Australia Covid news: Treasurer tells Victoria to follow NSW lead
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has called out the Victorian Premier over the state’s planned reopening, telling him he needs to follow NSW’s lead.
Welcome to Thursday’s coverage of Australia’s Covid-19 situation.
Victoria has recorded another spike in Covid cases, with 2297 infections and 11 deaths confirmed in the 24 hours to midnight.
Despite the grim figures, there are still hopes residents will be able to come out of lockdown earlier than expected as the state hurtles towards its 70 per cent vaccination goal.
NSW recorded 406 new locally acquired Covid cases and six deaths on Thursday.
The blog has wrapped up for Thursday but you can view the biggest stories of the day below.
Gap widens in vaccine rollout
The government has “no specific timeline” to drive vaccination rates in Australia’s Indigenous population despite figures showing they are more than 25 per cent behind the general population.
In what has been described as a “chaotic” process, rural and remote health officials have told a senate committee they were often left in the dark about supply, had doses of vaccines delivered to the wrong clinics and were prohibited from attempting to establish pop-up clinics in remote communities.
Communication failures with government agencies paired with the initial slow rollout, hesitancy, misinformation and complacency have provided the perfect storm for vulnerable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Just 51.7 per cent of Indigenous Australians have had their first dose of a vaccine, while only 42.3 per cent are fully vaccinated – a significant lag behind the general population where 83.6 per cent of Australians have had one dose and 65.4 per cent are fully vaccinated.
Rates of vaccination in Indigenous people in states like Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory are lagging behind all other jurisdictions – an issue officials have blamed on a level of complacency and a lack of urgency more so than supply or access to vaccine.
Set back for reopening plans in NSW
BREAKING: Nine News understands residents of Greater Sydney will not be allowed to travel to regional NSW when 80% freedoms kick in on Monday, instead travel will be delayed for at least a week, maybe longer. @9NewsAUS
— Chris O'Keefe (@cokeefe9) October 14, 2021
‘Not apologising’: Dan fed up with vaccine whingers
Premier Daniel Andrews has hit out at those who have been complaining about Victoria’s vaccine mandates, telling residents in no uncertain terms that he wasn’t going to apologise for keeping them safe.
Mr Andrews said the mandates for certain workforces and the extra freedoms for vaccinated people push residents “to do what needs to be done”.
“I’m not here to apologise for that because vaccination is how we open the place up,” he said.
“The vaccinated economy and vaccination mandates that you can’t go to the pub or whatever, if you aren’t vaccinated, I’m not apologising for that either because it’s incredibly important.
“No-one, through their refusal to get vaccinated, should be making it harder for a heart attack patient or stroke patient, or motor vehicle accident patient, or farming accident patient or industrial accident patient to get a bed because it’s filled with a preventable Covid case.”
Victoria recorded a pandemic record 2297 new locally-acquired cases on Thursday and 11 deaths. There were 13 deaths recorded on Wednesday.
Frydenberg hits out at Andrews again
The seemingly-never-ending back and forth between Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg carried on today when the latter offered more advice on his state’s Covid-19 strategy.
Speaking to reporters in Melbourne, Mr Frydenberg urged the Victorian Premier to step up to what NSW has allowed in its reopening framework.
“It was very pleasing to see those restrictions being eased in NSW,” he said.
“I would hope Victoria follow suit. Because Victoria and its restrictions being eased at 70 per cent and 80 per cent don’t replicate NSW.
“NSW has gone further than Victoria. I would like Victoria to follow NSW. I would like Victoria and the Victorian government to provide their citizens with the same freedoms that the people in NSW have received.”
If it all sounds very familiar, that’s because the pair have traded barbs for over a year about how Victoria should be handling the public health crisis and how much help the state is getting from the Commonwealth.
Just last month, Mr Andrews accused the federal government of playing favourites, questioning why NSW received financial support for its construction industry during lockdown, but Victoria did not.
“The notion that you would support businesses in Sydney because they’re shut down, but you wouldn’t support exactly the same businesses in exactly the same circumstances in Melbourne – It doesn’t really make any sense to me,” he said.
But Mr Frydenberg defended his government’s cash allocation, insisting it was Mr Andrews own fault that his state’s construction industry was not covered under the federal support package for Victoria.
Tasmania’s HQ jumper being ‘difficult’
Tasmanians have received good news this afternoon with Premier Peter Gutwein reporting no new infections after a man from NSW who was supposed to be in hotel quarantine in Hobart fled.
But he revealed that the man who left the Travelodge in Hobart while he was in quarantine is not cooperating.
“This happens very, very infrequently and it is as a result of people who do not want to follow the law,” he told reporters.
“In this case, that is exactly what has happened.”
He said Tasmanians “should remain calm” because all the man’s primary close contacts have been isolated and “there are no more positive cases that have arisen”.
UPDATE: Premier says the man is not cooperating and is being “particularly disruptive†and “difficult†#covid19tashttps://t.co/yX67P3sutm
— Monte Bovill (@MonteBovill) October 13, 2021
The man sought to travel to Tasmania under the claim that he was “relocating”, police said. But because he did not provide information to back up to claim, he was rejected.
Drivers behind Vic’s ‘surprise’ case surge
Victoria’s Deputy Premier James Merlino said he knew today’s Covid-19 figures would come as a shock to many residents, as the last few days had suggested cases may have begun to drop.
“This is a jump in numbers which we know will come as a surprise to many Victorians. We had hoped to see a plateau in numbers, but today’s jump still lands in the projected range of the Burnet modelling,” he said.
Acting Chief Data Officer Ben Cowie said there was “no single event” that officials have been able to pin Thursday’s case spike on, though there were some worrying trends that were popping up across the state.
Nearly half of the cases, 46 per cent, were discovered in people aged under 30 and 63 per cent were aged under 40.
“Within these new cases, there were 1245 newly impacted households, so we will see these cases continue to generate further cases amongst their contact in the days to come,” Professor Cowie said.
“While we’ve seen increases across the board, we’ve certainly seen disproportionate increases in some parts of regional Victoria and in particular we’ve seen increased growth in the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne and believe that we do have undetected transmission occurring in the community, which is just coming to the surface.”
Professor Cowie said he understood everyone was sick of Covid and lockdowns, but warned Victoria didn’t yet have the level of vaccination needed to protect them “against numbers like this”.
Covid-19 Commander Jeroen Weimar said Victoria was now in the “most challenging part” of its outbreak journey, saying the next few days would determine whether today’s cases were a one off or whether numbers will continue to rise.
He said there had been “significant growth” in a number of regional locations, including
Geelong, Shepparton, and the Latrobe Valley, before revealing cases had also surged in southeast Metropolitan areas.
“[There has been] a significant shift and a far higher rate of growth in the southeast metropolitan area and significant [rise] in case numbers in several regional locations,” Mr Weimar said.
“650 cases in total in the southeastern suburbs, that’s an increase of over 50 per cent on yesterday. In our western suburbs, we’ve seen 633 cases, an increase of 50 per cent on yesterday. In our northern suburbs, 693 cases, an increase of 37 per cent on yesterday.”
Decision on lockdown will be made in the coming days
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has confirmed the state is still on track to ease restrictions this month, despite the state’s record number of Covid cases today.
When asked whether this meant the government was pushing ahead with freedoms because Victorians are sick of lockdowns, Mr Andrews said he “would not put it that way”.
“So, we have, fundamentally, a very important agreement with the Victorian community – you get vaccinated and we will open up, and I do what I say,” he said.
“So, that is why we are going to be opening up because people have got vaccinated in record numbers in record time and they should be proud of that and I am proud of them are deeply grateful to them.”
Mr Andrews said there would be discussions over the next few days about when lockdown will end, but made it very clear that the Victorian government “will deliver the roadmap”.
“We will answer questions about when the lockdown ends, the precise moment, as well as any additional steps, any changes to be roadmap we can make, but we are going to deliver the roadmap,” he said.
Victoria’s Covid cases skyrocket
Victoria has seen a worrying spike in Covid-19 cases, with 2297 infections and 11 deaths recorded in the 24 hours to midnight.
That is the highest number of daily cases recorded anywhere in Australia since the beginning of the pandemic.
The previous Australian record was when 1946 Victorians tested positive to coronavirus on October 8.
Reported yesterday: 2,297 new local cases and 0 cases acquired overseas.
— VicGovDH (@VicGovDH) October 13, 2021
- 37,611 vaccines administered
- 82,762 test results received
- Sadly, 11 people with COVID-19 have died
More later: https://t.co/OCCFTAtS1P#COVID19Vic#COVID19VicDatapic.twitter.com/akg1jkxcxP
Melbourne lockdown set to end early as vax rates soar
Despite today’s spike in Covid-19 cases, Victoria is still on track to introduce new freedoms for fully vaccinated residents earlier than expected.
Victorians have been promised eased restrictions once the state hits its 70 per cent double dose vaccination target, with an end to Melbourne’s lockdown being one of the key changes.
There are now at least 86.7 per cent of Victorians over the age of 16 who have had their first jab, with around 61.49 per cent fully vaccinated.
The state was originally predicted to hit the 70 per cent vaccination goal on October 26, but is now expected to reach the milestone a few days earlier on Friday, October 22.
Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed on Wednesday that restrictions would be eased the same day the vaccination target is reached.
“I look forward to being able to give people absolute clarity about what next week looks like, and the week after, and as far out as we can,” he said.
ACT records 46 new Covid cases and one death
The ACT has recorded 46 new locally acquired Covid-19 cases and one death in the past 24 hours.
Of the cases, only 18 were in quarantine throughout their entire infectious period.
“Sadly, ACT Health has been notified of a man in his 80s who has passed away with Covid-19,” ACT Health said in a statement.
“The man was receiving end of life care at the Calvary Haydon Aged Care Facility before being diagnosed with Covid-19.
“This brings the number of lives lost in this current outbreak to seven and the total number in the ACT to 10 since the start of the pandemic.”
65 per cent of Aussies now fully vaccinated
Health Minister Greg Hunt has confirmed 65.4 per cent of Australians over the age of 16 have now received two doses of a Covid vaccine.
At least 83.6 per cent have received one dose.
“So, that protection is really coming in around the country. It’s a very important number and I want to thank Australians who are coming back for their second dose, and continue to urge them to do it,” Mr Hunt said.
“For those that haven’t had their first dose yet, there is ample access right around the country and we would urge you to continue to come forward. Those numbers are increasing every day, but we’d urge you to continue to come forward.”
NSW records 406 cases and six deaths
NSW has recorded 406 new Covid-19 cases and six deaths in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
NSW COVID-19 update – Thursday 14 October 2021
— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) October 13, 2021
In the 24-hour reporting period to 8pm last night:
- 91.1% of people aged 16+ have had one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine
- 76.5% of people aged 16+ have had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine
- 85,133 tests pic.twitter.com/gP60g0Lh70
Detail that could derail 80 per cent freedoms
Premier Dominic Perrottet has once again flagged that changes could be made to NSW’s highly-anticipated Freedom Day 2.0.
Speaking on Thursday, the Premier said officials would be meeting today to discuss issues around reopening regional travel for vaccinated Greater Sydney residents.
NSW residents are set to get even more freedoms when the state reaches its 80 per cent double dose vaccination goal, with a vaccination surge meaning that goal could be reached this weekend.
This means, the freedoms could kick in on October 18, a week earlier than the projected October 25 date.
However, the vaccine surge has raised concerns that regional NSW areas haven’t had enough time to raise their vaccinations rates, meaning they could be at risk of Covid outbreaks.
Mr Perrottet will meet with the cabinet tonight to discuss those issues, with the possibility the highly-anticipated regional travel freedom could be delayed.
“It looks like from the efforts of everyone in the state that we’ll meet our 80 per cent target over the weekend … but there have been concerns about the different pace of the vaccine rollout in regional NSW,” he said.
“I will look at that today with members of the cabinet team when we also look at a range of issues in relation to our Covid response.”
On Wednesday afternoon, 76.5 per cent of residents over the age of 16 were fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
Yesterday, NSW Nationals Leader Paul Toole reminded reporters that he said just last week that the state was “weeks away” from allowing travel into the regions.
“We also need to make sure when it is discussed tomorrow that we are protecting regional NSW,” he said.
Major sign Qld could open for Christmas
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has offered a tough reality check to Queenslanders who still haven’t been vaccinated against Covid-19.
In a very pointed message, the Premier told unvaccinated residents the government has done “all we can to keep you safe” and the next step was up to them.
We cannot protect you if you won’t protect yourself,” she wrote on Twitter.
Ms Palaszczuk then pointed out there was not much time left if residents wanted to be fully vaccinated before Christmas.
“It takes five weeks from the first dose to be completely vaccinated. Five weeks from today is the 17th of November – that’s getting very close to Christmas,” she said.
“We are counting on Queenslanders to keep staying safe – let’s get it done.”
Queenslanders, if you haven’t had your first dose yet, this message is for you 👇 pic.twitter.com/h93Gio33Jr
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) October 13, 2021
The reference to Christmas has also sparked speculation that the state’s tough border rules could be set to change, after Ms Palaszczuk repeatedly refused to budge on her border stance.
For months now, Victoria, the ACT and the majority of NSW have been considered “red zones”, meaning anyone who has been in these areas fro the past 14 days cannot enter Queensland.
Queensland residents wishing to travel back from these areas can only enter the state if they complete 14 days of mandatory hotel quarantine upon arrival.
Ms Palaszczuk’s message follows weeks of rising tensions in Queensland, with desperate businesses owners calling on the Premier to release a road map to reopening with NSW and Victoria.
Owner of The Breakers holiday apartments at Broadbeach, Michael Stephens, accused the Premier of not caring about struggling businesses.
“She gets up every morning and is acting like this is a State of Origin game,” he told The Courier-Mail.
“We are not just Queenslanders, we are Australians.”
Extra Dine and Discover vouchers for NSW
NSW residents will get two extra Dine and Discover vouchers in a bid to provide more support to businesses.
From December, residents will have access to one additional $25 voucher for hospitality venues and another $25 voucher for recreation and entertainment.
This is on top of the four vouchers that were already distributed to residents since March.
Residents will have until June 2022 to use the vouchers.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the program has already injected close to $500 million into the NSW economy.
He also revealed the government would be making the changes to alfresco dining, which were announced last year, permanent.
“We know they have been incredibly successful here in the Sydney CBD. We want to bring life and laughter into the city during Summer,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We’re also offering up to $500,000 grants to councils right across the state to improve their high street amenities.”
The government will also provide $5000 grants to businesses to help them create alfresco dining spaces.
Huge holiday discounts for Queenslanders
Queenslanders have been offered major holiday discounts, in a bid to boost the state’s struggling tourism industry.
In a tweet, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said residents will be able to apply for huge discounts for tourism experiences airfares, bus fares and accommodation as part of the Great Queensland Getaway campaign.
“The campaign will offer promo codes for up to 50% off tourism experiences across Queensland,” she said.
‘Beginning of the end’ for AZ jab
It’s the “beginning of the end” for the AstraZeneca vaccine, with production of the jab on Australian shores to be suspended by Christmas.
The vaccine will no longer be made here, 9 News reports, with the safe and effective jab finally succumbing to months of hesitancy, after being linked to an extremely rare blood clotting side effect.
Demand for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines has now rendered the vaccine irrelevant.
“Obviously we don’t want to manufacture something that’s not going to be utilised, and we will have a number of options moving into the future,” University of Queensland Associate Professor Paul Griffin told the network.
“It obviously has received a lot of negative press and it’s a vaccine that has proven highly effective and very safe.”
Once the current order is complete, it’s expected the vaccine’s Melbourne manufacturer, CSL, will cease production, and the Federal Government will “almost certainly” not extend the contract beyond this year.
“Not withstanding the perhaps disproportionate criticism that this vaccine’s reputation has experienced, we couldn’t be prouder that the AstraZeneca vaccine has given protection to many millions of Australians,” CSL chairman Brian McNamee told investors.
Almost 12.5 million doses of the AstraZeneca jab have been given to Australians.
TGA considers Pfizer jab for 5 to 11-year-olds
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has granted a provisional determination to Pfizer for use of its vaccine in Aussie kids between the ages of five and 11.
“On 12 October 2021, the TGA, part of the Department of Health, granted a provisional determination to Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd in relation to its Covid-19 vaccine, COMIRNATY,” the TGA said in a statement.
We have granted a provisional determination to Pfizer Australia in relation to its #COVID19 vaccine, COMIRNATY.
— TGA Australia (@TGAgovau) October 13, 2021
Pfizer is now eligible to apply to the TGA to vary the provisional approval for the vaccine to include children aged 5 to 11 years.
Read more: https://t.co/tceEgbrihNpic.twitter.com/GDpLwA2i5m
“Currently, COMIRNATY is provisionally approved for use in individuals 12 years of age or older. The granting of this determination means that Pfizer is now eligible to apply to vary the provisional approval for the vaccine to include children aged 5 to 11 years.
“This provisional determination is the first step in the process and does not mean that an application for variation has been made by the sponsor – or that any such variation will be provisionally approved by the TGA.
“In making its decision to grant Pfizer a provisional determination for use in individuals 5 to 11 years, the TGA considered eligibility criteria, including factors such as the evidence of a plan to submit comprehensive clinical data in relation to use in this age group – and the seriousness of the current Covid-19 pandemic.”
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