Australian Reports of the Virus Spread

[lovetravellingoz]

Sorry if this sounds crass, but what’s open and allowable on Melbourne Cup Day, assuming Step 3 happens by then?

Well not crass at all. See below, but numbers quite limited.

There will not be 100,000 people at Flemington!

Gatherings:
• Home: up to two people (plus dependents that cannot be left unattended or cared for in another setting) can visit a household once per day
• Public places: up to 10 people may gather outdoors from any number of households (children under 12 months of age not included in the limit), or more than 10, if all from the same household.

Hospitality:
• Preparation for opening (staff can enter the premises to prepare for opening but must not serve customers): customer-facing facilities that are reopening on 1 November can have workers and staff return to work premises from 28 October for essential preparations.

• Food and drink facilities: open for seated indoor and outdoor service (both food and/ or drink):

• Seated dining only.​

• Maximum 10 people per group, seated 1.5m from other groups (both within the venue and between patrons at adjacent venues)​

​

• For indoor space: Open with a cap of 10 persons per indoor space, with a maximum of 20 patrons per venue indoors, subject to density requirements (1 per 4m2 ).​

• For outdoor space: Open with cap of 50 patrons per venue outdoors subject to density requirements (1 per 2m2 ).​

• Hospitality in arenas/racetracks: hospitality venues in other sectors such as sports arenas are subject to the same restrictions as other hospitality if open to the public


See https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-10/201018 - Metro Melb - Easing of restrictions .pdf?fbclid=IwAR2radLsxSTzjqfSLIQLgV0b-MHC-C1_RittYQT_qfGL9LbUK6puPbC2KOE for all restrictions.

 

[dajop]

One thing that would concern me is the sudden opening of retail. This is potentially problematic in big busy shopping centres like Chadstone and Highpoint, where history shows people don't obey social distancing all that much and everyone is indoors. Would have been nice to cater for pent up demand for a week or 2 by opening shopping strips (where you enter the shop from outdoors) to let people have their sugar hit of shopping, then open up the shopping centres. I guess the difference now is masks, that might reduce that risk.

 

[RooFlyer]

He doesn’t have to be the one man band... he really should be using his minsters effectively. I think this is part of the problem.

After he threw his health minister under the bus - big time - maybe others are a bit reluctant? The fuss about NZ arrivals is all about creating a distraction from the immediate problem Andrews has in Victoria, of his own making. But at least the peoples' suffering is reaping some way forward.

 

[blackcat20]

After he threw his health minister under the bus - big time - maybe others are a bit reluctant? The fuss about NZ arrivals is all about creating a distraction from the immediate problem Andrews has in Victoria, of his own making. But at least the peoples' suffering is reaping some way forward.

You’ll find a lot of victorians also aren’t happy about a bunch of kiwis turning up... apparently a whole heap have now lobbed into WA unannounced.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

One thing that would concern me is the sudden opening of retail. This is potentially problematic in big busy shopping centres like Chadstone and Highpoint, where history shows people don't obey social distancing all that much and everyone is indoors.

Well that does not happen (unless mystery cases allow an earlier date) till 1st Nov
• Other retail: open, subject to density quotient and allowed to open for preparation from 28 October..

Plus allowed now
• Market: limit number of members of the public permitted by the density quotient; and other health control requirements.

Would have been nice to cater for pent up demand for a week or 2 by opening shopping strips (where you enter the shop from outdoors) to let people have their sugar hit of shopping, then open up the shopping centres. I guess the difference now is masks, that might reduce that risk.

Plus it will not actually be a sudden re-opening, as shopping strips and centres were not closed and have still been operating though with less customers.

While retail shops are/were closed for browsing, closed bakers, butchers, green grocers, post offices, supermarkets, cafes for take-away, take-away food shops have been operating throughout. Plus other businesses like optometrists have been back operating for a while now too.

Plus all retail has been able to have click and collect, and so many stores have been open for that. ie No browsing, but still foot traffic to and from the shop.

While some outside Vic seem to think we have been in full lockdown, this has not actually been the case.

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

You’ll find a lot of victorians also aren’t happy about a bunch of kiwis turning up... apparently a whole heap have now lobbed into WA unannounced.

I think you need a G2G pass/exemption or something like that to get into WA Wonder how they managed that.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

The fuss about NZ arrivals is all about creating a distraction from the immediate problem Andrews has in Victoria, of his own making.

Look's like the West Australian Premier Mark McGowan must all be part of Dan's distraction then.

He sounds a lot like Dan on the matter:

Mr McGowan described the situation as "fluid" and said the State Government was "doing our best to manage it".​

​

"We would prefer better management of these arrangements, but this is something that happened that was outside of our control," he said.​

New Zealand travellers flew to Perth under travel bubble

Twenty-three travellers from New Zealand, including a child, have flown into Perth overnight despite WA not being part of the Federal Government's travel bubble arrangement, a situation West Australian Premier Mark McGowan has described as "not ideal".

www.abc.net.au

Though WA is quarating there Kiwi arrivals: All bar one of the New Zealand arrivals remain in hotel quarantine, with the child traveller in a "quarantine arrangement" with a family member.

Or it could just be both have concerns.

Personally I am not that worried as long as the arrivals into Victoria are briefed on our restrictions.

 

[RooFlyer]

You’ll find a lot of victorians also aren’t happy about a bunch of kiwis turning up...

But what is their actual objection (assuming the NZers obey the same rules as other NSW arrivals - or is that the concern)? Honestly asking just to know, not to stir (you guys have enough on your plate ) . Hundreds and then thousands of New Zealanders could arrive in NSW in the coming days or weeks. Once they pass Border Force, they are just regular members of the NSW populace, I think.

If Australians in NZ take the same flights and route, fly or drive to Victoria, would they also be regarded as dubious? Its the same health outcome.

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

Look's like the West Australian Premier Mark McGowan must all be part of Dan's distraction then.

He sounds a lot like Dan on the matter:

Mr McGowan described the situation as "fluid" and said the State Government was "doing our best to manage it".​

​

"We would prefer better management of these arrangements, but this is something that happened that was outside of our control," he said.​

New Zealand travellers flew to Perth under travel bubble

Twenty-three travellers from New Zealand, including a child, have flown into Perth overnight despite WA not being part of the Federal Government's travel bubble arrangement, a situation West Australian Premier Mark McGowan has described as "not ideal".

www.abc.net.au

Though WA is quarating there Kiwi arrivals: All bar one of the New Zealand arrivals remain in hotel quarantine, with the child traveller in a "quarantine arrangement" with a family member.

Or it could just be both have concerns.

Personally I am not that worried as long as the arrivals into Victoria are briefed.

Not directing at you - the WA Premier just putting some meaningless words together

"We would prefer better management of these arrangements, but this is something that happened that was outside of our control," he said.

I ask what management is required? Your public service seems to have given them a G2G and quarantine. Is the WA public service not in your control?

 

[RooFlyer]

Look's like the West Australian Premier Mark McGowan must all be part of Dan's distraction then.

He sounds a lot like Dan on the matter:

Mr McGowan described the situation as "fluid" and said the State Government was "doing our best to manage it"."We would prefer better management of these arrangements, but this is something that happened that was outside of our control," he said.

Geez, you don't really want to align your guy with Premier McGowan, do you?

Any Premier, or their Department, who didn't foresee onward travel by Kiwis (or, Australians travelling from NZ under the same arrangements) really need to have a good long look at themselves. Where, exactly, was it written "Kiwis who enter NSW under the 'travel bubble' arrangements are forbidden to travel onwards to other states or territories"? (I see you don't have a problem with it, so that's a question for a wider audience).

 

[33kft]

But what is their actual objection

I don't object personally (I think we have bigger issues to focus on) however when you consider that the second wave that has just crushed Melbourne started off the back of the handling of international arrivals, and that the pressure taken off of us by other states (which I and a lot of Victorians sincerely appreciate) has allowed us to hopefully regroup and reset, the idea of international arrivals turning up before we've signalled a readiness to handle it is going to concern people, just as regional VIC is extremely concerned about metro Mel visits to the regions.

For some the perspective might be that given the case numbers we have had to date, what issue could a handful of visitors from a country which has it under control pose to us, especially when we have our domestic borders open. On the other hand, think about the costs and the damage that Victorians are surveying right now - that might explain the reluctance to participate in some travel bubble arrangement that much more fortunate Australians / Kiwis can participate in whilst we still can't travel outside of our metro area.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Geez, you don't really want to align your guy with Premier McGowan, do you?

Any Premier, or their Department, who didn't foresee onward travel by Kiwis (or, Australians travelling from NZ under the same arrangements) really need to have a good long look at themselves. Where, exactly, was it written "Kiwis who enter NSW under the 'travel bubble' arrangements are forbidden to travel onwards to other states or territories"? (I see you don't have a problem with it, so that's a question for a wider audience).

LOL as you thinking Dan is "my guy". I agree with some of what he has done, disagree with others aspects.

I just think it amusing that you believe that its all just a distraction technique by Dan. All on a issue that most likely will have disappeared from the news in a day or so, that is unless a recent NZ arrival manages to get infected in which case it will resurface.

So if solely a distraction technique it would be an epic fail.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

I don't object personally (I think we have bigger issues to focus on) however when you consider that the second wave that has just crushed Melbourne started off the back of the handling of international arrivals, and that the pressure taken off of us by other states (which I and a lot of Melbournians sincerely appreciate) has allowed us to hopefully regroup and reset, the idea of international arrivals turning up before we've signalled a readiness to handle it is going to concern people, just as regional VIC is extremely concerned about metro Mel visits to the regions.

For some the perspective might be that given the case numbers we have had to date, what issue could a handful of visitors from a country which has it under control pose to us, especially when we have our domestic borders open. On the other hand, think about the costs and the damage that Victorians are surveying right now - that might explain the reluctance to participate in some travel bubble arrangement that much more fortunate Australians / Kiwis can participate in whilst we still can't travel outside of our metro area.

100% agree. There will be quite a number of Victorians who would not be that pleased that they cannot travel, but others from outside Vic can travel here.

Personally I would tend to think that most are probably family reunion type situations, and so I am not that concerned and indeed it is probably a good thing for those that have made the trip together with their loved ones. But others will be.

 

[Austman]

And the perception in VIC that parts of international arrivals screening, meaning exemptions, have now been outsourced to another state.

It worked out really well for VIC when parts of international arrivals quarantine were outsourced.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Not directing at you - the WA Premier just putting some meaningless words together

"We would prefer better management of these arrangements, but this is something that happened that was outside of our control," he said.

I ask what management is required? Your public service seems to have given them a G2G and quarantine. Is the WA public service not in your control?

My real point is in the scheme of things that it is in both states that is a minor issue and not a deliberate distraction plot.

 

[dajop]

While retail shops are/were closed for browsing, closed bakers, butchers, green grocers, post offices, supermarkets, cafes for take-away, take-away food shops have been operating throughout. Plus other businesses like optometrists have been back operating for a while now too.

Plus all retail has been able to have click and collect, and so many stores have been open for that. ie No browsing, but still foot traffic to and from the shop.

Yes I realise that, it’s more the congregating and browsing that fully open retail in shopping centres lends itself too. Different to click and collect arrangements for stores and limited food/services. Just last time when things opened up I drove past Highpoint several times and the car park was overflowing - not unlike the car park in the days leading up to Christmas. This leads to not so much crowds in individual stores - but crowding in the walkways and open areas of the centre itself. With those sorts of crowds, you might as well just open up sporting events too....

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Yes I realise that, it’s more the congregating and browsing that fully open retail in shopping centres lends itself too. Different to click and collect arrangements for stores and limited food/services. Just last time when things opened up I drove past Highpoint several times and the car park was overflowing - not unlike the car park in the days leading up to Christmas. This leads to not so much crowds in individual stores - but crowding in the walkways and open areas of the centre itself. With those sorts of crowds, you might as well just open up sporting events too....

And yes I an fearful too of an such public mixing situations . Which is why we need to further supress the transmission chains that are causing our Mystery Cases.

If it is not then from what Dan and Sutton has indicated Step 3 will be delayed beyond 1st Nov.

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

I don't object personally (I think we have bigger issues to focus on) however when you consider that the second wave that has just crushed Melbourne started off the back of the handling of international arrivals, and that the pressure taken off of us by other states (which I and a lot of Victorians sincerely appreciate) has allowed us to hopefully regroup and reset, the idea of international arrivals turning up before we've signalled a readiness to handle it is going to concern people, just as regional VIC is extremely concerned about metro Mel visits to the regions.

For some the perspective might be that given the case numbers we have had to date, what issue could a handful of visitors from a country which has it under control pose to us, especially when we have our domestic borders open. On the other hand, think about the costs and the damage that Victorians are surveying right now - that might explain the reluctance to participate in some travel bubble arrangement that much more fortunate Australians / Kiwis can participate in whilst we still can't travel outside of our metro area.

Interesting that you raise international arrivals.

But I feel the international quarantine requirement (requiring resourcing) is getting mixed with the passengers crossing the border (ie arriving at Melbourne airport). As we are aware international quarantine in Vic was halted because of the need to divert resources / focus to meet the second wave.

There is no additional resourcing requirement for even 100s of additional quarantine-free arrivals, so unsure what is meant to be handled Re: NZ arrivals. Vic Government can maintain their focus on the second wave.

 

[blackcat20]

But what is their actual objection (assuming the NZers obey the same rules as other NSW arrivals - or is that the concern)? Honestly asking just to know, not to stir (you guys have enough on your plate ) . Hundreds and then thousands of New Zealanders could arrive in NSW in the coming days or weeks. Once they pass Border Force, they are just regular members of the NSW populace, I think.

If Australians in NZ take the same flights and route, fly or drive to Victoria, would they also be regarded as dubious? Its the same health outcome.

That Victoria is not taking international arrivals, and that we have declined to be part of the bubble, yet we have bubble travellers arriving in our state unchecked. We’ve been in lockdown since July and we’re so close now, the last thing we need is randoms stuffing it up.

 

[RooFlyer]

LOL as you thinking Dan is "my guy".

As in your Premier, since I was talking about Premiers.

LoL.

I just think it amusing that you believe that its all just a distraction technique by Dan.

Happy to bring some lightness into any Victorian's lives in these times. But seriously, why would he make such the fuss over it? Its simply not a point of contention. As I said in another post, just where was it stated "People travelling under the NZ/NSW travel bubble are forbidden to travel to other states or territories."? Given there was no banning of onward travel, just where does any, surprise come from, least of all a big spray at the Feds? Did he have nothing else to say that day?

Pointing the finger at the Feds has been a prime weapon of distraction for just about ALL the Premiers during COVID, not just Premier Andrews. You need not be so sensitive.

So if solely a distraction technique it would be an epic fail.

Lips, don't unpurse .