Australian Reports of the Virus Spread

[Lynda2475]

Your misisng the part where international air crews arent necessarily staying in hotels at all, if they live here but are employed by foreign airline they can isolate at home (no info on how they get to/from home), i hope not in a taxi or uber or PT.

And some airlines are using regular hotels not quarantine ones, just because some properties are using the procedure you described doesnt mean all are, and thats the problem, those not acting in our best interest.

If youa a US based flight atatendant, isolating in a non quarantine hotel no one is policing that you stay in your room - as happened in the case of the infected hotel cleaner earlier this month, there was evidence air crew had been leaving their rooms. When those US crews are back in the states they have no limits, so can easily be infected on arrival here.

 

[jase05]

Your misisng the part where international air crews arent necessarily staying in hotels at all, if they live here but are employed by foreign airline they can isolate at home (no info on how they get to/from home), i hope not in a taxi or uber or PT.

And some airlines are pickign regualr hotels, just because some properties are using the procedure you described doesnt mean all are, and thats the problem, those not acting in our best interest.

They aren’t allowed to use PT but are permitted to travel via taxi or Uber as long as protocols are used ie sit in back seat only and wear mask
Some airlines are using regular hotels for example I know EK use the Sofitel in MEL for crew

 

[N860CR]

I do chuckle slightly around all the hoohar over so few cases. There's probably more positive cases within a half mile radius of where I'm sitting right now and that'd be on a daily basis ...... but I digress

it’s quite interesting really. We’re told in one breath that it’s a horrible, scary virus that we must be in panic about, then in the next breath we’re told it may be “circulating within the community”. If 1 is correct, then 2 would surely result in people becoming sick? It’s now been months since the last case presented to hospital in Sydney as they were actually unwell (and that was a result of their other conditions).

If this is a genuine mystery and it is, in fact, simply present in the community without anybody getting sick (it’s been 6 weeks since the last community case was picked up in Sydney?) then we really need to have a think about how we’re approaching this.

As I said before, at no point when these cases are reported does there seem to be any concern about the welfare of the individuals with the virus. That’s quite telling.

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

They aren’t allowed to use PT but are permitted to travel via taxi or Uber as long as protocols are used ie sit in back seat only and wear mask
Some airlines are using regular hotels for example I know EK use the Sofitel in MEL for crew

Source?

Regardless we have seen time and again any lack of visible enforcement (ie allowing voluntary compliance) will eventually result in a case.

Eg The first 2 cases this week in the Northern Beaches - not voluntarily complying with rule to isolate until negative result known.

It seems international crews (and Qantas crew flying internationally) are under the voluntary compliance model.

So in my view something will go wrong. It looks like we have to keep seeing this for the whole of 2021.........sigh.

 

[jase05]

Source?

Regardless we have seen time and again any lack of visible enforcement (ie allowing voluntary compliance) will eventually result in a case.

Eg The first 2 cases this week in the Northern Beaches - not voluntarily complying with rule to isolate until negative result known.

It seems international crews (and Qantas crew flying internationally) are under the voluntary compliance model.

So in my view something will go wrong. It looks like we have to keep seeing this for the whole of 2021.........sigh.

From NSW Health and I believe it’s Federal policy so applies to all states and territories

Travelling to your accommodation​

Your employer must arrange your transportation from the airport to your home or accommodation. If you are travelling to your private residence, you may travel by private transport direct to your residence where you will isolate. No stops can be made. You must not travel on public transport. Your employer must also arrange your transportation to your point of departure out of NSW. If you are returning to your own accommodation in NSW, by taxi or ride-share you should sit in the back seat and you must wear a mask. You are required to travel directly to and from the airport and not stop at any location during the journey.

 

[jakeseven7]

Breaking: Another case for NSW​

NSW now has six locally acquired coronavirus cases.

The latest case is the partner of the woman in her 50s, an aged care worker, who tested positive this morning.

The woman's place of employment, Pittwater Palms Retirement Village, is closed to visitors.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard also confirmed the second case announced this morning, a man in his 60s had "travelled extensively" around Sydney. The man, who is in a band called Nothing Too Serious, travelled as far as Penrith RSL to perform.

COVID-19 Sydney updates: Northern beaches cluster grows, NSW on high alert

<p>NSW Health has issued an "urgent call to all residents of NSW" to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19, as a result of the increasing number of cases associated with Sydney's northern beaches cluster and "concerns over wider transmission".</p> <p> </p>

www.news.com.au

 

[Black Duck]

It’s ridiculous - this late in the saga everyone knows you have to isolate - it’s not a long wait. Mr FM went and got tested some months ago - we were pretty sure it was just a cold, but he did it and then we cancelled a vet appointment and a hair appointment and waited. It was less than 24 hours and it came back negative and we could go back to normal. It’s really not that much of an imposition and my hairdresser was very appreciative and made a real effort to book me in again as soon as possible.

I do agree - its a nuisance to have to isolate but thats just life. Mr BD went for a test last week. He had a cough which we were very sure had come from a work mate and highly unlikely to be Covid given where we are but you never know. He still needed to get checked by the doctor as he had pneumonia a year ago after another bug passed from same work mate. He had to have a negative test to get an appointment. Testing is at the regional hospital so rang and told they would call when they could see him. Nothing happened that day but arrangements finally made for the next morning and then wait for results. That was just over 24 hours so very good for a regional result. Negative as expected but he (and I ) isolated which meant no work for a few days.

Having to isolate also meant a delay getting to actually see the doctor but again thats just what you have to do. Of course had he become very ill we were told to just go to the hospital so its not like they were leaving him without anything.

I could not live with myself if I passed on this rotten disease because I just didn't want to take a bit of time out.

 

[RooFlyer]

it’s quite interesting really. We’re told in one breath that it’s a horrible, scary virus that we must be in panic about, then in the next breath we’re told it may be “circulating within the community”. If 1 is correct, then 2 would surely result in people becoming sick?

By 'sick', do you mean 'infected' or adversely impacted by the virus like flu like stuff, or worse?

If the latter, then surely you are aware of 'aysymptomatic' cases, what they aren't apparently ill, but are perfectly capable of passing the virus on to someone it might kill? It IS a horrible virus, moreso for certain people, and it can easily float around for a while with little impact.

I think the NSW approach is ok. Have a pretty open economy but stomp on things when an outbreak pops up.

 

[jakeseven7]

WA and Queensland monitoring Sydney's Northern Beaches COVID-19 outbreak​

Queensland is urging anyone planning to travel to NSW to wait 24 hours to see if the situation worsens, while WA will hold an emergency meeting later today to discuss the cases at Sydney's Northern Beaches and potential border restrictions.

States announce quarantine measures for anyone who has been to Sydney's Northern Beaches, Tasmania introduces outright ban

Four states and territories announce people who are returning and have been to Sydney's Northern Beaches on or since December 11 must enter quarantine, while Tasmania bans entry.

www.abc.net.au

 

[DC3]

I think that we need the vax rolled out ASAP. March is a long way off. Did we leave it too late in ordering?

 

[jase05]

WA and Queensland monitoring Sydney's Northern Beaches COVID-19 outbreak​

Queensland is urging anyone planning to travel to NSW to wait 24 hours to see if the situation worsens, while WA will hold an emergency meeting later today to discuss the cases at Sydney's Northern Beaches and potential border restrictions.

States announce quarantine measures for anyone who has been to Sydney's Northern Beaches, Tasmania introduces outright ban

Four states and territories announce people who are returning and have been to Sydney's Northern Beaches on or since December 11 must enter quarantine, while Tasmania bans entry.

www.abc.net.au

Even SA is getting twitchy now, well Commissioner Stevens anyway.

 

[jakeseven7]

Even SA is getting twitchy now, well Commissioner Stevens anyway.

I know.... we are now desperately trying to move all of our Syd based family onto earlier flights out (we got one away!). QF have been very helpful but the flights are rammed....

 

[Pushka]

I think that we need the vax rolled out ASAP. March is a long way off. Did we leave it too late in ordering?

I said upthread that the NSW outbreak might prompt a rethink. I understand that the vaccine will be available late Jan. Not sure where I read that. We have been sitting back pontificating the luxury of time. That is not the thinking needed right now.

 

[RooFlyer]

I think that we need the vax rolled out ASAP. March is a long way off. Did we leave it too late in ordering?

No we put orders in early and have access to three ( previously four) separate vaccines.

We have one of the lowest rates of COVID in western countries. Why on earth would we want to 'rush' the vaccine out? It's only been approved under 'emergency'measures overseas so far.

I'll be getting it when it's available, but I'm perfectly happy for other countries to work out any issues first.

 

[RooFlyer]

. I understand that the vaccine will be available late Jan. Not sure where I read that.

March was the last announcement from Federal Minister Hunt.

Even now, there is an alert with the Pfizer vaccine for people with severe allergies after some severe reactionS. Again, I'm confident of it, but I don't think we arein the emergency situation of day UK or US necessitating a rush.

 

[RAM]

No, you are ok there. But let me add that an expression of interest, or even a strong desire in returning home to DFAT confers no particular priority.

...& that is the point. Registering with DFAT is a detailed process, not a simple here's my email & keep me informed by newsletter.

If the Federal Govt meant what their spin has been saying - then registering with DFAT WOULD confer priority. As we agree - it clearly does not.

That only 14,000 people who have registered with DFAT since June 9th have made it back to Australia & there are another 40,000 or so currently registered demonstrates the old 'watch what we do not what we say' maxim.

COVID-19: Registering with DFAT

This page provides information on the DFAT COVID-19 registration portal. Read on to learn more about:

www.smartraveller.gov.au

4 December 2020: We’re continuing to work to help Australians overseas return to Australia, including through arranging more facilitated commercial flights and providing emergency financial assistance to those in need.
We’ve been calling registered Australians to ensure we understand your circumstances. If you’re registered with us and didn’t receive a call, or missed the call, we’ll be emailing you over the coming week. Please ensure your registration details are up-to-date.

 

[N860CR]

If the latter, then surely you are aware of 'aysymptomatic' cases, what they aren't apparently ill, but are perfectly capable of passing the virus on to someone it might kill? It IS a horrible virus, moreso for certain people, and it can easily float around for a while with little impact.

Yes I’m obviously aware of this, however given it’s been 6ish weeks since the last case was picked up, and using the assumption that it’s been “in the community” since, then it’s highly unlikely that not a single person has become physically unwell.

 

[Lynda2475]

Everyone take a deep breath and let NSW Health contract tracers work out the source of this Northern Beaches cluster.

IMO it is doubtful it has been circulating at low levels in the Northern Beaches for weeks and weeks - nothing has shown up recently in sewage testing for that region and most recent community cases were in South West and Western Sydney. If you know anything about the northern beaches communities you will relase that they compalin about having to go to the CBD, they rarely venture across the bridge and are highly unlikely to have been hanging out in the west.

I suspect we will learn that someone (maybe yet to be indentified) in the this new cluster either works (or lives with someone who works) in health or quaratine system and there has been another breach or that flight crew have been isolating at home in the area and broken the rules.

Qld, SA and WA need to take a chill pill and give NSW health at least 48 hours to see what the genomic testing shows and let them find a link.

6 cases (5 in one region and the other known infection source at airport) out of a population of 7.5M shouldnt have everyone so panicked. NSW have demonstrated time and time gain they can contain these small outbreaks. I know the Melbourne issues spooked everyone, but this isnt remotely likely to lead to those numbers.

 

[drron]

...& that is the point. Registering with DFAT is a detailed process, not a simple here's my email & keep me informed by newsletter.

If the Federal Govt meant what their spin has been saying - then registering with DFAT WOULD confer priority. As we agree - it clearly does not.

That only 14,000 people who have registered with DFAT since June 9th have made it back to Australia & there are another 40,000 or so currently registered demonstrates the old 'watch what we do not what we say' maxim.

COVID-19: Registering with DFAT

This page provides information on the DFAT COVID-19 registration portal. Read on to learn more about:

www.smartraveller.gov.au

Whilst it does not give priority for commercial flights it does give priority for repatriation flights.And they are arriving.
Tasmania has started accepting international arrivals and they are taking only repatriation flight.The first was a QF flight from India.

However the local paper known by some as the Muckery is being quite shrill complaining of these flights.With the aricle on the first 3 C19 cases the editorial basically said the Premier has betrayed the Tasmanian people by letting the virus back in.It was accompanied by a cartoon with a similiar message.
.

So they don't want repatriation flights.Un Australian I reckon.

 

[DC3]

.... IMO it is doubtful it has been circulating at low levels in the Northern Beaches for weeks and weeks - nothing has shown up recently in sewerage testing for that region ....

Oh, no. Not another lot that is testing the infrastructure, instead of the waste product?