Life under social isolation or mandatory "stay home orders".

kingofnobbys

BD.org Sicko
Original Poster
19 November Data

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19-NOV-DAILY-HOSPITALISATION-14-DAYS-AUSTRALA.png

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19-NOV-DAILY-HOSPITALISATION-14-DAYS-QLD.png

19-NOV-DAILY-HOSPITALISATION-14-DAYS-SA.png

19-NOV-DAILY-HOSPITALISATION-14-DAYS-WA.png

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kingofnobbys

BD.org Sicko
Original Poster
21 November

BIG MILESTONES in Australia's war to defeat the Covid19 pandemic .

Victoria has now been covid19 community transmission free and death free for 3 weeks , there is now ONLY ONE person in Victoria infected with Covid19 and this person is in hospital and recovering ( NOT in ICU ).

NSW has now achieved 14 days covid19 community transmission free , all cases in NSW are returned international travellers in mandatory quarantine.
NSW has opened the state border to Victorians.
Covid scraps discovered in sewerage on South Coast , that region is now on alert.

SA is relaxing the NZ Style Circuit Breaker SUPERLOCKDOWN midnight tonight after it came to light that the quarantine medihotel worker lied about his employment and movements , contact tracers are working overtime to track and trace all contacts of this stupid selfish person to avoid a serious outbreak in SA / Adelaide.
Most new restrictions designed to mitigate community transmission remain in place , but Stay@Home order and curfew has been lifted.

NT has lifted the Hotspot status for SA and released SAustralians who were placed into mandatory quarantine as a result of SA's changed lockdown status.
WA, Tas, QLD and NSW yet to review restrictions on SAustralians and their travel advisories for residents in the light of the rescinded SUPERLOCKDOWN in SA.

Key Data

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21-NOV-DAILY-HOSPITALISATION-14-DAYS-AUSTRALA.png

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21-NOV-DAILY-HOSPITALISATION-14-DAYS-SA.png

21-NOV-DAILY-HOSPITALISATION-14-DAYS-NT.png


21-NOV-AUSTRALIAN-DAILY-DEATHS.png
 

kingofnobbys

BD.org Sicko
Original Poster
22 November

Victoria
- 23rd consequitive day with zero community transmission and zero covid deaths.
- 1 remaining active case of covid19 in Victoria ( the only case recovering in hospital ) .
- scraps of covid19 found in sewerage water in SE Melbourne ( alert to be get tested for all in this area at 1st sign of illness.
- mask mandate lifted ( masks are now advised when unable to social distance )
- Victoria readily of "NORMALISE" w/ Sweeping changes to Victorian COVID-19 restrictions in time for Christmas
Christmas is back on for Victorians with a series of sweeping changes to the state's coronavirus restrictions after months in strict lockdown.

Starting from December 13, residents will be allowed to host Christmas parties and other gatherings inside their homes for up to 30 guests.

In a more immediate change, from 11.59pm tonight, masks will no longer have to be worn outdoors, as long as social distancing is maintained.

Premier Daniel Andrews described how this would work in practice using a trip to Bunnings as an example.

"If you go to Bunnings and you are inside the store, you are wearing a mask," he said.

"If you are in the car park, you do not have to wear your mask, but if you are queueing up for a sausage, and you are with other people and you are simply not keeping a distance, you are part of a crowd, you need to put the mask on."

He said Victorians still needed to carry their mask with them at all times, as they would never know when they may need it.

Other measures to come into effect overnight include previously foreshadowed changes to hospitality venues, gyms, sports stadiums and places of worship.

However, some of these went further than what had been outlined.

Large bars, pubs and restaurants will be able to host up to 200 people outside and 100 people indoors, so long as the four-square metre rule is maintained.

However, in a win for small venues, this rule has been relaxed to two-square metres indoors with a cap of 50 people in total.

The changes to gatherings inside households have gone further than forecast, with up to 15 visitors allowed from tomorrow.

Dependents are included in this number except for infants under 12 months old.

Mr Andrews emphasised that this meant 15 people across a whole day, not at a single time.

The changes come as the state recorded its 23 day of zero new coronavirus cases and zero deaths.

Mr Andrews called the steps "a recognition of this precious thing that we have built".

"It (no coronavirus cases) is incredibly valuable but it is also fragile."

Speaking at this morning's press conference, Chief Health Office Professor Brett Sutton said he was "confident" that COVID-19 had been stamped out from the Victorian community.

"Elimination may or may not be the right word," he said.

"We're talking about no community transmission – I'm confident we are there now.

"We have not got into the epidemiological threshold of 28 days yet but I'm confident we will get to that."

However, he warned against complacency, saying that the situation in South Australia demonstrated how outbreaks could continue to occur.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/sweeping-changes-to-victorian-covid-19-restrictions-in-time-for-christmas/ar-BB1bf6gu?ocid=msedgdhp

NSW
- 15th day of zero covid deaths and zero community transmission
- Reopening of NSW-VIC border after 137 day covid closure , travel between NSW & VIC will be NORMALISED = no more border checkpoints or bubble permits , and Victorians no longer need to quarantine on entering NSW from midnight.

SA
- no new case of covid community transmission in SA , Premier & SA CMO say "SA dodged a bullet" and could very easily have ended up in a disaster like Melbourne's 2nd Wave.
- calls in SA Parliament to close down city and suburban medi-quarantine facilities and have quarantine conducted in REMOTE SA locations in order to avoid the temptation for quarantine facility worker to take second jobs on the side.
- International arrivals of Australians into Adelaide will be suspended for now.
 

kingofnobbys

BD.org Sicko
Original Poster
23 November .

Xmas is 32 sleeps away.

Victoria is 4 sleeps away from ELIMINATING community transmission of Covid19. The 2nd wave is done and dusted.

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kingofnobbys

BD.org Sicko
Original Poster
24 November

A FANTASTIC BENCHMARK REACHED TODAY IN VICTORIA - Victoria's first QUADRUPLE DONUT DAY since the COVID19 pandemic reached Australia's shores
= zero deaths ( for 25th consecutive day )
+ zero community transmission ( for 25th consecutive day )
+ zero active cases
+ zero covid cases in hospital.
The last time Victorian hospitals were free of COVID cases was February 21.

In 3 sleeps Victoria will join QLD, NT, WA, Tas in totally eliminating local (community transmission) of COVID19 , and having only imported cases from o/seas Australians who have returned and gone straight into mandatory quarantine including compulsory Covid19 testing or infected foreign crewed bulk ore or coal carriers or container ships or live animal ships which are at anchor off shore / quarantined .

Plus Queensland will open it's borders to all of Victorian in next day or two .
 

kingofnobbys

BD.org Sicko
Original Poster
27 November
BLACK FRIDAY SALES all over the place ( just in time to get stuff delivered before Xmas , we've put our Xmas / NY Eve goodies order together to get our king sized raw and cooked prawns, triple smoked ham, turkey and tropical fruits).

A great day in Australia's war to mitigate community spread of Covid19 .
ZERO cases of locally transmitted covid19 in ALL OF AUSTRALIA in last 24 hours.

Victoria achieved 28 days with zero community transmission and zero deaths from covid19 , has officially eliminated covid19 in the community .
Joins QLD, NT, WA , Tas and ACT in achieving this enviable covid19 situation .
NSW is not far behind Victoria, on target to achieve the same goal in 8 days , this means the 2nd wave of covid19 is finished in Victoria..
27-NOV-DAYS-SINCE-LAST-KNOWN-LOCAL-SOURCE-OF-INFECTION-IN-AUS.png


The state that recorded any community transmission this week of covid19 is SA.

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Data
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last time I'll post this graph of the 2nd wave from start to finish as the 2nd wave in Vic is ended.
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No covid deaths in Australia for 28 days.
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kingofnobbys

BD.org Sicko
Original Poster
30 November Update.

Record November temperatures 40 degC to 47 degC even on the coast in NT, QLD, NSW, Vic and SA and WA.
Nudged 43 degC here at my place yesterday with ultra low RH ( 10% - 20% due to very hot dry gale force winds from the interior , I am 3km from the ocean and 2km from Australia's largest tidal lake.
Cooler today ( only about 26 degC ) , but heat is forecast to be back up into the high 30s and low 40s degC here "on the coast" tomorrow.
Bushfires are back , Fraser Is ( QLD ) is ablaze and evacuations are proceeding ( to get holidaymakers and unnecessary locals back to the mainland ( by barge and vehicular ferry ).


Zero community covid19 transmission overnight in Australia.

Now only 76 active cases of covid19 in all of Australia.

FIRST covid death in Australia , was 1 person ( in 70s ) who was infected in July ( 5 months ago ).
first COVID-19 death in more than a month after a person previously diagnosed with coronavirus died from complications.

9News understands the person was a woman in her 70s, who was cleared of the virus in late September.

"Sadly, we have to report today that a previously cleared COVID-19 case has died from complications relating to their original diagnosis," the Department of Health and Human Services said in a post.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/first-covid-19-death-in-victoria-in-more-than-a-month/ar-BB1bt6qV?ocid=msedgdhp

Only cases recorded overnight were returned expats and intl travelling Australians who are already in compulsory self funded guarded quarantine.

Queensland state borders open at midnight tonight to all Victoria & NSW. Dancing and vertical drinking at clubs and pubs now allowed in Queensland.
Victoria has been covid free for 31 days.
NSW has achieved 23 days local transmission free , 7 sleeps away from formal covid19 local elimination in NSW
( The NSW Premier , Health Minister and NSW CMO never aimed for this but have look like achieving it none-the-less provided there is no leakage of community transmission from SA or breaches in quarantine.
SA Adelaide Cluster has been contained.

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ALL CASES IN HOSPITAL ARE IMPORTS
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kingofnobbys

BD.org Sicko
Original Poster
UPDATE 2 December 2020

2 DEC NSW

Coronavirus restrictions in NSW to ease on Monday as capacity at hospitality venues doubles
Key points:

NSW recorded its 25th consecutive day without any locally acquired COVID-19 cases as well as six cases in hotel quarantine.
Hospitality venue capacity will effectively double under the new changes
The NSW Government said the changes were based off both health and economic advice

The NSW Government has announced a sweeping set of changes to state COVID-19 restrictions which come into effect from next Monday.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Wednesday said the timing was right to ease restrictions and replace the 4-square-metre rule with the 2-square-metre rule at all venues, except at gyms and nightclubs.

"We're deeply grateful that since the beginning of the pandemic, the community has taken our advice… [and] has really led the way throughout the nation and we want that to continue," Ms Berejiklian said.

"I'm pleased that because of that, we are in the strong position we are today and from Monday life will be very more different in NSW."

The easing of restrictions means capacity at restaurants, bars, churches and cafes will double from December 7.

Several other restrictions which came into effect when the state went into lockdown will also be abolished ahead of the summer holidays.

From Monday, the following will change:

Standing outdoors will be allowed at hospitality venues, but not indoors
Fifty people will be allowed on indoor dance floors
Up to 5,000 people will be allowed to attend outdoor ticketed events
There will be no upper cap on the number of people allowed to attend weddings and funerals
Outdoor gatherings like picnics will have their cap raised from 50 to 100 people
Stadiums and outdoor theatres will have a 100 per cent capacity
Indoor theatres will be allowed to have up to 75 per capacity
Ms Berejiklian said despite upper caps being removed at weddings and other events, people would still be expected to adhere to social distancing.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the easing of restrictions on Monday — which he labelled "freedom day" — was an economic decision, as well as one based off health advice.

"In terms of economic activity you're looking at hundreds of millions of dollars injected into the NSW activity every single month," he said.

"The pubs have told us that today's announcement is 9,000 new jobs right across our state.

"It's instant impact, this getting people straight back to work."
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-02/nsw-eases-raft-of-coronavirus-restrictions-from-monday/12941490

Health alert after traces of COVID-19 found in sewage in Sydney's north-west
Those in Sydney's north-west are being urged to get tested for COVID-19 after the state's sewage surveillance program found traces of the virus in a Riverstone sewage treatment plant.

"Fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been detected in samples taken on Sunday, November 29 from the sewerage system that drains parts of Riverstone, Vineyard, Marsden Park, Shanes Park, Quakers Hill, Oakville, Box Hill, The Ponds, Rouse Hill, Nelson, Schofields and Colebee," a statement from NSW Health alert read.

While detection of the virus in sewage samples could reflect the presence of cases diagnosed in recent weeks, NSW Health is concerned there could be other active cases in the local community in people who have not been tested and who might incorrectly assume their symptoms are just a cold.

NSW Health is urging those in the affected area to be aware of any symptoms of illness, and immediately isolate and get tested should even the mildest of symptoms appear.

The state recorded its 25th consecutive day on Wednesday without a locally transmitted case.

Despite the achievement of no community transmission for almost a month, Premier Gladys Berejiklian cautioned against complacency.

"Just because we haven't had any community transmission in the last 25 days doesn't mean we won't. In fact, I predict we will," Ms Berejiklian said.

"We can't allow complacency to creep in although it's difficult not to let that happen especially this time of year."



The news comes as authorities announced the easing of restrictions on Wednesday, which would see cricket crowds and major events, including the Sydney Festival, return.

The new rules, to be enforced from Monday, include a doubling of outdoor gatherings to 100 people and 5000 for outdoor events that are fenced, ticketed and seated, subject to the two square metre rule.

Last week, COVID-19 samples were detected in the Liverpool sewage treatment plant and promoted calls for those nearby to get tested.

The sewage program tests untreated sewage for fragments of the COVID-19 at more than 60 sewage treatment plants across NSW, which can help health authorities provide early warnings of possible infections in an area.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/sydney/health-alert-after-traces-of-covid-19-found-in-sewage-in-sydney-s-north-west/ar-BB1bywrZ?ocid=msedgdhp


2 DEC VIC
Victoria records no new coronavirus cases, 33 days in a row
Victoria has recorded no new coronavirus cases for the 33rd day in a row but the Premier has urged people - particularly in the state's west - to get tested, after the discovery of "strong" positive results were found in wastewater.

Daniel Andrews said the "strong positives" found in sewage at Colac could indicate an active case in the community and urged anyone with any symptoms to come forward as soon as possible to get tested.

"They're all fragments [of COVID-19] but when the [wastewater] test results are in that higher band it can mean that there's an active case down there," he said.

Anyone in the Colac area with symptoms can get tested at Colac Neighbourhood House.

Wednesday's result comes after more than 12,000 Victorians were tested on Tuesday and thousands more travelled to Queensland and South Australia to reunite with friends and loved ones after months apart.

Queensland and South Australia began allowing Victorian travellers in on Tuesday, without quarantine restrictions.

Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan announced that Victorians would be allowed into his state from next Tuesday, December 8.

Mr McGowan praised Victoria's "unrivalled" success in quashing COVID-19 case numbers and said the eastern state had met WA's benchmark to ease travel restrictions - 28 consecutive days with no new community cases.

Mr Andrews foreshadowed that he would make announcements about further restriction easing, including density limits, on Sunday that would be in place for an extended period.

"It'll mark a really important phase as we lock in rules for a few months for that COVID safe-summer," he said.

"I think that'll be good news for many people right across Victoria."
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/melbourne/victoria-records-no-new-coronavirus-cases-33-days-in-a-row/ar-BB1bxAFQ?ocid=msedgdhp

DATA
No community transmission in any Australian state or territory overnight.

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kingofnobbys

BD.org Sicko
Original Poster
7 DECEMBER = NSW & VICTORIA FREEDOM DAY ! :) and WA opens to NSW tourists and visitors can now travel to WA freely without needing to undergo 2 weeks mandatory self funded quarantine in a guarded secure medi-hotel.

Next door neighbour were packing the trailor/campers , the tinny and their three 4x4s lastnight , and left for WA today when the border opening announcement was made , apparently they are visiting family who live in Margaret River SW of Perth and will be there for 8 weeks.

Will be a long hot drive , apparently the plan is drive there with one stay over , so essentially non-stop , driving in shifts . Better them than us.

News NSW:
'Freedom day' in NSW and Victoria as raft of restrictions lift
Today is being hailed as "freedom day" as a raft of coronavirus rules are eased in Victoria and NSW in time for Christmas.

In Melbourne, face coverings are now only mandatory on public transport and in some shops.

The numbers of people allowed in bars and restaurants, shops and places of worship in both states has lifted.
A one person per two-square-metre rule will now apply at those venues along with weddings and funerals.

The freedom to party is back with 50 people allowed on a dancefloor.

Victorians are able to stand at any bar for a drink, but stand up drinking is only allowed at outdoor venues in New South Wales.

One hundred people can gather outdoors in both states, 50 are allowed in home in New South Wales and 30 in Victoria.

<< I've already contacted my local callers ( square dance club owners ) to find out when the local square dances ( inside a 1 hr drive ) will resume , 50 people = 6 squares + caller + reserve dancer , Dino Dancers (Gosford will not be able operate yet , very big club often 15 - 20 squares) .


Yesterday, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the way the state has handled to crisis "makes you proud to be a Victorian".

Meanwhile, Australians returning from overseas will be subject to new rules in South Australia.

All will be treated as COVID-19 positive until tested.

This means the safety and security of the medi-hotels will be increased.

All infected cases will be transferred to Adelaide's Pullman Hotel until it dedicated facility is set up.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/melbourne/freedom-day-in-nsw-and-victoria-as-raft-of-restrictions-lift/ar-BB1bG6T2?ocid=msedgdhp

NSW records no new COVID cases
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said health authorities were still trying to determine the sources the hotel quarantien worker who tested positive on Thursday December 4, 2020.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-04/nsw-records-no-new-covid-cases/12950624?nw=0

Huge COVID-19 changes coming to Australians in NSW and Victoria
BB1bGAY3.img

Australians are enjoying the biggest relaxation of COVID-19 rules in months as the much-hated order forcing millions to wear masks in public places is scrapped.

Restaurant capacity limits in both Victoria and New South Wales have doubled to one person per two square metres as of Monday, after both states enjoyed sustained periods without a COVID-19 case.

Victorian pub-goers will also be allowed to stand at the bar to enjoy a tipple, while those in NSW can do so as long as they are at an outdoor venue.

Nightclubs will reopen in Victoria after the state went 37 days without a fresh infection - bringing them into line with clubs in NSW which allow 50 people onto the dance floor.

Until a case was confirmed last Thursday, NSW had enjoyed 26 days without a COVID-19 infection.

In a welcome reprieve for Melbourne's five million residents, face coverings in the city will now only be needed when people can't socially distance.

That means they are no longer needed when eating out, but are required in places like shopping centres and on public transport.

Outdoor gathering limits in NSW and Victoria have also been eased with 100 allowed to gather in open spaces in both states.

Theatres in NSW can move up to 75 per cent capacity next week.

Fifty people are allowed at home gatherings in NSW, while Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has set that number at 30 for residents.

He explained that the limit applies to all visitors in the home throughout an entire day, and not 30 people for lunch and another 30 for dinner.

Mr Andrews also allowed 50 per cent of private sector workers and 25 per cent of those in the public sector to go back to the office from January 11.

RESTRICTIONS EASED ACROSS NSW AND VICTORIA FROM MONDAY
Nightclubs can reopen in Victoria with the same social distancing measures as NSW - one person per two square metres and 50 people on the dance floor

Restaurant capacity limits in both Victoria and New South Wales have doubled to one person per two square metres

Outdoor gathering limits in NSW and Victoria eased to allow 100 to gather in open spaces in both states

50 people are allowed at home gatherings in NSW and 30 permitted in Victoria.

Theatres in NSW can move up to 75 per cent capacity next week

Maximum capacity limits removed in NSW for bookings at hospitality venues for: weddings, funerals, regional agricultural shows and corporate and religious events

In Victoria, 50 per cent of private sector workers and 25 per cent of those in the public sector can go into the office from January 11.

From February 8, 50 per cent of public sector workers can go back to their desk.

Masks in Victoria are only needed where social distancing cannot be kept - like rideshare vehicles, taxis, shopping centres and supermarkets.

Victorians should still keep masks on them so they can use them if they get into a situation where they cannot social distance.

Gatherings in outdoor public spaces eased in NSW:

Up to 100 people for outdoor gatherings (increased from 50)

Up to 5000 people for outdoor events that are fenced, ticketed and seated (subject to the 2sqm rule)

Up to 3000 people for other organised outdoor events (subject to the 2sqm rule)

'Today marks 37 days without a coronavirus case anywhere in our state. This is a remarkable achievement,' Mr Andrews said on Sunday morning.

'It is something that every Victorian owns, it is something every Victorian has built.

'While today we can take some big steps, not to normal, but to a COVID-safe summer, we all need to remain vigilant and we all need to play our part.'

Victorian Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton had earlier told a parliamentary inquiry it is safe for the state to move to a 'COVID normal' level of restrictions.

Under the government's original roadmap out of lockdown, 'COVID normal' signifies the end of restrictions on community sport, hospitality venues, gatherings and visitors to the home.

The government announced on Friday it will introduce legislation to charge for the mandatory 14-day quarantine.

The fees will be set at $3,000 per adult, $1,000 for each additional adult in a room and $500 for children aged between three and 18 years. There will be no charge for children under three.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/huge-covid-19-changes-coming-to-australians-in-nsw-and-victoria/ar-BB1bGFOt?ocid=msedgdhp

NSW Covid hotspots: list of Sydney and regional case locations
List of case locations in NSW
Hotel staff who worked on the following shifts are asked to get tested and self-isolate until updated advice is received from NSW Health:

Ibis Hotel Darling Harbour, Friday 27 November 2020
Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour, Saturday 28-Monday 30 November 2020.
Passengers on the following public transport services are considered casual contacts and are asked to get tested immediately and self-isolate, until further advised by NSW Health:

Light Rail:

Friday 27 November Convention to Central, 4:01pm – 4.11pm
Saturday 28 November Convention to Central, 3:14pm – 3.29pm
Sunday 29 November Convention to Capitol Square, 3:58pm – 4.09pm
Sunday 29 November Capitol Square to Central, 4.55pm – 5.03pm
Monday 30 November Central to Convention, 06:39am – 6.54am
Monday 30 November Convention to Central, 3.10pm – 3.26pm
Train:

Friday 27 November Minto to Lidcombe, 04:55am – 5:52am
Friday 27 November Central to Lidcombe, 4.12pm – 4.49pm
Saturday 28 November Central to Lidcombe, 3.31pm – 4.32pm
Sunday 29 November Central to Lidcombe, 5.05pm – 5.44pm
Monday 30 November Lidcombe to Central, 06:14am – 06:37am
Monday 30 November Central to Minto, 3.28pm – 4.20pm
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/nsw-covid-hotspots-list-of-sydney-and-regional-case-locations/ar-BB1bGTwu?ocid=msedgdhp

Breaches , yes we had a breach
Two international travellers who skipped NSW quarantine return negative coronavirus test results
(NSW & Vic can breath a breath of relief - could have been the Ruby Princess all over again , and again because federal BF and NSW cops cocked up).
NSW Police has taken responsibility after two international arrivals were allowed to skip hotel quarantine and board a domestic flight without an approved exemption.
Two international travellers who flew to Melbourne instead of going into hotel quarantine in New South Wales have returned two negative tests for COVID-19.

< a German couple - lady in her 50s and her teenage son , travelled from Germany via Tokyo --> Sydney where they avoided quarantine to fight to Melbourne where they were caught out and arrested >
The travellers arrived in Sydney on Saturday and boarded a domestic flight to Melbourne without quarantining in NSW.

All identified close contacts of the two travellers will be able to end their current period of isolation.

More than 170 passengers and crew were forced into self-isolation on Sunday after the two arrivals boarded a domestic flight from Sydney to Melbourne instead of going into hotel quarantine.

Trade and Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham expressed disappointment at NSW's weekend quarantine breach, telling the state's airport authorities to lift their standards.

“It is a reminder the relentless task of bringing thousands of returning Australians home each and every week, as we continue to do, working with the states and territories, is a real challenge,” Mr Birmingham told the ABC on Monday.

“It is the greatest area of potential vulnerability in terms of COVID spreading into the community.

“And it’s why there needs to be continuous work to make sure that all of the systems and checks and balances are in place to be able to do that safely.

"Obviously, further tightening is required in NSW."

NSW Police has accepted blame for the incident, saying officers had incorrectly allowed two German nationals to fly on to Melbourne following their arrival in Sydney on Saturday.

The two travellers - a 53-year-old woman and a 15-year-old boy - have since tested negative for coronavirus, but all passengers from Virgin flight VA838 have been told to self-isolate at home.
<< shear good luck , could very easily been infected and asymptomatic given the prevalence of covid in Germany and Japan now !! a very dangerous situation .

Police in a statement said the pair arrived on a flight from Tokyo and had been directed to board a bus to hotel quarantine, when they said they were booked on a flight to Melbourne.

"Police made inquiries as to travel and exemptions, which subsequently allowed the pair to travel to Melbourne on a domestic flight under standard protocols for exempt travellers," NSW Police said.

However, it later emerged that the pair did not have an approved exemption.

"The NSW Police Force has since conducted a review into the circumstances of the incident and identified police had incorrectly allowed the two travellers to proceed to Melbourne," the statement said.

"Police practices and systems at the airport have also been reviewed and strengthened as a result of this incident."

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Jeff Loy said a "language barrier and communication issues" had led the police officer to mistakenly think the pair had a hotel quarantine exemption.

"The police officer has admitted his mistake," Deputy Commissioner Loy said on Sunday. "He should have clarified, he accepts that ... We’ll own the mistake and we’ll move forward."

He said there had been “a misunderstanding and a lack of communication”.

"It was thought by the police officer that there was actually an exemption in place,” Deputy Commissioner Loy said.

"The officer contacted the police operations centre and confirmed what the process would be under that exemption and those people were then taken to the domestic airport in Sydney and flew to Victoria.

"Once in Victoria, it was identified at the airport that these two people did not have the appropriate exemptions and of course the system then went into place and they were taken into the quarantine operation down in Victoria."

Deputy Commissioner Loy stressed that the travellers had not lied to police, and that it was just a misunderstanding, noting that the officer was “very remorseful” about the incident.

The travellers and the officer will not face any further punishment.

Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said the 176 people on board the domestic flight would have to self-isolate until the German travellers' next tests, provided they return another negative result.

Another five people who came spoke to the German arrivals at Melbourne Airport are also required to self-isolate, while those who were at domestic terminal three on Saturday are being asked to monitor for even the mildest symptoms.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the two German nationals were returned travellers, and "the first - albeit inadvertent - occupants of Victoria's reset hotel quarantine system".

No new local cases for NSW after hotel quarantine worker's infection sparked coronavirus scare (last week)

ews of the quarantine bungle came as Victoria announced a loosening of mask rules and social gathering caps on Sunday as the state moves to a period long referred to as "COVID normal".

Both NSW and Victoria both went another day without any cases of locally-transmitted coronavirus on Sunday, but Mr Andrews served a stern warning.

"This thing is not done. It is not over, it can come back," he said.

"While today we can take some big steps, not to normal, but to a COVID-safe summer, we all need to remain vigilant and we all need to play our part."

It comes despite genome sequencing revealing the woman contracted the virus at work, rather than in the community.

Travellers from NSW and Victoria have been blocked from entering WA for almost nine months unless they went into quarantine and, until recently, secured exemptions.

NSW had almost reached 30 days without a locally transmitted case when the quarantine hotel cleaner's case was confirmed, raising concerns she contracted it in the community.
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/two-international-travellers-who-skipped-nsw-quarantine-return-negative-coronavirus-test-results

Victoria news
International travellers who skipped NSW quarantine to fly to Victoria return second negative COVID-19 test < NSW Police & Federal BF cocked up big time again >
Two international travellers who flew to Melbourne instead of going into hotel quarantine in New South Wales have returned a second negative result for COVID-19.

The travellers, a 53-year-old woman and her 15-year-old son, arrived in Sydney on Saturday from Frankfurt, Germany via Tokyo, Japan and boarded a domestic flight to Melbourne without quarantining in New South Wales.

The negative test means the pair's more than 170 close contacts, who have been in self-quarantine, are now free to end their isolation.

That figure included all passengers and crew on the Sydney-to-Melbourne Virgin Airways flight the pair were on, plus five staff members at Melbourne Airport.

"The two international travellers are not showing symptoms of COVID-19 and have had no known contact with a positive coronavirus case," Victoria's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) said in a statement.

"They will remain in mandatory quarantine for 14 days and will be tested again on day 11 of their quarantine."

NSW Police yesterday apologised for the mishap and said it would be reviewing and strengthening its practices at Sydney International Airport in response to the incident.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/international-travellers-who-skipped-nsw-quarantine-to-fly-to-victoria-return-second-negative-covid-19-test/ar-BB1bHmfw?ocid=msedgdhp

First international travelling Aussies & expats arrive in Victoria as restrictions relax ( 1st batch in 5 mnths )
The first international travellers have arrived in Melbourne, with double the expected passengers escorted to hotel quarantine under the new system. Victorians have embraced their “COVID-19 normal Summer” with less masks and more freedoms.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/coronavirus-first-international-travellers-arrive-in-victoria-as-restrictions-relax/vi-BB1bHdDy?ocid=msedgdhp

Victoria IS TO SET THE GOLD STANDARD & 'get it right' on hotel quarantine this time around
< using army to guard building , and dedicated Vic cops who will ONLY work on managing quarantined travellers , no more contracted rentacops / security guards ! , no quarantine worker will be allowed to work OUT the quarantine venue and they will all be tested daily.
Melbourne Airport has once again opened to international flights, with a number of planes landing in the state on Monday.

Victoria's revamped hotel quarantine scheme is set to be put to the test months after the program sparked a devastating second wave of coronavirus in the state.

"I do have faith in the Victorian government and the capacity of the Victorian corrections service and health service to get this right," Mr Reece told Sky News host Peta Credlin.

Hotel quarantine, flights resume in Vic
Victoria's new-look hotel quarantine program has begun, with international flights arriving in Melbourne for the first time in five months.

Eight flights carrying 235 returned travellers are landing at Melbourne Airport on Monday from Colombo, Doha, Hong Kong, Manilla, Singapore and Tokyo.

Most passengers are being taken straight from the tarmac to the Pan Pacific and Park Royal hotels to complete their mandatory 14-day quarantine.

Those who have COVID-19 symptoms or complex medical needs are being taken to the Novotel at South Wharf, which has been classified as a "hot hotel".

Victoria has not accepted international flights since the end of June, when it was revealed a number of hotel quarantine workers had contracted COVID-19 from guests.

The outbreaks sparked the state's deadly second wave and led to the nation's toughest lockdown.

The state has since eliminated the virus, with Monday marking the 38th consecutive day without a new case.

Police Minister Lisa Neville, who is overseeing the new program, said the state now has the "best settings in the country".

"You can't say 100 per cent that you're not going to get an infection out of it, because these are people that are coming back from countries that have infections," she told reporters at Melbourne Airport.

"But what we've got are robust systems in the hotels with the staff to minimise the risk, and then a strong and revamped contact-tracing system that will immediately get into action."

Victoria Police is now in charge of all aspects of security within the hotels and is being assisted by about 170 Australian Defence Force personnel.

There is a weekly cap of 1120 passengers, who will have to pay for their stay.

THESE FLIGHTS ARE TO REPATRIATE AUSSIES WHO ARE STRANDED O/SEAS NOT TO BRING IN TOURISTS.

Approx 40k AU citisens have notified Australian embassies that they now WANT to come home

The fee will be set at $3000 per adult, $1000 for each additional adult in a room and $500 for children aged between three and 18, which is the same as what is charged in NSW and South Australia.

The government will introduce legislation to parliament on Tuesday to impose the fee on travellers, and has received legal advice they will be able to charge retrospectively.

It comes two after two travellers flying from Tokyo failed to enter mandatory quarantine in Sydney and boarded Virgin flight VA838, which landed in Melbourne at 1.25pm on Saturday.

The pair - a 53-year-old woman and 15-year-old boy who are German-Australian dual citizens - tested negative to COVID-19. They were retested on Monday and again returned a negative result.

More than 170 passengers and crew, as well as a handful of airport staff, who were forced to self-isolate are now able to leave quarantine.

The international travellers, who have shown no symptoms, will remain in hotel quarantine for the mandatory 14-day period and be tested again on day 11.

Melbourne Airport's head of aviation Shane O'Hare believes the incident would be almost impossible in Victoria.

"The chances of this happening at Melbourne Airport are extremely, extremely low," he said.

"After you get your bags and you're cleared you actually go back out literally onto the tarmac, get onto a bus and then you're driven out through the security area of the airport itself."

Meanwhile, COVID-19 restrictions have further eased, with it no longer compulsory to wear masks in offices or cafes.

Masks must still be carried at all times and worn on public transport, in ride-share vehicles, at indoor shopping centres and crowded places.

Melbourne households are now able to receive 30 visitors a day - up from 15 - from an unlimited number of other homes, under changes that came into effect overnight.

Outdoor gatherings of up to 100 people are permitted in public places.

Caps have been removed for weddings, funerals and religious events, with attendance instead subject to one person per two square metres.

Patron limits at pubs, cafes and restaurants have also been scrapped, but venues must observe the rule of one person per two square metres. Customers will no longer have to be seated for service.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/hotel-quarantine-flights-resume-in-vic/ar-BB1bFJw7?ocid=msedgdhp
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/other/victoria-can-get-it-right-on-hotel-quarantine-this-time-around/ar-BB1bHjWO?ocid=msedgdhp

Victoria Covid hotspots: list of Melbourne and regional case locations
List of case locations in Victoria
If you were at the following locations on these dates, you should watch for coronavirus symptoms and, if symptoms occur, immediately get tested and stay at home while you wait for your results.

PTV No. 421 bus from Copernicus Way to Keilor Plains Station, Wednesday 21 October, 7.30am-7.45am
Pakenham Line from Flinders Street Station to Yarraman station, Wednesday 21 October, 8.40am-9.10am
Sunbury Line inbound from Flinders Street Station to Keilor Plains Station, Wednesday 21 October, 8.30pm-9.00pm
Residents of Melbourne’s northern suburbs including Dallas, Roxburgh Park, Broadmeadows, Preston and West Heidelberg are urged to get tested if they have symptoms
Melbourne Central, 8 November, 2pm-5pm
Terminal 4 of Melbourne Airport, 9 November, 12pm-1pm
Residents to Geelong’s northern suburbs and Lara, and visitors from 21 to 23 November, are urged to get tested if they have symptoms.
Melbourne Domestic Airport, Terminal 3, Saturday 5 December, from 12pm.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/victoria-covid-hotspots-list-of-melbourne-and-regional-case-locations/ar-BB1bH1f2?ocid=msedgdhp
 

kingofnobbys

BD.org Sicko
Original Poster
7 December news outside NSW & Vic

WA

WA confirms it will reopen border to NSW
NSW reported on Monday its third consecutive 24-hour period without a locally acquired COVID-19 case after a Sydney hotel quarantine cleaner on Thursday was confirmed to have caught the virus.

WA was due to open its border with NSW on Tuesday as the latter state approached four weeks without local COVID-19 transmission.

But Premier Mark McGowan last week said his health team would review further test results from NSW before confirming the border's reopening. They have since agreed NSW residents can travel west.

"It is very pleasing to know that no further cases have been identified over the past five days," Mr McGowan told reporters on Monday.

But he warned that WA's hard border would be quickly reinstated if COVID-19 transmission resumed in Australia's east.

While NSW recorded zero locally acquired COVID-19 cases in the 24 hours to 8pm on Sunday, four cases were uncovered in hotel quarantine.

The tally came from more than 6200 tests.

NSW Health on Monday said investigations were continuing into the source of the hotel quarantine cleaner's infection, but the strain of the virus appeared to be of US origin and possibly linked to international aircrew.

Testing of the cleaner's close contacts was continuing and no further positive virus results had been identified, NSW Health said.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/wa-confirms-it-will-reopen-border-to-nsw/ar-BB1bGeOW?ocid=msed

SA

Special hotel rooms to take SA virus cases
Flights were put on hold last month after an outbreak of coronavirus cases, but will resume on Tuesday with 72 people flying in from Singapore.

They will be tested for coronavirus on their arrival, with any found to be infected to be moved to the city's Pullman Hotel.

Security there will be tighter after a cluster of cases in Adelaide in November was linked to a guard who became infected at another hotel.

The two floors will have the capacity to take 43 people, with guests to be spaced out and have access to 24-hour nursing and mental health care.

All security will be provided by police.

Health Minister Stephen Wade said the government was still looking for a stand-alone facility to care for infected travellers and other COVID positive cases and hoped to make an announcement soon.

The first site considered, the refurbished Wakefield Hospital, was found to be lacking in adequate ventilation.

Mr Wade said while the Pullman was only an interim facility it represents a significant strengthening of the quarantine system.

He said the ongoing work to find a permanent facility also showed that SA health was not rushing to come up with a solution.

"This is very careful planning of a dedicated facility that will not only provide a high level of security and safety for COVID positive patients but also lower the risk for the general medi-hotel population," he said.

"This is a significant strengthening of what was already a first-class regime."

More flights are scheduled to arrive in Adelaide later this week, but the final number of arrivals is yet to be determined.

However, the minister said the government remained committed to helping bring Australians home.

"I am very proud of the fact that South Australia is setting up and playing its part in the international repatriation effort," he said.

"I do not want to be looking back in decades to come ashamed of the fact that we left thousands of Australians stranded in COVID infested countries."

No new COVID-19 cases were reported in SA on Monday, for the ninth day in a row.

The size of the so-called Parafield cluster remained at 33 with only two of those infections still considered active.

https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/special-hotel-rooms-to-take-sa-virus-cases/ar-BB1bH7UH?ocid=msedgdhp

TAS

Financial incentives to stop Tasmanian hotel quarantine staff working second jobs
Key points:
Tasmanian taxpayers will supplement the wages of hotel quarantine workers
Part-time workers will receive full-time rates, reducing their need for second jobs
Workers will also receive an additional payment in recognition of the unique role they are fulfilling

The Tasmanian Premier has announced a new plan to supplement the wages of hotel quarantine workers, to reduce their need to work second jobs.

The announcement was made shortly before the first international repatriation flight touched down in Hobart, shortly before 10:00am today — with passengers from Delhi, India.

The arrivals have gone into quarantine in Hobart's Best Western Hotel for two weeks — supervised by police, the Australian Defence Force and some private security workers.

In a statement, Premier Peter Gutwein said it was important that quarantine workers were adequately supported financially to work only at that specific hotel and not in other settings, while they were involved in the international hotel quarantine effort.

"We are taking every precaution in managing and overseeing the arrival, transportation and accommodation of these returning Australians, informed by the learnings of other states and the various reviews," Mr Gutwein said.

To do this, the Government will be supplementing the wages of part-time workers so they receive full-time rates.

Workers will also receive an additional bonus payment in recognition of the unique role they are fulfilling — although it is still unclear what that payment will be.

"We will do our bit to help stranded Australians reunite with their families and loved ones, but we will not jeopardise the health and safety of our workers and other Tasmanians," Mr Gutwein said.

Workers will also receive an additional bonus payment in recognition of the unique role they are fulfilling — although it is still unclear what that payment will be.

"We will do our bit to help stranded Australians reunite with their families and loved ones, but we will not jeopardise the health and safety of our workers and other Tasmanians," Mr Gutwein said.

The passengers join another 150 seasonal workers in quarantine after arriving last week from Timor-Leste.

All guests will be regularly and routinely tested during the 14 days quarantine, and will only be allowed into the community on returning a negative test.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-06/extra-pay-for-tasmanian-covid-19-quarantine-workers-announced/12954878

SA

SA to resume repatriation flights
South Australia will resume accepting returned Australians on international flights from next week after arrivals were suspended because of a cluster of COVID-19 cases.

The Parafield cluster was sparked when a worker at one of Adelaide's quarantine hotels picked up the virus from someone who had returned from Britain.

It prompted a major revamp of SA's quarantine hotel system including a move to test all staff, including security guards, on a weekly basis.

The government put flights on hold for several weeks as it reinstated a range of restrictions and embarked on widespread contact tracing to bring the cluster under control.

Premier Steven Marshall said flights were clear to resume from next week but schedules were yet to be determined.

"We are ready to take incoming flights from next week," he told reporters on Saturday.
They restarted today .

Any returned travellers found to be COVID-19 positive will be moved from hotel quarantine to a dedicated medical facility.

Mr Marshall said plans were underway to establish an interim facility ahead of finalising a more permanent location.

SA Health reported no new virus cases for the seventh day in a row on Saturday leaving the Parafield cluster at 33 with only seven of those considered active infections.

About 230 people considered close contacts remain in isolation but that number is down from a peak of almost 6000.

The run of virus-free days is giving officials more confidence the Parafield cluster has been contained and Mr Marshall said it was hoped states that introduced border restrictions because of the outbreak would soon ease those measures.

"We are still waiting to hear what will happen next week with Queensland and we are hopeful we can reach an agreement with Western Australia," he said.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/sa-to-resume-repatriation-flights/ar-BB1bEgKC?ocid=msedgdhp

First week of eased restrictions in SA as state records no new cases of COVID-19
Hospitality venues in South Australia are bracing for a busy weekend after restrictions were eased, allowing twice as many people to be seated in pubs, bars and restaurants.

The state's top police officer, Police Commissioner Grant Stevens, overruled health advice to increase the capacity in venues to one patron per two square metres, to help the state's economy during the Christmas trading period.

The easing of restrictions come as SA records another day of zero cases of locally acquired COVID-19.

The state has now reached one week since an infection from the Parafield cluster was last recorded.

Despite eased restrictions, he urged South Australians to be cautious and remain compliant with the use of QR codes in hospitality venues to help with contact tracing.

"We're not saying we are entirely safe, on safe ground to move forward, but it's about finding that balance," Commissioner Stevens said.

"Given the economic implications, the impact on employment, the current time of the year, our current performance with the Parafield cluster and the new measures we have in place to enhance contact tracing, my decision has been that we will endorse a one person per two-square-metre rule for hospitality, particularly."

All businesses are expected to adopt the state's QR code system to assist contact tracers in the event of a breakout.

South Australia entered its hard lockdown just over two weeks ago due to fears over a pizza shop worker connected to the Parafield cluster who tested positive to COVID-19 contracted the virus.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/first-week-of-eased-restrictions-in-sa-as-state-records-no-new-cases-of-covid-19/ar-BB1bEeby?ocid=msedgdhp

QLD

Queensland Premier confirms borders to stay open
The Queensland Premier has confirmed the border will stay open with NSW despite a new COVID-19 case being recorded.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/coronavirus-queensland-premier-confirms-borders-to-stay-open/vi-BB1bCAiB?ocid=msedgdhp
 

kingofnobbys

BD.org Sicko
Original Poster
10 DECEMBER

The WET SEASON has arrived ( intensified by the powerful La Nina in the Pacific ) , we've gone from very (extreme) hot windy and dry (heatwave) conditions all over Australia to cloudy and cold enough to need the a/con on reverse cycle all in one day today in much of NSW, SA, Vic & Tas with monsoonal conditions in the NW , NT and most of Qld.
.
Looks like the drought has broken , still waiting for relaxation of water restrictions so I can get my drip system setup and get seriously into growing my herbs , berries and vegs.

Looks like the rest of this week will cold and very wet , flood warnings are in place for Hunter Riv and rivers north of here, and the rain wont let up til at least 19th.
Long range forecasts have warned of a tropical cyclone forming of QLD east coast and another off the Kimberley coast (WA).

When rain breaks and we go back sunny days , it's going to be VERY TROPICAL & STEAMY here in the week running up to Xmas and over Xmas when outside . We'll be very glad I invested in a new 8.0KW(C)/9.0KW(H) HP Fujgitsu split air con only 12 months ago.


So getting ready for our FIRST COVID Xmas ( new problems to confront , new risks to avoid ). For a party / Xmas lunch of 4 people & NYE celebration of 3 or 4 people.

Shops are packed , my sister-in-law got a shock when she visited her local mall to buy Xmas presents & get her whole frozen turkey and whole triple smoked leg ham , she discovered to her dismay the shops were packed !! and there was little evidence of anyone social distancing , though all the oldies like her had masks on.
( I guess since there has only been one local case of covid transmission in NSW in the last 2 weeks and we very nearly got to 28 days local covid transmission free in NSW when that case happened, people are thinking the pandemic here is gone , and the NSW Govt relaxing social distancing rules has reinforced this attitude , people are starting to relax and go back to normal , and even having house parties and BBQs .)

So despite my wife wanting to hand pick our 1/2 leg ham ( we'd never get through a whole leg ham as we only expect four people ( grandson, son , and us ) at Xmas lunch).
I convinced her it's not worth the risk after all the sacrificed we made by socially isolating at home since February to risk going anywhere near crowded supermarkets and malls to buy the present, and Xmas foods ( covid is still being found in sewerage water in the southern half of Sydney - only 3 hrs driving time away ).
So we've opted to order these in for contact free home delivery. BETTER SAFE than SORRY ( in ICU or worse ) .

So I constructed sat down at the coffee table with my wife and we worked the main 2020 Xmas Order out on Monday and placed for delivery this afternoon ( the earliest 3 hr time slot we could get that was at a convenient time - lots of others are still social isolating like us I expect )

So our we have stocked up the vertical freezer and the pantry with most the goodies we usually get about the last week of November - first week of December for Xmas & NYE

Into freezer

2kg turkey thigh rolled roast

2kg large green (raw) QLD banana prawns (split into 500g meal sized bags - great as deep fried panko crumbed butterflied prawn cutlets , as prawn kababs , a S&S prawns or honey soy prawns ( in the wok )

2kg large cooked ( local ) king prawns ( split into 500g meak sized bags , yes I ate a few while bagging them ( more like a dozen or so …. yummy ! )

3kg cooked king crab bigs ( wanted a couple of mud crabs but Woolworths didn't have any (yet) and I didn't want run the gauntlet at the Newcastle or the Swansea fishermens' coops shops ( expect long lines in 1st week of December ) to score my live mudcrabs or blueswimmer crabs .

1 kg of crumbed salt & pepper squid bits.

1 kg of crumbed scallops with roe.


We already had about 3kg of barramundi fillets in there , as well as crumbed SA whiting, and crumbed dory,
That's our seafood sorted .


2 nice big ready to eat papaya ( sliced , deseeded ( I know you can eat the seeds , but I'm the only one who will eat them so I can do without the seeds ) , sliced in 1.5" thick wedges and then into chunks and bagged frozen as ready to eat pieces.

2 nice big pawpaws , again same treatment and frozen ready to eat .

8 nice big ready to eat Kensington mangos ( had wonder messy time taking the meat out in chunks and bagging it to freeze it ready to eat , my wife enjoyed getting the meat off the seeds that I wasn't able to remove easily and took one whole mango to eat for dessert tonight.


Into pantry
bought several different bags of lollies .
Usual fare for parties ie

Confectionery
Allen's freckles family bag
Allen's party mix classic family bag lollies
Allen's party mix family bag lollies
Cadbury favourites party pack
Darrell lea allsorts liquorice
Nestle smarties family size
Pascall jubes lollies
we wont be scoffing all those in the period Xmas eve to NY eve, will keep most for over Australia day and for the grandson's visits in 2021 as treats.

Ingredients for my wife to make her Xmas streamed pudding & fruit mince pies ( uses her great grandmum's recipies ) , only concession she makes is she uses premade short crust shells for the mince pies.

The ham is 5.5kg , triple smoked ( the best brand available ) looks nice wont start carving from til next week .

The grandson's Xmas presents arrived by parcel courier this afternoon . So that's him sorted.

All we now need order in are - just need to get some more drinks ( not big on the wine or spirits in this family ) so it's fizzy stuff like Mountain Dew, Sprite , Creaming Soda, Coca Cola, Pepsi etc , I might get myself a bottle of Baileys if I can get the Choc or Mint Choc or Caramel version in a 700ml bottle.
Plus the compulsory family sized flavoured crisps , couple of different dips , cheeses ( for a platter ) , eggnog and thickened cream , and crackers, can wait til next week (Will add these to our usual weekly order.

I'm not doing the give away family sized berry pies this Xmas.

I might do a Quadruple Delux family sized choc cheese cake ( maybe ).

Might add a family sized pavlova to have with ice-cream, thickened cream and mixed fresh berries.(maybe for NY eve).
Was thinking of making some sorbets and an ice-cream cake ...maybe.

So essentially our Xmas will look just like all our previous Xmas since our grandson was born , and we'll be staying home NYE to have small family gathering ( pretty normal for us ).

Update on square dancing , only allowed 50 dancers on the floor . None of the local clubs will be restarting til about February 2021.
Square Xmas dances are happening : got this as part of a e-Xmas card from my good buddy Brian who calls for B-BAR-H
10dec-square.png


Could have gone to B-BAR-H Xmas dance at Gosford tomorrow night ( their Plus Grp ) or Tartan's Xmas dance same night at Toronto
or Carpenter's Mainstream club Xmas dance on Saturday coming
or Tumbi Country at Tumbi Umbi ( usually a very good night of dancing) on next Monday ,
but with so many dancers likely to show from Sydney it's not worth the risk and it'll be very uncomfortable square dancing in the heat and high humidity with masks on.
Still evidence there is covid circulating in SW Sydney

Coronavirus is found in sewage from 39 Sydney suburbs
BB1bLhNU.img

Millions of NSWelshmen are being urged to be on alert for coronavirus symptoms after fragments of the virus were found in sewage from 39 Sydney suburbs.
<< most NSW square dancer live in these areas >>

Fragments of the virus were detected at the Liverpool sewage treatment plant prompting NSW Health to push residents of southwestern Sydney to get tested.

'The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in sewage may reflect the presence of known cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in recent weeks in the area served by this sewage treatment plant,' a spokesperson said.

'However, NSW Health is concerned there could be other active cases in the local community in people who have not been tested and who might incorrectly assume their symptoms are just a cold.'

Authorities are continuously issuing warnings for people to get tested despite NSW having no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19.

It is feared the virus could be passing through people undetected.

NSW Health said 13,970 people were tested for COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm on Tuesday, compared with just 6,040 in the previous 24 hours.
10-DEC-TESTS-AND-CASES-PER-DAY-NSW.png

'While numbers have increased since yesterday, there are still too few people being tested,' it said in a statement on Wednesday.

SUBURBS BEING TOLD TO GET TESTED IMMEDIATELY
'We are likely to miss cases if there is a delay in being tested. Please come forward for testing immediately with even the mildest of symptoms.

'Don't wait to see if your runny nose or sore throat goes away.'

Wednesday was the fifth consecutive day with no local COVID-19 transmission in NSW, while two cases were reported in returned overseas travellers.

On Tuesday, NSW Health said there weren't enough people getting tested, and warned that with restrictions being eased and borders reopening, it was not the time to be complacent.

'Experience has shown us how easily the virus can spread through the community if we let down our guard,' it said on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Premier Gladys Berejiklian brushed off concerns about the revelation there was another breach of quarantine in July when a man arriving from the US avoided hotel quarantine in Sydney before flying to Melbourne.

Ms Berejiklian said the workers processing returning travellers did an outstanding job but there was 'no doubt human error can play a part, it's not a foolproof system'.

'Even when people are really good at what they do ...mistakes can still happen,' she told Sky News.

'I think we've managed it extremely well. We've welcomed back at least 100,000 Australians through the quarantine system ... NSW is doing the heavy lifting for the nation,' she said.

'I can't even promise you there won't be more mistakes in the future. It's a risk.'

Investigations continue into the source of the recent COVID-19 case of a woman who works as a cleaner at a Sydney quarantine hotel.

Testing of her close contacts was continuing, and no further positive results had been identified.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/sydney/coronavirus-is-found-in-sewage-from-39-sydney-suburbs/ar-BB1bLkst?ocid=msedgdhp#image=1

Data for 9 December
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https://i.postimg.cc/qvYh919v/9-DEC-DAILY-KNOWN-SOURCE-OF-INFECTION-14-DAYS-WA.png[/img]
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kingofnobbys

BD.org Sicko
Original Poster
15 DECEMBER
Foul weather here - very wet , raining like there is no tomorrow ( 350mm in last 24h here , even more on the far north coast ) , huge seas ( this is coming from a monsoonal low / actually a category one TC off the coast near Coffs Harbour).
Stockton beach has been badly eroded again ( literally disappeared in the same area as earlier this year - king tides haven't helped ) , seas to big , and wind gale-force so I've not tried my luck on the breakwalls for a monster jewfish at the start of big fresh that came down the river and filled the harbour.
Big floods on the far north coast rivers , as far north as Fraser Is (QLD).

NO COVID NEWS ORIGINATING IN AUSTRALIA - LOTS OF HORRIBLE NEWS FROM EVERYWHERE ELSE.

Helped the bosslady make the Xmas Steamed Brandy Pudding - took 9h , 7h cook time in the sealed pudding dish.
Xmas tree up and decorated.
Xmas presents wrapped and under tree.

16 DECEMBER - some funny stuff before the latest updates and serious stuff from downunder.

Both from the @chaser's war on 2020.

What's the secret behind NSW's Covid Contact Tracing?
A very Aussie take on Contact Tracers ( the Tracies )
16dec-the-tracys.png

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all contacts traced at Warp Speed by the dynamic Tracy's
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https://twitter.com/Brocklesnitch/status/1338328047208988674?s=20

A very Aussie take on the ending of 2020
2020-closing-Australia-s-down-the-year-from-hell.png

Warning , lots of bleeping colourful language in this "advert skit" from ABC
https://twitter.com/abc730/status/1339143838082899969?s=20

Please ensure you are properly seated and put down that mug of coffee/hotchoc/tea or glass of beer or wine or spirits ( what ever it takes to keep you calm in these horrible times over there where ever you are outside of Australia and New Zealand) so you don't ruin your keyboard/drown the notepad / laptop..

Warning - too much laughter might make you feel breathless and light headed .

Now you've had a laugh ( god knows we can all do with a good laugh after the what's been going on -especially in places like USA, Germany, France, UK , pretty much everywhere - where things go so bad that they are beyond bad now and the only glimmer of light in very long dark tunnel is some countries are fast tracking covid19 vaccines and doing partial community rollouts now or very soon despite incomplete Stage 3 testing of these ).

Today in Australia , 3 cases of community transmission recorded , all 3 in Sydney , one a Sydney Airport Employee ( a aircrew transport driver who lives in the SW of Sydney ) and the other two are seniors who live on Sydney's Northern Beaches , no apparent connection to the airport employee yet found.

BUMMER ! this happens 9 days short of Xmas ! :<

16 DEC NSW
NSW records two new cases of COVID-19 on Sydney's Northern Beaches, 10 venues on alert
Key points:
The Northern Beaches cases have not been linked to any known cases
A number of venues around Avalon have been put on high alert and contact tracing is underway
Earlier today a man from south-western Sydney also tested positive to COVID-19

NSW Health has confirmed two new cases of COVID-19 on Sydney's Northern Beaches and warned everyone in the area to be alert for even the mildest of symptoms.

The source of the infections is under investigation, but so far no links to other known cases have been identified.

The infected people are a woman in her 60s and a man in his 70s who are close contacts of each other.

Contact tracing and urgent genome sequencing are underway, with the genome sequencing results expected in the next 24 to 48 hours.

Earlier today, a van driver who shuttles flight crews to and from Sydney Airport also tested positive to COVID-19.

The man, who lives in south-western Sydney, was the state's first locally acquired coronavirus infection since December 3.

NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant said health officials suspect the man may have become infected after contact with international flight crew members.

The two positive cases on the Northern Beaches visited a number of venues while infectious. Anyone who was at the following places should get tested and isolate for 14 days, even if they receive a negative test result:

Hungry Ghost Cafe, Avalon, on December 13 between 9:30am and 11:00am and again on December 15 between 9:30am and 11:00am
Palm Beach female change rooms on December 13 between 9:00am and 9:15 am
Coast Palm Beach Cafe, Palm Beach, on December 13 between 10:00am and 11:00am
Avalon Bowlo (bowling club) on December 13 between 5:00pm and 7:00pm and again on December 15 between 3:00pm and 5:00pm
Sneaky Grind Cafe, Avalon Beach, on December 14 between 9:30am and 11:00am
Barramee Thai Massage and Spa, Avalon Beach, on December 14 between 2:00pm and 2:30pm
Bangkok Sidewalk Restaurant, Avalon Beach, on December 14 between 7:00pm and 8:00pm
People who visited the following venues should get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result:

Oliver's Pies, Careel Shopping Village, Avalon Beach, on December 14 between 9:00am and 9:15am
Bing Lee, Mona Vale, on December 14 between 4:30pm and 4:45pm
Woolworths, Avalon Beach, on December 13 between 12:00pm and 5:00pm and on December 15 between 12:00pm and 12:30pm
NSW Health says everyone living in the Northern Beaches area should monitor for symptoms and come forward for testing immediately if they appear.

The van driver who tested positive earlier attended a soccer match at Gannons Park in Peakhurst on Friday, December 11.

Anyone who attended the match between 4:30pm and 5:30pm is considered a casual contact.

The three people the man lives with have already returned negative COVID-19 results.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-16/two-new-covid-19-cases-in-nsw/12991234

NSW coronavirus warning as Sydney airport driver tests positive for COVID-19
Key points:
Health authorities believe the case originated from an international aircrew
The man wore a mask and observed infection control measures, NSW Health says
NSW Health is meeting with airlines to strengthen quarantine measures for aircrews

A Sydney van driver who this morning tested positive for COVID-19 attended a junior soccer match while infectious.

NSW coronavirus warnings have been issued since the man, who drives international flight crews to and from Sydney Airport, tested positive for COVID-19.

It is the state's first locally acquired coronavirus infection since a hotel quarantine worker tested positive at 1.30am on December 3.

Only hours after the man returned a positive result, two other people on Sydney's Northern Beaches also tested positive. Authorities have not been able to link them to any known infections.
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the van driver, who lives in south-western Sydney, "drives vans carrying international and other aircrew back and forth to the airport".

He became symptomatic on Saturday and worked several shifts before taking a COVID-19 test yesterday. His results came back about 7:00am.

Additional testing is being done to confirm if the man caught the virus while working.

The man attended a soccer match at Gannons Park in Peakhurst on Friday, December 11.

Anyone who attended the match between 4:30pm and 5:30pm is considered a casual contact.

NSW Health is advising adults who were at the match to get tested immediately and isolate until they get a negative result.

NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant said the results of genomic sequencing — which could trace the origin of the man's infection to overseas strains of the virus — were pending.

NSW Health this afternoon confirmed three people the man lives with were tested for COVID-19 and returned negative results.

The genomic sequencing was critical, Dr Chant said, to confirm where the man's infection came from.

"That will confirm with us an understanding how recent the infection is," she said.

"We do keep an open mind, while we have a plausible hypothesis that this transmission may have originated from contact with international flight crew."

The van driver worked for Sydney Ground Transport, and Dr Chant said transporting crew was the man's "sole responsibility".

She said he was wearing a mask and and taking other infection control measures.

I am stressing that because I do not want the general community to think that they have been exposed," she said.

NSW Health are tracing the man's movements and will release details later today.

NSW's last recorded COVID-19 case was on December 3, where a member of the housekeeping staff at the Novotel and Ibis hotels in Darling Harbour reportedly caught the virus from an American airline crew.

It's just the second locally acquired infection in NSW since November 7.

The latest case has again highlighted the number of international arrivals NSW receives every week in comparison to other states and territories.

"We need the airlines to come to Australia — they're bringing back our Aussies, they're also bringing in our freight," Mr Hazzard said.

"What we need to do, though, is recognise that there's a high variability in the approaches the airlines take themselves in testing and looking after their crews."

Dr Chant said authorities had been auditing hotel facilities where flight crews were staying since the Darling Harbour case two weeks earlier.

"We have also … had a meeting with the airlines to stress the importance of some of those measures," she said.

"We will be engaging very shortly with how we can strengthen [them]."
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-16/nsw-confirms-new-locally-acquired-coronavirus-case/12988866

Alert for children's football match after Sydney Airport worker tests positive for coronavirus
It's the first locally-acquired case of COVID-19 in the state in almost two weeks.

Health authorities have issued an urgent health alert for a children's football match in south-west Sydney after a man who attended tested positive for COVID-19 - the first locally-transmitted case in the state in almost two weeks.

Health authorities said on Wednesday they thought the 45-year-old worker at Sydney Airport, who was responsible for transporting airline staff, contracted the virus from international air crew.

Contract tracing is currently underway for the man, who first developed symptoms on Saturday. It is understood the man was wearing a mask while at work and didn't work as a driver for members of the public.

"Our preliminary information is that we will be looking at the trips that he has undergone, the people he has escorted, between the airport and the hotels," the state's chief health officer Kerry Chant told reporters on Wednesday.

"His contact in those settings was to basically help people out with their baggage and help them exit a minivan or buses."

Genome sequencing would be "expedited" to establish whether the virus stemmed from overseas, Dr Chant added.

Three household contacts of the confirmed case have tested negative to COVID-19 but will self-isolate for 14 days, NSW Health confirmed on Wednesday afternoon.

It said further contact tracing is underway, along with wider testing of staff at the transport company where the man worked, which focuses solely on transporting air crew.

A health alert has also been issued for a children's football match at Gannons Park Peakhurst on the afternoon of 11 December, which the man attended while infectious.

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NSW Health said all adults who attended between 4:30 and 5:30pm are casual contacts and should monitor for symptoms, seek testing and isolate until they receive a negative result.

Children who were present should also be monitored for symptoms and get tested if any symptoms occur.

The "unfortunate" result was discovered after the man was tested late on Tuesday night, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said.

The case has prompted plans for a tightening of the rules for international arrivals, with Mr Hazzard flagging that international air crews arriving in NSW would likely soon be required to enter hotel quarantine until their outward flight.
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/alert-for-children-s-football-match-after-sydney-airport-worker-tests-positive-for-coronavirus

NSW Covid hotspots: list of Sydney and regional case locations
List of case locations in NSW
People who have attended the following venues are considered close contacts and should get tested and isolate for 14 days even if they receive a negative result.

Palm Beach female change rooms – Sunday, 13 December 9-9.15 am
Coast Palm Beach Café, Palm Beach – Sunday, 13 December 10-11am
Avalon Bowlo (bowling club), Avalon Beach – Sunday, 13 December, 3‑5pm
Sneaky Grind Café, Avalon Beach – Monday, 14 December, 10.30-11am
People who have visited the following venues are considered casual contacts and should get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result:

Woolworths Avalon Beach – Sunday, 13 December, 12-5pm
Oliver’s Pie, Careel Shopping Village, Avalon Beach – Monday, 14 December, 9‑9.15am
Anyone who attended the following sporting event at the times indicated is considered a casual contact. However, as a precaution NSW Health advises any adults who were present to get tested immediately and isolate until they receive a negative result. They should continue to monitor for symptoms and if any symptoms occur, get tested again. Children who were present should be monitored for symptoms and get tested if any symptoms occur.

Friday 11 December: Forest Rangers FC, Little Rangers session at Gannons Park, Pindari Rd and Isaac Street, Peakhurst, 4.30pm to 5.30pm.
Everyone living in the Northern Beaches area should monitor for even the mildest of symptoms and come forward for testing immediately if they appear, then isolate until a negative result is received.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/nsw-covid-hotspots-list-of-sydney-and-regional-case-locations/ar-BB1bGTwu?ocid=msedgdhp

Data
3 local cases in Australia , zero deaths.
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And breaking news - Australian biotech company is coming to YOUR rescue folks - RAPID IN HOME and very sensitive COVID Tests will be heading YOUR WAY soon , and will be available from the local chemists for about $30 per kit.

Dr. Mina will be very pleased !!

Ellume strikes gold in US as FDA approves rapid COVID-19 test
Brisbane Young Entrepreneur of the Year Dr Sean Parsons has achieved a breakthrough in the US after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved his company Ellume's rapid COVID testing kit.

Ellume's groundbreaking fluorescent immunoassay technology can generate results in the space of 20 minutes with a very high accuracy level, according to the FDA.

The US government agency has issued an emergency use authorisation for the Ellume product, which will become the first over-the-counter at-home diagnostic test for COVID-19.

"Today's authorisation is a major milestone in diagnostic testing for COVID-19," says FDA commissioner Stephen M. Hahn.

"By authorising a test for over-the-counter use, the FDA allows it to be sold in places like drug stores, where a patient can buy it, swab their nose, run the test and find out their results in as little as 20 minutes."

Ellume is already producing the tests in commercial quantities from its recently opened 4,400sqm manufacturing facility in Brisbane, pumping out around 100,000 rapid COVID-19 tests a day.

The company's efforts have been supported by US$30 million (AUD$40 million) received from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) to scale up production.

Parsons founded the company initially to develop simple-to-use high-performance diagnostics for common infectious diseases such as flu, and to respond to what he perceived was a future flu pandemic.

The company had already developed global partnerships with major international pharmaceutical companies, including Germany's Qiagen and UK-based GlaxoSmithKline ahead of the pandemic's outbreak this year.

Parsons says Ellume's self-test will provide critical support to the United States as it transitions out of the pandemic, delivering rapid, accurate test results and facilitating a safe return to workplaces, educational institutions, and travel.

"As COVID-19 case numbers hit record highs, the world needs access to fast, affordable, easy-to-use home testing," he says.

"Ellume's COVID-19 Home Test delivers this important first line of defence it can be widely available without the need for a prescription, enabling the US to respond to the pandemic in its most urgent stage."

The Ellume COVID-19 home test uses a mid-turbinate nasal swab to detect certain proteins of the virus known as antigens. The FDA says the Ellume test correctly identified 96 per cent of positive samples and 100 per cent of negative samples in individuals with symptoms.

In people without symptoms, the test correctly identified 91 per cent of positive samples and 96 per cent of negative samples.

The test is used in conjunction with an app that is free for download and provides easy-to-read, step-by-step instructions including a how-to-use video. All analysis is performed by the test's electronic analyser, with a result displayed on the user's smartphone within 15 minutes.

Through a secure cloud connection, Ellume's COVID-19 Home Test can provide real-time reporting of test results to health authorities, employers, and educators, for efficient COVID-19 mapping.

Ellume expects to produce more than three million tests in January next year, and 20 million tests in the first half.
https://www.businessnewsaus.com.au/articles/ellume-strikes-gold-in-us-as-fda-approves-rapid-covid-19-test.html
 

kingofnobbys

BD.org Sicko
Original Poster
17 DECEMBER , THE SYDNEY NORTHERN BEACHES CLUSTER - UPDATE.

This has grown to 17 confirmed cases by 7pm today, looks like the two original cases ( a couple ) were out and about living it up while symptomatic and under orders to self isolation while waiting for confirmation they were positive to covid. Grrrr ….

So far it's looking very much like the Adelaide Cluster all over again, hopefully swift incisive action by NSW HEALTH & the Premier will nip this cluster in the bud before it blows up like Victoria's 2nd wave did.
Might be all over in a week or two IF WE in NSW ( and in particular in NE Sydney ) are lucky and act quick enough.

Doesn't help that we are as off today into the NSW School Summer holidays and other states have been in school holidays for about a week ==> lots of interstater travelling about all over AU and holidaying / visiting family ( now they thought it was safe to do so ( til today )). This increases the risk of this cluster being spread all over the place in very quick order :( .



WA has ordered all visitor arriving from NSW ( effective immediately to go into quarantine for 2 weeks or til they are confirmed covid negative ) , if this cluster spreads / grows and the source remains unknown , WA will be closing the border again.
SA is following suit as is TAS.
Sydney is now a hotspot and QLD will be reimposing restrictions and quarantine on all new visitors from Sydney effective immediately.

Any Sydney residents already in WA, SA, Vic, TAS, NT and QLD who arrived interstate after 12 December are ordered to be tested for covid and self isolate for 1 week or tests return negative for covid.

NSW HEALTH ( Hazzard MP ) and the CMO have VERY firmly "requested" all residents in the Northern Beaches and any contacts of them to self isolate, remain at, and restrict themselves to household ONLY until Monday 21 December , and to be tested for covid ASAP.
Residential Nursing Homes in Sydney are now back under lockdown ( one of the covid cases is an AC worker who worked while infectious …. :( …. not a good situation - people are EXTREMELY ANXIOUS and SCARED about this is likely to mean.
Northern Sydney virus cluster jumps to 17
The COVID-19 cluster in Sydney's Northern Beaches has ballooned to 17, while the source of the infections remains a mystery.

Hunt for mystery coronavirus spreader at centre of Sydney outbreak
Seventeen new coronavirus cases have emerged in Sydney, with 250,000 residents from the Spit Bridge up to Palm Beach asked to isolate immediately.

NSW Health urged Northern Beaches residents 'to assist contact tracing and contain any potential spread of COVID-19' by self isolating at home for at least the next three days on Thursday evening.

Residents are advised to work from home, not to visit elderly relatives, avoid unnecessary gatherings, keep to household groups and avoid unnecessary travel, including travel to high-risk venues like restaurants, cafés and bars.

Making matters worse, there is reportedly a power blackout in parts of the Northern Beaches as of Thursday night, leaving thousands without electricity as they isolate.

'At this time, we request that people from outside the area should avoid unnecessary travel to the Northern Beaches,' NSW Health said.

In response to the new cases, both Queensland and Western Australia have again imposed restrictions on NSW residents travelling to their states.

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The WA government has ordered anyone who arrived from NSW since December 11 to be tested and isolate for 14 days, plunging 5,000 travellers into lockdown.

Passengers in the middle of a flight from Sydney to Perth on Thursday were informed they needed to be tested once they land and quarantine until they receive a negative result.

WA Premier Mark McGowan said the immediate precautions are necessary and that a reintroduction of border restrictions is on the cards.

'These are extra precautionary and immediate steps the state government is taking to protect all Western Australians, based on our expert health advice,' Mr McGowan said.

'As I have said previously, we will not hesitate to change our border controls if the health advice recommends.'

WA last week reopened its borders to NSW and Victoria, removing the 14-day quarantine requirement for travellers from those states.

Meanwhile in Queensland, anyone who visited the Northern Beaches since December 11 is not allowed to visit residential aged care centres, hospitals and correctional facilities in Queensland from midday on Friday.

The new directions to self-isolate and travel restrictions on NSW residents come after 17 new cases were announced in the Northern Beaches at 6pm on Thursday.

A desperate search is underway to find the source of the worrying northern beaches coronavirus outbreak.

Earlier in the afternoon, one case was announced to be an aged from Pittwater Palms, a retirement village in Avalon, along with their partner.

A drummer in his 60s from Frenchs Forest whose band Nothing Too Serious played at Avalon RSL Club and 'travelled extensively' also tested positive on Thursday.

Two other venues his band visited, Penrith RSL and Kirribilli Club, have been put on alert as well amid fears he was infectious when he performed.
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NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said investigations are underway to track down the source of the infection, which has been linked to the Avalon RSL club.

Dr Chant has urged anyone who was at the club at any time on December 11 to come forward for testing.

It comes after an infected couple from Avalon refused to self-isolate after getting tested for coronavirus, instead visiting nine venues across the northern beaches.

The couple - a woman in her 60s and a man in his 70s - were also at the Avalon RSL club on December 11.

It's understood the aged care worker may have contracted the virus after crossing paths with the woman in her 60s at a nearby bowling club in Avalon.

Sydney's growing cluster:
Wednesday:

Man, 45, airport worker transporting returned travel crews

Woman, 60s, Northern Beaches
Man, 70s, Northern Beaches , a couple , refused to self isolate when ordered to after testing positive for covid ….I HOPE THEY HAVE BEEN HIT WITH A HUGE FINE EACH ( $10000 ) and ARE NOW ordered to wear GPS leg bracelets or under NSW Police guard in their home or the lockup.


Thursday:

Woman, 50s, Aged care worker at Pittwater Palms in Avalon

Man, 60s, Partner of aged care worker in Avalon

Man, 60s, Drummer in a band Nothing Too Serious who played at multiple RSL's across Sydney

Dr Chant said the northern beaches outbreak was likely new and not part of an existing cluster, revealing recent sewage surveillance in the area had come back negative.

Genomic sequencing results, which will be available from 7pm on Thursday, will help identify the source of the worrying cluster.

Several aged care facilities across the northern beaches have been locked down as a result of the outbreak.

NSW Health has asked aged care facilities across the city to prohibit visitors from entering the facilities while contact tracing gets underway.

'We're recommending no visitors until we identify the source of infection and feel more confident that we have it under control,' NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

She urged any residents in the northern beaches with the 'mildest of symptoms' to get tested as soon as possible.

'We want to get on top of this and don't want this concerning us in the last few days before Christmas and urging everyone to be as vigilant as ever,' she said.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard also urged the 250,000-odd people living on the northern beaches - which stretches from Manly to Palm Beach - to go and get tested.

It could be something as simple as fatigue, the most minor of a sore, scratchy, itchy throat, temperature, a bit of a cough, whatever it may be,' he said.

ISOLATION ALERT ISSUED FOR:
Avalon RSL - all day on December 12

Penrith RSL - December 13, 1pm to 6pm

Kirribilli Club - December 14, 12pm to 3pm

'Don't feel guilty or bad about going and using the local public health services. We want you to. If you go and get tested you are effectively giving a Christmas gift to your friends, your family and the entire NSW community.'

A bus driver who shuttled international crew between Sydney International Airport and their accommodation ended a 13-day Covid-free streak in NSW on Wednesday.

The infections threaten to curtail Australia's impressive run during the pandemic, which has seen coronavirus cases confined to returning travellers in hotel quarantine.

Contact tracers worked through the night to try and find out how the Avalon couple caught the highly contagious virus.

Rather than isolate while awaiting their results, as is the law, the couple instead enjoyed a swim, shopping, trips to cafes and a restaurant - as well as a Thai massage.

Those venues have since shut and been deep cleaned, causing panic in the wealthy northern suburbs which have been untouched by coronavirus for many months.

During the time they were waiting for results, they visited multiple venues in Sydney's Palm Beach and Avalon on Sunday and Monday.

The surprise new cases prompted authorities to reconsider their border priorities.

The Sunshine State's Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has been reluctant to specify what would constitute a new outbreak and force a fresh border closure, sparking fears they could be slammed shut at a moment's notice.

Huge covid test queues form in Sydney after infected couple refused to isolate
By Zoe Zaczek

NSW Health rushed to open a testing clinic at the Avalon Recreation Centre at midday on Thursday in a desperate attempt to shut down a prospective cluster ahead of Christmas.

But the testing clinic was not ready for the number of locals who rushed to the centre for a swab.

Pictures and videos from the clinic showed long queues stretching around the building, alongside a park, and through to a car park.

Some of those in line were sitting on the ground, while others were trying to find shade under trees. Everyone was wearing a face mask.

Rodger, who was in line, said he was getting the test as a precaution because his wife visited Woolworths.

'It's the right thing to do,' he said.

'People can be asymptomatic and don't know how they got it.

'At the moment they still seem to be naming new venues and times, so who's to say you weren't somewhere else (a positive case visited).'

The 74-year-old has numerous questions as to how the virus landed on their quiet streets.

'I'd like to know who they are, how they came here and how they've got it,' he said.

'We didn't have it three days ago and now we've got it.'

Patrick, who had already been in line for an hour after arriving 'fairly early', was disappointed by the health response.

'I think if they're going to a pop up it's quite late in the day,' the 33-year-old said.

'It's quite hot, no shade. A lot of people are going to get quite dehydrated.

'What's the point? They expect people to get tested and people are going to be standing for two hours or in their cars for three hours?'

Australia has become the envy of the world thanks to its handling of the coronavirus crisis, with swift border closures on March 20 sparing the nation from the worst of the pandemic.

But the shock mystery cases threatens to curtail the winning streak, which has allowed millions of Australians to live a relatively normal life while the rest of the world suffers under crippling lockdown with hospitals at breaking point.

People who visited the female change rooms at Palm Beach on Sunday December 13 between 9am and 9.15am have been deemed close contacts and must self isolate immediately.

Anyone who attended Coast Palm Beach Cafe between 10am and 11am that day, Avalon Bowling Club between 3pm and 5pm and the Sneaky Grind Cafe in Avalon Beach between 10.30am and 11am the next day are also close contacts.

lose contacts have been ordered to seek Covid testing and self isolate for 14 days regardless of the results.

With Christmas and New Years Eve both falling within the next 14 day period, the announcement could destroy holiday plans for hundreds of families in the region.

Meanwhile, people who were at Woolworths in Avalon Beach between 12 and 5pm on December 13 and Oliver's Pie shop customers from Monday December 14 about 9am should monitor for symptoms.

NSW Health is urging all residents on the Northern Beaches to stay on high alert for symptoms.

Earlier on Wednesday, a man who drives international air crew to and from Sydney Airport was diagnosed with COVID-19, ending the state's 13 day run without a locally acquired case of the virus.

He was tested on Tuesday and returned a positive result at 7am Wednesday.

The man did not transport anyone from the general public as a part of his role, and his family later tested negative.

Mr Hazzard said protocols in how airline crews are transported to hotels could now be changed.

Wednesday's cases were the first infections since a hotel quarantine cleaner tested positive on December 3.

VENUES VISITED BY COVID-POSITIVE COUPLE ( who KNEW they were infected !! )
Anyone who visited one of the following venues is considered a close contact.

They must get tested for Covid and are required to self-isolate for 14 days regardless of the results.

• Palm Beach female change rooms – Sunday, 13 December 9 to 9.15 am

• Coast Palm Beach Café, Palm Beach – Sunday, 13 December 10 to 11am

• Avalon Bowlo (bowling club), Avalon Beach – Sunday, 13 December, 3 to 5pm

• Sneaky Grind Café, Avalon Beach – Monday, 14 December, 9.30 to 11am

• Hungry Ghost Café, 20 Avalon Parade, Avalon – Sunday, 13 December, 9.30am to 11am and Tuesday, 15 December 9.30 to 11am

• Barramee Thai Massage and Spa, 4/42-44 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach – Monday, 14 December, 2 to 3.30pm

• Bangkok Sidewalk Restaurant, 1/21-23 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach – Monday, 14 December 7 to 8pm

People who visited these venues are also instructed to get tested and isolate until they receive a negative result:

• Woolworths Avalon Beach – Sunday, 13 December, 12 to 5pm

• Oliver's Pie, Careel Shopping Village, Avalon Beach – Monday, 14 December, 9 to 9.15am

Similarly, anyone who visited the following location should seek testing following the Covid diagnosis of a bus driver:

• Forest Rangers FC, Little Rangers session at Gannons Park, Pindari Rd and Isaac Street, Peakhurst – Friday, 11 December 2020, 4.30pm – 5.30pm

• Bing Lee, Gateway, 1 Mona Vale Rd, Mona Vale – Monday, 14 December, 4.30 to 4.45pm
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/hunt-for-mystery-coronavirus-spreader-at-centre-of-sydney-outbreak/ar-BB1bZsdK?ocid=msedgdhp

Fifteen new cases were identified on Thursday, with health authorities urging locals to stay at home as much as possible over the next three days.

NSW Health says residents should not visit hospitals and aged care facilities unless essential, avoid unnecessary gatherings, keep to their household groups, and avoid high-risk venues like gyms.

Nine days before Christmas, there is uncertainty about travelling over the holiday period.

Queensland's deputy premier, Steven Miles, on Wednesday clarified his government had no immediate plans to close the border or declare Sydney a hotspot.

In August, Queensland closed the doors to New South Wales for a second time after a outbreak in Sydney's south-west, despite lifting restrictions just three weeks earlier on July 10.

In October, Premier Palaszscuk demanded NSW go 28 days without a single case of local transmission before she would open the borders.

This precedent means Queensland could choose to slam its borders shut once again, even after thousands of Australians made plans to visit.

People should avoid unnecessary travel to the Northern Beaches and people living there should avoid leaving.

The new cases are still being interviewed and more cases will probably be identified, NSW Health warns.

Authorities are investigating a potential super-spreader event at a local RSL, Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant says.

Health authorities detailed three new cases on Thursday morning - a woman in her 50s who works at Pittwater Palms aged care facility at Avalon Beach, her partner and a Frenchs Forest man in his 60s who plays the drums for band Nothing-Too Serious.

Dr Chant said her department's hypothesis was that an unknown person infected the drummer, a woman in her 60s and man in his 70s at Avalon RSL last Friday where Nothing-Too Serious was performing.

The woman in her 60s then attended Avalon Bowlo on Sunday, where she infected the woman in her 50s, who in turn infected her partner.

Genomic testing would be completed by Thursday night, Dr Chant said.

Sewage testing last Thursday uncovered no virus fragments in the area, indicating the virus was newly introduced.

"The working hypothesis is that there was an unknown person present at Avalon RSL that was the source of infection, given we've got three people at least ... that's potentially the exposure source," Dr Chant told reporters.

The drummer also played at Penrith RSL on Sunday and at the Kirribilli Club on Monday.

Health alerts have been issued for those two venues, Avalon RSL and numerous others across Sydney's northern beaches.

NSW Health revealed an additional nine cases had been identified on Thursday afternoon.

The cluster has led WA Premier Mark McGowan to order any arrivals in his state who were in NSW from December 11 to self-isolate until they test negative.

Hundreds of people started queuing at Mona Vale Hospital early on Thursday to get tested for the virus and multiple pop-up testing centres are now in place, including at Avalon, Newport and Frenchs Forest.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian flagged Northern Beaches nursing homes will be locked down until the outbreak is contained, just a week after restrictions eased allowing unlimited visitors.

"We want to get on top of this and don't want this concerning us in the last few days before Christmas," Ms Berejiklian told reporters.

"There are a number of aged care facilities which are very vulnerable in the northern beaches ... we're recommending no visitors until we identify the source of the infection and feel more confident we have it under control."

The Pittwater Palms aged care facility is closed to visitors while residents and staff who had been in contact with the infected worker were being tested and were self-isolating.

The latest outbreak has prompted concerns the recently-opened Queensland and WA borders will again shut to people from NSW.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard has implored the two states to avoid "pre-emptive" action, saying NSW would quickly squash the cluster.

Tasmania nevertheless elected on Thursday to ban anyone who had visited the venues on NSW's health alert list from entering the island state. Those in NSW who are set to travel to Tasmania must also reapply for their e-Travel pass.

The Northern Beaches cases were uncovered after a 45-year-old van driver transporting international air crew members to and from Sydney Airport was on Wednesday confirmed to be COVID-positive.

The southwest Sydney man wore a mask, worked only with air crew members and was not involved in regular taxi services for the public.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/aged-care-worker-among-nsw-virus-infected/ar-BB1bYXW0?ocid=msedgdhp

Venues alerts are in place for as off 17 December.
17-DEC-alert-venues-in-northern-beaches-sydney.png


NSW coronavirus hotspots: list of Sydney and regional Covid case locations
List of case locations in NSW
People who have attended the following venues are considered close contacts and should get tested and isolate for 14 days even if they receive a negative result:

Avalon Beach: Avalon Bowlo (bowling club), Sunday 13 December, 5pm to 7pm and Tuesday 15 December, 3pm to5pm
Avalon Beach: Bangkok Sidewalk Restaurant, Monday 14 December,7pm to 8pm
Avalon Beach: Barramee Thai Massage and Spa, Monday 14 December,2pm to 3.30pm
Avalon: Hungry Ghost Café, Monday 14 December, 9.30am to 11am
Avalon Beach: Sneaky Grind Café, Monday 14 December, 10.30am to 11am
Palm Beach: Palm Beach female change rooms, Sunday 13 December,9am to 9.15am
Palm Beach: Coast Palm Beach Café, Sunday 13 December, 10am to 11am
People who have visited the following venues are considered casual contacts and should get tested immediately and isolate until they receive a negative result:

Artarmon: Roof Racks World, 15 December, 2-2:30pm
Avalon: Careel Bay Dog Park and Hitchcock Park, 16 December 7-7:30am
Avalon Beach: Surf Life Saving Club, 13, 14 and 15 December, 9-9.30am
Avalon Beach: Commonwealth Bank, 47 Avalon Parade, 15 December, 12-12.15pm
Avalon Beach: Woolworths, Sunday 13 December, 12pm to 5pm; 14 December 5-5.30pm and Tuesday 15 December, 12pm to 12.30pm
Avalon Beach: North Avalon Cellars, 15 December, 6-6.05pm
Avalon Beach: Oliver’s Pie, Careel Shopping Village, Monday 14 December,9am to 9.15am
Avalon Beach: Avalon Beach Post Shop, 16 December 3.30-3.50pm
Avalon Beach: Avalon Beach Post Shop, 16 December 3.30-3.50pm
Avalon Beach, Mitre 10, 15 December, 12-12.20pm
Avalon Beach: Avalon Beach RSL club, Friday 11 December at any time
Avalon Beach: Chemist Warehouse, 14 December 5.20-5.25pm
Dee Why: Dee Why Fruit Market, 15 December, 4.45-4.55pm
Dee Why: HongFa BBQ Restaurant, 15 December 4.30-4.45pm
Lavender Bay: Kirribilli Club, 14 December, 12pm to 3pm
Mona Vale: Bing Lee, Monday 14 December 4.30pm to 4.45pm
Mona Vale: Aldi, 13 Bungan St, 13 December, 12.45-1.30pm
Mona Vale, Woolworths, 25/29 Park St, Sunday 13 December, 12pm to 5pm
North Narrabeen: Brot and Wurst, 16 December, 2pm-2:05pm
Palm Beach: Palm Beach rockpool, 14 December, 9:30-10:30am; 16 December, 8am-9am
Peakhurst: Gannons Park, Forest Rangers FC, Little Rangers session, Friday 11 December, 4.30pm to 5.30pm. Any adults who were present should get tested immediately and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
Penrith: Penrith RSL Club, Sunday 13 December, 1pm to 6pm
A confirmed case also travelled between the following train stations on 14 December at the following times. Other passengers are considered to be casual contacts, and should get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

• Roseville to Redfern, 6.50-7.40am

• Redfern to Milsons Point, 11.20am-11.45am

• Milsons Point to Roseville, 3.15-3.40pm

Everyone living in the northern beaches area should monitor for even the mildest of symptoms and come forward for testing immediately if they appear, then isolate until a negative result is received.

NSW Health has increased Covid testing options for the northern beaches community through three new pop-up testing clinics. They are available at:

• Avalon pop-up, Avalon Recreation Centre, 59 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon. Open seven days, 8am to 10pm.

• Newport pop-up, Newport Community Centre, 11-13 The Boulevard, Newport. Open seven days, 8am to 10pm.

• Warringah Aquatic Centre Drive-through, 1 Aquatic Dr, Frenchs Forest. Open seven days a week, 8am to 10pm.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/nsw-coronavirus-hotspots-list-of-sydney-and-regional-covid-case-locations/ar-BB1bZAnK?ocid=msedgdhp
 

kingofnobbys

BD.org Sicko
Original Poster
18 DECEMBER == NTH SYDNEY CLUSTER GROWING , NOW SPREAD TO THE CENTRAL COAST AND ONE EVEN IN QLD.
NSW = 10 more local cases identified today inc 1 on the central coast .
QLD = 1 local case ( an interstate traveller from Sydney).

LOOKING LIKE NORTH SYDNEY , PERHAP ALL OF SYDNEY IS GOING INTO LOCKDOWN RIGHT ON XMAS .
THIS MAY EVEN BE EXTENDED TO ALL OF NSW.
Looking not very flash in Nth Sydney now , and lots of people are very pissed off , and even more are very disappointed , rug's been pulled out from under Sydneyites.
Still no sign of ScoMo reconvening the National Covid Emergency Cabinet .


People from Nth Sydney ( as far inland as Penrith ( over 90 km ) are now required in WA, NT, QLD, Tas, SA and Vic to go into 2 weeks of guarded mandatory users pay quarantine on flying in if they've been in Nth Syd since 11th Dec and to be tested for covid. These's been a mad rush by Nth Sydney residents to head interstate before the expected lockdown is imposed ( now the COVIrefugees are Sydneyites and NSWelshmen ( I'm sure people in other states are pretty miffed about this situation and scared they are bring covid with them ).
Those who trained-in or drove-in are required to either turn around or go into 2 week self isolation ( they will be checked by local cops ) and get tested for covid.

Turns out the strain is causing this cluster is genenomically US. Suspected from intl aircrew who failed to self isolate in their layoff before flying back out .

The Tracers are working round the clock to trace the original source in Sydney but it's feared by NSW Health the person/s who started this have left the country.

Covid hotspots NSW: list of Sydney and regional coronavirus case locations
List of case locations in NSW
People who have attended the following venues are considered close contacts and should get tested and isolate for 14 days after they were last there, even if they receive a negative result:

Avalon Beach: Avalon Beach RSL club, Friday 11 December at any time
Avalon Beach: Avalon Bowlo (bowling club), Sunday 13 December, 5pm to 7pm and Tuesday 15 December, 3pm to 5pm
Avalon Beach: Bangkok Sidewalk Restaurant, Monday 14 December,7pm to 8pm
Avalon Beach: Barramee Thai Massage and Spa, Monday 14 December,2pm to 3.30pm
Avalon Beach: Sneaky Grind Café, Monday 14 December, 9.30am to 11am
Cronulla: Pilgrims Vegetarian Café, Wednesday 16 December 11.30am to 2.30pm. Anyone who was at the café during this time for one hour or more must be tested immediately and isolate until 30 December. Other patrons should monitor for symptoms, and get tested immediately if they appear.
Cronulla: Cronulla RSL Club, Wednesday 16 December, 5pm to closing time. Anyone who was at the RSL at this time must get tested and isolate until further notice. Close contacts will need to isolate until 30 December.
Kirribilli: Kirribilli Club, Monday 14 December, 12pm to 3pm
Lane Cove: Hair by Erika, Village Shopping Centre, 11 December, 3.30 to 5pm
Newport: Rusti Fig Café, Saturday 12 December, 9am to 10am
Palm Beach: Palm Beach female change rooms, Sunday 13 December,9am to 9.15am
Palm Beach: Coast Palm Beach Café, Sunday 13 December, 10am to 11am
Penrith: Penrith RSL Club, Sunday 13 December, 1pm to 6pm
Turramurra: Salon of Hair Turramurra, Tuesday 15 December, 10am to 3pm, and Wednesday 16 December, 9.30am to 3.30pm
Woolloomoolo: Sienna Marina, Friday 11 December, 12pm to 2pm. Anyone who spent one hour or longer at the restaurant at this time must get tested and isolate until December 25. Other patrons should monitor for symptoms, and isolate and get tested immediately if symptoms appear.
People who have visited the following venues are considered casual contacts and should get tested immediately and self-isolate until they receive a negative result:

Artarmon: Roof Racks World, 15 December, 2pm to 2.30pm
Avalon: Nourished Wholefood Café, 12 December, 7.30-7.40am
Avalon: Careel Bay Dog Park and Hitchcock Park, 16 December 7am-7.30am
Avalon: Hungry Ghost Café, 13 and 15 December, 9.30am to 11am
Avalon Beach: Surf Life Saving Club, 13, 14 and 15 December, 9-9.30am
Avalon Beach: Commonwealth Bank, 47 Avalon Parade, 15 December, 12 to 12.15pm
Avalon Beach: Woolworths, Sunday 13 December, 12pm to 5pm; 14 December 5pm to 5.30pm and Tuesday 15 December, 12pm to 12.30pm
Avalon Beach: North Avalon Cellars, 15 December, 6pm to 6.05pm
Avalon Beach: Oliver’s Pie, Careel Shopping Village, Monday 14 December,9am to 9.15am
Avalon Beach: Avalon Beach Post Shop, 16 December 3.30pm to 3.50pm
Avalon Beach, Mitre 10, 15 December, 12pm to 12.20pm
Avalon Beach: Chemist Warehouse, 14 December 5.20pm to 5.25pm
Avalon Beach: Sabiang Thai Restaurant, 13 December, 6-8pm
Bondi Junction: Westfield Bondi Junction, 15 December, 1-2.30pm
Cronulla: Paris Seafood Café, 15 December, 8.30-9pm
Cronulla: Cronulla Mall, 15 December, 8-9pm and 16 December, 11am-12pm
Darling Point: RAN Sailing Association, Navy Bear Café and Christmas party, 13 December, 10am‑4pm
Dee Why: Dee Why Fruit Market, 15 December, 4.45pm to 4.55pm
Dee Why: HongFa BBQ Restaurant, 15 December 4.30pm to 4.45pm
Eveleigh: Seven West Media Building, 14 December, 8-11.30am
Mona Vale: Bing Lee, Monday 14 December, 4.30pm to 4.45pm
Mona Vale: Aldi, 13 Bungan St, 13 December, 12.45pm to 1.30pm
Mona Vale: Harris Farm, Mona Vale Plaza, 14 December, 11-11.10am
Mona Vale: Woolworths, 25/29 Park St, Sunday 13 December, 12pm to 12.30pm
Newport: Coles Newport, 11 December, 5-7pm, and 12 December, 3.15-3.30pm
Newport: Restaurant Lovat, 12 December, 2.15-2.25pm and 4.10-4.15pm
North Narrabeen: Brot and Wurst, 16 December, 2pm to 2.05pm
Palm Beach: Palm Beach rockpool, 14 December, 9:30-10:30am; 16 December, 8am to 9am
Peakhurst: Gannons Park, Forest Rangers FC, Little Rangers session, Friday 11 December, 4.30pm to 5.30pm. Any adults who were present should get tested immediately and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
Riverstone: Blend @ Grantham Café, 16 December, 11-11.45am
Roseberry: Mentmore & Morley Café and public toilets, 14 December 10am-3pm
Terrey Hills: Hills Florist, 12 December, 8-8.45am – close contacts have been contacted directly by NSW Health
Terrey Hills: Forest Way Fruit Market, 16 December, 4-4.10pm
Confirmed cases travelled on the following transport services. Other passengers are considered to be casual contacts, and should get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

Train from Roseville to Redfern, 14 December, 6.50am to 7.40am
Train from Redfern to Milsons Point, 14 December, 11.20am to 11.45am
Train from Milsons Point to Roseville, 14 December, 3.15pm to 3.40pm
Ferry from Palm Beach to Wagstaffe, 16 December, 6.15pm-6.35pm
Forest Coach Lines buses between Forestville and the CBD

Route 273, 15 December, Departing Jamieson Square, Forestville, 7.10am and arriving QVB, 8am
Route 271, 15 December, Departing QVB 5.25pm and arriving Austlink Business Park Belrose 6.28pm
Route 273, 16 December, Departing Jamieson Square, Forestville 7.10am and arriving QVB, CBD, 8am
Route 271, 16 December, Departing QVB 5.25pm and arriving Austlink Business Park Belrose, 6.28pm
Everyone living in the northern beaches area should monitor for even the mildest of symptoms and come forward for testing immediately if they appear, then isolate until a negative result is received.

NSW Health has increased Covid testing options for the northern beaches community through three new pop-up testing clinics. They are available at:

• Avalon pop-up, Avalon Recreation Centre, 59 Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon. Open seven days, 8am to 10pm

• Avalon pop-up: Avalon Laverty drive-through pathology, Avalon Bowling Club Car Park, Avalon Parade,Avalon Beach NSW 2107. Open seven days, 8am to 4pm.

• Newport pop-up, Newport Community Centre, 11-13 The Boulevard, Newport. Open seven days, 8am to 10pm.

• Warringah Aquatic Centre Drive-through, 1 Aquatic Dr, Frenchs Forest. Open seven days a week, 8am to 10pm

Other Northern Beaches testing centres:

• Mona Vale Hospital, Gate 3 Coronation Street, Mona Vale. Open seven days 7.30am to 5.30pm.

• Brookvale Community Health Centre, 612-624 Pittwater Road, Brookvale. Open seven days, 8am to 6pm.

• Northern Beaches Hospital, 105 Frenchs Forest Road (West), Frenchs Forest, (rear of emergency department). Open seven days, 8am to 5pm.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/covid-hotspots-nsw-list-of-sydney-and-regional-coronavirus-case-locations/ar-BB1c1mfz?ocid=msedgdhp

close-prox-nthn-beaches-to-central-coast.png

Northern Beaches Sydney are in very close proximity to the main pop centres of the Central Coast.

Australia border restrictions: here are the new state and territory Covid rules for NSW travellers
After the coronavirus cluster on Sydney’s northern beaches grew to 28 people on Friday, other states and territories swiftly introduced a range of border closures and restrictions.

Here are the current border restrictions as of Friday 18 December.

Related: NSW coronavirus hotspots: list of Sydney and regional Covid case locations

Queensland
The northern beaches local government area has been declared a hotspot by Queensland health.

Anyone who was in the northern beaches region on or since Friday 11 December and who arrives in Queensland after 1am Saturday 19 December must go into hotel quarantine, at their own expense, for 14 days.

The 14-day period is calculated from the date the person left the northern beaches.

People who were already on their way to Queensland and arrive before 1am on 19 December must still quarantine but can do so in their home or accommodation.

These rules apply to visitors and returning Queensland residents.

Anyone who is already in Queensland and was in the northern beaches since Friday 11 December should get tested and quarantine in their home or accommodation for 14 days from the date they left the region.

Victoria
Victoria has effectively barred travel into the state from the northern beaches, and introduce a permit system for entry from NSW.

Anybody who arrives in Victoria after midnight Friday 18 December, who has been in the northern beaches since 11 December, will have to go into hotel quarantine for 14 days.

The state announced a “traffic light” system on Friday, of three different zones.

People who have been in the northern beaches are considered to be in the “red zone”, and cannot enter without going into quarantine.

People from the rest of Sydney are considered to be in the “orange zone”. They are allowed in to the state, but must get tested upon arrival and self-isolate until they get a negative result.

People from the rest of NSW are in the “green zone” and can enter without any restrictions.

Anyone currently in Victoria who was in the northern beaches on or since Friday 11 December must get tested and quarantine in their home or accommodation for 14 days from the date they left the northern beaches.

Western Australia
Western Australia has imposed blanket restrictions on all travellers from NSW.

As of Friday 18 December, anyone who has been in NSW since 11 December and arrives in WA must go into hotel quarantine for 14 days.

Anyone who is already in WA but came from NSW since 11 December must get tested by Saturday 19 December and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.

Northern Territory
The Northern Territory has declared the northern beaches local government area a Covid-19 hotspot.

Related: Coronavirus Sydney: northern beaches residents told to stay home as cluster jumps to 17 cases

Anyone hoping to enter the NT who has been in that area has been advised to cancel their travel arrangements.

Anyone who has been in the northern beaches in the 14 days before they arrive must enter supervised quarantine, in either Alice Springs or Darwin, and pay $2,500 per person.

That includes returning NT residents.

Tasmania
Tasmania has declared the northern beaches local government area a hotspot. This means anyone who has been there on or since Friday 11 December is not permitted to enter Tasmania.

Anyone who is already in Tasmania and has been in the northern beaches on or after 11 December must immediately self-isolate.

ACT
The ACT currently has no border restrictions in place but says any residents who have been in the northern beaches area from Friday 11 December 2020 need to immediately self-isolate and get tested. The government advises Canberrans not to travel to the northern beaches area of Sydney at this time.

South Australia
Anyone who has been in the northern beaches area since 11 December has to go into quarantine for 14 days if they enter SA.

And entry is barred to anybody who was been to the Avalon RSL or the Avalon Bowlo since 11 December.

Anyone already in SA who was at either venue must also immediately go into hotel quarantine in the state.

SA will re-introduce its travel application process for any interstate arrivals, not just NSW.
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/australia-border-restrictions-here-are-the-new-state-and-territory-covid-rules-for-nsw-travellers/ar-BB1c1yyx?ocid=msedgdhp
 

kingofnobbys

BD.org Sicko
Original Poster
18 December …. Our plan up in air wrt Xmas & NYE

Grandson comes on Saturday afternoon to stay til Xmas Eve ( lives in Raymond Terrace , no known covid cases there since June ).

Our son is a different storey , he works and lives just west of the Sydney CBD , on the south side of the harbour , uses buses , taxies and trains and metro everyday . This puts him in the HOTSPOT .
Asking him to watch devs in Sydney VERY CLOSELY and the NSW health alerts regards venues and train, metro and bus routes and times slots involved.
Asking him to get tested for covid day before he leaves to come here ( turn around here is under 24 hrs for gold standard NAP covid tests , and to ensure he keeps a mask on when anywhere near pple and enroute her from Central by train & bus / taxi.

About those Xmas square dance parties on the central coast at Hotchskie's , Carpenter's and Howard's clubs , looks like giving them a miss was a VERY GOOD CALL on my behalf. Esp since most the regulars at B-BAR-H and Carpenter & Co hail for Central Coast & NE Sydney .
Call the callers today and they've asked everyone who came to get self isolate and get tested - Dodged a bullet there in 2 ways
1) I might have called on to call some hoe downs and do a duo ( I'm very rusty on that stuff , yes I've attended many caller training workshops , not as a trainee caller , but as an experienced dancer / err Guinee pig , and been know to occasional have a bash at calling a set or a hoedown )
2) high chance someone was an asymp / presym while there .

An abundance of caution is to be applied , better safe than sorry or worse afterwards.
 

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