Australian Reports of the Virus Spread

[oznflfan]

Pretty much since Oct most outbreaks anywhere in Australia once found have become quickly contained and quenched.

Avalon already had momentum before found and so took longer.

Plus now there are more ways that new cases are found earlier, and so outbreaks are a lot less to have time to grow undetected.

We should really have the faith to rely on the systems in place without having to resort to lockdowns, or state border restrictions which probably do little or nothing when cases are few.

Yes Vic got a case from WA recently, but was contained swiftly.

Right now with outbreaks it's judged we need lockdowns.
Once all vulnerable vaccinated outbreaks will no longer need lockdowns.
Once everyone vaccinated outbreaks shouldn't matter.
Once international borders opened outbreaks cannot matter.

 

[Pushka]

That's pretty extreme. We live in one of the most liberal democracies in the world. And right now, there's probably close to 1 billion Indians who would love to have been living in "isolated" Australia and not allowed to leave all this time. (my unscientific survey of recent Uber drivers backs this up)

And I find that example to be very extreme. There is a world of difference between being able to resume a somewhat normal life when people are immunised and the vulnerable fully protected, versus mass political rallies of hundreds of thousands of people, coupled with mass religious festivals, bathing together as a ritual, at a time when immunisation rates were barely discernible and the infection was still in the community in a country where even in the best of times, hygiene and hospitals are minimal at best.

 

[Pushka]

Yep, we had to do that. The wedding was less than 20km from our home, but we could only watch via zoom. They finally had a wedding reception 9 months after the wedding.

I'm so sorry to hear that. Hope the wedding reception was a winner.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Right now with outbreaks it's judged we need lockdowns.

Personally I disagree, and I believe that judgement is wrong.

While some Governments are keen to bring in lockdowns with only a case or two, I personally believe it achieves most likely nothing additional to what is achieve by just adopting a second ring containment strategy (ie locking down only those who are likely to possibly be infected), inclusive of any exposure sites.

I know that that the politicians trumpet that wow gee the lockdown stopped the outbreak. I disagree. The quarantining of all likely exposed people is what ends the transmission chains of these small outbreaks.


If it gets out and obout such as Avalon, then yes you need to start bring in localised lockdown as simply put you have no idea where all the transmission chains are. So you start to need measures to prevent random people mixing.

And if say like a Melbourne Second Wave type outbreak then you need more draconian measures., as again you have no idea where the all the transmission chains are.

But if you have a very good idea on where the transmission chains may be then contact tracing and quarantining etc is all that is required. Lockdowns then really are only stopping un-infected random people mixing with other random un-infected people.

Lockdown for few cases in my opinion creates enormous harm, including health and mental health issues (ie impairing medical treatments from occuring) as well as massive economic and social disruption.

 

[Eastwick20]

When people say life will never be the same again I think to myself well 100 years ago the world eventually got through the Spanish flu pandemic, life returned to normal and with far less technology and resources then we have now.

 

[Lynda2475]

Right now with outbreaks it's judged we need lockdowns
Once all vulnerable vaccinated outbreaks will no longer need lockdowns.
Once everyone vaccinated outbreaks shouldn't matter.
Once international borders opened outbreaks cannot matter.

NSW doesn't lockdown whole cities or states when there is an outbreak, it places restrictions on individuals and specific locations as is sensible.
Where community cases are linked or are very small number, we trust our contract tracing systems, dont resort to locking millions down.
HQ and linked non-mystery community cases don't really matter that much now, provided close contacts do the right thing.
Unrestricted open international borders are years away.

 

[oz_mark]

NSW doesn't lockdown whole cities or states when there is an outbreak, it places restrictions on individuals and specific locations as is sensible.
Where community cases are linked or are very small number, we trust our contract tracing systems, dont resort to locking millions down.
HQ and linked non-mystery community cases don't really matter that much now, provided close contacts do the right thing.
Unrestricted open international borders are years away.

Unfortunately, some states thing the NSW approach is wrong.

 

[Lynda2475]

Government to confirm new quarantine facility to be built in Melbourne's north

A new purpose-built quarantine facility is set to be established at Mickleham, in Melbourne's north, where a pet and plant quarantine hub already exists.

www.abc.net.au

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

Just noticed a headline of a covid-positive diplomat driving to Canberra....haven’t read article yet

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Mickleham has emerged as the likely location for the new purpose built Covid 19 Quratine Facility for Victoria. An announcement is expected tomorrow (Thursday).

Hotel quarantine alternative: Mickleham pet facility site emerges as contender

A pet quarantine site used to house dogs and cats that enter Australia could dash Avalon Airport’s hopes of hosting Victoria’s cabin-style COVID-19 isolation accommodation.

www.theage.com.au

 

[Flying mermaid]

Just noticed a headline of a covid-positive diplomat driving to Canberra....haven’t read article yet

It’s normal. Diplomats do not have to quarantine in a hotel. They land in Sydney and travel by private car to Canberra where they isolate at home. Quite a large number do this and every now and then one tests positive. Amazingly we have had no leakages. Diplomats are not know for obeying local laws in Canberra e.g. parking tickets and speeding fines. One of the USA diplomats had a vicious dog that they let run wild and it attacked and bit numerous people before the embassy finally took action. Had to make front page of the Canberra Times a few times.....

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

It’s normal. Diplomats do not have to quarantine in a hotel. They land in Sydney and travel by private car to Canberra where they isolate at home. Quite a large number do this and every now and then one tests positive. Amazingly we have had no leakages. Diplomats are not know for obeying local laws in Canberra e.g. parking tickets and speeding fines. One of the USA diplomats had a vicious dog that they let run wild and it attacked and bit numerous people before the embassy finally took action. Had to make front page of the Canberra Times a few times.....

Thank goodness they at least have the sense to isolate.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Thank goodness they at least have the sense to isolate.

So far it’s worked really well. I guess the diplomats have been told it will create a major international incident if they don’t do the right thing

 

[Ric]

and it's also laughable that we had such restricted numbers for ANZAC Day marches

Comparing to the numbers at the footy!

 

[bcworld]

Mickleham has emerged as the likely location for the new purpose built Covid 19 Quratine Facility for Victoria. An announcement is expected tomorrow (Thursday).

Hotel quarantine alternative: Mickleham pet facility site emerges as contender

A pet quarantine site used to house dogs and cats that enter Australia could dash Avalon Airport’s hopes of hosting Victoria’s cabin-style COVID-19 isolation accommodation.

www.theage.com.au

Back to the ever impartial 3AW...their amazing contribution re this news.

Once again, I'm shook...they've found an angry listener.

'Stupidest decision': Man living near COVID-19 quarantine hub site slams proposed location

The state government has confirmed the location of a new purpose-built COVID-19 quarantine facility to replace the troubled hotel quarantine system. There are plans for a $15 million, 500 bed quarantine facility on Donnybrook Road, Mickleham, on a site which is currently an animal quarantine...

www.3aw.com.au

 

[Pushka]

Qatar Airlines is still allowing people from India to board flights into Australia.

 

[SydneySwan]

Qatar Airlines is still allowing people from India to board flights into Australia.

Source?

 

[bcworld]

Source?

I guess this:

Loophole lets travellers into Aus from India

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has placed a pause on all flights from India, but there is still a sneaky loophole travellers from the COVID-19-ravaged nation can use to get into Australia.

www.news.com.au

 

[Seat0B]

Comparing to the numbers at the footy!

yep, restrictions on the real heroes, open slather for the "footy heroes". It's profoundly wrong at any time, but an outright insult on ANZAC Day.

 

[SydneySwan]

I guess this:

Loophole lets travellers into Aus from India

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has placed a pause on all flights from India, but there is still a sneaky loophole travellers from the COVID-19-ravaged nation can use to get into Australia.

www.news.com.au

Interesting. I expect the Aussie IPL cricketers will return via this way. I believe Andrew Tye returned last weekend via Doha prior to any bans on flights from India. Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa said they were flying back 2 or 3 days ago. I haven't heard if they are here yet but generally they manage to find flights.