Australian Reports of the Virus Spread

[Flying mermaid]

Well we can agree to have our respectful difference of opinion. I can't see HQ being the cause where/if the nebuliser is proven as the main contributing factor. Yes, I can see a possible point if they weren't checking for nebulisers, but I guess its not the first time a nebuliser has been permitted with no consequences and perhaps other States might have been allowing the same thing??? To my mind, its just being in the wrong place at the wrong time - no different to being at the wrong venue at the wrong time and being infected.

Emma Cassar said today that people were asked when they checked in if they had a medical device and if so they were transferred to a health hotel. Unfortunately the person with the nebuliser didn’t recognise it came under medical devices so they didn’t declare it and weren’t transferred.

in future a nurse will help border force check luggage for aerosol devices

 

[dajop]

Although Dr FM was pretty dubious about swabbing in corridors as well, although there really isn’t an easy alternate. She felt that swabbing caused aerosols and was a potential source of infection in HQ.

When we did HQ at the Mandarin Oriental in Singapore, all guests had to go to a central point for swabbing at a nominated time. Whilst everyone was masked, and extremely well physically distanced that was a concern. But on the flipside, and we were sent outside to a balcony area to be swabbed in fresh air. They also did not do a throat swab and we were required to wear masks over mouth the whole time (and as a result the nose swab went deep ).

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Vic DHHS Media Release
10 February 2021
Extract

Victoria has recorded two new locally acquired cases of coronavirus since yesterday.

These include a hotel quarantine worker and a hotel quarantine resident, both linked to the Holiday Inn outbreak.

The number of active cases in Victoria is 16, made up of five locally acquired cases, an increase of two since yesterday and 11 cases in returned travellers in hotel quarantine, a decrease of one since yesterday.

There are no cases identified in returned travellers.

The total number of confirmed cases in Victoria since the beginning of the pandemic is 20,458.

Update: new positive cases linked to Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport​

Earlier today the department was alerted to two further individuals linked to the Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport who have tested positive to coronavirus (COVID-19): a worker, and a previous resident who exited the facility on February 7. These two cases will be reported in tomorrow’s numbers.

This takes the number of cases linked to the Holiday Inn outbreak to eight. This includes three index cases, three workers and two residents.

There may be exposure sites linked to the previous resident. Interviews are underway, and any sites will be published online at Case locations and outbreak page as soon as possible.

There are currently no exposure sites linked to the hotel quarantine worker.

Our public health response to this outbreak continues. If you have symptoms, get tested. If you have been to any current exposure sites in Victoria, get tested and stay isolated for 14 days.

For testing locations, visit the Where to get tested page.

Update: Holiday Inn - closed for terminal cleaning​

The Holiday Inn at Melbourne Airport has been closed for terminal cleaning. All staff are in isolation and all residents has been moved.

Anyone who has been in this facility for more than 15 minutes between 27 January and 9 February is considered a primary close contact. They must immediately isolate, get a test, and stay isolated for 14 days.

Update: Holiday Inn – food and beverage worker​

The hotel quarantine worker who tested positive is a food and beverage attendant at the Holiday Inn.

She last worked on 4 February and tested negative at the end of her shift. She developed symptoms on 6 February.

On 8 February, she was advised that she was a primary close contact related to the previously identified exposure at the Holiday Inn and was, as such, required to isolate and get a test.

She got tested on the morning of 9 February – and returned a positive result. During the time she was infectious, she visited a number of sites in the Sunbury area.

We have so far identified 13 social and household primary close contacts linked to this case. Seven of this cohort have tested negative.

The exposure sites for this case published so far are as follows.

Friday 5th February

• PJ's Pet Warehouse: Sunbury between 3:37pm and 4:10pm
• Bakers Delight - Sunbury Square Shopping Centre: Sunbury between 3:40pm and 4:15pm
• Aldente Deli - Sunbury Square Shopping Centre between 3:45pm and 4:23pm
• Sushi Sushi - Sunbury Square Shopping Centre between 3:53pm and 4:28pm
• Asian Star - Sunbury Square Shopping Centre between 3:57pm and 4:30pm

Saturday 6th February

• Sunny Life Massage – Sunbury Square Shopping Centre between 4:30pm and 6:30pm
• Cellarbrations: Sunbury between 6:17pm and 7:02pm

Sunday 7th February 2021

• Cellarbrations: Sunbury between 5:44pm and 6:19pm

Anyone who has visited these Tier 1 exposure sites during these dates and times must immediately isolate, get a coronavirus (COVID-19) test and remain isolated for 14 days.

All current exposure sites can be seen at Case locations and outbreak page. This website is rapidly updated as any new sites are identified.

Update: Holiday Inn – resident​

A resident of the Hotel Quarantine facility at Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport tested positive to coronavirus (COVID-19) after completing their 14-day quarantine and being cleared for release.

Interviews with the individual have concluded and there are no public exposure sites linked to this case.

Update: Holiday Inn – Authorised Officer​

An Authorised Officer at the Holiday Inn tested positive on 7 February and eight household and family primary close contacts have been identified.

Current exposure sites linked to this case remain as follows:

• Marciano's Cakes in Maidstone between 9:45am - 10:25am on Friday 5 February
• Dan Murphy's Sunshine between 5:50pm - 6:30pm on Friday 5 February
• Off Ya Tree Watergardens between 1:00pm - 1:52pm on Saturday 6 February
• Dan Murphy's in Sunshine between 6:50pm - 7:30pm on Saturday 6 February

Please note that hours have been extended the exposure period for Off Ya Tree from 1:17pm back to 1:00pm.

All current exposure sites can be seen at Case locations and outbreak page. This website is rapidly updated as any new sites are identified.

Update: Grand Hyatt​

The Department is continuing to follow up close contacts of a hotel quarantine worker at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne who has tested positive to coronavirus (COVID-19) on Wednesday 3 February.
There are now 637 public exposure site contacts and we are still receiving negative results.

 

[Pushka]

So works in a Covid Hotel. Tests negative. Then develops symptoms. Doesn't get tested (on days off) and continues about activities for 3 days. Then contacted as close contact and tests positive the next day.

Do you think an issue is that people consider that having had the test being negative confers on them some kind of immunity from developing this virus for a while even when developing Covid symptoms (which I agree are somewhat like a cold anyway). I can understand a symptomless person continuing normal life after testing but not someone with symptoms and who is working in this environment.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

So while 8 cases. 3 were in HQ, 2 were in HQ and outside for limited time and one considered to have isolated fully when out, plus the 3 workers.

So far no cases apart from those that were either infected overseas or at the HQ . So no spread as yet outside the HQ building itself.
The main spread seems to have been from the 3 index cases with the nebuliser.

All have has the two rings placed around them swiftly. Thousands in quarantine.

So the main risk would be from casual contact at one of the exposure sites, and that type of transmission is relatively less common. Overall while 8 cases sounds a lot, there has not been a lot of contact out in the community, and especially not with people that are not already in isolation.

 

[JessicaTam]

I am glad I don't live in Sunbury any more. A lot of the places of interest were my local haunts.

In other news, residents of Sale can breathe a sigh of relief tonight - my COVID test came back negative. It seems my headache and sore throat are just that.

click here for sympathy -> [Awww]

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

So works in a Covid Hotel. Tests negative. Then develops symptoms. Doesn't get tested (on days off) and continues about activities for 3 days. Then contacted as close contact and tests positive the next day.

Do you think an issue is that people consider that having had the test being negative confers on them some kind of immunity from developing this virus for a while even when developing Covid symptoms (which I agree are somewhat like a cold anyway). I can understand a symptomless person continuing normal life after testing but not someone with symptoms and who is working in this environment.

I feel I've heard that happen before, sometime earlier this year. So its definitely an issue......the guidelines that quarantine worker who become symptomatic get immediately tested are pretty clearly being ignored.

 

[oz_mark]

8 cases? Time for a lockdown!

 

[bcworld]

I feel I've heard that happen before, sometime earlier this year.

NSW security guard, one of the two who tested positive in August. He failed to isolate after testing and then went to Kmart and the supermarket. Then received +ve result. He may have even done that after testing positive. I believe he was fined.

Post automatically merged: Feb 10, 2021

8 cases? Time for a lockdown!

We had 10 one day during Black Rock...and about 30 in total over the 5ish day period. No lockdown. Subject to concern about different strains of course.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

NSW security guard, one of the two who tested positive in August. He failed to isolate after testing and then went to Kmart and the supermarket. Then received +ve result. He may have even done that after testing positive. I believe he was fined.

Post automatically merged: Feb 10, 2021

We had 10 one day during Black Rock...and about 30 in total over the 5ish day period. No lockdown. Subject to concern about different strains of course.

8. But 3 are HQ = 5

One isolated = 4

All 4 others have minimal exposure days and some commonality in their close and second ring contacts. Thousands in isolation.


So if States are going to close borders over that then interstate travel and many businesses will remain in grim times.

 

[jakeseven7]

8 cases? Time for a lockdown!

Only in the states that don’t have the systems and support in place would lockdown in this scenario now, not VIC or NSW which are perfectly capable of dealing with something like this without slamming their own residents into a lockdown.

SA shutting the border over this is simply ludicrous.

 

[kamchatsky]

I use a CPAP machine for my sleep, I am struggling to understand how the machine could be used to spread the virus, especially if I am alone in the room in hotel quarantine? Isn’t it similar to coughing or even breathing?

 

[RooFlyer]

I use a CPAP machine for my sleep, I am struggling to understand how the machine could be used to spread the virus, especially if I am alone in the room in hotel quarantine? Isn’t it similar to coughing or even breathing?

I was wondering the same thing. A nebuliser? You breath in a medicated mist via some sort of facemask, and breath out.

I thought they were meaning a humidifier and even then difficult to see how it promotes aerosol transmission.

 

[nutwood]

I was wondering the same thing. A nebuliser? You breath in a medicated mist via some sort of facemask, and breath out.

I thought they were meaning a humidifier and even then difficult to see how it promotes aerosol transmission.

Well, that would depend on the design of your hotel's ventilation and exactly how many others are sharing your medicated mist....

 

[Princess Fiona]

I was wondering the same thing. A nebuliser? You breath in a medicated mist via some sort of facemask, and breath out.

I thought they were meaning a humidifier and even then difficult to see how it promotes aerosol transmission.

I use a CPAP machine for my sleep, I am struggling to understand how the machine could be used to spread the virus, especially if I am alone in the room in hotel quarantine? Isn’t it similar to coughing or even breathing?

CPAP, Nebulizers etc are all very high risk of transmitting COVID-19.
They generate small aerosols that can travel far and persist in the air for hours or more.
Not at all the same as breathing or coughing.
Hence why use of them in health care is considered an AGP (Aerosol Generating Procedure) and any staff present must have full PPE on.
Any cleaning staff entering a room after an AGP must also have full PPE on.
The time frames for full clearance of the air depends on the ventilation system and air exchanges within etc.

 

[kamchatsky]

CPAP, Nebulizers etc are all very high risk of transmitting COVID-19.
They generate small aerosols that can travel far and persist in the air for hours or more.
Not at all the same as breathing or coughing.
Hence why use of them in health care is considered an AGP (Aerosol Generating Procedure) and any staff present must have full PPE on.
Any cleaning staff entering a room after an AGP must also have full PPE on.
The time frames for full clearance of the air depends on the ventilation system and air exchanges within etc.

I just googled AGP and learnt something new:

Acute Respiratory Infections including COVID-19 - Clinical Excellence Commission

COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control resources for health and other workers in NSW.

www.cec.health.nsw.gov.au

 

[RooFlyer]

CPAP, Nebulizers etc are all very high risk of transmitting COVID-19.
They generate small aerosols that can travel far and persist in the air for hours or more.

I'm not doubting what you are saying ... there is obviously an additional risk, but what I don't understand is how the virus particles get into the mist. The mist (presumably clean?) is generated by the machine, mostly inhaled via a mask and the (infected) user then exhales. I can see that there would be some small cloud of mist particles and infected exhalite around the user. I'm struggling to see how that would generate a measurable increase in transmission in the air that escapes from the room when the door is opened - over, say, an infected person in a room with the aircon on.

 

[ethernet]

I''ll offer to consult for lateral thinking if the professionals they contract remain ignorant of global findings. Airflow blower tests used in USA and Norway for insulated airtight houses will be useful. A can of puffer smoke will spot leaks. Mercaptan (added to gas to detect leaks), or other can be used to spot matters. Clearly none have been a building manager of a high rise. In order of thought - the riser carrying water, electricity, telecoms, fire and security circuits, and internet. Ripping away carpet, for lino, will leave a gap under the doors. Repeat for elevator shaft and fire stair - most likely a door propped open for smokos. Add seals and check for violations.

Bad upstairs water leaks, shonky repairs. If you ever lived in units. Their pipes are in your roof, and a manhole of sorts. Check for seals. Water stains on the bathroom ceiling is a tell sign. Check the register of blocked toilets of blocked sinks. Pipes can push air. I toss a swig of bleach into the toilet and sink, often. I was told commercial cleaners could not use bleach - it was OS&H, even for mens urinals. The lolly water pineoclean - well maybe not as good as bleach and sunlight.

Finally, put these reports online for the general public to examine. Taiwan and China did lots of studies on airconditioning and air flow, including extreme air pressure flows as a windgust during a storm rips past. so if the balcony is open, a gust of wind can push it out between door gaps. Solution plastic sheeting.

A nebuliser seems unlikely, relative to botched unsealed air gaps between rooms. Go crazy with mercaptan. I would be surprised if stairwell smoking was not strongly implicated. Hang a balloon on a bit of string in the hallway. The CCTV will record events

 

[Princess Fiona]

I'm not doubting what you are saying ... there is obviously an additional risk, but what I don't understand is how the virus particles get into the mist. The mist (presumably clean?) is generated by the machine, mostly inhaled via a mask and the (infected) user then exhales. I can see that there would be some small cloud of mist particles and infected exhalite around the user. I'm struggling to see how that would generate a measurable increase in transmission in the air that escapes from the room when the door is opened - over, say, an infected person in a room with the aircon on.

It is not a closed system. A nebulizer can generate a higher volume of respiratory aerosols and propel them over a longer distance including through the air con.

 

[oznflfan]

On another note, virus numbers falling nicely worldwide.