Australian Reports of the Virus Spread

[Princess Fiona]

Here’s a less sensational ABC source. They don’t seem to attribute blame to the Victorian lockdown.

Baby deaths 'cluster' at Adelaide hospital prompts investigation after four die in past month

Health authorities will review the circumstances surrounding four baby deaths in the past month at Adelaide's Women's and Children's Hospital, after a parliamentary committee heard a lack of services was to blame.

www.abc.net.au

I’m not across the details here but the report says there are 6-10 babies a year needing tertiary referral and 4 have died in the last 4 weeks?
Then goes onto mention a business case in 2019, add in a pandemic and the union.
I would like to see the outcome of the report and would be taking the headlines in the Daily Fail as a bit off.
The families of those infants have my sympathy and I hope they don’t become political footballs.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Here’s a less sensational ABC source. They don’t seem to attribute blame to the Victorian lockdown.

Baby deaths 'cluster' at Adelaide hospital prompts investigation after four die in past month

Health authorities will review the circumstances surrounding four baby deaths in the past month at Adelaide's Women's and Children's Hospital, after a parliamentary committee heard a lack of services was to blame.

www.abc.net.au

Yes they have updated their original version. When I first came across the story the various media links I saw all had issues.

Posted 7hhours ago, updated 4hhours ago

 

[dajop]

A positive story about Victoria coming out of news.com.au this evening. Although both Hong Kong and South Korea have done quite well with their second waves too. I hope that this (crushing the second wave) remains the case.

Melbourne crushes world virus record

Melbourne has endured one of the longest COVID-19 lockdowns in the world and finally, an end is in sight.

www.news.com.au

 

[lovetravellingoz]

. I hope that this (crushing the second wave) remains the case.

As do we all.

So yes the authorities need to remain vigilant and diligent in stamping out any embers before they become fires. And indeed really jump on them such as they did with Kilmore, Shepparton or the Casey Family Cluster

But we the public need also to not just jump straight into bad practices that will just fan the Covid flames from those embers.

With restrictions easing the degree of difficulty gets harder. So new cases will need even tighter measures.

 

[Pushka]

Just weird in that graph (which was from the Age) that so much pink and no orange, anything older than a few days that hasn't yet been linked should be orange until reclassified if a definitive link is found. Guess its a case of the Age wanting Sydney to look worse by have some unknowns, while Melbourne only has under investigations.




Or they could have flown the babies to Sydney instead - only 30 mins longer flying time,

That was the plan. Westmead? I did read they were finalising arrangements but alas, the infants died. There is now an enquiry.

 

[jase05]

The full article
Disappointing that the child was still sent to school but hopefully they can get on top of it early

An Islamic school has been caught up in a coronavirus outbreak in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, with a primary student testing positive to the virus.
East Preston Islamic School closed as a precaution on Tuesday afternoon, after learning that a student who was required to isolate due to having a family member who had tested positive to COVID-19 had attended class for two days this week.

The student, a boy in Year 5, was tested on Tuesday night and it came back positive on Wednesday.

Principal Ekrem Ozyurek said the situation was “unfortunate” given that students had only been back at school for a little over a week.


He said he was contacted by the Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday afternoon about the student, inquiring whether he was absent from school in line with protocols around isolating.

“Our understanding is that this student was considered to be a close contact and was meant to be quarantining, but after day 11 he returned to school thinking that it was okay to do so,” Mr Ozyurek said.

“He stayed at home for the first week but I think his siblings had tested negative and he thought he was OK to come back too. But he hadn’t taken the test.
“I think there must have been some misunderstanding perhaps, some broken communication.”
It is understood that the department is contacting all those who had close contact with the child, including the classroom teacher, specialist teachers and other students.
Preston has been at the epicentre of a recent outbreak of COVID-19 in Melbourne’s north-metro region, which has 14 active cases.
Health authorities have encouraged residents to get tested if they develop symptoms.
The role of schools in transmission has been a contentious issue throughout the pandemic, with fears of the virus spreading resulting in metropolitan schools closing for most of term two and all of term three this year.
Students from prep to Year 7 and VCE students returned to class on October 12, and Years 8 to 10 are due to return on October 26.
East Preston Islamic School principal Ekrem Ozyurek. Picture: Adam Elwood
However, recent research from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute has brought a fresh perspective to the issue, finding that schools were unlikely to be a site of COVID-19 outbreaks when community transmission was low. Children younger than 10 were also unlikely to be highly infectious.
Between January and August 31, cases associated with schools accounted for 8 per cent of all cases in Victoria. Other that the Al-Taqwa College outbreak, which spread to more than 100 infections, most school-related outbreaks have been contained to a handful of cases.
Mr Ozyurek said the situation was unfortunate but not unexpected, given small outbreaks were still occurring in the community.
He said he was confident that the school was operating in a COVIDSafe way and had acted quickly to contain any spread.
“We’ll stay closed for cleaning for the remainder of the week,” he said.
“Fingers crossed we will be ready to open on Monday when we will be welcoming out Years 8s, 9s and 10s back.”
The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to requests for comment.
According to the Department of Education website, there are currently no government schools closed due to COVID-19.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

The full article
Disappointing that the child was still sent to school but hopefully they can get on top of it early

An Islamic school has been caught up in a coronavirus outbreak in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, with a primary student testing positive to the virus.
East Preston Islamic School closed as a precaution on Tuesday afternoon, after learning that a student who was required to isolate due to having a family member who had tested positive to COVID-19 had attended class for two days this week.

The student, a boy in Year 5, was tested on Tuesday night and it came back positive on Wednesday.

Principal Ekrem Ozyurek said the situation was “unfortunate” given that students had only been back at school for a little over a week.


He said he was contacted by the Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday afternoon about the student, inquiring whether he was absent from school in line with protocols around isolating.

“Our understanding is that this student was considered to be a close contact and was meant to be quarantining, but after day 11 he returned to school thinking that it was okay to do so,” Mr Ozyurek said.

“He stayed at home for the first week but I think his siblings had tested negative and he thought he was OK to come back too. But he hadn’t taken the test.
“I think there must have been some misunderstanding perhaps, some broken communication.”
It is understood that the department is contacting all those who had close contact with the child, including the classroom teacher, specialist teachers and other students.
Preston has been at the epicentre of a recent outbreak of COVID-19 in Melbourne’s north-metro region, which has 14 active cases.
Health authorities have encouraged residents to get tested if they develop symptoms.
The role of schools in transmission has been a contentious issue throughout the pandemic, with fears of the virus spreading resulting in metropolitan schools closing for most of term two and all of term three this year.
Students from prep to Year 7 and VCE students returned to class on October 12, and Years 8 to 10 are due to return on October 26.
East Preston Islamic School principal Ekrem Ozyurek. Picture: Adam Elwood
However, recent research from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute has brought a fresh perspective to the issue, finding that schools were unlikely to be a site of COVID-19 outbreaks when community transmission was low. Children younger than 10 were also unlikely to be highly infectious.
Between January and August 31, cases associated with schools accounted for 8 per cent of all cases in Victoria. Other that the Al-Taqwa College outbreak, which spread to more than 100 infections, most school-related outbreaks have been contained to a handful of cases.
Mr Ozyurek said the situation was unfortunate but not unexpected, given small outbreaks were still occurring in the community.
He said he was confident that the school was operating in a COVIDSafe way and had acted quickly to contain any spread.
“We’ll stay closed for cleaning for the remainder of the week,” he said.
“Fingers crossed we will be ready to open on Monday when we will be welcoming out Years 8s, 9s and 10s back.”
The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to requests for comment.
According to the Department of Education website, there are currently no government schools closed due to COVID-19.

Thanks for sharing.

Yes the bad part is attending school when should be isolating.

However he better news from that is at least:
- it was on Day 11 (though unknown when they became infected and may have been prior or later than day 1) and so hopefully they were not contagious still, or at least having a lower viral load
- the boy is young (year 5) and so again is less likely to be a spreader.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Ireland with surging cases has today introduced restrictions very similar to the ones that have just been eased in Metro Melbourne including a 5km limit.


The Irish government is to move the country to the highest level of coronavirus restrictions, broadly similar to the spring lockdown.
Cabinet ministers have agreed to level five restrictions from midnight on Wednesday in a bid to combat the rise in cases.
The restrictions are to last for six weeks but will be reviewed after four.
Under the rules, people will only be able to exercise within 5km (3 miles) of their home.
The government has confirmed there will be a penalty for travel beyond that distance, with exemptions for essential work and essential purposes.
However, schools and creches will remain open and elite sport and construction will continue.

What are the new rules?

• People are being asked to stay at home. Those who can work from home must do so
• People will be able to meet up outdoors with one other household away from their home for the likes of exercise, within the 5km limit
• No social or family gatherings are allowed in homes or gardens, but visits on compassionate grounds and for caring purposes can continue
• Those living alone or parenting alone will be able to pair with another household as part of a "support bubble".
• Many non-essential shops and hairdressers will have to close
• Bars and restaurants will only be able to provide a takeaway service
• The number of wedding guests permitted will remain at 25 until the end of the year
• Up to 10 mourners can attend a funeral
• Elite sporting events can take place
• Most manufacturing will remain open

Coronavirus: Republic of Ireland to move to highest restrictions

The new rules, broadly similar to the spring lockdown, are due to last for six weeks.

www.bbc.com

PS Ireland is of interest to myself as one the partner of one my daughters is from Ireland (Irish Australian as his mother was born in Australia) and 7 generations ago my family on my mothers side migrated to Australia from Ireland.

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

Vaccine trial news perhaps.

Volunteer in AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine trial dies in Brazil

Clinical trials for the drugmaker's vaccine remain on hold in the United States.

www.nbcnews.com

 

[Pushka]

Vaccine trial news perhaps.

Volunteer in AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine trial dies in Brazil

Clinical trials for the drugmaker's vaccine remain on hold in the United States.

www.nbcnews.com

Seemingly not related to the vaccine

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

NSW reporting 7 new cases early......no details Yet
Edit: 1 local case linked to existing, 6 in quarantine......

 

[lovetravellingoz]

VIC

5 Cases

From the data table all are linked to a confirmed case. So no new mystery cases.

 

[jakeseven7]

Great to see the average for Metro Melbourne almost in the 5's!

 

[Flying mermaid]

The full article
Disappointing that the child was still sent to school but hopefully they can get on top of it early

An Islamic school has been caught up in a coronavirus outbreak in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, with a primary student testing positive to the virus.
East Preston Islamic School closed as a precaution on Tuesday afternoon, after learning that a student who was required to isolate due to having a family member who had tested positive to COVID-19 had attended class for two days this week.

The student, a boy in Year 5, was tested on Tuesday night and it came back positive on Wednesday.

Principal Ekrem Ozyurek said the situation was “unfortunate” given that students had only been back at school for a little over a week.


He said he was contacted by the Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday afternoon about the student, inquiring whether he was absent from school in line with protocols around isolating.

“Our understanding is that this student was considered to be a close contact and was meant to be quarantining, but after day 11 he returned to school thinking that it was okay to do so,” Mr Ozyurek said.

“He stayed at home for the first week but I think his siblings had tested negative and he thought he was OK to come back too. But he hadn’t taken the test.
“I think there must have been some misunderstanding perhaps, some broken communication.”
It is understood that the department is contacting all those who had close contact with the child, including the classroom teacher, specialist teachers and other students.
Preston has been at the epicentre of a recent outbreak of COVID-19 in Melbourne’s north-metro region, which has 14 active cases.
Health authorities have encouraged residents to get tested if they develop symptoms.
The role of schools in transmission has been a contentious issue throughout the pandemic, with fears of the virus spreading resulting in metropolitan schools closing for most of term two and all of term three this year.
Students from prep to Year 7 and VCE students returned to class on October 12, and Years 8 to 10 are due to return on October 26.
East Preston Islamic School principal Ekrem Ozyurek. Picture: Adam Elwood
However, recent research from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute has brought a fresh perspective to the issue, finding that schools were unlikely to be a site of COVID-19 outbreaks when community transmission was low. Children younger than 10 were also unlikely to be highly infectious.
Between January and August 31, cases associated with schools accounted for 8 per cent of all cases in Victoria. Other that the Al-Taqwa College outbreak, which spread to more than 100 infections, most school-related outbreaks have been contained to a handful of cases.
Mr Ozyurek said the situation was unfortunate but not unexpected, given small outbreaks were still occurring in the community.
He said he was confident that the school was operating in a COVIDSafe way and had acted quickly to contain any spread.
“We’ll stay closed for cleaning for the remainder of the week,” he said.
“Fingers crossed we will be ready to open on Monday when we will be welcoming out Years 8s, 9s and 10s back.”
The Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to requests for comment.
According to the Department of Education website, there are currently no government schools closed due to COVID-19.

There is a second school involved now ( close contact was at Dallas Brooks Primary), plus a housing tower, so this will be a good test of their ability to jump on a case and control it.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

It would seem that extensive and quick action is occurring on this newest cluster. The next week will reveal how effective it is at containing it. Presumably there may be others already infected who may now show up as positive cases and so the actions may need to cut off further transmission. Hopefully the boy was not too contagious when he was out and about. One does wonder about the potential movements of other household members though, even though some tested negative.


An infectious student who did not properly self-isolate has sparked outbreak fears in Melbourne with two schools closed and more than one hundred social housing residents told to isolate.

Residents across the city’s northern suburbs have been told to monitor for symptoms as the Department of Health and Human Services tries to curb the potential for an outbreak of Covid-19 in vulnerable communities.

Jeroen Weimar from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) said he expects more positive cases to crop up after an infectious student attended classes at East Preston Islamic College before he was diagnosed.


“We have a number of people who are self-isolating either at home or as part of the Covid-19 Accommodation program and are being monitored by Austin Health and Banyule Community Health,” he said.


“Extensive contact tracing is underway and we expect that as part of this work, additional cases will be detected … The college has taken positive steps to manage this situation and is working closely with us. It has been closed for deep cleaning.”

East Preston Islamic College principal Ekrem Ozyurek has told media that the student was meant to be isolating after one of their siblings tested positive for Covid-19 several weeks earlier, but there had been a misunderstanding and he had attended class on Monday and Tuesday of this week.

“He had other siblings that were cleared of the virus on the 17th [of October],” Ozyurek told The Age.

“We’re not trying to find a fault in this one,” he said. “The best thing is to see what we can do from now on.”

Ozyurek said he was informed the child should have been in isolation when the health department has contacted him on Tuesday inquiring about the boy’s attendance.

The principal then made the decision to close the school and the boy tested positive the following day. The department official ordered the campus to be closed and deep cleaned.

Weimar said that classmates and teachers considered to be close contacts had been identified and asked to quarantine for 14 days.

Contacts stretched across multiple suburbs including Dallas, Roxburgh Park, Broadmeadows, Preston and West Heidelberg, and a text message was sent on Wednesday alerting people who lived in or were visiting these areas to get tested if they were experiencing symptoms.

A spokesperson for the department confirmed in a statement that “additional cases linked to this outbreak have also been identified in a social housing block in Broadmeadows”.

The department has now sent 120 residents notices asking them to self-isolate for 48 hours and get tested for Covid-19.

“This timeframe allows for the department to ensure the community is aware of the situation and for residents to get tested and get their results back before determining what the next steps are,” Weimar said.

“We’re asking all these residents to come forward for asymptomatic testing at the dedicated testing station onsite.”


Infection control in social housing in Melbourne is a sensitive subject after the government was heavily criticised for their handling of the hard lockdown of nine social housing towers in July.

Dallas Brooks Primary School has also been closed for deep cleaning and contact tracing as a precaution after a close contact was identified there.

A spokesperson for the department said an “extensive community health door knocking program will start [Thursday] morning to alert residents in identified areas about potential exposure to coronavirus … and how to access supports such as financial assistance.”

“A range of materials will be available in English and other languages and the teams visiting residents will include staff from a range of cultural backgrounds.”

Additional pop-up testing sites are also being coordinated in the area, with those who are unable to attend able to access at home rapid response testing.

Muslim community leaders fear hate attacks after student at Islamic school tests positive

More than a hundred residents are being told to isolate after a school student attended classes at East Preston Islamic College and later tested positive

www.theguardian.com

 

[jakeseven7]

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Over eighteen thousand test results today which is good news..

Today's Vic Presser has an emphasis on people in the northern suburbs to test, including with additional sites having already been set up in the latest suburbs of concern.

Third ring isolation and testing has been implemented already for the new northern case. About 500 people already isolated. Some have been placed into voluntary alternative isolation accommodation.

16 active cases across 5 households. 5 new cases today. One of which was the boy who attended the school when they should have been isolating.

 

[jakeseven7]

Over eighteen thousand test results today which is good news..

Today's Vic Presser has an emphasis on people in the northern suburbs to test, including with additional sites having already been set up in the latest suburbs of concern.

Third ring isolation and testing has been implemented already for the new northern case.


View attachment 231026

Great to hear that the third ring of contacts are in isolation for 14 days as a part of the protocol, as the numbers are so low in VIC now they can implement this approach.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Great to hear that the third ring of contacts are in isolation for 14 days as a part of the protocol, as the numbers are so low in VIC now they can implement this approach.

Note, initially they (the third ring) have been asked to isolate for 48hrs to allow testing, and no doubt further investigation. Isolation period may or may not extend to the full 14 days for some or all of them.

Key is that they are being cautious now and isolating people, rather than just waiting for positive cases to show up. This is aimed very much at preventing new transmissions.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

5 new cases today, but coughulative total has gone up by 6 as 1 case reclassified.

The reclassified case is being treated as a re-infection. Genomic testing is being done (ie to see if is the same or different strains), and this may alter this initial finding.