Rolling coverage: Staff could ‘live in a bubble’ under new hotel quarantine scheme

Victoria has hit a milestone with no active COVID cases for the first time since February. Queensland is now ready to throw open its border.

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Victoria has marked a massive milestone, with no active coronavirus cases after the last patient was discharged from hospital this week.

It’s the first time since February 29 — 269 days ago — that Victoria hasn’t had a single active case, and comes after 25 consecutive days of zero infections.

Meanwhile, Queensland is set to reopen its border to Victoria on December 1.

Premier Daniel Andrews said Victorians should be extremely proud of their efforts to quash the virus.

We’re happy to confirm that there were 0 new cases, 0 lost lives and 0 active cases reported yesterday. 9,960 test results were received – thank you, #EveryTestHelps. More detail: https://t.co/pcll7ySEgz#StaySafeStayOpen #COVID19Vic pic.twitter.com/axPlsu830H

— VicGovDHHS (@VicGovDHHS) November 23, 2020

“This is a very, very significant day and every single Victorian can be proud of the part they have played in defeating the second wave,” he said.

He said it was likely COVID-19 was still in the community and people needed to remain vigilant.

“A big run of days — 25 days of zero cases — is not the same as a vaccine.

“Know that it is still probably out there bubbling at a very low level. That’s why masks and distancing is very important.

“But to report zero active cases and zero new cases should be a point of pride for every Victorian.”

Victoria’s second wave has finally ended. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Mr Andrews said it was great news for the final COVID patient and their family.

“It presents us with an opportunity to again thank all of those nurses and doctors, hospital cleaners, ward clerks and the whole health team for the amazing work that they’ve done throughout this global pandemic event,” he said on Tuesday.

“Even with this run of zero days, no active cases, very strong testing performance and people who are just doing the right thing and playing their part, until the vaccine arrives, this is something that’s going to be with us for the foreseeable future.”

The state has recorded 20,345 coronavirus cases and 819 deaths since the start of the pandemic, with 19,526 people having recovered as of Tuesday.

MILESTONE AS LAST COVID PATIENT GOES HOME

Masks are still encouraged when social distancing cannot be adhered to. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

QUEENSLAND SET TO REOPEN TO VICTORIA

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced the Queensland border will reopen to millions of people in NSW and Victoria.

Unless there are locally acquired cases in the coming days, the border will be opened to the entirety of both states on December 1.

NSW has already hit the 28-day benchmark of no community cases and Victoria could hit it on Wednesday.

“Can I say to New South Wales – we welcome you to Queensland from December 1. We know how tough this has been on families. This is a great day,” Ms Palaszczuk told reporters.

“It’s exciting news and it has met the requirements that (chief health officer Jeanette) Dr Young has set. In further good news, tomorrow is the day that Victoria will meet that threshold as well.

“So I will update everybody again tomorrow morning. I have been in contact with both the New South Wales Premier and the Victorian Premier and I have advised also the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, that if they reach that 28 days tomorrow, then they, too, will be open on December 1.”

‘BUBBLE’ PLAN UNDER NEW QUARANTINE SCHEME

A rebooted hotel quarantine scheme in Victoria could include staff who stay on site to reduce the risk of infection in the community, Premier Daniel Andrews has flagged.

Questions remain about how the new version of the quarantine program will be managed when international flights return to the state in just two weeks’ time.

South Australia’s coronavirus outbreak, also linked to hotel quarantine, has triggered calls over whether states should isolate travellers in the regions or other low-density areas to reduce the risk of larger super-spreading events.

Mr Andrews said it was possible some employees could be asked to “live in a bubble” while working in risk points for infection.

“I think living on site is not just a function of being out in the suburbs or in regional Victoria,” he said.

“You might find that’s a feature of the reset system.

“Not necessarily every member of staff, but some. Particularly those that are in the highest risk group if you like, those who have got the most frequent contact.”

Mr Andrews said the program would start at 160 people a day and grow over time.

“We are very confident that we can have an exclusive workforce,” he said.