Dedicated quarantine centre in NSW backed by Sydney Uni academic

A top academic says a dedicated quarantine facility in Sydney or wider NSW could help prevent the spread of new Covid strains. See our list of where one could be set up.

An epidemiology professor from the University of Sydney says a dedicated quarantine facility in NSW – similar to the one proposed for Victoria – would benefit the state and could help prevent outbreaks of new Covid strains.

Last week, the Federal Government agreed to pay for the construction of a dedicated quarantine facility in Victoria which will be operated by the Victorian Government.

The Victorian Government had requested the Federal Government fund a 500-bed facility on the outskirts of Melbourne as an addition to hotel quarantine.

The facility will be a similar model to a centre operating in Howard Springs, near Darwin.

The Howard Springs quarantine facility.

Calls have since been made for a similar facility to be brought to Sydney or wider NSW.

However, Prime Minister Scott Morrison poured cold water on the idea this week stating “NSW is neither asking for an additional quarantine facility here in NSW, and nor are we seeking one”.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian also told the Ben Fordham radio show this week the Federal Government would have to pay for and operate its own dedicated quarantine facility if it wanted one here, as the NSW Government was not willing to get involved.

“The Federal Government, if they want extra capacity in NSW they will have to build and run (a dedicated facility) themselves because we are already at capacity.”

She explained about 5000 people were in quarantine in NSW at any given time which was far more than any other state including Victoria.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian (left) and Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaking to media this week. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

She said almost half of those people were from other states and NSW was carrying “a big load” helping out the rest of the country and was at capacity operating hotel quarantine.

Epidemiology Professor Alexandra Martiniuk, from the University of Sydney, told NewsLocal that while hotel quarantine had been successful in NSW there were many benefits to introducing a dedicated quarantine facility.

She said those benefits included helping to prevent the spread of new variants of Covid.

“I think it is a good idea to have a dedicated quarantine facility,” she said.

“While hotel quarantine has been working well in NSW – new variants will likely continue to arise as the global pandemic rages on.

New variants of the virus have increased transmission.

“Delta in particular, as one example, appears to have increased transmission and vaccines are less effective against it.

“Having a dedicated quarantine facility which takes into account airborne spread will be useful.”

She said a dedicated quarantine centre could offer easier access to outdoor fresh air, kitchenette and laundries in each room to reduce the need for contact with other people.

It could also facilitate food delivery, increased space between room doors, and no shared hallways or shared air with the inclusion of self-contained pods.

“Now that it has been accepted that Covid is airborne, and we have learned from quarantine breaches, and it is certain we’ll need quarantine for some time, it makes sense we are all thinking about how we might improve quarantine systems and facilities in Australia,” Professor Martiniuk said.

A Sydney hotel being used for quarantine. Picture: Nikki Short

The Federal Government has announced a dedicated quarantine facility would have to meet a series of criteria to get funding, including being near an international airport and no more than an hour away from a suitable hospital.

It must also compliment hotel quarantine rather than replace it, be on a Commonwealth-owned site and not interfere with Commonwealth operations.

NewsLocal has compiled a list of potential locations across Sydney where a dedicated quarantine centre could be built in the future. Add your suggestions in the comments.

Holsworthy Barracks (Heathcote)

Pros: Not in a densely populated area, has its own airport, within an hour of a major hospital, plenty of space and access to outdoor fresh air.

Cons: Could interfere with the army who occupy Holsworthy.

HMAS Watson (Watsons Bay)

Pros: Relatively close to Sydney Airport, plenty of access to outdoor fresh air, within an hour of a major hospital.

Cons: Could interfere with the navy who occupy the base.

Sydney Olympic Park

Pros: Relatively close to Sydney Airport, within an hour of a major hospital, space for temporary buildings.

Cons: Could interfere with existing events and businesses.

Richmond RAAF Base

Pros: Not in a densely populated area, has its own airport, within an hour of a major hospital, plenty of space and access to outdoor fresh air.

Cons: Could interfere with the air force which occupies the base.

Gladesville Hospital

Pros: Not currently occupied, relatively close to Sydney Airport, within an hour of a major hospital.

Cons: Shared hallways and amenities, may be more expensive to fix up than to build a new site.