Australian Reports of the Virus Spread

[DC3]

In a pandemic, most is not enough.....lol

At least it’s most of us.

 

[DC3]

Sewage testing has revealed Covid 19 in Anglesea despite no conventional tests having been shown to be there. So mobile testing site will be set up there now.

Going to Anglesea just to use the potty?

You still come in contact with strangers at supermarkets etc...

Must avoid this behaviour.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

7/10 of yesterdays Vic cases were unknown. Raw numbers aside, given the movement restrictions its a worry when 70% of cases still have unknown source. This is why other states want to see how Vic supposedly improved track and trace is working for at least a month before reopening to Vic. We need to see that they can keep new spread under control.

No 7/10 were yet to be classified yesterday in the cases announced yesterday. That does not mean they were unknown cases.

As of today 7 out of the 10 cases from yesterday have now been linked, and 3 remain yet to be classified. The remaining 3 may or may not be classified as unknown, and they are still under investigation.

Cases for the last 48hrs are not included in the 14 day trigger for unknown cases for the reason that many cases are still being classified within the first 48 hours.

Even after 48hrs some cases will take longer to classify.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Update on Vic Graphs.

Firstly note that the Community spread trigger is lagged by 48hrs to allow time for cases to be investigated and classified.

 

[Lynda2475]

NSW now has an ongoing issue with low testing so their numbers could be easily questioned and picked apart, lets hope Dr Young isn't going to pull out a new criteria for NSW like 'must be over 15,000 tests a day and zero mystery cases for 28 days before I reopen QLD'

If Qld put in place minimum testing numbers for other states based I assume on population size, then they better be prepared to test at the same % in Qld. Qld own testing numbers have been low.

Unless they start forcing asymptomatic people to get tested, testing numbers will be lower as less virus is circulating and less cold/flu which have similar symptoms. Unless I worked in a high risk workplace, I'm certainly not going to go get tested if I'm feeling well. Cant even recall the last time i saw someone sneeze or cough in public.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Going to Anglesea just to use the potty?

Or perhaps people who are infected, but who have not hopped in the car to drive to a testing station which may be in say Geelong. Note that this may not simply be the lazy or irresponsible, there may be people who find it difficult to get about.

Hence the pop up testing to now be set up there.

 

[Lynda2475]

NSW mystery case watch.
Still no change ... I'm guessing since 25/9 report.
- 1 in the last 14 days

Dr Chant answered questions on this in today's presser. Whilst they haven't officially linked the case, genomic testing links it to Liverpool hospital cluster, and the person was at Liverpool Hospital in that period. Hopefully they will formally link it.

From SMH:

A western Sydney coronavirus case identified as having no known source attended Liverpool Hospital during a "potential exposure period", NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant has confirmed.

The Campbelltown man was admitted to ICU last week after testing positive for the virus.

The case reset Queensland's clock for reopening its border, and prompted an investigation by NSW Health into its source, using genomic sequencing.

"The genome sequencing indicates that he has a type or genome sequence that is linked to [the Liverpool Hospital cluster]," Dr Chant said, however NSW Health has not been able to find "a definitive source or interaction" which would have resulted in the transmission.

"Those investigations are under way, [and] further testing is being undertaken of anyone who's been in the vicinity of him during that period of time. We're leaving no stone unturned."

Dr Chant said it would be the role of Queensland health authorities to determine if these findings mean their state border can be reopened more quickly.

 

[p--and--t]

Going to Anglesea just to use the potty?

Or perhaps people who are infected, but who have not hopped in the car to drive to a testing station which may be in say Geelong. Note that this may not simply be the lazy or irresponsible, there may be people who find it difficult to get about.

Hence the pop up testing to now be set up there.

I expect there isn't much in the way of public transport there, and if like many non-metro places a shortage of GP appointments means waiting sometimes for several days to get an appointment. A few impediments to dissuade testing

If its just the sniffles, why would you bother?

A dedicated pop up testing clinic is a different matter, no appointment, no charge, local gossip fires up, why not go get tested..

 

[antycbr]

NSW mystery case watch.

Still no change ... I'm guessing since 25/9 report.

- 1 in the last 14 days
- 2 in the period 15-28 days
- 28 older than 28 days and since Crossroads emerged

Post automatically merged: Sep 30, 2020

True, but you would have hoped with 7 cases, plus how ever many today and the previous days, they might be able to work out possible commonalities like was done with Crossroads.

I have read that the person admitted to hospital (case in the last 14 days) had been at the Liverpool Hospital ED. They have genomically linked it as well. Dr Young might be in trouble.

Per SMH:

"The genome sequencing indicates that he has a type or genome sequence that is linked to [the Liverpool Hospital cluster]," Dr Chant said, however NSW Health has not been able to find "a definitive source or interaction" which would have resulted in the transmission.

"Those investigations are under way, [and] further testing is being undertaken of anyone who's been in the vicinity of him during that period of time. We're leaving no stone unturned."

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Glad the unknowns has dropped but still surprised that some people don't know who they came into contact with, hoping its just a delay with contact tracing.

Looking at High Risk Locations from the Case Locations and Outbreaks Page at cases within the the incubation period

Department of Health and Human Services Victoria | Case locations and outbreaks


one can see situations where an infected person may not know the name of others present. Particularly trains, buses and shops/markets.

Then there is also possible fomite transmission.



On a personal note the supermarket I use 80% of the time is on this list, but fortunately not on a day I was there. But that does mean I have a case nearby. And I will now swap to different supermarket temporarily, but then again others may do that too!

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

Dr Chant answered questions on this in today's presser. Whilst they haven't officially linked the case, genomic testing links it to Liverpool hospital cluster, and the person was at Liverpool Hospital in that period. Hopefully they will formally link it.

From SMH:

A western Sydney coronavirus case identified as having no known source attended Liverpool Hospital during a "potential exposure period", NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant has confirmed.

The Campbelltown man was admitted to ICU last week after testing positive for the virus.

The case reset Queensland's clock for reopening its border, and prompted an investigation by NSW Health into its source, using genomic sequencing.

"The genome sequencing indicates that he has a type or genome sequence that is linked to [the Liverpool Hospital cluster]," Dr Chant said, however NSW Health has not been able to find "a definitive source or interaction" which would have resulted in the transmission.

"Those investigations are under way, [and] further testing is being undertaken of anyone who's been in the vicinity of him during that period of time. We're leaving no stone unturned."

Dr Chant said it would be the role of Queensland health authorities to determine if these findings mean their state border can be reopened more quickly.

Sounds like a Dorothy Dixer to raise it today....lol

FML - why didn't the man say this earlier.......so we are probably back to 7/9 (if I remember correctly) since the last mystery case.

 

[jakeseven7]

Sounds like a Dorothy Dixer to raise it today....lol

FML - why didn't the man say this earlier.......so we are probably back to 7/9 (if I remember correctly) since the last mystery case.

I'm not sure Dr Young will accept this, because that means that QLD will be opening to NSW in the next week or so and that is not good timing for our Premier's election so please stand by for another excuse coming your way soon with love from QLD ❤

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

I have read that the person admitted to hospital (case in the last 14 days) had been at the Liverpool Hospital ED. They have genomically linked it as well. Dr Young might be in trouble.

Per SMH:

"The genome sequencing indicates that he has a type or genome sequence that is linked to [the Liverpool Hospital cluster]," Dr Chant said, however NSW Health has not been able to find "a definitive source or interaction" which would have resulted in the transmission.

"Those investigations are under way, [and] further testing is being undertaken of anyone who's been in the vicinity of him during that period of time. We're leaving no stone unturned."

Hopefully the genomic sequencing is a bit more detailed that they can go back to one or two Liverpool Hospital cases closest to this Campbelltown man to double check all movements and find the link.

It also pretty much explains why NSW have not had a case in 5 days or so.

 

[antycbr]

I'm not sure Dr Young will accept this, because that means that QLD will be opening to NSW in the next week or so and that is not good timing for our Premier's election so please stand by for another excuse coming your way soon with love from QLD ❤

Excuses:
a) genomic sequencing doesn’t count - so Queensland will never use it
b) NSW testing rate too low (better be careful using this one Dr Young when your rates are so low...)
c) gov is in caretaker mode so a decision can’t be made - which shows that it is political not health based.
d) the committee to decide this can’t meet because Microsoft Teams or Zoom is down and all the IT staff are trying to fix another QLD Health IT bungle...

 

[dajop]

I expect there isn't much in the way of public transport there, and if like many non-metro places a shortage of GP appointments means waiting sometimes for several days to get an appointment. A few impediments to dissuade testing

If its just the sniffles, why would you bother?

It is 1.5 hr return trip from Anglesea to the northern part of Geelong (Norlane) to get a test at a drive through testing stations where you don't need an appointment (nothing on the southern side of Geelong). It's definitely an impediment. If they had something around Waurn Ponds vicinity it would be much easier for Torquay, Anglesea and other Surf Coast residents.

 

[moa999]

NSW now has an ongoing issue with low testing so their numbers could be easily questioned and picked apart, lets hope Dr Young isn't going to pull out a new criteria for NSW like 'must be over 15,000 tests a day and zero mystery cases for 28 days before I reopen QLD'

Still higher on a per capita basis than Qld.

And without any local cases prompting people to get tested, and warmer weather lessening other causes, not a surprise.

 

[SydneySwan]

Excuses:
a) genomic sequencing doesn’t count - so Queensland will never use it
b) NSW testing rate too low (better be careful using this one Dr Young when your rates are so low...)
c) gov is in caretaker mode so a decision can’t be made - which shows that it is political not health based.
d) the committee to decide this can’t meet because Microsoft Teams or Zoom is down and all the IT staff are trying to fix another QLD Health IT bungle...

e). When did we say we would open the border with NSW?
f). It's NSW fault for letting the passengers off the Ruby Princess.
g). We have to protect the health of Queenslanders.

Meanwhile AP is practicing her speech 'No-one opens borders like we do. We have done more to open borders than anybody else.......................

 

[Lynda2475]

From SMH.com.au:

Ruby Princess passengers on Qantas flight infected at least eight others

Just hours after NSW Health gave the green light for the Ruby Princess to disembark despite awaiting the results of several COVID-19 tests, 13 of its passengers unknowingly took the deadly virus on a flight to Perth – where it spread to at least eight others.

Western Australian researchers have used genomic sequencing to identify how 29 of the passengers on the five-hour Qantas flight, who would later test positive for COVID-19, contracted the virus.

Their findings, to be published in the Emerging Infectious Diseases journal next month, show at least eight cases – most likely up to 11 – were contracted on board the flight, which was carrying at least 60 cruise passengers, most from the Ruby Princess and Ovation of the Seas.

Of 28 Ruby Princess passengers who boarded the flight just hours after disembarking the ship, the researchers found 13 were carrying the virus and 11 were infectious.

Out of 30 Ovation of the Seas passengers, who had arrived in Sydney the previous day, four had the virus and one was infectious.

Of the 11 people likely to have contracted the virus on the flight, four had commenced their journeys from different US cities and had taken an overnight flight from Los Angeles, which landed at Sydney Airport on the morning of March 19.

All had viruses that matched the cruise ship strain, which was not circulating in the US at the time of the flight, the researchers wrote in their early-release report.

While no reports of unwell passengers were logged with the airline, researchers said five out of the eight who contracted the virus on the flight said they had noticed people coughing. Anecdotal reports from interviews suggested mask use was "rare among the passengers overall, including those who had respiratory symptoms".

Qantas medical director Ian Hosegood said the findings presented the only confirmed example of transmission on board a Qantas flight – and he expressed frustration that Qantas was unaware at the time that cruise passengers who posed a potential COVID-19 risk would be on the flight.

"We had no idea that at least 60 passengers had come off the Ruby Princess and other ships where COVID was already spreading. Had we known, they would have been stopped from travelling," Dr Hosegood said in a statement.

"As has been established by the special inquiry, the moment Qantas became aware that Ruby Princess passengers had been released and were travelling by air, we asked repeatedly for the manifest in a bid to stop these same passengers boarding any of our domestic or international flights," he said. "But we were told by the Department of Health that the manifest could not be provided for privacy reasons.

"These passengers should have been in self-isolation at home or in a hotel," he said.

After the Ruby Princess inquiry concluded with damning findings on the decisions by NSW Health, Premier Gladys Berejiklian apologised "unreservedly" to those who contracted the virus as a result of the rushed disembarkation, which scattered people with COVID-19 across the country and overseas.

Dr Hosegood noted Qantas had a month earlier operated a repatriation flight for Australians stranded off Japan on the Diamond Princess, and that there was no transmission on that flight with strict infection control protocols in place.

He said Qantas and Jetstar provide masks for passengers flying in and out of known hotspots, and masks are encouraged on all other flights.

"It’s fair to say a lot of lessons have been learnt and community confidence in flying shouldn't be diminished because of what was an exceptional and preventable set of circumstances early in the pandemic."

Comment has been sought from the Department of Home Affairs and the federal Department of Health.

 

[Pushka]

From SMH.com.au:

Ruby Princess passengers on Qantas flight infected at least eight others

Just hours after NSW Health gave the green light for the Ruby Princess to disembark despite awaiting the results of several COVID-19 tests, 13 of its passengers unknowingly took the deadly virus on a flight to Perth – where it spread to at least eight others.

Western Australian researchers have used genomic sequencing to identify how 29 of the passengers on the five-hour Qantas flight, who would later test positive for COVID-19, contracted the virus.

Their findings, to be published in the Emerging Infectious Diseases journal next month, show at least eight cases – most likely up to 11 – were contracted on board the flight, which was carrying at least 60 cruise passengers, most from the Ruby Princess and Ovation of the Seas.

Of 28 Ruby Princess passengers who boarded the flight just hours after disembarking the ship, the researchers found 13 were carrying the virus and 11 were infectious.

Out of 30 Ovation of the Seas passengers, who had arrived in Sydney the previous day, four had the virus and one was infectious.

Of the 11 people likely to have contracted the virus on the flight, four had commenced their journeys from different US cities and had taken an overnight flight from Los Angeles, which landed at Sydney Airport on the morning of March 19.

All had viruses that matched the cruise ship strain, which was not circulating in the US at the time of the flight, the researchers wrote in their early-release report.

While no reports of unwell passengers were logged with the airline, researchers said five out of the eight who contracted the virus on the flight said they had noticed people coughing. Anecdotal reports from interviews suggested mask use was "rare among the passengers overall, including those who had respiratory symptoms".

Qantas medical director Ian Hosegood said the findings presented the only confirmed example of transmission on board a Qantas flight – and he expressed frustration that Qantas was unaware at the time that cruise passengers who posed a potential COVID-19 risk would be on the flight.

"We had no idea that at least 60 passengers had come off the Ruby Princess and other ships where COVID was already spreading. Had we known, they would have been stopped from travelling," Dr Hosegood said in a statement.

"As has been established by the special inquiry, the moment Qantas became aware that Ruby Princess passengers had been released and were travelling by air, we asked repeatedly for the manifest in a bid to stop these same passengers boarding any of our domestic or international flights," he said. "But we were told by the Department of Health that the manifest could not be provided for privacy reasons.

"These passengers should have been in self-isolation at home or in a hotel," he said.

After the Ruby Princess inquiry concluded with damning findings on the decisions by NSW Health, Premier Gladys Berejiklian apologised "unreservedly" to those who contracted the virus as a result of the rushed disembarkation, which scattered people with COVID-19 across the country and overseas.

Dr Hosegood noted Qantas had a month earlier operated a repatriation flight for Australians stranded off Japan on the Diamond Princess, and that there was no transmission on that flight with strict infection control protocols in place.

He said Qantas and Jetstar provide masks for passengers flying in and out of known hotspots, and masks are encouraged on all other flights.

"It’s fair to say a lot of lessons have been learnt and community confidence in flying shouldn't be diminished because of what was an exceptional and preventable set of circumstances early in the pandemic."

Comment has been sought from the Department of Home Affairs and the federal Department of Health.

I wonder if the sheer number of infected travellers boarding the flight makes a difference to likelihood of spread on board. One or two passengers may not have produced this result.

 

[RAM]

I wonder if the sheer number of infected travellers boarding the flight makes a difference to likelihood of spread on board. One or two passengers may not have produced this result.

There was an article about a week ago which traced a flight within Asia some months back (I think it was) where 1 infected business class passenger infected 11 (?) other business class passengers out of 17 in business.