As COVID-19 cases increase across the country, many people are asking what can I do to help my family and friends have a safe(r) Christmas? Unfortunately, between the Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2, both of which are circulating widely in Australia, socialising also comes with significant risk of catching and spreading coronavirus.

    OzSAGE offers the following suggestions to reduce spread of COVID-19, based on our Vaccine-PLUS and Ventilation strategy.

    The virus predominantly spreads in an airborne fashion – SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted via tiny aerosols that accumulate in the air, particularly indoors in poorly-ventilated spaces, just like cigarette smoke does. Aerosols are more concentrated the closer you are to someone’s mouth and nose, which is why even in outdoor environments there is benefit in maintaining some distance, such as standing or sitting a bit further away from each other than we might have done before the pandemic.

    The things we can all do to protect ourselves and reduce the risk of getting infected and passing COVID-19 to others include:

    • Get vaccinated and get as many vaccine doses as you are eligible for, as soon as possible. For most children aged 12 to 17 years, this means being double-vaccinated. For all adults, this means being triple-vaccinated.
    • Get your booster / third dose as soon as you are eligible. Third dose boosters are now available from five months since your second dose. Pfizer and Moderna are similar vaccines and you should get whichever you can access earliest.
    • Minimise contact with unvaccinated persons and do not be afraid to ask if people are vaccinated. While it may cause some social friction, spending less time with unvaccinated family members and friends will be safer for you and them, and for infants and children who are not yet eligible for vaccination. Approaching these conversations with kindness may also help encourage your unvaccinated loved ones to reconsider their decision.
    • Always wear a well-fitting mask when inside or in a crowded location outside – masks are effective in reducing the risk of you getting COVID-19 or passing it on to others if you are infected.
    • Minimise the risk of COVID-19 in the lead-up to large events on Christmas and New Year’s. For example, avoid large gatherings, shop online and have gifts and groceries delivered. If you don’t have time or don’t want to pay for postage, “click and collect” and spend the least amount of time possible collecting the items, always wearing a well-fitted face mask in public indoor spaces. Avoid spending time in busy indoor environments like pubs, where lots of people are unmasked and likely to be emitting virus-laden aerosols into the shared air. Consider skipping some functions entirely, particularly if you are planning to spend time over the holidays with anyone at higher risk (older folks, people who have medical conditions or a compromised immune system, etc.).
    • When hosting events such as Christmas lunch, conduct them outdoors as much as possible. Keep people a little bit further apart that you would have pre-pandemic, to reduce the potential for short-range aerosol transmission. Open as many doors and windows in your house or apartment as you can, to have safe, clean indoor air. Flush out the virus. Consider asking Santa for a portable HEPA filter and run it continually indoors (see this guide by OzSAGE member A/Prof Robyn Schofield) and read our ventilation advice).
    • If you have the mildest of COVID-19 symptoms or are a close contact, visit a testing site because a PCR test will give the most accurate result. If you don’t have any symptoms, use a rapid antigen test (RAT) which can be bought from the supermarket or pharmacy. The afternoon or morning prior to social events (for example, Christmas Day), use a RAT and ask your party guests to get tested. If you can afford a pack of tests, you can test people at the door and get the results in 15 minutes while they wait outdoors in the fresh air.
    • If you are an essential worker, make plans for childcare for if you get called to work (short staffing is more likely to happen as the number of cases increase).
    • Have a plan for if someone in your household gets COVID-19. Consider how to arrange things for others dependent on you: adults, children and animals, in case you suddenly become a contact and need to isolate or are unwell.
    • Are you visiting someone who is elderly or immunosuppressed? It is important that you know that even if this person is vaccinated (such as your grandparents, a friend with a kidney transplant, a neighbour having cancer treatment) they are still at risk of catching COVID-19 and can get very sick. 

    Things you can do that might help:

    • In the week before visiting them, don’t go to events or locations where there is a higher chance of someone having COVID-19.
    • Take a rapid antigen test before visiting them.
    • Even better, take a rapid antigen test each day in the three days before visiting them.

    None of these recommendations are perfect, but the more of them you implement, the lower the chance of catching or passing on the virus.

    If we all do our best, we may be able to reduce risk and reduce the harm of COVID-19 on ourselves, our families, our friends and our communities.

    We can also reduce the risk of super-spreading events (like the Argyle nightclub in Newcastle) and help start 2022 with much less COVID-19 than we might otherwise have.

    Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Holidays from OzSAGE.

    Updated at 9.10am AEDT on 20 December 2021.

    Moderna to make mRNA vaccines in Victoria

    Moderna to make mRNA vaccines in Victoria

    Victoria will become the first place in the southern hemisphere to manufacture Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines after the state government penned an in-principle agreement with the Commonwealth Government and pharmaceutical giant Moderna.

    The deal, announced today by Victorian Acting Premier James Merlino and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, will see Moderna base its new manufacturing and finishing facilities in VIC.

    The deal is a boon for the nation’s vaccine security, ensuring manufacturing can be contracted locally to avoid global supply chain issues and to create a more robust defence against future pandemics.

    The manufacturing facility will be capable of producing up to 25 million vaccine doses per year from 2024, with the capacity to scale up to 100 million doses per year to combat future pandemics.

    It is expected to create up to 500 jobs during construction and around 500 ongoing roles – driving the development of a local mRNA ecosystem that does not currently exist in Australia.

    Moderna currently produces an mRNA vaccine that is provisionally approved in Australia by the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, and was recently recommended by the nation’s vaccine advisory group for use as a booster shot.

    The first mRNA-based vaccines were rolled out during the COVID-19 pandemic, and teach human cells how to make a protein that will trigger an immune response in our bodies.

    As well as mRNA COVID vaccines, the new facility will be able to produce other therapeutics which can be used in the treatment of cancer, rare diseases, cellular engineering and protein-replacement therapy.

    “This is a huge announcement not just for Victoria, but the whole country – being able to manufacture mRNA vaccines and treatments locally will lock in vaccine security both on our shores and across our region,” VIC Acting Premier James Merlino said.

    Updated at 11.11am AEDT on 14 December 2021.

    Western Australia reimposes home quarantine for Queensland arrivals

    Western Australia reimposes home quarantine for Queensland arrivals

    Travellers form Queensland into Western Australia will now need to quarantine for two weeks at home as ‘low risk’ border restrictions are reimposed on the Sunshine State.

    It comes as QLD opens its borders to travellers from the entire country today, provided they are fully vaccinated and have had a negative COVID-19 result in the 72 hours prior to travel.

    Based on the latest health advice, WA has transitioned QLD from a ‘very low risk’ jurisdiction to a ‘low risk’ jurisdiction, which permits travel subject to the following strict conditions:

    • provide proof of being double dose vaccinated against COVID-19 (if eligible)
    • present for a COVID-19 test on arrival (within 48 hours) and on day 12
    • self-quarantine for 14 days in a suitable premises
    • complete a G2G Pass declaration prior to arrival, stipulating they do not have any COVID-19 symptoms and which jurisdictions they have been in the previous 14 days
    • land arrivals to be met at the border checkpoint for a health screening and to have their G2G Pass checked before proceeding to their self-quarantine.  

    “Anyone who arrived in WA between Wednesday 1 December and 12:01am, Monday 13 December, and has been at the listed Queensland exposure sites at the specified times between Wednesday 1 December and 12:01am, Monday 13 December, is required to self-quarantine for 14 days and be tested immediately (within 48 hours) and at day 12,” the Western Australian government said.

    “Recent arrivals into WA from Queensland who have not been to any exposure sites are advised to get tested if they develop any symptoms that may be related to COVID-19.”

    The move from WA comes after QLD eased its border restrictions overnight, following the state achieving 80 per cent of the eligible population fully vaccinated.

    As of 1am this morning, the state reopened to travellers from hotspots in New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria.

    Travel into the state is conditional on being fully vaccinated, receipt of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within the 72 hours prior to arrival into QLD, and agreeing to get another COVID test on day five following arrival.

    For those who have not been in a hotspot in the last 14 days, there are no restrictions on entry into QLD.

    Updated at 10.03am AEDT on 13 December 2021.

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