Australian Reports of the Virus Spread

[jakeseven7]

We're in Coolangatta, along with many others we've spoken to from Mel. Arrived 1st Jan (tested in melb 31st, no symptoms, tested cos of the local cases)
The very few close by covid test places need GP referral.
Reason why we & others stay at cooly is to avoid the tacky central GC / surfers area & the 5min taxi from airport to hotel with a better beach to boot.
Call us selfish or whatever, but we don't plan to catch a $70 taxi to GC hospital to spend multiple hours in a line then $70 return & a day lost. If had symptoms would be another matter, we'd be 1st in line.
Tweed hospital 10 mins away, but can't get back into Qld then, silly situation, Qld really should have more GP-less covid testing clinics in the popular GC vicinity over this busy time.

Also front page of today's paper is a Melbourne group enjoying GC beaches.
Says it all, qld tourism couldn't survive this busy period without Syd & Mel so they've held off closing border with Vic &/or forcing those Vic's to self isolate.
28 days transmission free I thought was the catch cry, hour many days Mel have WITH covid locally transmitted cases??
Politics at play imo.

Also no g-pass, permit nothing on arriving & was nearly 2 weeks after covid appearing in Mel.

QLD’s old policy was 28 days no mystery cases, not ‘locally transmitted cases’.

But that was junked with the last Sydney outbreak.

Now it’s a bit more ‘flexible’...

 

[Lynda2475]

From Tweed Heads youd be allowed back into Qd as regional NSW is allowed in Qld, its Vic that wont let you back in if you go the Tweed as itsVic with hard border.

 

[Pushka]

Add Boost Juice at Chadstone 29/12 6-11pm

Full list: More Melbourne locations exposed to coronavirus

Two Boost Juice kiosks at a major Melbourne shopping centre have been shut after a worker tested positive for coronavirus.

www.news.com.au

And the Indian cricketers ate at the Chadstone shopping centre recently. If that breaks out as a hot spot on those dates then oopsie.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Not jus by NW Tas standards but SA standards as well.The plan calls for a hard lockdown and that didn't happen on the northern beaches.All reports I have seen that the checks in and out of the area were random and haphazard.Confirmed also by reports on here of people being able to drive in and out of the area without being checked.
In NW Tasmania it wasn't good when the area was locked down on April 13th.On april 27th it was the last day with multiple cases and restrictions were eased.In the next week just 4 cases and no more after that.
SA in 2 days the back was broken.In retrospect they were too hard but due to having been lied to by a case.But better to be too hard than too soft.

As to economics what has really helped Australia is the closing of our National border.There are literally millions of active cases outside Australia with very few inside Australia.
The countries that have survived best economically are generally those that closed their external borders early not those that have gone into a hard lockdown.

Well they go together don’t they? Closing our borders early wouldn’t have mattered a scrap if we hadn’t also had lockdowns in Tassie and Victoria when things became uncontrolled.

 

[SydneySwan]

Well clearly they are having second thoughts about the crowds.... crowd capacity has just been cut again to only 10,000 spectators now allowed to attend.

——

The Test will be re-ticketed, meaning people who bought tickets under the original 50 per cent crowd restrictions will be refunded.

SCG Test crowds reduced to 25 per cent of ground capacity

Officials respond to concerns about risks of COVID-19 spread at the SCG Test by reducing crowd numbers to a maximum of a quarter of the ground's capacity.

www.abc.net.au

And this on a day when NSW announced zero cases. Is there something we don't know apart from tomorrow's 2 cases?

 

[Flying mermaid]

And this on a day when NSW announced zero cases. Is there something we don't know apart from tomorrow's 2 cases?

I think they are very worried about potential spread. Large number of potential exposure days and worry that people aren’t getting tested so it could be spreading undetected in the community. Could all be worry for nothing, but I don’t blame them for being cautious.

 

[Lynda2475]

Not jus by NW Tas standards but SA standards as well

Your issue is with the quality of enforcement (lack of visible roadblocks) of the lockdown, that doesnt mean there wasnt (and in NNB still isnt a lockdown). Health orders were made, penalties for non compliance applied, and a greater proportion of NB population came out for testing than have comeout anywhere e,se including Tas and Adeliade (over 50% of NB residents tested). Having many friends who live in NB they would strongly dispute your assertion they werent locked down. Also my cop friend says some electronic surveillance used too, there are cameras on key bridges including spit and habour bridge, and toll roads such as north connex. I didnt see roadblocks on every road in and out of Adelaide.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Well they go together don’t they? Closing our borders early wouldn’t have mattered a scrap if we hadn’t also had lockdowns in Tassie and Victoria when things became uncontrolled.

Closing an international border to me is the ultimate lockdown measure. The whole country is in effect in lockdown.

Lockdown measures can be a vast range of restrictions.

One can lockdown some or all of;

• locations- postcodes -lga- regions- states- countries
• buildings
• workplaces including by type - work at home instruction
• shops
• restaurants
• ships
• public areas- beaches
• public transport
• etc

Restrictions can be total prohibition, or limiting numbers, people per m2/or per room

You can try and slow down mixing a lot, or just somewhat.

 

[oznflfan]

Closing an international border to me is the ultimate lockdown measure. The whole country is in effect in lockdown.

Lockdown measures can be a vast range of restrictions.

One can lockdown some or all of;

• locations- postcodes -lga- regions- states- countries
• buildings
• workplaces including by type - work at home instruction
• shops
• restaurants
• ships
• public areas- beaches
• public transport
• etc

Restrictions can be total prohibition, or limiting numbers, people per m2/or per room

You can try and slow down mixing a lot, or just somewhat.

How long with the ultimate lockdown take to remove, and under what circumstances, limited or full? Feds will have worldwide data on vaccines and most of us jabbed by end of this year.

Even if it doesn't stop transmission, who cares? Everyone is vaccinated, so any breakouts should be minor and fizzle out? There unfortunately will be some hospitalisations, and some COVID deaths but these should be outliers in 2022, 2026, 2035, 2070?

 

[Flying mermaid]

How long with the ultimate lockdown take to remove, and under what circumstances, limited or full? Feds will have worldwide data on vaccines and most of us jabbed by end of this year.

Even if it doesn't stop transmission, who cares? Everyone is vaccinated, so any breakouts should be minor and fizzle out? There unfortunately will be some hospitalisations, and some COVID deaths but these should be outliers in 2022, 2026, 2035, 2070?

I guess that’s the outcome we hope for. People die that’s part of life - we get deaths every year from the flu. It’s bringing it back to those low numbers that we need.

 

[oznflfan]

I guess that’s the outcome we hope for. People die that’s part of life - we get deaths every year from the flu. It’s bringing it back to those low numbers that we need.

The fear is that State Premiers having accepted (pure guess here) 1,000 flu deaths per year for last 20 years, will not accept 3 yearly COVID deaths and keep us all locked up. They may deny the fact 'we have to live with the virus'.

 

[Flying mermaid]

The fear is that State Premiers having accepted (pure guess here) 1,000 flu deaths per year for last 20 years, will not accept 3 yearly COVID deaths and keep us all locked up. They may deny the fact 'we have to live with the virus'.

I really don’t think so! The tend to be a bit crazy at times but I think that would be a step too far.

I think a really bad flu year in Australia would be around 800, which is still a lot but everyone copes with it. I know that’s all we have had with Covid but the potential was for 20,000+

 

[Lynda2475]

Because situation is largely out of control in UK, they fast tracked vacccine roll-out which was great, but are now choosing to administer in a different manner, delivering 2nd dose after 12 weeks instead or 4 weeks as prescribed. So more people will get their first dose sooner, but its likely to be less effective as the 2nd is not provided in required timeframe. They are also talking about givihg some people both vaccines (not sure there has been testing to see if they interfere with each other as use different technology).

It will be interesting to see when Australia opens our international, how strict we are in waiving or reducing HQ for overseas vaccinated people, especially as we have no way to know if vaccine was kept sufficiently cold and if both doses were given in correct timeframe.

Itis likely Mandatory HQ needs to stay in place until we have vaccinated 70% of Australians to ensure herd immunity here.

I dont want to see vaccine roll out fast tracked here if it means taking UK style short cuts, lets vaccinate properly first time. But i would like the ability to pay to get it earlier, as the priority process means my age group 35-65 have to wait til last. I was t eligible for HPV vacccine as was deemed too old for free govt program, but i was able to pay to get the better non free version at my GP and claim on health insurance, hoping will have similar option to choose vaccine and pay to be bumped up the list so i can travel sooner and becuase my Mum is imuno compromised i was to reduce my risk to her.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Because situation is largely out of control in UK, they fast tracked vacccine roll-out which was great, but are now choosing to administer in a different manner, delivering 2nd dose after 12 weeks instead or 4 weeks as prescribed. So more people will get their first dose sooner, but its likely to be less effective as the 2nd is not provided in required timeframe. They are also talking about givihg some people both vaccines (not sure there has been testing to see if they interfere with each other as use different technology).

It will be interesting to see when Australia opens our international, how strict we are in waiving or reducing HQ for overseas vaccinated people, especially as we have no way to know if vaccine was kept sufficiently cold and if both doses were given in correct timeframe.

Itis likely Mandatory HQ needs to stay in place until we have vaccinated 70% of Australians to ensure herd immunity here.

I dont want to see vaccine roll out fast tracked here if it means taking UK style short cuts, lets vaccinate properly first time. But i would like the ability to pay to get it earlier, as the priority process means my age group 35-65 have to wait til last. I was t eligible for HPV vacccine as was deemed too old for free govt program, but i was able to pay to get the better non free version at my GP and claim on health insurance, hoping will have similar option to choose vaccine and pay to be bumped up the list so i can travel sooner and becuase my Mum is imuno compromised i was to reduce my risk to her.

If your Mum is immunocompromised she would be a candidate to get vaccinated early wouldn’t she? Can’t see people being able to pay to jump the queue if there is a shortage of the vaccine.

 

[Lynda2475]

Yes Mum being elderly and immuno compromised so should be in 2nd round (after health workers in first round), but i may have to wait til 2022 based on published prioritisation.

I havent been able to hug my Mum since last Feb, i dont want to wait til 2022 (i wont put her at risk until we are both vacinated). You cant pay to jump the government queue for the free vaccine, but if companies choose to sell vaccine here outside govt program, i should be able to pay to get that.

I've never had the free government flu vaccine via medicare, ive always paid for (or employer has paid for) the quad version. And ive paid for other vaccines like HPV, yellow fever outside of Govt program, so hopefully there will be a user pay option in addition to waiting for government to provide.

Aus government has promised some of the vaccines it has purchased and has license to manufacture to pacific islands, so there is risk they start giving doses there before giving to lower priority people here. Im a bit angry young people (18-34) will be vaccinated before 35-65 year olds , so if there is a way i can get sooner i will pay to do so.

 

[drron]

Well they go together don’t they? Closing our borders early wouldn’t have mattered a scrap if we hadn’t also had lockdowns in Tassie and Victoria when things became uncontrolled.

Not at all.think Taiwan and Vietnam plus several other countries in Asia whose more recent cases are escapes from quarantine as well.
And the lockdown in Tasmania was targeted at a small area.Not State wide.
I don't think you can say the lockdown in Victoria has given them a stronger economy.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Yes Mum being elderly and immuno compromised so should be in 2nd round (after health workers in first round), but i may have to wait til 2022 based on published prioritisation.

I havent been able to hug my Mum since last Feb, i dont want to wait til 2022 (i wont put her at risk until we are both vacinated). You cant pay to jump the government queue for the free vaccine, but if companies choose to sell vaccine here outside govt program, i should be able to pay to get that.

I've never had the free government flu vaccine via medicare, ive always paid for (or employer has paid for) the quad version. And ive paid for other vaccines like HPV, yellow fever outside of Govt program, so hopefully there will be a user pay option in addition to waiting for government to provide.

Aus government has promised some of the vaccines it has purchased and has license to manufacture to pacific islands, so there is risk they start giving doses there before giving to lower priority people here. Im a bit angry young people (18-34) will be vaccinated before 35-65 year olds , so if there is a way i can get sooner i will pay to do so.

I hadn’t heard the younger cohort was prioritised - is that because they are more likely to be out and about in big groups?

I do believe they will do it as fast as possible - they were talking about having us all vaccinated by October and I see Qantas is starting to take international bookings from July so light at the end of the tunnel.

 

[Pushka]

Because situation is largely out of control in UK, they fast tracked vacccine roll-out which was great, but are now choosing to administer in a different manner, delivering 2nd dose after 12 weeks instead or 4 weeks as prescribed. So more people will get their first dose sooner, but its likely to be less effective as the 2nd is not provided in required timeframe. They are also talking about givihg some people both vaccines (not sure there has been testing to see if they interfere with each other as use different technology).

It will be interesting to see when Australia opens our international, how strict we are in waiving or reducing HQ for overseas vaccinated people, especially as we have no way to know if vaccine was kept sufficiently cold and if both doses were given in correct timeframe.

Itis likely Mandatory HQ needs to stay in place until we have vaccinated 70% of Australians to ensure herd immunity here.

I dont want to see vaccine roll out fast tracked here if it means taking UK style short cuts, lets vaccinate properly first time. But i would like the ability to pay to get it earlier, as the priority process means my age group 35-65 have to wait til last. I was t eligible for HPV vacccine as was deemed too old for free govt program, but i was able to pay to get the better non free version at my GP and claim on health insurance, hoping will have similar option to choose vaccine and pay to be bumped up the list so i can travel sooner and becuase my Mum is imuno compromised i was to reduce my risk to her.

So we should follow the model from Israel who are going extremely well. I’m immunocompromised but there is no way I would stop hugging family members whom I know are very responsible health wise. Because being immunocompromised can for me mean risk of stroke. Plus other risks. At any time. So I’m not wasting time waiting for a vaccine before enjoying quality of life as opposed to an unknown quantity.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Not at all.think Taiwan and Vietnam plus several other countries in Asia whose more recent cases are escapes from quarantine as well.
And the lockdown in Tasmania was targeted at a small area.Not State wide.
I don't think you can say the lockdown in Victoria has given them a stronger economy.

What I said was that the graphs I have seen have said countries that have controlled cases and deaths via lockdowns or whatever have had better economic outcomes than countries that didn’t.

that is not the same as saying that a lockdown gives a stronger economy - which would clearly be a very stupid thing to say Probably even a syllogism.

 

[Flashback]

So we should follow the model from Israel who are going extremely well.

Easier to do with a smaller population. If they've done first dose for 10% then that's ~800k. That's less than the UK has given the first dose to.