Coronavirus Australia live news: Scott Morrison says lockdowns over by Christmas
PM says lockdowns will be in the past by year end; Restricted shopping, more LGA hotspots, vaccinated HSC students part of Berejiklian lockdown strategy.
- Four-week extension to Sydney lockdown
- Shopping restricted to within LGAs
- Infectious man in Qld backpacker hostel
Welcome to live updates on Australia’s battle with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Scott Morrison has claimed every Australian will have the opportunity to be vaccinated by Christmas, and lockdowns will be a “thing of the past”, as he says life will be “very different” by the end of the year. It comes as the PM announced disaster payments would rise to $750 a week for those affected by lockdowns.
Greater Sydney’s lockdown will be extended by four weeks, but the construction industry will get a reprieve. HSC students in hotspots will be vaccinated as shopping restrictions tighten for all Sydneysiders.
Stephen Lunn, Rachel Baxendale, David Tanner 11pm:Slower spread despite Delta
Sydney’s growth of new Covid-19 infections is running at a little more than half of that experienced by Melbourne last year at the same stage of its outbreak despite the fact NSW is grappling with a more infectious strain.
Victoria’s seven-day average of new Covid-19 cases stood at 10.1 on June 17 last year. By July 19 last year the seven day average of new Covid-19 infections had ballooned to 287.1.
Over the same 33-day period Sydney’s seven-day average of new cases has risen from 12.6 on June 26, when a lockdown was imposed on four Sydney local government areas, to 151.7 on Wednesday when Gladys Berejiklian extended Greater Sydney’s lockdown for 28 days.
Yoni Bashan10.15pm:Harsher, longer lockdown as cases surge
A rising number of Covid-19 infections across western Sydney has forced almost two million residents into harsher stay-at-home conditions, with eight local government areas now identified as hot-zones because of an upsurge in cases in surrounding regions.
Announcing an extension of Greater Sydney’s ongoing lockdown, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said stay-at-home orders would continue for another month until August 28.
She would not rule out further extensions if transmissions were not sufficiently reduced.
“That is our intention but we have seen how we have struggled to reduce the number of infectious in the community and that is apparent,” she said.
“If we want to live freely while vaccination rates remain rather low, that is the one target we need to stick to.”
Pivoting to a strategy that would seek to suppress the virus while also accelerating vaccinations, the government on Wednesday said students aged between 16 and 18 and living in the city’s most vulnerable regions would be given priority access to the Pfizer vaccine.
Ms Berejiklian said about 40,000 doses would be sourced from regional NSW and allocated to assist Year 12 students in the city’s west and southwest return to classes for face-to-face learning on August 16.
Natasha Robinson, Rhiannon Down9.30pm:Aged-care protection ‘proof jabs save lives’
Vaccinations have prevented scores of infections in aged care during the NSW Delta outbreak, with only six cases recorded among residents in aged-care facilities despite a total of more than 2500 infections.
All six of the residents who have contracted Covid-19 in aged care during the NSW Delta outbreak are in a stable condition, with none becoming seriously ill.
Five of the six residents were vaccinated.
At this time last year as the Victorian second wave gathered pace, there had been 547 cases of Covid-19 among residents in aged-care facilities since the start of the pandemic and 73 deaths among a total of 15,304 cases.
To date, 685 residents of aged-care facilities have died of Covid-19 during the pandemic, with 2060 infected.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said the total prevention of aged-care deaths and the very low numbers of infections in aged care during the Delta outbreak in NSW despite rising case numbers was proof that vaccinations were reducing the chances of infection and saving lives. Eighty-two per cent of residents in 2566 aged-care facilities have now been fully vaccinated, with 86.4 per cent having received at least one dose.
Mr Hunt said the nightmare scenario that was seen in Victoria during its second wave - when there were 4148 cases among residents and staff in aged care and 655 residents died - was now being prevented because of vaccination. “The difference is just inconceivable,” he said.
“There couldn’t be stronger proof that vaccination saves lives and protects lives.
Greg Brown8.45pm: Morrison stands firm on JobKeeper 2.0
Anthony Albanese says he has no idea why the federal government will not restore the JobKeeper scheme, as business backs more support for workers and bosses doing it tough during the long Greater Sydney lockdown.
The Opposition Leader said the benefit of the JobKeeper program was that it kept the link between workers and their companies, compared to the new system where workers receive support directly from the government if they lose hours because of the lockdown.
Scott Morrison will not restore JobKeeper but on Wednesday increased assistance for workers to the same rate of the wage subsidy scheme, at $750 a week.
Rebecca Urban 8pm:Call for schools to inoculate their own staff
A Victorian school principal who has been grappling with the fallout of a serious coronavirus outbreak has called for schools to be able to vaccinate their own staff, urging governments to remove the “red tape” so “we can get this done”.
Andrew Neal, the head of Bacchus Marsh Grammar on Melbourne’s western fringe, is currently quarantining at home as a precaution after the coronavirus seeded during a staff training day on July 12.
Seven teachers, four students and five family members have been infected so far, with one teacher currently being treated in intensive care in hospital.
For the veteran school principal, the confronting experience has rammed home the importance of vaccination.
“We do flu injections each year and try to encourage a culture of vaccination within the school,” Mr Neal told The Australian.
“Teachers, because of the nature of the job and the fact that they come into contact with so many people on a normal day, really need to be a priority in terms of vaccination.
AFP 7.20pm: Myanmar seeks international help
Junta authorities in Myanmar are seeking help from the international community to tackle the coronavirus, state media said on Wednesday, as the impoverished country looks beyond ally China in its struggle to beat back a new wave.
The nation has been in turmoil since the military took power in February, with many hospitals ill-equipped to cope with a surging caseload after many medical staff walked out in protest at the coup.
Stay-at-home orders affecting millions have failed to halt the surge, with crematoriums working at capacity and volunteers working to bring out the bodies of people who have died in their homes.
Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing told a “co-ordination meeting to beef up cooperation with the international community” that Myanmar should seek money from a Covid-19 response fund set up by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Efforts were being made to work with ASEAN “and friendly countries”, the Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper reported, without giving details.
Just under 5000 new cases of Covid-19 were reported on Wednesday — up from around 50 per day in early May — but analysts say the real toll is likely much higher.
About 1.75 million people have so far been vaccinated according to the State Administration Council — as the junta dubs itself — out of a population of 54 million.
Joseph Lam6.35pm: Mayor not told about new restrictions
Local leaders were not consulted before Sydney’s strictest restrictions were extended to three further LGAs, says Parramatta Mayor Bob Dwyer.
On Wednesday, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced restrictions already in place in Blacktown, Canterbury Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield and Liverpool would be extended to the LGAs of Parramatta, Georges River and Campbelltown from midnight.
Mr Dwyer said it was not on his radar prior to the announcement being broadcast live at 11am.
“I am surprised as you that Parramatta is in this position this morning,” he told ABC News.
“The only thing I’ve heard in the news is something of a BP service station and a chemist.”
Mr Dwyer said he suspected the government made the decision after 45 of 50 attendees at a funeral in Pendle Hill, a suburb split between the LGAs of Parramatta and Cumberland, contracted Covid-19.
“I think that maybe the government might have gotten a bit spooked that it’s now maybe moved into the Parramatta LGA,” he said.
“But frankly, it’s news to me about this and we are very surprised.”
“If the government has that information that we have this sort of impact, then they should tell us where it’s happening and whatever because I don’t know about it.”
Chandni Vasandani 5.50pm:Indonesia deaths at 2000 a day
Indonesia has recorded its highest daily death toll from Covid-19 despite a dip in infections, with experts warning the surging mortality rate could be a symptom of “a very high number” of undetected cases.
It comes days after President Joko Widodo extended level 4 restrictions until next week while relaxing some provisions, such as allowing outdoor dining with a 20-minute limit.
On Tuesday, Indonesia recorded 2069 deaths overnight, bringing the total coronavirus death toll in the country to 86,835. The country has registered more than 1000 coronavirus deaths daily since mid-July. More than half of the recent deaths have come from the provinces of Central Java, East Java and West Java, as the pandemic showed signs of decline in the previous epicentre of Jakarta.
Officials have said that many of the dead had underlying diseases and encouraged regional leaders to prepare more isolation centres to help those with mild Covid-19 symptoms to quickly recover.
“I have asked the military and police to bring patients to isolation centres, especially the elderly and those with comorbidities, so they can be monitored and receive oxygen supply,” said Co-ordinating Maritime Minister Luhut Pandjaitan.
The Health Ministry has dismissed allegations that stretched resources in health facilities have led to the high number of deaths, pointing to the decline in bed occupancy rates nationwide. It said that the alarming number of deaths might be due to the Delta strain of the virus which is believed to have caused more than 90 per cent of recent infections.
David Crossland, Bruno Waterfield 5.10pm: Citizens face tougher checks at own border
Germany plans to tighten the rules for returning holidaymakers amid growing concerns in northern Europe over a sharp rise in infections being brought back by tourists.
The Dutch government introduced emergency measures at its borders requiring proof of recent negative PCR tests or double vaccinations to ensure those returning are virus-free.
German Health Minister Jens Spahn is said to want anyone entering Germany to submit a negative coronavirus test, regardless of how they travelled and from which country they arrived. His spokeswoman said government discussions were under way.
In Germany tests are required for airline passengers, and for travellers, regardless of the means of transport, from countries designated as high-risk areas, who are not either fully vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19.
Tighter entry requirement in Germany on travellers from Spain and the Netherlands came into force on Tuesday after Germany classified them as high-incidence areas last week. That means unvaccinated travellers returning from those countries will have to quarantine for at least five days. The restrictions do not apply to commuters living in the Dutch-German border region.
The move has disrupted holiday plans for German tourists because Spain and the Dutch North Sea coast are popular destinations. While nearly half of Germans are exempt from the quarantine rules because they have had two jabs, only about 2 per cent of those under 18 are fully vaccinated.
Joseph Lam 4.30pm:Struggling families won’t survive lockdown: Mayor
Already stuggling families and businesses in Sydney’s west won’t survive the four-week lockdown extension handed out on Wednesday, says local mayor Steve Christou.
“It’s sad but true that many businesses and families will not recover,” the Cumberland mayor said.
“I’ve heard from many in the community that they are struggling to pay rent, mortgages and other bills. It’s devastating that the many businesses that support families will not re-open.”
Mr Christou believes the lockdown extension is a fault of the government.
“The source of this devastation is a haphazard vaccination roll out,” he said.
“While I’ve offered council facilities and resources to help with the vaccine roll-out, it’s only this week that NSW Health have set up clinics in our area – but they’re administering only 1500 jabs over five clinics in the Cumberland City Council area.”
“While I welcome any increase in vaccinations, it falls well short of what we need.”
Max Maddison4.10pm: PM: Vaccine no substitute for lockdown
Scott Morrison has declared vaccines aren’t a substitute for lockdowns, as he reiterates that JobKeeper isn’t the answer to the country’s economic woes.
Additional financial support announced on Wednesday afternoon augmented existing Covid-19 disaster payments, topping up assistance for individuals and businesses enduring lockdowns.
The Morrison government has faced ongoing calls to revive JobKeeper payments, including repeated requests from NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, but the Prime Minister again ruled out any return, saying the wage subsidy program was the “right answer last year”.
“You don’t play last year’s grand final this year,” Mr Morrison told 2GB’s Jim Wilson on Wednesday afternoon.
“Because it’s complicated, it doesn’t go direct, it doesn’t go to casuals ... it’s not flexible enough and it can’t be targeted.”
Mr Morrison also tried to address confusion which stemmed from seemingly contradictory comments from himself and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian over whether vaccines could help bring about the end of the extended lockdown across Greater Sydney.
“The principle that will get us through this is lockdown,” he said. “They both help. But it’s not a substitute for the lockdown. The lockdown has to work.”
Joseph Lam 3.55pm:Sea of new NSW exposure sites
A number of new exposure sites have been added to the NSW Health list.
Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed is a close contact and must get tested, isolate for 14 days regardless of the result and call NSW Health on 1800 943 553.
-Campsie: Campsie Centre. 14-28 Amy Street: Friday July 23 all day; Saturday July 24 all day
-San Remo: Priceline Pharmacy, Northlakes Shopping Centre, 21 Pacific highway: Friday July 23 from 2.20pm to 2.40pm
-Rosebery: IGA, 741 Botany Road: Friday July 23 from 4pm to 4.55pm
-Engadine: GoVita, 1052 Old Princess Highway: Wednesday July 21 from 9.45am to 9.55am
-Beverly Hills: Pizza Hut, 322 King Georges Road: Wednesday July 21 from 1.45pm to 2.15pm
âš ï¸PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT – VENUES OF CONCERNâš ï¸
— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) July 28, 2021
NSW Health has been notified of a number of new and updated venues of concern associated with confirmed cases of COVID‑19. pic.twitter.com/pbO0X647q3
Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed is a casual contact who must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.
-Wentworthville: Officeworks, 323 Great Western Highway: Sunday July 18 from 10.40am to 11am
-Bankstown: Fields of Fruit, Bankstown Central Shopping Centre, North Terrace: Sunday July 18 from 11.10am to 11.25am
-Toongabbie: Toongabbie Fish Market, 42B Aurelia Street: Sunday July 18 from 2.20pm to 2.40pm
-Potts Point: Jeremy and Sons, 127 Macleay Street Monday July 19 from 7.30am to 7.45am
-Leichhardt: Leichhardt Marketplace, 122 Flood Street: Monday July 19 from 9.55am to 10.10am
-Marsden park, Puma Energy Australia, 365 - 367 Garfield Road West: Monday July 19 from 12pm to 12.10pm
-Ultimo: ALDI, Broadway Shopping Centre 1 Bay Street: Monday July 19 from 12pm to 12.10pm
-Pendle Hill: Pendle Inn Hotel, 233 Wentworth Avenue: Monday July 19 from 8.15pm to 8.20pm
-Bass Hill: Kahli Meats, Shop 10/753 Hume Highway: Monday July 19 from 3.30pm to 3.55pm
-Canley Heights: Cater Gs Coffee Shop, 199 St johns Road: Tuesday July 20 from 7.40am to 7.50m; Wednesday July 21 from 7.40am to 7.50am
-Bellambi: Bunnings, corner of Bellambi and Watts Lanes: Tuesday July 20 from 11am to 11.15am
-Lakemba: Chemist Warehouse, 105 Haldon Street: Tuesday 20 July 2.30pm to 3pm
-Merrylands: Hamze Bros Fruit and Veg, 179 Merrylands Street: tuesday July 20 from 2.30pm to 3.30pm
-Bass Hill, Woolworths, Bass Hill Plaza, 753 Hume Highway: Wednesday July 21 from 9.05am to 9.15am
-Chullora: Aldi, Chullora Marketplace, 355-357 Waterloo Road: Wednesday July 21 from 9.20am to 10am
-Cabramatta: Woolworths, Cabramatta Plaza, 180 Railway Parade: Wednesday July 21 from 12.15pm to 12.45pm
-Bankstown, Supa IGA, corner Jacob Street and The Mall: Wednesday July 21 from 12pm to 1.30pm
-Narellan: coles, narellan Town Centre, 326 Camden valley Way: Thursday July 22 from 5am to 10.10am; Saturday 24 July from 5am to 1.20pm; Sunday 25 July from 5am to 10am
-Belmore: Belmore Hardware, 300 Burwood Road: Thursday July 22 from 9.30am to 11am
-Liverpool: Chemist Warehouse, 235-243 Macquarie Street: Thursday July 22 from 9.30am to 11am
-Liverpool: Westpac, Westfield Shopping Centre, Macquarie Street: Thursday July 22 from 11.20am to 2.25pm
-Campbelltown: Priceline Pharmacy, Shop 33 Macarthur Square, Gilchrist Drive: Thursday July 22 from 11.20am to 2.25pm
-Fairfield Heights, Fairfield District Medical Centre, 147 Polding Street: Thursday July 22 from 12pm to 12.30pm
-Rosemeadow: Woolworths, Rosemeadow Market Place, Thomas Rose Drive: Thursday July 22 from 12.20pm tp 12.45pm Friday July 23 from 1.25pm to 2.10pm
-Auburn: Woolworths, Auburn Central, corner Queen Street and Park Road: Thursday July 22 from 1.50pm to 2pm
-The Ponds: Flash News, Shop 18, The Ponds Shopping Centre corner The Ponds Boulevard and Riverbank Drive: Thursday July 22 from 3.35pm to 3.50pm; Saturday July 24 from 4.05pm to 4.15pm
-Casula: BP, 461 Hume Highway: Thursday July 22 from 4pm to 8pm; Sunday July 25 from 7.35am to 4.30pm
-Old Toongabbie: Memphis 9 Cafe, 11 Picasso Crescent: Friday July 23 from 8.10am to 8.20am
-Kogarah: Fardoulis Sweet and Nuts, 129 Princess Highway: Friday July 23 from 12pm to 5.45pm
-Lidcombe: Woolworths, Lidcombe Shopping Centre, 92 Parramatta Road: Friday July 23 from 2.30pm to 4pm
-Mount Annan: ALDI, corner of Waterworth Drive and Main Street: Saturday July 24 from 9.25am to 4pm
-Auburn: Woolworths, corner Queen and Park road: Saturday July 24 from 11.10am to 11.30am
-Cabramatta: Woolworths, corner Cabramatta Plaza 180 Railway Parade: Saturday July 24 from 1.30pm to 1.35pm
-Revesby: Woolworth 60 Marco Avenue: Saturday July 24 from 2.45pm to 5.15pm
-Smithfield: Bunnings, Corner Cumberland Highway and Stuart Highway: Saturday July 24 from 3.15pm to 4pm
-The Ponds: Costi’s Seafood and Grill, The Ponds Shopping Centre, corner The Ponds Boulevard and Riverbank Drive: Saturday July 24 from 4.05pm to 4.10pm
-Burwood: Hungry Jacks, 162 Burwood Road: Saturday July 24 from 5.20pm to 5.40pm
-St Marys: Liquor Stax, St Marys Hotel, 27-41 Queen Street: Saturday July 24 from 9.30pm to 9.45pm
-Mount Annan: Woolworths, 11-13 Main Street: Sunday July 25 from 9.50am to 10.15am
-Petersham: Frangos Charcoal Chicken, 98 New Canterbury Road: Sunday July 24 from 3.10pm to 3.25pm
-Zetland: Coles, East Village Shopping Centre, O’Dea Avenue: Sunday July 25 from 4pm to 4.30pm
Paige Taylor 3.40pm:Vic couple jailed over WA quarantine breach
A couple driving from Victoria to their home in the industrial Perth suburb of Rockingham are in jail for at least 11 days after allegedly ignoring police instructions at the West Australian border.
Police allege the man, 49, and the woman, 54, breached self-quarantine directions given to them at Eucla on the border of South Australia and WA on July 24. They had driven from Victoria which was still locked down.
Police claim the couple had permission to enter WA on the condition they stayed overnight at accommodation in the nearby town of Norseman that has been designated for quarantining travellers. After that, they were supposed to drive directly to Rockingham. Instead, police claim, they stayed at accommodation with shared bathrooms. They went out to dinner and did not wear masks as directed, according to police.
They were each charged with failing to comply with a direction under WA’s Emergency Management Act and remanded in custody. They are next due to appear in the Kalgoorlie Magistrates Court on August 9.
READ MORE:Lib MPS back easing restrictions
Rachel Baxendale3.05pm:Vic contact tracing debacle
Victoria’s health department has taken 11 days to alert Tier 1 close contacts who checked in at a supermarket in Melbourne’s inner east to the fact that they should be in quarantine, in a bungle which has seen potentially infectious people out and about in the community.
The mistake is one of several relating to the Richmond Icon Coles, which has been listed as a Tier 2 exposure site on Thursday July 15 between 1.06pm and 1.50pm and a Tier 1 site between 3.30pm and 4.45pm on Friday July 16.
There are many reasons to get tested if you have even the mildest of symptoms.
— VicGovDH (@VicGovDH) July 28, 2021
Over the coming few days, we’re sharing ten of them. [1/2] pic.twitter.com/S65QHA3Oot
As The Australian reported earlier this week, an earlier error saw Tier 2 contacts for the Thursday initially sent messages by the department implying they were Tier 1 and should be quarantining for a fortnight despite testing negative, with some waiting up to a week for clarification that they were in fact entitled to leave their homes.
Members of the group who checked in at the supermarket on Friday July 16 were not only not alerted to their Tier 1 close contact status until late on Tuesday night - but the initial message they were sent related to the wrong date.
A message sent at 5:34pm on Tuesday advised the Tier 1 close contacts that they had visited Coles Richmond Icon on July 18, and were required to isolate for 14 days.
More than four hours later, a second message advised that the first had been sent in error, and the exposure period related to July 16.
Angelica Snowden2.15pm:Melbourne Show cancelled for second year
The Royal Melbourne Show has been cancelled for a second year running, citing major risks associated with running events during the ongoing global pandemic.
The news came on the first day of freedom from Victoria’s fifth lockdown, when eight locally acquired cases of Covid-19 were identified and one mystery case.
The show was supposed to run from September 23 to October 3.
Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria president Matt Coleman said he was disappointed to make the announcement but did not want participants to be left in the lurch if the show had to be cancelled at the last minute.
“We felt it important for all those planning to be involved in the event including exhibitors, competitors, judges, stewards, sponsors and volunteers that they have certainty so they can make informed decisions in relation to their own arrangements,” Mr Coleman said.
Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria chief Brad Jenkins said the pandemic had made it difficult to plan major events.
“Due to the operational constraints, challenges and risks in holding major events during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those with large free roaming crowds, the 2021 Royal Melbourne Show has been cancelled,” Mr Jenkins said.
Rachel BAxendale2.12pm:Victoria adds new locations to exposure list
Four new coronavirus exposure sites in Frankston, in Melbourne’s outer southeast, have been added to the health department’s list on Wednesday afternoon.
It is not yet clear whether they relate to a traffic controller at the Moonee Valley Racecourse testing centre whose positive test results came through on Wednesday morning, or to another case altogether.
All four sites are Tier 2, meaning people who visited during the relevant times on Saturday and Monday must get tested and quarantine until they receive a negative result.
The sites include Ritchies IGA Frankston (Tower Hill), Karingal Hub Shopping Centre, Coles Supermarket (Karingal Shopping Centre), and United Petroleum Baxter, on Frankston-Flinders Rd, Frankston South.
More information is available on the health department website.
Ellie Dudley2.02pm: Qantas backs mandatory vaccines for aviation workers
Australia’s largest airline has voiced their support for mandatory vaccines for aviation workers.
In a statement released to The Australian on Wednesday, Qantas said the vaccine is “critical” for frontline flight teams, who come into contact with “thousands” of people every day.
“The Qantas Group is responsible for an essential service, meaning that we need to guard against severe disruptions,” the statement read.
“We’ve seen that just one Covid positive employee can inadvertently shut down a freight facility or passenger terminal, which can have a big impact on the broader community and economy.”
The aviation behemoth will survey their staff over coming weeks as they consider introducing the requirement themselves.
There is currently no Australia-wide mandate requiring aviation workers to take the vaccine, however designated international airport workers and transport providers are compulsory in some jurisdictions.
But Qantas said there should be a national approach mandating the jab for anyone working in aviation.
“Another reason is that it’s already happening in several jurisdictions, here and overseas,” the statement continued.
“The NSW, South Australia and New Zealand governments have made vaccines mandatory for aviation workers supporting international services. Other states are looking at taking similar steps, including for domestic.
“We welcome this, but without a national approach we’ll wind up with a patchwork of rules between the borders that our people cross multiple times a day.”
“To put it simply, the Qantas Group supports vaccination because we’re focussed on creating the safest environment we can.”
READ MORE: Rex legal threat sparks dogfight with Qantas
Max Maddison1.45pm: Morrison: Lockdowns in past by Christmas
Scott Morrison has claimed every Australian will have the opportunity to be vaccinated by Christmas, and lockdowns will be a “thing of the past”, as he says life will be “very different” by the end of the year.
The federal government’s sluggish vaccination rollout has copped significant criticism as outbreaks forced over half the population into lockdown.
But the Prime Minister said he was optimistic current vaccination rates would see the vaccination program completed by late December, which would mitigate the need for draconian restrictions.
“By the end of the year we will be in that position, where everybody who has had the opportunity will have had it,” Mr Morrison told a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
“I would expect by Christmas that we would be seeing a very different Australia to what we are seeing now…Lockdowns become a thing of the past when you are at that level.
“That gets us a roadmap to Christmas, I think, which means we will be living life different at Christmas than we are now.”
READ MORE:How Berejiklian plans to stamp out virus
Max Maddison1.10pm:Disaster pay rises to $750; $200 for those on welfare
Scott Morrison has boosted Covid-19 disaster payments to $750 per week, and broadened the economic support to include people on welfare.
The Prime Minister announced additional economic support for individuals and businesses, but he responded to a chorus of calls to increase and broaden payments. The measures would extend support to 460,000 additional businesses and three million employees
For those who lost over 20 hours of work in a week, Mr Morrison the payments would increase by $150, while those who lost between eight and 20 would extend from $375 to $450. Those who were receiving welfare payments would be eligible to receive $200, if they’d lost more than eight hours of work
“It is necessary, the lockdown is going into a further month, which means we need to continue pressing forward and providing better support,” Mr Morrison told a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
“Can I also just note a couple of things in relation to New South Wales. We have to push through this lockdown in Sydney. There is no other shortcut, there is no other way through. We have to just hunker down and push through.”
READ MORE: Inflation hits highest level since 2008
Remy Varga 12.25pm: Victorian businesses to benefit from federal support
The federal and Victorian governments have unveiled a new jointly funded $400 million support package for businesses impacted by lockdown.
The package includes the $85 million Small Business Covid Hardship Fund and the $156 million Business Continuity Fund.
Funding will be split 50/50 between the commonwealth and the state government. Victoria will administer the fund.
As well, the Victorian government announced a new scheme that will require commercial landlords to provide proportionate rent relief to the reduction in turnover compared to pre-pandemic levels.
This means a business only earing 40 per cent of its pre-pandemic turnover can only be charged 40 per cent of its rent.
The Victorian government has also announced a commercial tenancy relief scheme that is open to businesses who have experienced at least a 30 per cent reduction in turnover.
The state will also fund an $80 million hardship fund for commercial landlords.
READ MORE: Upgraded support for NSW, Victorian business
Ellie Dudley 11.53am: Grieving family: 45 of 50 people now have virus
Almost every attendee at the Pendle Hill funeral event last week has tested positive for Covid-19, Premier Gladys Berejiklian says.
At least 45 of the 50 attendees have returned positive Covid-19 tests. Funeral restrictions are currently set to 10 people maximum.
“Just to bring home that you might think you are doing your grandmother or your aunt a favour by dropping in and giving them food or going to say hello, but that could be that death sentence,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Do not do it. I do not want to dwell on that one example but it is a stark example. When people think they are supporting one another, but now 45 to 50 people now have the virus.”
Ellie Dudley11.48am:Hospitals under stress but managing well, Hazzard says
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard has rejected claims hospitals have become overwhelmed with Covid-19 positive patients, saying they are “managing well.”
His comments come after reports of paramedics turned away and several emergency department patients were moved to a Covid ward after a positive case visited the Royal Prince Alfred hospital in the inner west on Tuesday evening.
“We have 140,000 staff in the health system, the biggest, almost double the defence force in the country,” Mr Hazzard said.
“We manage it, but is it under stress? Of course. In the end, the community and every individual has a responsibility here to make sure that you respond in a way that you need to respond in a pandemic.”
READ MORE:Upgraded support for 1900 NSW businesses
Ellie Dudley 11.35am:How extra cash will help struggling businesses
The NSW government has expanded the JobSaver program to inject money into flailing businesses during the current outbreak.
JobSaver payments will now be available to businesses with an annual turnover of between $75,000 and $250 million, up from $50 million, which have experienced a revenue decline of 30 per cent or more.
The maximum weekly payment has also been substantially increased, with employing businesses that maintain their employee headcount now able receive between $1500 and $100,000 per week, up from $10,000, with payments based on 40 per cent of their weekly NSW payroll.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the additional support would help deliver businesses and individuals the financial assistance needed during the necessary extension of the lockdown.
“We know these restrictions are tough but necessary to get the current situation under control and that is why we are coming to the table to help businesses and individuals with more financial support,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We don’t want people to have to worry about how they are going to keep the lights on or reopen their businesses when restrictions ease, which is why we are investing billions to give people that piece of mind.”
EXPLAINER: How Berejiklian plans to stamp out virus
Remy Varga 11.30am: Covid testing facility worker positive, infectious two days
A man has tested positive after working for two days while infectious at a busy Covid-19 testing facility in northwest Melbourne.
Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said it was yet unknown how the man, a traffic controller, contracted the virus. Mr Foley said he had been alerted to the new case just before a press conference on Wednesday.
The new case at the Moonee Valley testing site came as Victoria exited the state’s fifth lockdown on Wednesday.
Mr Foley said health authorities believed there was minimal risk to the public but the testing site had been closed for deep cleaning and all staff sent into isolation.
Chief health officer Brett Sutton said there was minimal risk to people who had visited the Moonee Valley testing site where a traffic controller worked while infectious for two-days.
Professor Sutton said the man wore a mask and said he was more concerned by where the man had contracted the virus.
“If you’ve wound down your window to speak to a traffic controller, you might be at slightly greater risk,” he said.
Ellie Dudley 11.28am:How the new rules for singles bubbles work
Premier Gladys Berejiklian has confirmed a “singles bubble” will be instituted for NSW for the next four weeks.
Ms Berejiklian said Sydneysiders who are single and living alone can nominate one person from another household to visit them.
“It has to be the same person so it can be a family member, a member of another household but it has to be one person,” she said.
People utilising the singles bubble are not permitted to select a person who is from the eight identified hotspot LGAs, or have a “different person every day”, Ms Berejiklian said.
Ellie Dudley11.23am:Shopping restricted to within 10km for all Sydneysiders
Sydneysiders will not be permitted to shop outside of 10km from their home, under a swathe of updated restrictions from the NSW government.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she had updated the rules to be “in line” with current exercise restrictions.
Ms Berejiklian said the “intention” of the lockdown extension is to reduce the number of infections to zero, but that can not happen without further compliance.
“We have seen how we have struggled to reduce the number of infections in the community and that is apparent,” she said.
“If we want to live freely while vaccination rates remain rather low, that is the one target we need to stick to.”
Ms Berejiklian referenced images released by the Daily Telegraph of bank workers socialising on the job while not wearing masks.
“I was so disturbed when I saw images today publicly made available of workplaces not even wearing masks indoors or not even complying to the health orders,” she said.
“This cannot happen. Compliance will feature strongly in the next four months.
Whether in workplaces, other places of presence, compliance is so critical for us to be able to reduce infectious people in the community.”
Ellie Dudley 11.21am:Construction to restart outside hotspot LGAs
Construction will restart in some capacity in greater Sydney, but only outside the eight hotspot LGAs listed by Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
“In relation to non-occupied construction, so outside of those eight local government areas we will allow non-occupied construction and I want to thank the Deputy Premier and the Treasurer for working with stakeholders to make sure those Covid-Safe plans are in place,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“But I want to stress that no construction activity can or will occur in those eight local government areas but outside those areas, non-occupied construction can proceed.
“Outside of those eight Local government Areas we will also allow limited activity for contactless tradesmen, if they can come to a premise without having contact with anybody.”
The eight LGAs include Fairfield, Canterbury-Bankstown, Liverpool Cumberland, Blacktown,
Parramatta, George’s River and Campbelltown.
Ellie Dudley 11.16am: More workers must remain within their LGAs
NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced that workers will no longer be permitted to leave the Parramatta, George’s River and Campbelltown LGAs.
They join the Fairfield, Canterbury-Bankstown, Liverpool Cumberland and Blacktown LGAs.
The premier has also announced restrictions will be slightly eased in Fairfield, with only aged care and health care workers leaving their area for work to be required to get tested every three days.
This easing of testing requirements does not apply to the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA.
“For the Canterbury-Bankstown Local Government Areas we want to make sure every single worker that leaves that area is tested every three days because Canterbury-Bankstown has now become the central spot where most cases are generated,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Ellie Dudley11.13am: High-risk HSC students to get vaccinated
The NSW government will launch a Covid-19 vaccination program in high-risk areas for year 12 students taking their HSC.
“Year 12 students in those Local government Areas of concern will be provided with the vaccine,” premier Gladys Berejiklian said.
“We do not want students coming face-to-face learning, getting the virus taking it home their families that is why we will start a vaccination program.”
The areas of concern include Fairfield, Blacktown, Cumberland, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Liverpool, Parramatta and Georges River Local Government Areas.
Year 12 will commence face-to-face learning on Monday August 16, Ms Berejiklian said.
Students 16-18 years of age will be provided the Pfizer doses redirected from regional NSW.
Ms Berejiklian thanked the NSW regional community for the “enormous role” they have played in containing Covid-19, and the sacrifice they are making for the HSC students.
“In a pandemic you have to make difficult decisions,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Can I thank rural and regional New South Wales for the enormous role they have played in keeping the virus out of their communities but also please note health advice has changed in relation to AstraZeneca.”
Ellie Dudley11.02am: All Greater Sydney to remain in lockdown
NSW has recorded 177 local cases of Covid-19, 46 of which were infectious while in the community.
Premier Gladys Berjeiklian has confirmed the NSW lockdown will be extended for another four weeks until August 28.
The extended lockdown includes Greater Sydney, Wollongong, and the Blue Mountains.
NSW recorded 177 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. pic.twitter.com/UPgvzflhFm
— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) July 28, 2021
A total of 94,532 tests were conducted in the 24 hours to 8pm on Tuesday.
Another Covid-19 related death has been recorded in NSW, marking the 11th for the state from the latest outbreak.
The woman in her 90s died yesterday at Liverpool Hospital.
“She was not vaccinated and tested positive on July 24,” NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant said.
“There are currently 165 COVID cases admitted to hospital, 56 people in intensive care, 22 required ventilation.”
More federal assistance is to come, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison expected to make announcement within hours, the Premier said.
Rachel Baxendale10.56am:Victorian Covid-19 update coming up shortly
Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley, chief health officer Brett Sutton and health department deputy secretary in charge of contact tracing, Kate Matson, are due to address the media at 11.15am.
Ellie Dudley 10.32am: ‘Optimism’ as Melbourne emerges from lockdown No.5
There is a sense of “positivity and optimism” in Melbourne as the state emerges from lockdown, says Lord Mayor Sally Capp.
Ms Capp said businesses would begin “bounce-back five” as Victoria slowly reopens after a thirteen day lockdown period.
“It’s really hard, we’ve just finished lockdown five,” she told Sky News.
“We’re into bounce-back five and there is a sense of positivity and optimism because we’ve done this before and we’re actually pretty good at bounce-backs here in Melbourne.
“But of course, for business owners and their teams it’s been particularly tough and it’s that bit harder every time to be able to reopen.”
Victoria recorded eight new cases of Covid-19 on Wednesday, all of which were in isolation during their infectious period.
READ MORE: PIN code rule relaxed on QR code entry
Ellie Dudley10.27am:‘Quarantine failure to blame for Queensland breach’
Federal opposition spokesman for health Mark Butler has blamed the Morrison government for another breach of hotel quarantine.
Another day, another breach of hotel quarantine - the 28th! Quarantine is the responsibility of the Prime Minister. He's been sitting on his hands instead of building purpose built quarantine facilities. Hotels are built for tourists not medical quarantine!
— Mark Butler MP (@Mark_Butler_MP) July 28, 2021
Queensland recorded one new local case of Covid-19 on Wednesday, in a returned traveller from the Philippines who tested positive for the virus after completing his 14 day hotel quarantine.
Mr Butler took to Twitter to blast Scott Morrison for his handling of the pandemic.
“Another day, another breach of hotel quarantine - the 28th!” he wrote.
“Quarantine is the responsibility of the Prime Minister. He’s been sitting on his hands instead of building purpose built quarantine facilities.
“Hotels are built for tourists not medical quarantine!”
READ MORE: Desperate Aussie expats eye a ‘boatpeople’ return
Jess Malcolm10.23am: Covid scare for another Sydney hospital
Another Sydney hospital has been hit by a Covid scare after a positive case visited the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPA) emergency department on Monday afternoon.
Sydney Local Area Health District chief executive Teresa Anderson said no hospital staff had been identified as close or casual contracts and the affected area was closed for cleaning.
All staff were wearing the appropriate PPE and all close and casual contacts have been contacted.
Dr Anderson said some ambulances were redistributed to other hospitals within the district but denied reports there had been some turned away from RPA.
“Patients and staff who enter the hospital continue to be screened,” she said.
“This has been the practice throughout the COVID response in hospital settings.”
READ MORE: Pathology giants accused of cartel behaviour over testing
MAX MADDISON10.20am: Unaffected areas should be freed, MPs say
A growing chorus of federal Liberal MPs have supported easing lockdowns for largely unaffected LGAs and increasing Covid disaster payments to $750, as Greater Sydney braces for an extended lockdown after another record day of infections.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced 172 new cases on Tuesday, including 60 infectious while in the community, which came shortly after her government requested financial modelling for a lockdown extending until September 17.
The dire outlook for many businesses has led several Sydney-based MPs to call on Scott Morrison to increase Covid-19 disaster payments, while others said local government areas largely unaffected by infections should have their restrictions eased.
Mackellar MP Jason Falinski said that with 30 out of 35 LGAs having four or less active cases, it was getting “pretty hard to justify” keeping some suburbs locked under draconian restrictions. He said that if governments were shutting down businesses, they had a “moral obligation” to compensate them accordingly.
“I’m gonna say the most frustrating part of the lockdowns is that sometimes you feel like you’re not looking at the same set of statistics, as the people making the decisions are – and I’m quite open to the fact that I might be getting it wrong,” Mr Falinski said.
“The real question now that we know the best way for this to actually be resolved is to allow businesses to stay open and get momentum, and finally close them down where you have to.”
His call was backed up by Wentworth MP Dave Sharma.
“LGAs with no active cases and no recent transmission should have their lockdowns eased, schools reopened, and business allowed to trade again,” Mr Sharma told The Australian.
READ the full story here
Lydia Lynch10.15am: Hotel quarantine ‘clearly insufficient’
Queensland’s chief health officer Jeannette Young said hotel quarantine is “clearly insufficient” after two separate outbreaks in Brisbane this week and called for the system to be overhauled.
Two people have returned positive swabs this week, suspected of catching the virus during quarantine stays at different Brisbane facilities, Quest and Amora hotels.
Both men returned three negative swabs and tested positive days after leaving quarantine.
Dr Young said she could understand why people were scared to quarantine at hotels.
“I am as well,” she said
“This is clearly insufficient protection, our current hotel arrangements.
“We need to modify those and, as you know, the Queensland government has been asking for a different quarantine model for many,many, many months now and I think that needs to be seriously looked at.”
READ MORE:IMF lauds Australia’s global ‘success story’
Lydia Lynch9.45am:Qld alert as infected man stayed in backpacker hostel
Twenty new Covid infections have been detected in Queensland on Wednesday, but only one was locally acquired.
The local case was a Western Australian man who was staying at a Brisbane backpacker hostel.
He had recently returned from the Philippines and completed mandatory 14 days in quarantine on July 17.
The man returned negative exit swabs and tested positive about a week after leaving quarantine.
He was infectious in the community since July 22.
Wednesday 28 July – coronavirus cases in Queensland:
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) July 27, 2021
1 new locally acquired case.
19 new overseas acquired cases, detected on a marine vessel.#covid19pic.twitter.com/vliMb4oA7E
The man had completed all his tests while in quarantine and left the hotel on July 17.
However, he shortly became unwell and was tested on the evening of July 26, and has been infectious in the community since July 22, health minister Yvette D’Ath said.
“This individual has been residing at the Roma Street city backpackers during this period,” Ms D’Ath said.
“This puts us at 42 active cases in Queensland.”
The 19 other infections were all crew members on a ship off the north Queensland coast that arrived from the Philipines.
Sick crew members will be flown to Brisbane later on Wednesday. – With Ellie Dudley
READ MORE: Outbreaks leave cheap airfare plans on tarmac
Ellie Dudley 9.41am:Berejiklian to reveal lockdown details at 11am
Gladys Berejiklian will front the media at 11am AEST to provide the state’s latest Covid-19 update.
It is expected she will announce the extension of Greater Sydney’s lockdown for another four weeks.
Deputy premier John Barilaro, treasurer Dominic Perrottet and health minister Brad Hazzard will also be present at the briefing.
NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant and NSW Police deputy commissioner Michael Willing will provide updates on the latest cases and current infringements across the state.
READ MORE: Hospitals face being overwhelmed, ACTU warns
Erin Lyons 9.35am:NSW extended lockdown to hit whole nation
A four-week lockdown extension is set to cost the federal government a staggering $2bn.
The federal Finance Minister revealed the eye-watering cost of the Greater Sydney lockdown on Wednesday morning, saying $500m was flowing into NSW households every week as the Covid crisis continued.
“We will work very hard to avoid that (another recession),” senator Simon Birmingham told Sunrise.
“We know these are tough times for Sydney businesses and households and many people across Sydney.
“Right now we have economic support to the tune of $500m per week flowing into NSW.”
He said the government had discussed the financial impact a lockdown extension would have, knowing it was a likely outcome.
NSW recorded 172 new cases on Tuesday, the worst day since the outbreak started on June 16.
“(We’ve had discussions) about how we (government) can ensure the right assistance continues to support Sydney and NSW through this and make sure the lockdown is a success when it comes to suppressing Covid,” he said.
Senator Birmingham was asked whether JobKeeper would return but confessed while it had worked as a nationwide scheme, the Covid disaster payment in place was “now helping hundreds of thousands of people across Sydney”. – NCA Newswire
READ MORE: New rules as 8.5m Aussies taste freedom
Rachel Baxendale9.00am: Freed Victoria records eight new cases
Victoria has recorded eight new locally-acquired coronavirus cases in the 24 hours to Wednesday, as Victorians enjoy their first day of relative freedom following the lifting of the state’s fifth lockdown overnight.
Reported yesterday: 8 new local cases and no new case acquired overseas.
— VicGovDH (@VicGovDH) July 27, 2021
- 19,349 vaccine doses were administered
- 35,862 test results were received
More later: https://t.co/lIUrl1hf3W#COVID19Vic#COVID19VicData [1/2] pic.twitter.com/9Kg5QIKkmX
All eight new cases are linked to known outbreaks, and all were in quarantine throughout their infectious period, Victoria’s health department says.
All new locally-acquired cases are linked to the current outbreaks, and all were in quarantine throughout their entire infectious period. [2/2]
— VicGovDH (@VicGovDH) July 27, 2021
Wednesday’s eight cases follow 10 cases on Tuesday and 11 cases on each of Monday and Sunday, all of whom had similarly been in isolation throughout their infectious period.
There were 12 locally acquired cases on Saturday, 14 on Friday, a peak of 26 on Thursday.
The latest cases bring the total number of community acquired cases since two incursions from NSW emerged just over a fortnight ago to 198.
There are currently 205 active cases, including up to 10 active cases acquired overseas - although there were no new overseas-acquired cases in the 24 hours to Wednesday.
Several of those infected during the current outbreaks have recovered, and more are expected to do so in coming days.
The latest cases come after 35,863 tests were processed on Tuesday, up from 24,340 on Monday, 25,404 on Sunday and 32,385 on Saturday, but well down from last Tuesday’s Victorian record of 59,355.
READ MORE:Dan’s rule – visit pub but not your parents
Ellie Dudley 8.28am: SA won’t share Pfizer jabs with NSW
South Australia will not share their Pfizer vaccine doses with NSW despite their pleas, premier Steven Marshall says.
Residents in South Australia emerged from a seven day lockdown at midnight on Tuesday, but will exist under strict restrictions for the next week.
Mr Marshall said his state backed the current allocations of vaccines, and that NSW should respond to ATAGI advice and have all adults vaccinated with the amounts of AstraZeneca jab.
“The ATAGI changed advice is going to allow more people of the AstraZeneca jab up there in New South Wales,” he told ABC News Breakfast.
“I do think we need to stick to the national framework in terms of vaccination. We don’t know
where the Delta variant is going to hit next.
“We do have a national approach. We’re very keen to stick to it here in South Australia.”
Mr Marshall said NSW has a “huge opportunity” to vaccinate young people with the AstraZeneca jab.
READ MORE: Removalists escape police charges
Ellie Dudley8.05am:ATAGI expert recommends all ages get AZ if it’s available
The director of the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance has called on all Sydneysiders over the age of 18 to be vaccinated with whichever jab is available to them.
Kristine McCartney, who is also a member of ATAGI, said due to the escalating spread of the Delta variant of Covid-19 in Sydney, the AstraZeneca vaccine should be “utilised in younger age groups.”
ATAGI has recently updated their health advice to support the Oxford-designed jab for all adults.
“There have been genuine supply issues with any alternative vaccines, so many factors, but right now we need to focus on the situation at hand,” Professor McCartney told ABC Radio National.
“That is we have a very transmissible virus, we need people to be vaccinated, and that’s the message we should be focussing on.”
Those in western Sydney should be stepping up to be vaccinated, Professor McCartney said, but called on them to be wary of any negative signs after it had been administered.
“It’s really critical that people step up for vaccination now,” she said.
“The risk of the clotting condition is very low
“If you choose to get vaccinated... just be aware of what to look out for after vaccination.”
READ MORE:Why UK virus cases have suddenly fallen
Max Maddison7.51am: PM to announce more support for NSW businesses
Finance Minister Simon Birmingham has flagged further economic support for struggling businesses and individuals, but has categorically ruled out reviving JobKeeper.
With NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian set to extend the lockdown of Greater Sydney for an additional four weeks, calls for augmenting Covid-19 disaster payments have come from across the political spectrum.
And after “lengthy discussions” between Scott Morrison, Josh Frydenberg, Ms Berejiklian and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet last night, Mr Birmingham hinted that the Prime Minister would make an announcement later today.
“Over recent days in particular being looking at what else may be necessary as a result of the decisions we expect New South Wales would have to make. The PM will have more to say on that later today,” Mr Bimingham told ABC’s Morning Breakfast on Wednesday morning.
But he again moved to shoot down requests to return to JobKeeper.
“No, what we’ve done is managed to tailor something that builds on the legacy of JobKeeper. Indeed, the Victorian Labor Premier Daniel Andrews has likened the COVID disaster payments to being the new form of JobKeeper and that’s exactly how they’re intended to operate,” he said.
READ MORE: Covid suppression the only long-term strategy
Ellie Dudley7.25am: NSW Opposition joins calls for return of JobKeeper
NSW Labor leader Chris Minns has called on the federal government to reinstate JobKeeper, as the news broke overnight that Sydney’s lockdown would be extended for another four weeks.
He joins NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet in requesting the payment be reinstated for people who have lost work due to the effects of the latest outbreak.
“We have got businesses that are doing it tough, businesses that will probably close their doors unless they get more financial support from the commonwealth government and (JobKeeper) was a real success for the federal government over the last 12 months,” he told ABC News Breakfast.
“We’re calling for it to come back in New South Wales so is the New South Wales Liberal Treasurer and we’re praying common sense prevails.”
Mr Minns said the reinstatement of wide spread financial support was imperative to long term compliance.
READ MORE: National cabinet ‘not fit for purpose’
Ellie Dudley7.03am: Northern Beaches, West, SW Sydney alert for exposure list
A large number of new exposure sites have been added to NSW Health’s ever-growing list, after the state recorded its highest number of Covid-19 cases since the current outbreak began.
Anyone who visited the following venues at the stipulated times have also been classified as a close contact, and must be tested and isolate for 14 days regardless of the result.
South Strathfield: Madhouse Bakery, 22 Bellfrog Street, Wednesday July 21 8am to 6pm
Bankstown: Westpac, 12 North Terrace, Monday July 19 9.30am to 1.30pm, Wednesday July 21 9.30am to 4pm, Thursday July 22, 9.30am to 4pm, Friday July 23 9.30am to 4pm
Terrey Hills: Flower Power Garden Centre Terrey Hills, 277 Mona Vale Rd, Monday July 19 2pm to 3pm
Those who attended any of the following venues at the time listed are classified as casual contacts, and should get tested immediately and isolate until a negative result is received:
Merrylands: Priceline Pharmacy, Stockland Mall, Shop, 1090 McFarlane St, Thursday July 15 2.50pm to 3.05pm
Gordon: McDonalds, 761 Pacific Hwy, Friday July 23 1.30pm to 1.45pm
Merrylands: La Mono Charcoal Chicken, 106 Burnett Street, Wednesday July 21 12.30pm to 1.30pm
Minchinbury: 7-Eleven, 1042 Great Western Highway, Tuesday July 20, 5.35am to 5.40am
Campbelltown: Commonwealth Bank, Shop L17-18, Level 2, Macarthur Square, Gilchrist Dr & Kellicar Rd, Tuesday July 20 9.30am to 5pm, Wednesday July 21 9.30am to 5pm, Thursday July 22 9.30am to 5pm, Friday July 23 9.30am to 5pm
Fairfield West: Coles, Market Plaza, 368 Hamilton Road, Tuesday July 20 4pm to 4.10pm
Bundeena: IGA, 96-98 Loftus Street, Wednesday July 21 10am to 10.15am
Green Valley: Coles, The Valley Plaza, 195 Wilson Rd, Monday July 19 4pm to 4.15pm, Tuesday July 20 12.30pm to 1.30pm, Friday July 23 11.30am to 11.35am
Green Valley: Woolworths, The Valley Plaza, 187 Wilson Rd, Monday July 19 4.10pm to 4.15pm
Carnes Hill: Woolworths, 245 Cowpasture Rd, Friday July 16 11.20am to 12.35pm, Saturday July 17 11.15am to 12.10pm
Fairfield Heights: Woolworths, Fairfield Heights Shopping Mall, 186 The Boulevarde, Monday July 19 10.45am to 11.15am
Hoxton Park: Bunnings, Corner Cowpasture Road & Airfield Drive, Wednesday July 21 3pm to 3.15pm
Toongabbie: Raj Bhavan Restaurant, 21b Aurelia St, Sunday July 18 7am to 8pm
Toongabbie: Raj Bhavan Restaurant, 21b Aurelia St, Tuesday July 20, 7am to 8pm
Lidcombe: Woolworths Lidcombe, 92 Parramatta Rd, Thursday July 22 11.30am to 12pm
Auburn: Manchester Mart, 74 Wellington Road, Friday July 23 10.30am to 10.50am
Lidcombe: Fruitopia, 92 Paramatta Road, Friday July 23 11.20am to 11.35am
Lidcombe: Priceline, 92 Paramatta Road, Saturday July 24 12pm to 12.10pm
Lidcombe: Priceline, 37/92 Paramatta Road, Thursday July 22 11.45am to 12pm
Fairfield Heights: Woolworths, 186 The Boulevarde, Tuesday July 20 10.45am to 12.15pm
Chatswood East: Caltex, 364-366 Eastern Valley Way, Sunday July 18, 11.30am to 12.30pm, Monday July 19 11.30am to 12.30pm
Ingleside: Kimbriki Resource Recovery Centre – General waste disposal, Kimbriki Rd, Monday July 19 10.50am to 11.10am
Terrey Hills: Joseph-Henri’s Bakery, 4 Booralie Rd, Monday July 19 11.50am to 12.15pm
Warriewood: IGA, 270 Garden St, Monday July 19 12.10pm to 12.40pm, Wednesday July 21 9am to 9.20am, Friday July 23, 8am to 9am
Belrose: Bunnings, Austlink Corp Park, Niangala Cl, Wednesday July 21 10am to 10.30am, Wednesday July 21 1.20pm to 1.50pm
Narrabeen: Bunnings, 1307 Pittwater Rd, Wednesday July 21 11am to 12pm, Wednesday July 21 1pm to 1.30pm
Warriewood: Eleven11 Coffee, 2/270 Garden St, Friday July 23 8am to 9am
Dee Why: Ampol, 793-797 Pittwater Rd, Friday July 23 3.45pm to 4.15pm
Mosman: Grain Organic Bakery, Kiosk 5/1-3 Brady St, Friday July 23 9am to 9.10am
North Curl Curl: Curl Curl Bakery, 142 Pitt Rd, Saturday July 24, 9.45am to 9.55am
North Curl Curl: Bacino Espresso Curl Curl, 2/142 Pitt Rd, Saturday July 24 9am to 10am
North Curl Curl: North Curl Curl Newsagency, 142-146 Pitt Rd, Saturday July 24 9.55am to 10.05am
Manly Vale: Skatepark, 373 Condamine St, Saturday July 24, 10am to 12pm
Terrey Hills: Golf Paradise, 1A/1B Myoora Rd, Saturday July 24 12.50pm to 1.30pm
Cabramatta: Hungry Jacks, 401 Cabramatta Road, Thursday July 22 8.15pm to 8.45pm
The Ponds: Costis Seafood and Grill, 101 The Ponds Blvd, Saturday July 24 4.05pm to 4.15pm
Smithfield: Bunnings, Corner Cumberland Hwy and Stuard Hwy, Saturday July 24 3.30pm to 4pm
Belmore: Belmore Hardware, 300 Burwood Road, Thursday July 22 9.30am to 11am
Casula: Coles, Casula Mall, Kurrajong Rd, Thursday July 22 8.20pm to 8.25pm
Auburn: Woolworths, Cnr Queen and Park Rd, Saturday July 17 10.40am to 11.05am
READ MORE: Lockdowns slam CBD retailers
Ellie Dudley6.35am:CDC recommends universal indoor mask-wearing
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that fully vaccinated people begin wearing masks indoors in areas of high Covid-19 transmission rates, despite suggesting the opposite just two months ago.
The updated advice is due to rising fears of another large spike in cases for the US as the highly-infectious Delta variant surges across the country.
“This pandemic continues to pose a serious threat to the health of all Americans,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said.
“Today, we have new science related to the delta variant that requires us to update the guidance regarding what you can do when you are fully vaccinated.”
The agency is also recommending kids wear masks in schools this fall.
While the federal health officials still believe fully vaccinated individuals are significantly less likely to transmit Covid-19, some inoculated people could be carrying higher levels of the virus than previously understood and potentially pass it on to others.
#DeltaVariant surging in U.S. New data show Delta much more contagious than previous versions of #COVID19. Unvaccinated people: get vaccinated & mask until you do. Everyone in areas of substantial/high transmission should wear a mask, even if vaccinated. https://t.co/tt49zOEC8N
— CDC (@CDCgov) July 27, 2021
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Ellie Dudley6.30am:South Australia, Victoria emerge from lockdown
While South Australians and Victorians wake up free from lockdown on Wednesday, NSW residents brace for another month at home.
No new local cases of Covid-19 were detected in SA on Tuesday, allowing Premier Steven Marshall to lift the seven-day lockdown on time.
Some restrictions will remain for the state because “we don’t want a relapse, we only want to do this once,” Mr Marshall said.
Indoor venues will adhere to the one per four square metre rules, there will be limits on dancing and singing and masks will be required on transport.
Households are limited to 10 people, including members who live there.
As the day draws to a close, so does the end of our seven day lockdown. Thank you to all South Australians for your commitment during the stay at home directions and for keeping SA safe and strong. For the latest COVID-19 information, visit: https://t.co/KrYo2FVdETpic.twitter.com/FU0Pk3p1Q7
— SA Government (@sagovau) July 27, 2021
All of Victoria’s 10 new cases had been in isolation for their infectious period as Premier Daniel Andrews revealed the southern state’s lockdown would come to an end.
Hospitality venues, gyms, retail, beauty and offices will open from Wednesday, but Victorians are strictly prohibited from going to a private home.
Masks will remain compulsory indoors and out, and footy and theatre crowds banned for at least the next fortnight.
On Tuesday night, it was revealed the Berejiklian government would extend Greater Sydney’s lockdown for an additional four weeks.
The state’s highest number of daily infections for the current outbreak was reported on Tuesday, tallying to 172.
Treasury officials have begun talks with businesses on an increased assistance package and the government has flagged a “singles’’ bubble to allow welfare visits with loved ones.
Queensland recorded no new cases of Covid-19 on Tuesday, despite scares after a returned traveller tested positive after completing the mandatory 14 day hotel quarantine period.
It is believed the man contracted the virus late in his quarantine, and returned negative tests before leaving.
Queensland chief health officer Jeannette Young said it was “unlikely” he had spread the virus to others during his brief period in the community.
READ MORE:Janet Albrechtsen — All protests matter ... except those that don’t
Yoni Bashan5am:Four-week extension for Sydney lockdown
Greater Sydney’s lockdown will be extended for at least four more weeks but the construction industry will begin a tentative revival from Saturday and rapid Covid-19 tests may be deployed to prevent the spread of the virus through essential workers.
As NSW recorded its highest number of daily infections since the outbreak started, a crisis cabinet meeting signed off on the month-long lockdown extension as part of several critical decisions, including a roadmap on how to deal with extended stay-at-home orders.
Treasury officials have begun talks with business on an increased assistance package and the government has flagged a “singles’’ bubble to allow welfare visits with loved ones.
As Premier Gladys Berejiklian declared she wanted to keep NSW residents safe but at the same time “make sure we can live life more freely’’, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews mounted a direct assault on the handling of the Sydney outbreak.
As he announced an end to his own lockdown, Mr Andrews revealed he had excluded residents of an additional four southern NSW local government areas from travelling to Victoria without speaking with Ms Berejiklian because he was “too busy to pick up the phone today”.
Mr Andrews said the exclusions were made because the NSW government refused to lock Sydneysiders in the city, as he repeated his calls for a “ring of steel’’ to circle Sydney and a city-wide curfew imposed.
“You are not just making decisions for NSW, you are making decisions for the whole country,’’ Mr Andrews said.
Tensions between premiers have been growing as states have battled outbreaks and scrambled to secure vaccine supplies while Pfizer imports were scaled up.
A national cabinet meeting last Friday rejected NSW calls for more vaccines to be redirected to southwest Sydney from other states. West Australian Premier Mark McGowan said on Friday his state would not provide NSW with extra doses of Pfizer, criticising Ms Berejiklian for “half-baked measures”.
He repeated his attack on Monday: “The NSW government has made some terrible mistakes. they’ve got to take it more seriously.’’
On Tuesday, Ms Berejiklian said: “We have our own course here in NSW, we have a mission to keep our community safe but also to make sure we can look forward to living life more freely.”
NSW recorded 172 cases of the virus in the 24 hours to 8pm on Monday, 79 of which were known to be moving around the community at some point while infectious. Ms Berejiklian said she had been told by the federal government that NSW would be “awash” with the Pfizer vaccine in October, but continued to urge Sydneysiders to accept the AstraZeneca jab.
NSW Health director of health protection Jeremy McAnulty also said the department was reviewing rapid antigen testing technology that could be used for critical workers and businesses to determine if they were carrying the virus. It is understood this technology may also be used for Year 12 school students to allow them to return to face-to-face learning.
Read the full story, by Yoni Bashan and Rachel Baxendale, here.
Remy Varga4.45am:Dan’s rule – visit pub, but not your parents
Victoria’s fifth lockdown has been lifted, with schools, gyms, retail, beauty, office, community sport and hospitality venues all able to reopen from Wednesday.
However, restrictions on visits to private homes remain, making it legal to meet a group of friends at a restaurant, but not to go to a parent’s house for dinner.
Masks are also set to remain compulsory indoors and out for the foreseeable future, with footy and theatre crowds banned for at least the next fortnight.
After 12 days in what was originally announced as a five-day lockdown, Victorians are from Wednesday no longer restricted to five reasons to leave home and a 5km travel limit, with the outdoor gathering limit increased from two to 10.
Premier Daniel Andrews justified the ban on home gatherings by arguing that hospitality venues offered a more controlled environment than private homes.
“There’s no QR codes at Mum and Dad’s place, no industrial cleaning, not the measures we have at a hospo venue,” he said.
Premier Daniel Andrews says there’s “no industrial cleaning at mum and dad’sâ€. Clearly not Greek.
— Benita Kolovos 🇦🇺🇬🇷🥇 (@benitakolovos) July 27, 2021
Read the full story, by Remy Varga and Rachel Baxendale, here.
Patrick Commins4.30am:IMF lauds Australia’s global ‘success story’
The International Monetary Fund’s Australian mission chief says the country remains a global “success story” despite the blow from recent lockdowns, predicting only a “moderate” downgrade to economic growth in 2021.
In an exclusive interview with The Australian, the Washington DC-based Harald Pinter said he expected Australia’s economy to contract in the September quarter, as he backed the government’s call that achieving high vaccination rates would reduce the risk of further lockdowns.
Mr Pinter said a recession remained unlikely and there would be a “quick bounce-back” once restrictions were ended, although he cautioned that “the Delta variant poses additional challenges, and next year looks quite uncertain”.
The IMF, in an update to its World Economic Outlook, substantially lifted Australian GDP growth from 4.5 per cent in 2021 to 5.3 per cent, and from 2.8 per cent to 3 per cent in 2022 – estimates that were finalised in June as the economic recovery ran ahead of the most optimistic forecasts but before the extent of the Sydney lockdown was known.
Despite fears that Greater Sydney’s restrictions were costing $257m a day and could extend into September, Mr Pinter said he expected only “moderate” downgrades to the IMF forecasts for Australia’s growth in 2021 in October’s full WEO, alongside a slight upgrade in 2022 to reflect the lower starting point.
Once again, the Australian economy has displayed its remarkable resilience.
— Josh Frydenberg (@JoshFrydenberg) July 15, 2021
The unemployment rate has dropped to 4.9% in June - the lowest in more than a decade - with 51,600 full time jobs created.
While positive, these numbers do not take into account the NSW lockdown. pic.twitter.com/GwIeU6s59M
Read the full story here.
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