Rolling coverage: No new cases as virus wiped from aged care sector
In another major stride forward, there are now no active cases in Victoria’s aged care sector which was devastated by the virus during the state’s deadly second wave.
HS Coronavirus News
Don't miss out on the headlines from HS Coronavirus News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
This coronavirus article is unlocked and free to read in the interest of community health and safety. Save and refresh this article page for updates all day. Get full digital access to trusted news from the Herald Sun and Leader for just $1 a week for the first 12 weeks.
Coronavirus has been eradicated from the Victoria’s aged care sector with the last case relating to care facilities cleared on Wednesday afternoon.
The Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed there are no longer any active cases linked to facilities.
It follows hundreds of deaths, and thousands of workers and residents contracting the virus since the pandemic began making it the first time the sector is virus-free since June 15.
It comes as Victoria marked yet another milestone, with no new coronavirus cases or deaths for the sixth day in a row.
Metropolitan Melbourne’s 14-day rolling average is down to 1.4 cases.
Over 13,400 tests were recieved overnight.
Active cases dropped to 20 on Thursday, but Victorians still face harsher restrictions than NSW,
Victoria is “on track” to ease restrictions at the weekend but Daniel Andrews will likely “hold out” on mandatory masks rules.
The Premier warned on Wednesday that Victorians must not grow complacement as the state prepares to open up further.
He said he would be a “hold out” on mask rules amid speculation public health advice could be altered to remove the requirement to wear facial coverings outside.
Asked if Victoria’s results meant restrictions, including on home visits, would eased by next week, Mr Andrews said final decisions would be made closer to Sunday.
“We’ve always looked at the most contemporary picture,” he said.
“I can’t predict what will be announced other than what we’ve already outlined.
“We’re well on track to do all of those things.”
The government has previously flagged a raft of changes from November 9, including dumping the 25km limit and lifting the border between Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Melbourne’s gyms would also be able to reopen and patron cafes at restaurants, pubs and cafes would be increased.
“If we want to lock that in and then go further again, potentially take several more steps between now and the end of the year… We all have to play our part,” he said.
“Sunday is going to be an important day, we’re on track to make some significant announcements.
“It’s not normal, it’s COVID-normal and if that means wearing a mask for a little while longer I just don’t think that’s too much to ask.”
Mr Andrews said it was possible mask rules could be eased in the future for low-risk locations, such as outdoors, but warned the government would be cautious.
“It’s possible that we could have some changes at the appropriate time and that will come after detailed health advice,” he said.
“But I’ve been very clear with you for weeks and months now that I’d be a holdout on this because I think that it is serving a purpose.”
Mr Andrews also urged Victorians to “make good choices” after watching scenes of thousands of people flocking beaches across the state.
“The bigger issue was people not wearing their mask,” he said.
“It’s a tiny thing you’re being asked to do so that all of us can benefit.”
More than 17,000 tests were recorded in the 24 hours leading up to Wednesday.
NSW HELD OUT ON REOPENING BORDERS
The NSW government was advised regional Victoria had hit safe coronavirus targets three weeks ago, but chose to hold out on reopening the border despite the state’s low numbers.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian is believed to have been briefed with the advice at a committee meeting at the State Emergency Operation Centre in early October.
But it took until Wednesday for Ms Berejiklian to announce the NSW-Vic border would reopen on November 23.
The revelation has raised questions as to why the decision was delayed.
Ms Berejiklian has previously said the border would not stay “a day longer” than it was needed.
Read the full story at The Australian .
CHRISTMAS BLOW FOR COASTAL CAMPERS
Campgrounds along the Mornington Peninsula foreshore will not open this Christmas.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council announced on Thursday that campgrounds at Rosebud, Rye and Sorrento would not reopen until February 2021.
The council-managed sites were expected to open December 19.
Council chief executive John Baker said the decision was made after “careful consideration” of the State Government’s coronavirus road map and to ensure the health and safety of all Victorians.
Read the full story here.
NEW VACCINE DEALS PUT AUSTRALIA ‘AT FRONT OF QUEUE’
Australia is a step closer to being able to reopen safely to the rest of the world after the federal government procured 50 million doses of two more COVID-19 vaccine candidates.
Scott Morrison will on Thursday announce the government has bought 10 million units of the Novavax vaccine and 40 million doses of the leading Pfizer and BioNTech candidate.
Australia already has deals in place for the promising Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and the University of Queensland and CSL candidate.
Read the full story here.
MORE NEWS
NSW OPENS BORDER TO VICTORIANS