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

[kingofnobbys]

25 JANUARY = DELTA WAVE Day 223 & OMICRON TSUSAMI Day 48 < pt2 NSW P2>

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NSW REGIONAL LHDs DETAILS
HNE
There are currently 81 COVID-19 cases receiving care in hospitals across the Hunter New England Local Health District, and 7 in intensive care units.
HNE reports the death of one male. He was in his 80s, from Tamworth Regional LGA.

1867 recorded COVID-19 cases in the Hunter New England region. Total for Delta - Omicrom Wave = 73857

WNSW
Up to 8pm last night, there was 25 people in hospital with COVID-19 across the District. Of those, there was 1 in ICU.
There was 259 positive PCR test results and 363 positive Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) results identified in WNSWLHD.
Note, there may be some cases where people have reported multiple positive RAT results and/or also had a positive PCR test during the same reporting period, resulting in duplicates.
Positive PCR test results were identified in the following LGAs:
Bathurst - 53
Blayney - 9
Bogan - 1
Cabonne - 4
Coonamble - 2
Cowra - 8
Dubbo - 110
Forbes - 4
Gilgandra - 5
Lachlan - 5
Mid-Western - 17
Oberon - 6
Orange - 15
Parkes - 18
Warrumbungle - 2

FWNSW
Far West LHD COVID-19 Update
There were 8 cases of COVID-19 reported from PCR tests in the Far West Local Health District (FWLHD) to 8pm last night.
These cases are located
5 in Broken Hill,
2 in Wentworth
and 1 in Balranald Shire.
Sadly, we are reporting that a person in her 80s passed away on Saturday in Broken Hill who had COVID-19. The Far West LHD expresses its sincere condolences to the person’s loved ones.
There were 29 positive rapid antigen (RAT) tests reported for the LHD. (RAT tests are only reported at LHD level. RAT numbers may include cases where people have reported positive RATs on multiple days and/or where people have also had a positive PCR test during the same reporting period).

662 recorded COVID-19 cases in the WNSW LHD. Total for Delta Wave = 15985
37 recorded COVID-19 cases in the FarWNSW LHD. Total for Delta Wave = 1181

NORTH AND SOUTH NSW REGIONAL LHDs

NNSW
NNSWLHD COVID-19 update until 8pm 24 January 2022
- 768** cases of COVID-19
- 354 positive PCR tests
- 414 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs)
- 49 in hospital
- 5 in ICU
PCR test LGAs (not available for RAT as yet):
#Ballina 54
#Byron 24
#ClarenceValley 17
#Kyogle 1
#Lismore 10
#RichmondValley 10
#Tenterfield 1 (Woodenbong & Urbenville post code that comes under Lismore PHU)
#Tweed 237

MID NTH CST
here were 458 new cases of COVID-19 reported in the Mid North Coast Local Health District to 8pm yesterday (24 January 2022) – including 327 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 131 positive PCR tests*.
Of the 131 positive PCR tests,
61 are from Coffs Harbour Local Government Area (LGA),
59 are from Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA,
5 are from Nambucca Valley LGA,
4 are from Bellingen LGA
and 2 are from Kempsey LGA.


There are 52 COVID-19 cases in Mid North Coast hospitals, with one person in intensive care.
There have been 12,399 cases reported in the district since June 2021.
At our Mid North Coast Health clinics, there were 406 tests conducted yesterday.

SNSW
315 new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Southern NSW today - 152 cases were detected by PCR tests and 163 cases were detected by RAT tests.
Of the 152 cases confirmed by PCR tests:
14 are in the Bega Valley LGA
7 are in the Eurobodalla LGA
17 are in the Goulburn Mulwaree LGA
92 are in the Queanbeyan Palerang LGA
9 are in the Snowy Monaro LGA
6 are in the Upper Lachlan LGA
7 are in the Yass Valley LGA

MURRUMBIDGEE
MLHD has recorded a total of 575 new cases in the past 24 hours to 8pm last night.
Total PCR Tests 297
Total RAT Tests 278
Total in Hospital 30
Total in ICU 4
Current active cases by LGA (as recorded by PCR tests only):
#Albury 1,052
#Berrigan 45
#Bland 42
#Carrathool 6
#Coolamon 26
#CootamundraGundagai 73
#EdwardRiver 35
#Federation 154
#GreaterHumeShire 194
#Griffith 1,122
#Hay 17
#Hilltops 318
#Junee 89
#Lachlan 9
#Leeton 105
#Lockhart 17
#MurrayRiver 26
#Murrumbidgee 60
#Narrandera 37
#SnowyValleys 70
#Temora 26
#WaggaWagga 863

768 recorded COVID-19 cases in the N-NSW LHD. Total for Delta Wave = 20923
458 recorded COVID-19 cases in the MID N CST NSW LHD. Total for Delta Wave = 12404
575 recorded COVID-19 cases in the MURRUMBIDGEE LHD. Total for Delta Wave = 15748
315 recorded COVID-19 cases in the S-NSW LHD. Total for Delta Wave = 10005

 

[kingofnobbys]

25 JANUARY = DELTA WAVE Day 223 & OMICRON TSUSAMI Day 48 < pt3 VIC >

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24/1/2022 VIC
VIC recorded 14836 new cases, VIC local total for DELTA - OMICRON WAVE is now 749424 cases.
Constrained by extreme shortage of RATs and restricted access to PCRs.

VIC recorded 29 delta deaths..
Omicron VOC is the dominant strain in Victoria as it is in NSW.
Density limits are in place in Victoria .
Vic Health has mandated that RAT +ves must be reported.

The statewide CODE BROWN in VIctoria remains in force.

VIC Reff = 0.79

VIC PCR POSITIVITY = 27.8%

VIC DAILY CASES SNAPSHOTS

VIC DAILY CASES SNAPSHOTS WITH CURVE

Victoria recorded 14,836 COVID-19 cases and 29 deaths on Tuesday, ending a run of declining daily case totals , the highest daily covid death toll since 2020. 29 virus-related deaths were reported in the state, 12 of which were people who died in the past two days. The deaths are the most tallied in a single day since September 4, 2020, when Victoria posted 59 fatalities amid Melbourne's 112-day lockdown.

As of Tuesday morning, there were 1057 Victorians infected with coronavirus receiving medical care in hospital. Of those, 119 were in intensive care and 45 on a ventilator.

The state's case numbers and hospitalisations from COVID-19 fell for four consecutive days before Tuesday's result, but both figures were higher than those recorded on Monday, when there were 11,695 cases and 998 in hospital.
There are currently 183,154 active cases of COVID-19 across Victoria. Of the new infections reported by authorities on Tuesday, 6297 came from PCR tests, while 8539 were self-reported from rapid antigen tests.

Health authorities in Victoria remain optimistic the latest wave of Omicron infections could have peaked last week, leading to a drop in community transmission. Hospital and intensive care admissions are expected to reach a high in the next two weeks before stabilising.

However, authorities within the World Health Organisation have warned against assuming the worst of the pandemic is over, with Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus telling the agency's executive board in Europe on Monday that conditions were ideal for new variants to emerge.

"There are different scenarios for how the pandemic could play out and how the acute phase could end, but it's dangerous to assume that Omicron will be the last variant or that we are in the endgame," he said.

WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said that while signs out of South Africa and Europe were encouraging, it was too early to talk about an end to the pandemic.

"What we are entering is certainly a different space ... we're seeing it rise very rapidly when we see the enormous number of cases. But sadly, 50,000 people also lost their lives last week. So, we're still in the middle of a really, really terrible outbreak," she told radio station 3AW.

Dr Harris said figures out of South Africa showed Omicron surged rapidly to create "enormously high peaks" before plummeting, but that trend wouldn't necessarily be replicated in other countries.

However, she remained optimistic things would improve in the near future, adding humanity had handled the pandemic better than any other outbreak of a novel virus in history.

"We've developed vaccines within a year of knowing this existed, and also knowing that we've struggled to develop good vaccines against previous members of this [virus] family," she said.

More than 27,900 Victorians received a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at state-run sites on Monday, increasing the state's vaccine coverage to more than 93 per cent for people aged 12 and over.

To date, 32 % of Victorians have received three doses of the coronavirus vaccine.

Vic hospital 'code brown' still needed. Victoria's unprecedented hospital emergency settings will remain in place, with health services still under "enormous strain" from the Omicron wave of COVID-19.
A first system-wide "code brown" declaration was enacted in Melbourne hospitals and six regional ones last week, as health authorities forecast up to 2500 virus patients by early February. It was slated to last four to six weeks, although would be constantly reviewed.

Since then, Victorian health services deputy controller Adam Horsburgh said there had been a drop in triple-zero calls and emergency presentations.

The number of healthcare staff forced into the isolation as confirmed COVID-19 cases or close contacts has also fallen from more than 4000, to about 3500 on any given day.

The easing shortage has been attributed to increased availability of rapid tests to release workers from isolation and more staff ending their seven-day quarantine period than beginning it.

Despite the situation improving, Mr Horsburgh said the system is still under "enormous strain".
"Therefore, we do think that the code brown setting is still the appropriate response at this point in time," he told reporters on Tuesday.
20% of calls to 000 are still not for emergencies and Mr Horsburgh said many people with COVID often ring or attend hospitals because they don't know how to access advice or support.

To help more Victorians with mild COVID-19 symptoms recover from home, the state government is launching a new advertising campaign for its pathway program to run on TV, radio and social media platforms. "For those who are experiencing severe symptoms, the campaign explains what to look for," Health Minister Martin Foley said.

Victoria's hospital patient numbers jumped by 59 to 1057 on Tuesday, after falling slightly in recent days. There remain 119 people in intensive care, with 45 of those on a ventilator.

GREATER Bendigo has recorded another 76 cases in the past 24 hours.
It brings the total number of cases in the municipality to 1136 as numbers climb above the 1100 mark.
Of the new cases, 29 were recorded in the city centre's 3550 postcode, six in Eaglehawk's 3556, 11 in Kangaroo Flat's 3555 and one in Heathcote's 3523.
Another 19 cases were found in the rural 3551 postcode.
Further south, Castlemaine's Mount Alexander Shire recorded six cases and the Macedon Ranges 86.
The Central Goldfields Shire recorded one, Loddon one, Campaspe 44 and Gannawarra one.

Victorians emerging from self-imposed ‘shadow' lockdown. Victoria is emerging from a "shadow" lockdown in which people have limited their movements to levels seen only under stage-four restrictions in a bid to counter the spread of the Omicron outbreak.
Research from the University of Melbourne shows that when the state government opted against imposing a lockdown as COVID-19 infections rose in December and January, Victorians took matters into their own hands and significantly limited their walking, car and public transport trips.
It is a trend epidemiologists say reflects how mandatory restrictions over nearly two years have shaped cultural norms, similar to how seatbelts laws introduced more than half a century ago in Victoria normalised the practice.

However, they argue this does not remove the need for mandatory interventions by governments. In the first week of January, as infections reached a high of 51,000 (a combination of PCR tests and a backlog of thousands of rapid antigen tests), people limited their movements to levels just 10 % above what was seen during stage four lockdown, according to research by Jason Thompson, a University of Melbourne modeller.

But once cases began to fall, around January 11, they started making more trips, to about 60 to 70 % of pre-pandemic levels.
"It's quite obvious that people are aware of what's going on, and they make provisions to avoid places where or avoid situations where they think they might be likely to get infected ... which is basically a sensible thing," Professor Thompson, who has worked on Victorian government's epidemic modelling, said.

 

[kingofnobbys]

25 JANUARY = DELTA WAVE Day 223 & OMICRON TSUSAMI Day 48 < pt4 QLD >

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54/1/2022 QLD

QLD recorded 9546 new cases , QLD local total for DELTA - OMICRON WAVE now 324889 cases.

QLD recorded 11 delta deaths.

QLD Reff = 0.82

QLD PCR POSITIVITY = 37.9%

QLD DAILY CASES SNAPSHOTS

Queensland records 11 COVID-19 deaths, 9,546 new cases and 'significant rise' in hospitalisations as Omicron peak nears/
Queensland has recorded another 11 deaths from COVID-19 and confirmed 9,546 new cases in the latest reporting period.

There are 928 people in hospital, which Chief Health Officer John Gerrard said was a "significant rise" from yesterday, including 51 patients who are in intensive care.

Thirteen people are on ventilators.

Of the state's latest 11 deaths, one person was in their 50s, one in their 60s, two in their 70s, three in their 80s and four in their 90s.

Four people were unvaccinated, one had received one dose of a COVID vaccine, six had two doses.

None had received a booster.

Speaking in Townsville with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Dr Gerrard said there were 37 people with COVID-19 in the local hospital there.
"I understand an extra ward was opened last night," Dr Gerrard said.
"We expect an acceleration in the number of cases in Townsville over the next two weeks as Townsville approaches its peak."

Peak to hit at different times across state
Dr Gerrard said at this stage Queensland hospitals were coping well.
"There is no question that as we approach the peak there will be strain and stress on individual hospitals but the peak appears to be slightly less in most areas, and it won't necessarily be the same everywhere, than we had planned for," he said.

Dr Gerrard said different regions would experience their peaks at different stages.
"It's surprising how quickly this virus does spread, so the Gold Coast is probably going through its peak now or probably just passed its peak," Dr Gerrard said.
"We can expect Brisbane to go through its peak next and probably Townsville the following week ... it's that sort of rate of progression.
"Cairns interestingly is a little bit earlier, probably approaching the peak now or in the next few days so it's different in different regions."

Dr Gerrard reminded Queenslanders to get their booster shot now if eligible.
"We know that the booster dose gives significantly additional protection well over and above the second dose," Dr Gerrard said.
"It's well and truly worthwhile getting that third dose if you're eligible for it, that is if you had your second dose three months
ago.
"Get it now as we approach the peak. I remind you the peak is not the end, it is the high point of the pandemic."

Ms Palaszczuk said Queensland's plan for how schools will deal with COVID during the school year will be released when the Education Minister recovers from the disease.
"We wish her a speedy recovery," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"So as soon as she is back on deck the Education Minister and I will make the announcement.
"I think people can understand that I'd like the Education Minister to be here for that announcement."

'There will be some sort of tail'
Dr Gerrard said what Queensland is currently experiencing is "very much part of a global phenomenon".
"Pretty well the whole world is seeing this wave of Omicron almost simultaneously give or take a few weeks," Dr Gerrard said.
"Starting in South Africa, London, all around the world we're all experiencing the same thing, including right here in Townsville.
"The good news is, in most of the world what we've seen, is a steady rise in cases over a period of about one month followed by a steady fall over the next month and that's what we are expecting to see here in Queensland.

He said after that time it was expected there would be a lower number of cases in the community and the end of February or early March would "be a time to regroup".
"But in the meantime we are very much focused on the current wave as we reach a peak at various stages across the state as part of a global phenomenon."

OMICRON outbreak in Lotus Glen Correctional Facility, more than 100 inmates test positive.
Prison authorities in Far North Queensland are dealing with the state's largest outbreak of COVID-19 in a correctional facility, with more than 100 inmates testing positive.

Lotus Glen Correctional Facility is a high- and low-security men's prison south of Mareeba, with 950 inmates, meaning more than half of the prisoners are now in lockdown.

Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) said 322 prisoners were in isolation as close contacts of the facility's 105 positive cases.
21 officers have also tested positive.

Lotus Glen has a total staffing group of 464 people.

The health of sick inmates was being managed by Queensland Health, QCS said, and rosters had been adjusted to manage staff absences.
"Different parts of the centre will be in different levels of lockdown – from in-cell isolation for close contacts through to relatively normal structured day routine for unaffected prisoners in other parts of the centre," the department said in a statement.
"These arrangements are regularly reviewed with Queensland Health, and as soon as they indicate it is safe to do so, we will ease restrictions.
"QCS has strong planning and robust processes in place to manage COVID-19 incursions from the community, including a four-stage operational plan which allows agile and effective responses to emerging situations.
"Every prisoner in Queensland has been offered vaccination, and anecdotally the uptake amongst prisoners is higher than the general public."

The outbreak is the worst in any Queensland correctional centre during the pandemic.

Of Queensland’s 18 prisons, COVID positive cases were being managed at 10 of them, in high-security and low-security facilities.

Executive director at social services agency Centacare, Anita Veivers, said there were a high level of prisoners who experienced mental health issues and isolation exacerbated that.
"Connecting with other people in that situation probably helps relieve some of that and so going into a lockdown scenario where people are isolated can only really be detrimental and difficult for people to cope with," Ms Veivers said.
"The boredom that can come with isolation and not having activities to be mentally stimulated with on a very regular basis can be an issue."

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr John Gerrard says “we expect an acceleration” in the number of COVID-19 cases seen in Townsville over the next two weeks. “Thankfully, you have high vaccination rates here in Townsville and that will put you in good stead to move forward,” Dr Gerrard said during a media conference on Tuesday.

Thousands of Queensland families are ditching classrooms for homeschooling, with a 54 per cent increase over five years and a recent surge being fuelled by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Between 2018 and 2021, the number of home school registrations for primary school-aged children has increased by 35.6 per cent, and the number for secondary aged students has increased by 88.4 per cent.

Looking at it from the period more aligned with the pandemic, the total number of Queensland home education registrations has increased by 46.82 per cent, up from 3411 to 5008, from August 2019 to August 2021.
Continued homeschooling rise expected, experts say
QUT homeschooling expert Dr Rebecca English said anecdotally, parents are saying they made the switch because of the precarity of the pandemic, disruption to schools, or they realised their child thrived in remote learning.

It comes as Queenslanders wait for a return to school plan to be released this week before face-to-face classes begin on February 7, a two-week delay to avoid schools opening during the peak of the Omicron wave.

More recently, parents have made the switch due to the uncertainty around the plan for schools during the Omicron wave, the not-for-profit supporting homeschoolers, Home Education Association (HEA) president Karen Chegwidden said.

Ms Chegwidden said, generally, it was not just the lateness of Queensland's plan being announced, but the ongoing uncertainty if there would be individual or widespread school closures.

Both Dr English and Ms Chegwidden expect another significant increase in home education registrations this year.

Concerns about transmission, restrictions in schools
Dr English and Ms Chegwidden said families also feared their children would become unwell with COVID-19 or bring it home to vulnerable relatives, or they did not want their child to be vaccinated or be subject to vaccine mandates.

That's despite the TGA-approved COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5-11 being deemed safe and effective, and there are no current vaccine mandates for children.

Dr English said another reason might be that families did not like the idea of their child wearing a mask all day because it was uncomfortable or because of other restrictions in schools.

Home education on the rise in long term
There has been a long-term increase in the number of home education with 722 students recorded on the home education register in August 2011, which has increased by almost 600 per cent.

But Dr English said the actual figure would likely be double that because some families did not comply with the requirement to register, they are homeschooling their child with the Queensland government.

 

[kingofnobbys]

25 JANUARY = DELTA WAVE Day 223 & OMICRON TSUSAMI Day 48 < pt5 WA >

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25/1/2022 WA

WA recorded 18 +ve PCRs , WA local total for DELTA - OMICRON WAVE now 232 cases.
WA recorded 3 INTL cases.
WA recorded 2 MYSTERY LOCAL cases.
WA recorded 0 delta deaths..

WA Reff = 1.51

WA PCR POSITIVITY = 15/9831 = 0.15%

WA COVID-19 update 25 January 2022
Anyone in the Perth, Peel and the South West regions – particularly the greater Bunbury area – experiencing any symptoms should get tested immediately and isolate until they receive a negative result. This applies to anyone symptomatic – even if you have not visited a listed exposure site.

COVID-19 update 25 January 2022
WA Health is reporting 14 new local cases and 4 travel-related cases,
3 returned from overseas
and 1 from interstate up to 8pm last night.

7 cases are linked to the growing Bunbury cluster; all are work colleagues or household contacts as well as one casual contact of the case from yesterday who was infectious while in the community. The source remains under investigation by the WA Health contact and trace team. This cluster is expected to grow in coming days.

2 local unlinked cases – investigations continue:
• One case has had limited movements during their infectious period and is thought to have been exposed to the virus in the Busselton-Dunsborough area.
1 locally acquired case from the metropolitan area was infectious in the community and the source is yet to be determined.

Known Clusters:
• Two are contacts of the Coolbellup cluster, including one household contact.
• One is a close contact of the Safety Bay cluster.
• One is a security guard from hotel quarantine.
• One is a close contact of the Haynes cluster.
Today’s figures bring the State’s total number of COVID-19 cases to 1418. 1294 people have recovered from the virus.
There are currently 115 confirmed active cases in WA. Of these, 27 are in hotel quarantine, 86 are in self-quarantine.
2 of these cases are in hospital, one of is in ICU and one is expected to be discharged today.
All cases are now in quarantine and public health will continue to monitor them.

Contact tracers are now working with these cases to determine potential exposure sites and these will be uploaded to the HealthyWA website when confirmed.

Testing:
A full list of testing clinics is available on HealthyWA website.

Exposure sites
WA Health’s contact tracing team continues to identify a new range of exposure sites linked to new cases and it is likely exposure sites will be updated or added. Please continue to check exposure sites regularly, these are listed on the HealthyWA website.

Testing advice
People are urged to continue to check the exposure sites page of the HealthyWA website for updates, and if they have been to an exposure site to follow the listed health advice.
Anyone in the Perth, Peel and the South West regions experiencing symptoms should get tested immediately and isolate until they receive a negative result.
A full list of testing clinics and opening hours is available on HealthyWA website.

The above information can be found at Where to get tested for COVID-19 in Regional and Remote WA (healthywa.wa.gov.au)

Testing figures
9831 Western Australians were swabbed at clinics yesterday.

New information for the community about managing COVID-19
New information about managing COVID-19 at home and in the community is on the HealthyWA website.
Vessels
WA Health continues to closely monitor two vessels off the WA coast, both reporting probable COVID cases on board through returned positive Rapid Antigen Tests.
All positive crew members on board these vessels are isolating in their cabins and being monitored safely.

SafeWA
Yesterday, 1,986,938 scans were recorded on the SafeWA app. It is important for everyone to check using SafeWA or the ServiceWA app will help authorities contact those who may be at risk quickly and effectively.
Border controls
Information about Western Australia’s controlled border arrangements, conditions of entry and quarantine is available online.

COVID-19 vaccinations
Yesterday, 34,794 COVID-19 vaccinations were administered in vaccination clinics in Western Australia.
Demand for vaccinations and third doses is increasing. To spread the demand across clinic operating hours and to avoid excessive wait times, people are encouraged to make a booking via Vaccinate WA.
Vaccinations are also available at GPs and pharmacies.
Anyone who received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine four or more months ago can now book their booster dose and ensure they have maximum protection against the disease.
Additional appointments for children aged 5 to 11 have been added at State-run clinics until January 30 and these can be booked online at VaccinateWA.

Children’s vaccinations
There are paediatric vaccine bookings available this week at the dedicated paediatric vaccination clinic at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC). Increased children's vaccinations will also be available at Kwinana and Ellenbrook vaccination clinics. All other appointments booked at the PCEC clinic will continue as scheduled.
For the latest WA vaccination figures, visit the COVID-19 Coronavirus: Vaccination dashboard (external site)**. For the latest Commonwealth data visit the Vaccination Numbers and Statistics website.

Mandatory vaccination information
A mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for most occupations and workforces in WA is being introduced in a phased approach. For more information on getting your COVID-19 vaccine, visit: Roll Up For WA

Variants
To date, 387 cases of variant strains have been detected in Western Australia – including 180 Omicron strain, 53 Alpha strain, 15 Beta strain, one Gamma strain and 138 Delta strain.

WA back-to-school rules announced as Mark McGowan flags face masks in primary classes. Primary students in Western Australia may have to wear masks at some point during the upcoming school year, Premier Mark McGowan has flagged.

Currently, only high school students will be required to wear masks in the classroom when school goes back.

Outlining the new measures, Mr McGowan said all 900 public schools across the state had been inspected to check the ventilation of every classroom.

He said over 12,000 air purifiers and CO2 monitors were being provided for classrooms that required them.

Proof of vaccination will be required for staff and regular visitors to the school, and there are contingency plans in place for remote learning for any students that have to isolate.

Upper school students would be required to wear masks "in line with the current measures in Perth, Peel and the South West," the Premier said.
"All of this contributes to ensure schools will be as safe as possible for students," he said.
"It also allows for a degree of flexibility, with the ability to hold classes in alternative settings if needed, and the ability to ramp up if required with expanded mask-wearing requirements for younger students if the Chief Health Officer advises it.
"We retain the capacity to boost measures in the event of a large-scale outbreak."

The plan was released as the Premier announced there had been 15 new community transmitted COVID cases in the state, with two of those cases in hospital, one of whom is in intensive care.

Masks would be for Year 3 up: Ellery
Education Minister Sue Ellery said the mask rule would apply to students in Year 3 and above, once a high caseload was reached.

Ms Ellery said 97.5 % of teachers had supplied their employer with their vaccine information. Teachers return to work on Thursday, with the school year commencing next Monday.

She said any staffing gaps would be plugged by a "flying squad" of cleaning staff, along with a pool of about 5,000 fully vaccinated casual teachers.

She said all parents could come onto school sites for "drop-offs, pick-ups, meetings with staff, assemblies and sports carnivals".
"Those parents who come into a school to do volunteer work more than once a week will be required to show evidence of their vaccination status," she said.

 

[kingofnobbys]

25 JANUARY = DELTA WAVE Day 223 & OMICRON TSUSAMI Day 48 < pt6 SA , ACT , TAS , NT >

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25/1/2022 SA

SA recorded 1869 NEW CASES , SA local total for DELTA - OMICRON WAVE now 92464 cases.

SA recorded 5 delta deaths..

SA Health has mandated reporting of +ve RATs.

SA Reff = 0.74

SA PCR POSITIVITY = 13.13%

SA DAILY CASES SNAPSHOTS

South Australia has reported another drop in COVID-19 infections as the state government provided more funds to support coronavirus patients isolating at home.
SA reported 1869 new infections on Tuesday, its lowest daily tally this year, along with 5 more deaths.

Hospital admissions dropped slightly to 287 with 32 in intensive care where 5 people remain on ventilators.

Premier Steven Marshall said among those in hospital, 63 were admitted for other health reasons.

Mr Marshall said $2.3 million had also been provided to a phone monitoring program supporting people who had contracted the virus.

An estimated 95 % of SA's recent cases are safely completing their 10-day isolation period at home.
"The program is not only monitoring a person's overall health and wellbeing but also their ability to access food, medication, and other vital services, providing advice and assistance where necessary," the premier said.

Participants receive a detailed health assessment over the phone and typically two calls a day to make sure they have everything they need.
If their condition deteriorates, they are referred back to SA Health for closer monitoring or possible hospitalisation.

Also on Tuesday, the Australian Education Union vowed to press on with a teacher strike on the first day of the new school year unless the government did more to ensure the safety of students and staff.
An AEU ballot on Monday returned an almost two-thirds majority in favour of the strike on February 2 after the union previously advocated for a two-week delay in the start of the school year.
Officials met with the government again on Tuesday but failed to resolve all outstanding issues, including the union's calls for a consistent testing regime across the sector.
It gave the government until Thursday morning to improve the arrangements.

Under SA's plan, schools will be open from January 31 for children of essential workers and for students considered vulnerable.

Students in reception, years 1, 7, 8 and 12 will then return on February 2 with other years resuming face-to-face classes from February 14 after two weeks of online learning.
There will be no widespread rapid antigen testing of students or teachers, although teachers will be provided with tests if they are considered a close contact of a positive case.
If they test negative they will be able to continue teaching.

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25/1/2022 ACT

ACT recorded 904 NEW CASES , ACT local total for DELTA - OMICRON WAVE now 29662 cases.

ACT recorded 1 delta death..

ACT Health has mandated reporting of +ve RATs.

ACT Reff = 0.67

ACT PCR POSITIVITY = 19.2%

ACT LOCAL DAILY CASES

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25/1/2022 TAS

TAS recorded 643 new cases , TAS local total for DELTA - OMICRON WAVE now 25650 cases.

TAS recorded 1 delta death..

TAS Health has mandated reporting of +ve RATs.

TAS Reff = 0.77

TAS PCR POSITIVITY = 11.85%

TAS LOCAL DAILY CASES

Tasmania has recorded a 3 coronavirus deaths since reopening in mid-December, a 79-year-old woman who authorities say had "serious underlying health conditions".
Her death at the Launceston General Hospital was reported on Tuesday, taking the state's overall number of virus fatalities to 16.

"A 79-year-old woman with serious underlying health conditions has died with COVID being a contributing factor," Premier Peter Gutwein told reporters.
"My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have passed away."

State Public Health Director Mark Veitch said he was not aware of the woman's vaccination status.

Two other deaths linked to COVID-19 were recorded on Friday and Saturday - one of them a 90-year-old female aged care resident who was unvaccinated.
The coroner is also investigating whether the virus was a contributing factor to a 36-year-old woman's death.

Tasmania reported 643 new cases on Tuesday, a marginal increase on Monday's figure of 619.

There are 5252 documented active infections across the state, continuing a downward trend since January 19.

35 people with COVID-19 are in hospital, with 15 of those being treated specifically for the virus. 3 patients are in intensive care and 1 is on a ventilator.
20 cases are in hospital for unrelated medical conditions.

Dr Veitch said Tasmania was past its initial peak of community transmission.
"The trends we are seeing are reflecting a reduction in community transmission from the levels that we were experiencing earlier this month," he said.
"There's been a similar trend in most other states and territories."

Mr Gutwein announced close-contact exemptions would be allowed in more industries, including education, childcare and end-of-life care.

He said students aged 12 and over would have to wear masks on school buses when term one resumes on February 9.

Under the state government's return-to-school plans, masks are mandatory in high school classrooms but not primary school classrooms.

Meanwhile, Tasmania has cut the wait time for people aged 18 and over to get a booster shot from four months to three months. The change will be implemented from February 1.

More than 33 % of Tasmanians aged over 18 have had a booster shot.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
25/1/2022 NT

NT recorded A SURGE to 517 new cases , NT local total for DELTA - OMICRON WAVE now 9177 cases.
0 MYSTERY CASE.

NT recorded 0 delta deaths..

NT Health has mandated reporting of +ve RATs.

NT Reff = 0.89

NT PCR POSITIVITY = 9.5%

NT LOCAL DAILY CASES WITH CURVE

NT COVID-19 update
25 January 2022
There were 517 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the Northern Territory in the 24 hours to 8pm on 24 January 2022. Of these, 430 were positive cases from a Rapid Antigen Test.

This takes the number of active cases in the NT to around 3,200.

New cases recorded include:
• 31 cases in Galiwin’ku
• 11 cases in Yuendumu
• 7 cases in Amoonguna
• 6 cases in Gunyangara (Ski Beach)
• 5 cases in Nhulunbuy and Yirrkala
• 1 in Wurrumiyanga
• 15 cases in Milikapiti (12 cases were already reported yesterday afternoon, bringing the total to 21)
• 26 cases at Batten Road Short Stay Accommodation in Darwin
• 1 case at Palmerston Watch House
• 1 case at Nightcliff Renal Hostel
• 1 case in Umbakumba
• 1 case in Bulla
• 1 case in Pine Creek
• 1 case in Jilkminggan
• 1 case in Beswick
• 1 case in Kalano
• 6 cases from the Contour Hotel, Katherine
• 3 cases in Mutitjulu
• 2 cases in Areyonga
• 3 cases in Papunya
• 8 cases in Ntaria
• 3 cases in Santa Teresa
• 1 case in Kintore
• 2 cases in Harts Range
• 6 cases in Docker River
• 4 cases in Mt Liebig
• 17 cases from town camps in the Central Australia Region
• 23 cases at the Alice Springs Correctional Centre

There are currently 72 patients in hospital, with 10 patients requiring oxygen. There are three patients in ICU.
1,166 COVID-19 PCR tests were processed across the NT yesterday.
Public health measures
A Territory-wide indoor mask mandate remains in place.

The Territory Vaccine Pass is in effect.
Several lockouts and lockdowns are in place across the Territory to control the spread of COVID-19.
A Lockdown is in place in Milikapiti until 27 January, in Gunyangara, Utopia Homelands and Wurrumiyanga until Saturday 29 January and in Galiwin’ku until Monday 31 January.
Lockouts are in place in Alice Springs, Amoonguna, Yuendumu and Yuelamu until Sunday 30 January.

COVID-19 testing
Everyone should get tested for COVID-19 if showing symptoms. A number of NT Rapid Antigen Testing and Distribution Points have been established.
Individuals can collect RATs for free from NT distribution centres located in Darwin, Katherine, Nhulunbuy, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in our communities, it is important for everyone to follow all the health directions:
• Book your COVID-19 vaccine
• Check in using The Territory Check In App every time, everywhere
• If you have symptoms, stay away from others and get tested for COVID-19
• Wash your hands with soap and water and use hand sanitiser regularly
• Do not go to work if you feel sick
• Maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres where possible.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

POSITIVITY ANALYSIS

 

[kingofnobbys]

25 JANUARY = DELTA WAVE & OMICRON TSUSAMI IN NZ

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

NZ recorded 25 LOCAL cases , NZ local total for DELTA - OMICRON WAVE now 11596 cases.
9 mystery cases.
36 repats from o/seas. again
NZ recorded 0 delta deaths.

Jacinda Ardern to make RATs free, tightens NZ's mask rules.
Covid news live: Johnson to face MPs as report into lockdown parties looms…
COVID-hit aid ship delivers Tonga supplies

Jacinda Ardern has banned slack Kiwi habits with face masks as New Zealand braces itself for an Omicron surge with some experts calling for masks on toddlers.

The New Zealand Prime Minister will outlaw the wearing of bandanas, scarves or t-shirts pulled over the nose from February 3 in public places such as gyms and cafes.

Meanwhile, one NZ expert RECOMMENDS the mask changes could have gone further and mandated masks for kids as young as 2. Covid news live: Johnson to face MPs as report into lockdown parties looms…
COVID-hit aid ship delivers Tonga supplies

Jacinda Ardern has banned slack Kiwi habits with face masks as New Zealand braces itself for an Omicron surge with some experts calling for masks on toddlers.

The New Zealand Prime Minister will outlaw the wearing of bandanas, scarves or t-shirts pulled over the nose from February 3 in public places such as gyms and cafes.

Meanwhile, one NZ expert claimed the mask changes could have gone further and mandated masks for kids as young as two.

Kiwi Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern plans to ban a slack New Zealand habit of wearing scarves, bandanas and t-shirts as face coverings instead of proper masks as the nation braces for an Omicron surge© Provided by Daily Mail Kiwi Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern plans to ban a slack New Zealand habit of wearing scarves, bandanas and t-shirts as face coverings instead of proper masks as the nation braces for an Omicron surge
So far NZ has seen a total of 29 Omicron cases but health officials have not managed to identified the source of the spread© Provided by Daily Mail So far NZ has seen a total of 29 Omicron cases but health officials have not managed to identified the source of the spread
Otago University epidemiologist Professor Michael Baker said Kiwi pre-school children should have masks, in line with strict guidelines issued by the American Centre for Disease Control.
'At the moment, we've got a giant hole in our protection in New Zealand – and that is for pre-school children,' he told the NZ Herald.
'I don't know any reason why we're not looking at masks in those age groups.'

NZ recorded 62 Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, with 10 new infections confirmed as coming from the highly transmissable Omicron variant.

So far NZ has diagnosed 29 Omicron cases but health officials have not managed to identified the source of the spread.

Ms Ardern announced several measures in anticipation of Omicron spreading rapidly, as it has done in other countries.

One measure was ordering 80 million rapid antigen tests, although initially NZ expects to continue with PCR tests to confirm positive cases.

NZ has capacity to do 60,000 PCR tests a day but that is being ramped up to 78,000 a day.

Ms Ardern also continued to push the need for vaccination and especially booster shots, saying 'two doses for Delta, three for Omicron'.

Masks must be worn at any businesses that serve food and drink, but only when people are not eating or drinking. This includes going to the counter and the bathroom.

Children on publicly funded school excursions must also wear masks.

Workers covered by a vaccine mandate must wear surgical or N95 face masks at work, instead of cloth face masks.

Although preferred, N95 masks are not recommended or even mandated for most Kiwis because they cost more.

N95 masks are, however, required for high-risk settings where a vaccine mandate is in place.

Any Kiwis working in health and disability, education, fire and emergency, police, defence, and corrections must have vaccines.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

SOLOMON ISLANDS OUTBREAK

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Solomons' covid cases pass 300 and climbing. Health authorities in Solomon Islands are reporting 350 confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with many more expected in the days ahead.

Health authorities in Solomon Islands are reporting 350 confirmed cases of Covid-19 today with many more expected in the days ahead.

The outpatients area at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara, Solomon Islands.The outpatients area at the National Referral Hospital in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Photo: RNZ/Pacific Koroi Hawkins
56 people with the virus have been admitted to hospital however data on the severity of their infections is still being collated.

A senior advisor to the Solomon Islands health ministry Yogesh Choudri said there is evidence of widespread community transmission in the capital Honiara, nearby Malaita Province and a potential threat in the Western Province.

Dr Choudri said the ministry of health is transitioning from a containment to a mitigation strategy with case numbers expected to climb into the thousands in coming weeks.
"The number of people who are positive is also a function of our testing capacity, which stands at 200 tests a day. There are many samples that are still to be analysed and we are also testing a very limited number of people. In terms of we have a targetted testing approach and not testing everyone. So the number of cases would be probably much higher than what we have right now," he said.

Yogesh Choudri says test samples have been sent to Australia to determine the variant they are dealing with. He said even without that information the projections for the outbreak are bleak.
"So we are expecting close to 50,000 cases of Covid-19 but with the new, if it is Omicron, and looks like it is Omicron, then we are going to get more cases in Honiara itself," he said.

Meanwhile, dozens of staff at the main national hospital have also contracted Covid-19 further exacerbating the situation.

Yogesh Choudri said over 50 of the latest confirmed cases are staff at the National Referral Hospital in the capital Honiara which he said is a huge blow to an already stretched health system.
"So we'll be dealing with a shortage of critical health workers in this response. And in terms of base capacity we have only 56 beds to cater to the people who have moderate to severe disease," he said.
"Our policy is that if you are asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic then you stay at home and practice the home isolation guidelines."

 

[kingofnobbys]

26 JANUARY = DELTA WAVE Day 224 & OMICRON TSUSAMI Day 49

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

PCRs remain restricted in who can access them to test for covid.
RATs remain very hard to get hold of , further reducing the reliability of reported known VOC cases in all states with the exceptions of WA and NT where case loads are VOC case numbers remain low.

VERY BRIEF SUMMARY NEW CASES & DEATHS OVERNIGHT

AUS + 52613 new cases ==> 2209442 * and today's COVID DEATHS = 74.

NSW + 21030 new cases ==> 928261 cases ,29 DEAD , ,+ve RATs are RECORDED IN NSW
VIC + 13507 new cases==> 762931 cases , 35 DEAD , PCR & +RAT RECORDED IN VIC *
QLD + 13551 new cases ==> 356440 , 9 DEAD , PCR & +RAT RECORDED IN QLD *
WA + 24 (local) new cases ==> 256 , PCR ONLY RECORDED IN WA
SA + 2401 new cases ==> 94865 cases * , 13 DEAD, PCR & +RAT RECORDED IN SA
ACT + 896 new cases ==> 30558 cases *,0 DEAD .PCR & +RAT RECORDED IN ACT
TAS + 712 new cases ==> 26362 cases * , 1 DEAD , PCR & +RAT RECORDED IN TAS
NT + 492 ! new cases ==> 9669 cases, 0 DEAD , PCR ONLY RECORDED IN NT

NZ + 23 (LOCAL) cases==> 11619 !, PCR ONLY RECORDED IN NZ , NO RESTRICTIONS ON PCR TESTING NZ <== ACCURATE CASE NUMBERS.

* not considered reliable numbers because in NSW -ve RATs are not being mandated to be reported and access to PCR tests is restricted ONLY to those ordered to be PCR tested and those who are symptomatic.
The concensas is the case numbers in ! are under-reporting actual case numbers to a significant degree , perhaps low by 2x fold or more.

Health experts are calling for a mandate for all RAT test results ( negative or positive ) to be reported and for free access to RATs for ALL Australians ON DEMAND.

COMBINED DELTA & OMICRON WAVE IN AUSTRALIA

NATIONAL DAILY CASES SNAPSHOT

NATIONAL PCR POSITIVITY = 19.4%

NATIONAL CASES SNAPSHOT

10/1/2022 =71254 **, #
11/1/2022 = 90838 up by 27% **, #
12/1/2022 = 103689 up by 14% **,#
13/1/2022 = 89255 PCR , INCL BACKDATED +ve RATs = 144340 but not reliable ##
14/1/2022 = 105716 PCR , NOT INCLD BACKDATED +ve RATs AS not reliable ##
15/1/2022 = 100595 ##
16/1/2022 = 63051 #*#
17/1/2022 = 73818 #*#
18/1/2022 = 72850 #*#
19/1/2022 = 79565 #*#
20/1/2022 = 75668 #*#
21/1/2022 = 64513 #*#
22/1/2022 = 55124 #*#
23/1/2022 = 48981 #*#
24/1/2022 = 40683 #*#
25/1/2022 = 46845 #*#
26/1/2022 = 52613 #*#

** Rules for getting official PCR test in effect , many fewer people can now show up and demand a PCR test unless told to by their state's health department or they are sick + very long delays getting PCR test results ( > 4 days in NSW )
! positive RATs included in Vic daily cases from today.
# concensus is UNDERreporting because ! are NOW under reporting by at least 2 fold ( ie NSW case numbers are no longer reliable ).
## backdated +RATs included.
#*# +PCRs & +RATs

DELTA & OMICRON DEATHS TODAY

NSW = +29, ==> NSW total in this DELTA WAVE = 1116
Victoria +35, ==> VIC total in this DELTA WAVE = 1083
QLD = +9 ==>QLD total in this DELTA WAVE = 922
SA = +13 ==> SA total in this DELTA WAVE = 85
ACT ==> ACT total in this DELTA WAVE = 25
TAS = +1 ==> total in this DELTA WAVE = 4
NT total in this DELTA WAVE ( and for entire pandemic ) = 2
======================================
Australia = +74 ==> 3224 total since mid June 2021.

 

[kingofnobbys]

26 JANUARY = DELTA WAVE Day 224 & OMICRON TSUSAMI Day 49
< pt2 NSW >

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

26 January 2022
Across NSW, > 95 % of people aged 16 and over have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 93.9 % have received two doses to Monday 24 January 2022.
Of people aged 12 to 15, 82.8 % have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 78.3 % have received two doses.
Of people aged 5 to 11, 31 % have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

NSW Health is reporting the deaths of 29 people with COVID-19; 17 men and 12 women.

Of the 29 people who died;
2 people were aged in their 50s,
3 people were aged in their 60s,
2 people were in their 70s,
16 people were in their 80s
and 6 people were in their 90s. Older age is a significant risk factor for serious illness and death for COVID-19, particularly when combined with significant underlying health conditions.

6 people had received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine,
16 people had received two doses,
and 7 people were not vaccinated.

3 people who died were aged under 65; 2 women and one man.
The 2 women were aged in their 50s and both were not vaccinated. 1 woman had no known significant underlying health conditions and 1 had significant underlying health conditions.
The man in his 60s had received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and had significant underlying health conditions.

8 people were from south western Sydney,
4 people were from northern Sydney,
3 people were from western Sydney,
2 people were from the Shellharbour area,
2 people from the Wollongong area,
2 people were from Sydney’s Northern Beaches,
1 person was from the Mid North Coast,
1 person was from the Mid Coast area,
1 person was from the Eastern Suburbs,
1 person was from Sydney’s Inner West,
1 person was from the Griffith area,
1 person was from the Northern Rivers region,
1 person was from the Tamworth region
and 1 person was from the Central Coast.

This brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 1,169.

There are currently 2,794 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, including 175 people in intensive care, 75 of whom require ventilation.

There were 21,030 positive test results (cases) notified to 8pm last night – including 8,112 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 12,918 positive PCR tests.

Of the 8,112 positive RAT results, 7,416 of these positive tests were from the previous seven days.
There have now been a total of 224,154 positive RATs recorded since reporting began on 13 January 2022. Please note there may be some cases included in these numbers where people have reported positive RATs on multiple days and/or where people have also had a positive PCR test during the same reporting period.

Of the 8,112 positive RATs reported,
1,089 are from South Western Sydney Local Health District (LHD),
991 are from Hunter New England LHD,
990 are from South Eastern Sydney LHD,
932 are from Western Sydney LHD,
832 are from Northern Sydney LHD,
577 are from Sydney LHD,
435 are from Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD,
407 are from Central Coast LHD,
383 are from Nepean Blue Mountains LHD,
370 are from Mid North Coast LHD,
341 are from Northern NSW LHD,
256 are from Murrumbidgee LHD,
233 are from Western NSW LHD,
150 are from Southern NSW LHD,
10 are from Far West LHD
and 116 are yet to be assigned to an LHD.

The 12,918 positive PCR results were returned from 67,746 PCR tests. Following further investigation, 166 COVID-19 cases detected by PCR tests have been excluded, bringing the total number of cases detected by PCR tests in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 780,467.

Of the 12,918 cases reported from PCR tests to 8pm last night,
1,652 are from Western Sydney LHD,
1,592 are from South Western Sydney LHD,
1,566 are from Hunter New England LHD,
1,154 are from South Eastern Sydney LHD,
878 are from Northern NSW LHD,
872 are from Northern Sydney LHD,
795 are from Sydney LHD,
786 are from Murrumbidgee LHD,
680 are from Mid North Coast LHD,
664 are from Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD,
631 are from Nepean Blue Mountains LHD,
580 are from Central Coast LHD,
438 are from Western NSW LHD,
257 are from Southern NSW LHD,
13 are from Far West LHD,
39 are from correctional settings,
1 is in hotel quarantine
and 320 are yet to be assigned to an LHD.

NSW Reff = 7d mvg avg (t) / 7d mvg avg (t-4) = 1.01

NSW PCR POSITIVITY = 19.1%

NSW DAILY CASES SNAPSHOT

G-SYDNEY LHDs

SATELLITE REGIONAL LHDs [ HNE, CNTRL CST, ISH, NBMts, WNSW ]

NSW reported 21,030 new Covid-19 cases and 29 deaths on Wednesday - though the numbers of patients with serious symptoms in ICU has dropped from 183 to 175.
NSW is expected to reach its one millionth coronavirus case of the pandemic, two years after the first cases were recorded in Australia.
Half of those cases were added in the last two weeks and more than 90 per cent in the last two months of the Omicron wave's ferocious spread after returning international travellers unknowingly brought the variant into the country.

Mr Perrottet has promised that businesses reeling from the effects of the Omicron wave will get fresh support within a week.
And added his priority was returning children to classrooms next week and resuming non-urgent elective surgery in mid-February.
Pharmacists have warned RAT availability will become stretched after two tests are issued to staff and students across 3000 primary and secondary schools.

NSW COVID restrictions extended to ensure smooth return to school. Mask mandates, QR codes and a ban on singing and dancing will continue for another month. The NSW Premier says it's a small price to pay to ensure a smooth return to school and he hopes elective surgeries can resume in a few weeks.

There seems to be agreement between experts that many Australian states have passed their peak as daily Covid infections drop without having to lock down.

NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said the Omicron outbreak was 'stabilising' and it's now time for people to learn to live with the virus.
'I think we need to have a sense of optimism, I'm incredibly optimistic,' she told reporters on Monday.
'It is pleasing that when we look at a range of measures, our assessment indicates that the spread of coronavirus is slowing, our situation is stabilising.'

But the EU has left Australia off a 'white list' of countries which are able to travel to the region amid surging cases - so Australian tourists could be banned from Europe or forced into quarantine in some areas.
'New testing and self-isolation requirements may apply depending on which EU member state you're travelling to, regardless of whether you're considered fully vaccinated or not,' the EU said in a statement.

 

[kingofnobbys]

26 JANUARY = DELTA WAVE Day 224 & OMICRON TSUSAMI Day 49
< pt2 NSW > CONTINUED REGIONAL NSW

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

HNE
There are currently 64 COVID-19 cases receiving care in hospitals across the Hunter New England Local Health District, and 7 in intensive care units.
Sadly, we’re reporting the death of two females within our LHD. Both were in their 80s. One was from Mid Coast LGA, and one was from Tamworth Regional LGA. Our sincere condolences go out to their family and friends.

2557 recorded COVID-19 cases in the Hunter New England region. Total for Delta - Omicrom Wave = 76414

WNSW

From 12 January, you can report your positive Rapid Antigen Test via the Service NSW app. If you don't have access to the app, you can report results on the Service NSW website or call Service NSW on 13 77 88. Do not attend a service centre.
Get your vaccinations. From 21 January, anyone who received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine is now eligible for a booster. Children aged 5-11 are also now eligible for vaccination.
Be COVID-safe all the time, regardless of the number of new cases in your area. Wear a mask wherever required. Wash and sanitise hands frequently. Socially distance wherever possible. Use QR codes. Be care around older people, or people with health conditions.
Plan ahead. Have a Plan C ready for if you, or someone in your household, needs to self-isolate with COVID-19 or while waiting for test results.
Up to 8pm last night, there was 25 people in hospital with COVID-19 across the District. Of those, there was 2 in ICU.
There was 438 positive PCR test results and 233 positive Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) results identified in WNSWLHD.
Note, there may be some cases where people have reported multiple positive RAT results and/or also had a positive PCR test during the same reporting period, resulting in duplicates.
Positive PCR test results were identified in the following LGAs:
Bathurst - 74
Blayney - 11
Bogan - 6
Brewarrina - 1
Cabonne - 30
Coonamble - 1
Cowra - 5
Dubbo - 135
Forbes - 11
Gilgandra - 4
Lachlan - 1
Mid-Western - 9
Narromine - 11
Oberon - 5
Orange - 103
Parkes - 20
Warrumbungle - 10
Weddin - 1

FWNSW

Far West LHD COVID-19 Update
There were 13 cases of COVID-19 reported from PCR tests in the Far West Local Health District (FWLHD) to 8pm last night.
These cases are located
2 in Broken Hill, 8 in Wentworth,
1 in Central Darling
and 2 in Balranald Shire.
There were 10 positive rapid antigen (RAT) tests reported for the LHD. (RAT tests are only reported at LHD level.
RAT numbers may include cases where people have reported positive RATs on multiple days and/or where people have also had a positive PCR test during the same reporting period).

671 recorded COVID-19 cases in the WNSW LHD. Total for Delta Wave = 16656
23 recorded COVID-19 cases in the FarWNSW LHD. Total for Delta Wave = 1204

NNSW

NNSWLHD COVID-19 update until 8pm 25 January 2022
- 1219** cases of COVID-19
- 878 positive PCR tests
- 341 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs)
- 40 in hospital
- 5 in ICU
- 1 death
PCR test LGAs (not available for RAT as yet):
#Ballina 63
#Byron 128
#ClarenceValley 152
#Kyogle 8
#Lismore 141
#RichmondValley 38
#Tweed 348
Sadly, today we are reporting the death of one person aged in their 50s from COVID-19. They were from the Byron area.

MID NTH CST

There were 1,050 new cases of COVID-19 reported in the Mid North Coast Local Health District to 8pm yesterday (25 January 2022) – including 370 positive rapid antigen tests (RATs) and 680 positive PCR tests*.
Sadly, Mid North Coast Health is reporting the death of one person in their 70s with COVID-19 from Coffs Harbour LGA. We extend our sincere condolences to their family and loved ones.
Of the 680 positive PCR tests,
457 are from Coffs Harbour Local Government Area (LGA),
85 are from Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA,
49 are from Nambucca Valley LGA,
45 are from Bellingen LGA
and 44 are from Kempsey LGA.

There are 52 COVID-19 cases in Mid North Coast hospitals, with one person in intensive care.
There have been 13,449 cases reported in the district since June 2021.
At our Mid North Coast Health clinics, there were 201 tests conducted yesterday.
26 JANUARY = DELTA WAVE Day 224 & OMICRON TSUSAMI Day 49
< pt2 NSW CONTINUED>

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

SNSW
Four hundred and seven (407) new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Southern NSW today - 257 cases were detected by PCR tests and 150 cases were detected by RAT tests.

Of the 257 cases confirmed by PCR tests:
30 are in the Bega Valley LGA
44 are in the Eurobodalla LGA
55 are in the Goulburn Mulwaree LGA
94 are in the Queanbeyan Palerang LGA
20 are in the Snowy Monaro LGA
10 are in the Upper Lachlan LGA
4 are in the Yass Valley LGA

MURRUMBIDGEE
adly we are reporting the death of a man in his 80’s at Griffith Base Hospital. We send our condolences to his loved ones.
MLHD has recorded a total of 1042 new cases in the past 24 hours to 8pm last night.
Total from PCR Tests 786
Total from RAT Tests 256
Total in Hospital 30
Total in ICU 4

Current active cases by LGA (as recorded by PCR tests only):
#Albury 995
#Berrigan 40
#Bland 44
#Carrathool 5
#Coolamon 36
#CootamundraGundagai 75
#EdwardRiver 43
#Federation 142
#GreaterHumeShire 175
#Griffith 1,068
#Hay 16
#Hilltops 303
#Junee 105
#Lachlan 9
#Leeton 125
#Lockhart 18
#MurrayRiver 27
#Murrumbidgee 57
#Narrandera 39
#SnowyValleys 78
#Temora 31
#WaggaWagga 963

1219 recorded COVID-19 cases in the N-NSW LHD. Total for Delta Wave = 22142
1050 recorded COVID-19 cases in the MID N CST NSW LHD. Total for Delta Wave = 13454
1042 recorded COVID-19 cases in the MURRUMBIDGEE LHD. Total for Delta Wave = 16790
470 recorded COVID-19 cases in the S-NSW LHD. Total for Delta Wave = 10412

 

[kingofnobbys]

26 JANUARY = DELTA WAVE Day 224 & OMICRON TSUSAMI Day 49
< pt3 VIC >

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

26/1/2022 VIC
VIC recorded 13507 new cases, VIC local total for DELTA - OMICRON WAVE is now 762931 cases.
Constrained by extreme shortage of RATs and restricted access to PCRs.

VIC recorded 35 delta deaths..
Omicron VOC is the dominant strain in Victoria as it is in NSW.
Density limits are in place in Victoria .
Vic Health has mandated that RAT +ves must be reported.

The statewide CODE BROWN in VIctoria remains in force.

VIC Reff = 0.75

VIC PCR POSITIVITY = 18.8%

VIC DAILY CASES SNAPSHOTS

VIC DAILY CASES SNAPSHOTS WITH CURVE

Victoria has recorded one of its highest daily death tolls of the pandemic, after 35 people died with COVID-19. The state posted 13,507 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, including 6533 from PCR tests and 6974 from rapid antigen tests.
It brings the total number of active cases in the state to 139,562.
COVID-19 Commander Jeroen Weimar said Wednesday's death toll was "one of the highest" he has seen. It is the most deaths reported in the state since Victoria's second wave, when 59 fatalities were recorded on September 4, 2020.

There are 1089 patients with COVID-19 in Victorian hospitals, of whom 113 are in intensive care and 40 on a ventilator.
Mr Weimar said 2712 health workers were on furlough due to being sick with the virus or looking after people with COVID-19.
He said more than 90,000 COVID-19 vaccine booster doses had been administered over the past week, after a blitz across state-run clinics.
About 58 % of Victorians aged over 70, 49 % aged over 60 and 34 % of over-18s have been tripled dosed.
Mr Weimar encouraged parents to "make it a priority" to get their children vaccinated before school returns next week.

UoMELB Study: Victorians self-imposed lockdown. University of Melbourne research has revealed Victorian residents self-imposed restrictions as COVID infections rose in December and January - limiting their movements around the city.
Catalonia expected to pardon up to 1,000 people accused of witchcraft
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University of Melbourne research has revealed Victorian residents self-imposed restrictions as COVID infections rose in December and January - limiting their movements around the city.
In the first week of January movements were 10 % above those during stage four lockdown.
Once cases began to fall on January 11 movement began to climb between 60 and 70 % of pre-pandemic levels.
Researchers say the trend reflects the effect of restrictions on shaping cultural norms.


Victorian farmers turning to automated shearing in answer to worker shortage. Shearing sheep can be backbreaking work.
Most days involve eight hours of hard, physical labour. It can be tough work and farmers can understand why more young bodies aren't putting their hands up for the role.

The working conditions, along with other factors such as border closures due to the COVID pandemic and vaccine hesitancy have contributed to the current Australia-wide shearer shortage.

That's why Kevin Butler, in Kilmore in northern Victoria, decided to take matters into his own hands to invest in semi-automated technology to shear his sheep.
"I would say it takes away 95 per cent of the energy [required]," Mr Butler said.
"A shearer is like one of those tennis players at the Australian Open right now. The players only play for three hours, but a shearer has got to wrestle sheep for eight hours a day with the same amount of energy.
"After using this machinery, I could go off and play golf or do some gardening. There's just no effort."

Mr Butler said by investing in the technology he wanted to "dig the well before you need the water".
"I know my shearers are getting on like I am and there's no young ones coming up to replace them, so where are we going to be in five years' time?
"I've got a $70,000 wool clip. I'm happy to go off and buy a tractor, so why not invest in something like this? It is expensive but it's worth the investment."

Mr Butler said the industry is at a crisis point. He said a flow-on effect of the shearer shortage was compromised flock health, as flystrike took hold over the summer months.
"We are in a state of absolute crisis in the shearing industry, and unless the powers that be start thinking differently then there's going to be a lot of deaths in the paddock through flystrike," he said.

No longer backbreaking
Mr Butler invested in the semi-automated system last year, which works by securing and moving the sheep while they are being shorn.
"The sheep walk into what we call a mild crush. It doesn't actually pin them, but it sort of holds them," Mr Butler said.
"And then a lever rotates the sheep over on its back and onto a platform. We then slip the legs into some restrainers, and it exposes the sheep so we can shear it.
"It's easy on the animal and there is no back pain for us, because we're in an upright position the whole time."

Mr Butler typically needs a team of shearers to complete the work, but with this technology he only needs himself and another; his roustabout and shearer Barry Milne.

Mr Milne agrees that it creates less work for shearers.
"It's no stress on me. I'm getting on and I'm not having to visit a chiropractor a couple of times a month," he said.

Automation to take off
Victorian shearing instructor Tom Kelly said he has noticed more farmers using semi-automated technology for shearing, which he said was extremely useful in a time with declining shearer numbers.
"They continually improve the machines that I've seen, without trying to get way beyond having the person not shear the sheep," Mr Kelly said.
"I think you'll see [the technology] develop and become more user-friendly.
"It's cracked through a barrier now, you'll see it open up for sure."

 

[kingofnobbys]

26 JANUARY = DELTA WAVE Day 224 & OMICRON TSUSAMI Day 49 < pt4 QLD >

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
26/1/2022 QLD

QLD recorded A LARGE SURGE 13551 new cases , QLD local total for DELTA - OMICRON WAVE now 356440 cases.

QLD recorded 9 delta deaths.

QLD Reff = 0.80

QLD PCR POSITIVITY = 28.14%

QLD DAILY CASES SNAPSHOTS

QLD DAILY CASES WITH CURVE

Queensland has recorded another 9 COVID-19 related deaths and 13,551 new cases as the Omicron wave appears to peak on the Gold Coast. The latest deaths were people aged between their 50s and 90s, none of whom had received a third vaccine dose.
"This is someone's loved family member and it's always a heartbreaking time when ... tragedy strikes," Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said from Townsville on Wednesday.

She reiterated calls for older people to avoid crowded areas with case numbers expected to peak in different regions in coming days and weeks.
"Just limit where you go and don't go into large crowds because what we are seeing tragically is the elderly people who are losing their lives," the premier said.

The new cases come as the number of COVID-19 hospital admissions in Queensland drops to 889, down from almost 930 the previous day.
"Most of that drop was seen in the Gold Coast ... and we expect that drop to continue," Chief Health Officer John Gerrard said.
"We expect the peak in other regions of Queensland, most notably in the rest of southeast Queensland, to be sometime in the next seven days."

ICU numbers in the state have also dropped marginally, down to 47 compared to 51 on Tuesday.

The state is still yet to reach the 90 % target for double dose vaccinations, and currently sits at 89.2 %.

Just over 50 % of those eligible for their third jab have now received a booster.

How are Queensland's hospitals coping as COVID's Omicron variant peaks? As the Omicron wave surges on the Gold Coast, the city's health service is dealing with eight wards full of COVID patients, and doctors warn they expect the tail of the peak to be "very long".

Queensland Chief Health Officer John Gerrard said the Gold Coast is now going through or "just passed" its peak, with Brisbane likely to follow next week and then staggered peaks across regional Queensland.

Gold Coast Health's medical director of infectious diseases, Kylie Alcorn, said the hospital has had to quickly adapt to be able to cope with the sharp rise in cases.
"In November we had one COVID ward which was not full, so it's gone from one to eight [wards] very rapidly," Dr Alcorn said.
"We're not sure that we're at our peak, hopefully we are, but we're very cautious about that and also even if we have reached our peak we expect the tail to be very long."

Dr Alcorn said the hospital service had hoped it would only need about four COVID wards but had planned for the worst-case scenario.
"In our planning we had [planned] for many, many more wards to an extra hospital, a makeshift hospital, if it became quite severe," she said.
"So whilst we thought we might get away with three to four wards, we've found we need eight but not to that next level."

Dr Alcorn said while it's a "tiring time" for hospital staff, they are so far coping well but acknowledged there is still a long way to go in the pandemic.
"We have to prepare for COVID being here forever," Dr Alcorn said.
"And whether that's one ward, two wards, three wards, we don't know what it's going to look like in six months, 12 months.
"I think you can safely say that COVID is not going away and we just don't know how many patients we'll have, but there will always be hospitalisation from COVID."

Dr Alcorn said the importance of a third dose of a vaccine is becoming clearer and urged people to get their booster if eligible.
"We're really finding now that you need three vaccinations for a complete course, so it's no longer really a booster but to complete the first course requires three vaccinations," she said.
"And if you've had three vaccines then you're significantly less likely to present to hospital."

As Brisbane readies for its peak in the next week or two, the director of COVID-19 services at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (RBWH), Andrew Redmond, said the hospital had so far fared well.

The RBWH currently has about 54 COVID patients across three wards, according to Dr Redmond.

He said staff absences due to being close contacts or having COVID had put a "strain on the system" but staff had stepped up "in an admirable way".
"We're a massive hospital and we've got lots of staff and people have really been great about coming in and working in COVID areas even if it's not their main job," he said.
"It is stressful though. We're seeing people get sick, we're seeing people get frustrated, we're seeing people get lonely and sad.
"And so that's … a real strain on staff as well."

Dr Redmond said it would likely take months to catch up on "less urgent" services that had been cut back to focus on COVID care during the peak.
"There has been some cutting back of non-urgent care and that's going to have costs to the patients and to the healthcare service down the track," Dr Redmond said.
"But really we think that's the cost of having a pandemic."

Premier sees promising signs
On Tuesday, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said there were promising signs the impact on the hospital system would not be as severe as initially predicted.
"The fact that our hospitals are going to be reaching those peaks at different times should give Queenslanders a bit more comfort as well," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"It's not everything happening all at once.
"We're very comfortable with the projections at the moment that we have bed capacity.
"At the moment, in heartening news, the track is not as high for the demand of beds as we initially were expecting."

Dr Redmond said people with mild symptoms like a sore throat or runny nose should seek help from their GP rather than go to an emergency department to lighten the load on the hospital system.
"We want to see people here who are getting into significant difficulties or worried that their trajectory is that they're heading towards significant difficulties soon," Dr Redmond said.
"Having breathlessness or pain in your chest or symptoms that are unexpected or severe or not resolving.
"They're the things that we want people to come to hospital with."

 

[kingofnobbys]

26 JANUARY = DELTA WAVE Day 2243 & OMICRON TSUSAMI Day 49 < pt5 WA >

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26/1/2022 WA

WA recorded 24 +ve PCRs , WA local total for DELTA - OMICRON WAVE now 256 cases.
WA recorded 0 INTL cases.
WA recorded 2 MYSTERY LOCAL cases.
WA recorded 0 delta deaths..

WA Reff = 1.85 ==> T(2x) ~ 4.5days

WA PCR POSITIVITY = 24/8368 = 0.24%

WA DAILY CASES WITH CURVE

WA COVID-19 update 26 January 2022
WA Health is reporting 24 new local cases and 0 travel-related cases from interstate up to 8pm last night.

9 of these new cases are linked to the growing Bunbury cluster, which now numbers 17.
In total, 13 workers at a South-West construction site have now tested positive.
4 close contacts of workers have also tested positive.

Of the 99 close and casual contacts identified on site, 12 have tested positive, a further 73 have returned a negative result with an additional 14 either with results pending or who are yet to be tested.
Many are believed to have been infectious while in the community.
The source remains under investigation by the WA Health contact and trace team. This cluster is expected to grow in coming days.
Known clusters
• Two are close contacts of the Coolbellup cluster, including one household contact.
• Two are connected to IGA Willagee
• Three are a close contact of the Safety Bay cluster.
• Two are close contacts of the Haynes cluster.
Other new cases
• One is linked to a Mandurah exposure site
• One is a household contact of previously notified hotel security guard
• Two are household contacts of confirmed cases who had unknown sources in recent days (residing in Perth Hills, and Rockingham area respectively)
• Two are from an unknown source
o One in the Rockingham area, remains under investigation
o One in the Wheatbelt, unknown source but has spent time in the Southwest and remains under investigation

Today’s figures bring the State’s total number of COVID-19 cases to 1442. 1301 people have recovered from the virus.

There are currently 132 confirmed active cases in WA. Of these, 23 are in hotel quarantine, 109 are in self-quarantine.
1 case remains in hospital in ICU.
All cases are now in quarantine and public health will continue to monitor them.

Contact tracers are now working with these cases to determine potential exposure sites and these will be uploaded to the HealthyWA website when confirmed.

Testing
A full list of testing clinics is available on HealthyWA website.
Anyone in the Perth, Peel and the South West regions – particularly the greater Bunbury area – experiencing any symptoms should get tested immediately and isolate until they receive a negative result. This applies to anyone symptomatic – even if you have not visited a listed exposure site.

Exposure sites
WA Health’s contact tracing team continues to identify a new range of exposure sites linked to new cases and it is likely exposure sites will be updated or added. Please continue to check exposure sites regularly, these are listed on the HealthyWA website.
WA Health does not list exposure sites where it has identified all potential contacts or locations that could potentially identify individuals.

Testing advice
People are urged to continue to check the exposure sites page of the HealthyWA website for updates, and if they have been to an exposure site to follow the listed health advice.
Anyone in the Perth, Peel and the South West regions experiencing symptoms should get tested immediately and isolate until they receive a negative result.

8368 people were swabbed at WA clinics yesterday.

New information for the community about managing COVID-19
New information about managing COVID-19 at home and in the community is on the HealthyWA website.
Vessels
WA Health continues to closely monitor two vessels off the WA coast, both reporting probable COVID cases on board through returned positive Rapid Antigen Tests.
All positive crew members on board these vessels are isolating in their cabins and being monitored safely.

SafeWA
Yesterday, 2,183,616 scans were recorded on the SafeWA app. It is important for everyone to check using SafeWA or the ServiceWA app will help authorities contact those who may be at risk quickly and effectively.

Border controls
Information about Western Australia’s controlled border arrangements, conditions of entry and quarantine is available online.

COVID-19 vaccinations
Yesterday, 11,285 COVID-19 vaccinations were administered in state-run vaccination clinics in Western Australia.
Demand for vaccinations and third doses is increasing. To spread the demand across clinic operating hours and to avoid excessive wait times, people are encouraged to make a booking via Vaccinate WA.
Vaccinations are also available at GPs and pharmacies.
Anyone who received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine four or more months ago can now book their booster dose and ensure they have maximum protection against the disease.
Additional appointments for children aged 5 to 11 have been added at State-run clinics until January 30 and these can be booked online at VaccinateWA.

Children’s vaccinations
There are paediatric vaccine bookings available this week at the dedicated paediatric vaccination clinic at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC). Increased children's vaccinations will also be available at Kwinana and Ellenbrook vaccination clinics. All other appointments booked at the PCEC clinic will continue as scheduled.
For the latest WA vaccination figures, visit the COVID-19 Coronavirus: Vaccination dashboard (external site)**. For the latest Commonwealth data visit the Vaccination Numbers and Statistics website.

Mandatory vaccination information
A mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for most occupations and workforces in WA is being introduced in a phased approach. For more information on getting your COVID-19 vaccine, visit: Roll Up For WA

Variants
To date, 387 cases of variant strains have been detected in Western Australia – including 180 Omicron strain, 53 Alpha strain, 15 Beta strain, 1 Gamma strain and 138 Delta strain.

 

[kingofnobbys]

26 JANUARY = DELTA WAVE Day 224 & OMICRON TSUSAMI Day 49 < pt6 SA , ACT , TAS >

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

26/1/2022 SA

SA recorded A SURGETO 2401 NEW CASES , SA local total for DELTA - OMICRON WAVE now 94865 cases.

SA recorded 13 delta deaths..

SA Health has mandated reporting of +ve RATs.

SA Reff = 0.76

SA PCR POSITIVITY = 17.8%

SA DAILY CASES WITH CURVE

South Australia has revealed 13 more deaths among people with COVID-19 after a check on recent fatalities pushed the state's toll since the start of the pandemic to 87.
Premier Steven Marshall said seven deaths were reported in the past 24 hours with checks on nursing homes revealing another six over an undisclosed period.

He said with no requirement for those deaths to be reported immediately, health officials had reached out "proactively" to ensure the data was complete.
"We don't want people to be alarmed," the premier said.
"There are deaths in South Australia, there's no doubt about it.
"What we want to do is create the fullest picture of exactly what that situation is."

SA on Wednesday reported another 2401 new virus infections, up slightly from 1869 on Tuesday, which was the lowest daily total so far this year.
Despite the rise, the figure was still down on the state's seven-day average of 2476.

Hospital admissions rose by one to 288 with 26 people in intensive care including four on ventilators.

Also on Wednesday, the state government unveiled a plan to fast track training for up to 200 newly registered pharmacists and pharmacy interns to join the state's vaccination program.
"We are leaving no stone unturned in our effort to boost the vaccination workforce and bring on additional capacity wherever possible to get South Australians vaccinated and boosted," Mr Marshall said.
"By the end of March, we know that approximately 1.2 million South Australians will be eligible for their booster dose and we're gearing up to ensure we can deliver boosters as quickly as possible."

Aboriginal Congress calls for 'complete lockdown' of Central Australia. Health Minister Natasha Fyles disagrees. Central Australia's peak Aboriginal health body has warned "a Tsunami of COVID cases is coming" to the region and has called for a "complete lockdown" of the area to prevent further spread.

Central Australian Aboriginal Congress acting chief executive Josie Douglas said the region had reached "breaking point" and a lockdown was a much-needed "circuit breaker" for health authorities to get on top of the outbreak.

The NT government has already introduced lockouts, which limit the movement of unvaccinated people, in Alice Springs, Amoonguna, Yuendumu and Yuelamu.

A separate lockdown is currently in place in the Utopia Homelands, a community that NT Health Minister Natasha Fyles says has a vaccination rate of about 40 per cent.

Despite the plea from the congress, Ms Fyles says current health advice does not recommend plunging the entire region into lockdown.

But Dr Douglas insisted existing measures do not go far enough.
"The lockout is proving to be totally ineffective," she said.
"People are moving in and around Alice Springs, moving from community to community.
"The situation is Central Australia is dire."

Dr Douglas wants an immediate seven-day lockdown, to be re-assessed at the end of the week and extended as needed.

COVID-19 cases in Alice Springs and nearby Aboriginal communities have been steadily growing since the NT re-opened its borders in mid-December.
"We believe there are far more positive cases in Alice Springs and remote communities than is being reported on," Dr Douglas said.
"We need urgent action to get on top of the numbers before the numbers get away from us.
"A lockdown buys us time."

NTG says current health measures are 'proportionate'
Ms Fyles said the government was following health advice, which at this stage did not recommend a full lockdown through Central Australia.
"We believe that the public health measures that we have in place are proportionate," she said.

Ms Fyles said although there was "certainly a lot of cases in Central Australia", the government had introduced a raft of measures to help keep people safe.

This included a Territory-wide mask mandate, testing regimes for remote communities, and several lockouts in the region, which she said kept unvaccinated Territorians safe.
"Our unvaccinated population are much more at risk and are also a much greater burden on our health system," Ms Fyles said.

Low vaccination rates in some Central Australian communities
In NT government-managed remote Aboriginal communities across Central Australia, the vaccination rate of residents five and older is just 61 per cent.

Ms Fyles acknowledged the low vaccination rates in some communities, and said townships with low rates were more likely to be put into lockdown if cases surged.

Many remote residents also have complex health conditions, making them vulnerable to severe COVID-19 disease, but chronic issues with overcrowding mean it is a struggle to self-isolate at home.

There are currently outbreaks in many town camps across Central Australia, as well as in the Alice Springs Correction Centre.

Ms Fyles did not completely rule out a future lockdown in Central Australia

She said health authorities met every day to look at daily caseloads, the number of patients in hospital and vaccination rates.
"Decisions are made each and every day and we're certainly very agile in those decisions and change them based on the health advice," Ms Fyles said.


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

26/1/2022 ACT

ACT recorded 896 NEW CASES , ACT local total for DELTA - OMICRON WAVE now 30558 cases.

ACT recorded 0 delta death..

ACT Health has mandated reporting of +ve RATs.

ACT Reff = 0.65

ACT PCR POSITIVITY = 21.5%

ACT DAILY CASES

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26/1/2022 TAS

TAS recorded SURGE TO 712 new cases , TAS local total for DELTA - OMICRON WAVE now 26362 cases.

TAS recorded 1 delta death..

TAS Health has mandated reporting of +ve RATs.

TAS Reff = 0.74

TAS PCR POSITIVITY = 11.36%

TAS DAILY CASES

TAS DAILY CASES WITH CURVE

Tasmania has recorded a fourth coronavirus death since reopening in mid-December, an 80-year-old woman who was being treated for COVID. The woman's death was reported on Wednesday, with the state recording 712 new cases.
"(She) is an 80-year-old woman who was admitted to hospital on 13 January and was being treated in hospital for COVID pneumonia," Premier Peter Gutwein said.
"I would like to pass on my sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the woman." Mr Gutwein said the woman died on Tuesday.
Tasmania has recorded 17 virus deaths in total - the majority occurring at the beginning of the pandemic during an outbreak in the northwest.

The coroner is also investigating whether COVID-19 was a contributing factor in the death of a 36-year-old woman.

There are 28 people with COVID-19 in hospital, with 11 of those being treated specifically for the virus. Two people are being cared for in intensive care.

The remaining 17 people with COVID-19 in hospital are being treated for unrelated medical conditions.

Tasmania has 5094 documented active cases, continuing a downward trend over eight days.

 

[kingofnobbys]

26 JANUARY = DELTA WAVE Day 224 & OMICRON TSUSAMI Day 49 < pt7 NT >

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

26/1/2022 NT

NT recorded 492 new cases , NT local total for DELTA - OMICRON WAVE now 9669 cases.

NT recorded 0 delta death..

NT Health has mandated reporting of +ve RATs.

NT Reff = 0.95

NT PCR POSITIVITY = 19.41%

NT DAILY CASES WITH CURVE

NT COVID-19 update
26 January 2022

There were 492 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the Northern Territory in the 24 hours to 8pm on 25 January 2022. Of these, 310 were positive cases from a Rapid Antigen Test.

This takes the number of active cases in the NT to around 3200.
New cases recorded include:
Communities under lockdown or lockout restrictions
· 7 cases in Milikapiti
· 28 cases in Galiwin’ku
· 5 cases in Gunyangara
· 5 cases in Wurrumiyanga
· 1 case in Utopia
· 9 cases in Yuendumu
East Arnhem
· 7 cases in Nhulunbbuy
· 1 case in Wallaby Beach
· 4 cases in Yirrkala
· 5 cases in Umbakumba
· 2 cases in Alyangula
· 2 cases in Milingimbi
Big Rivers
· 1 case in Beswick
· 3 cases in Binjari
· 1 case in Jilkminggan
· 4 cases in Kalano
· 23 cases across town camps around Katherine
· 3 cases in Kybrook
· 1 case in Manyallaluk
· 1 case in Pine Creek
· 2 cases in Rockhole
Top End
· 5 cases at Garaworra Transitional Housing in Darwin
· 1 case at Daisy Yarmirr Hostel in Darwin
· 1 case at Christan Outreach Centre in Darwin
· 1 case at Darwin Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Shelter
· 2 cases at Barbara James House in Darwin
· 1 case at the Salvation Army Red Shield Hostel in Darwin
· 2 cases in Jabiru
· 1 case in Maningrida
· 1 case in Gunbalanya
Central Australia
· 1 case at Alternative to Custody Facility
· 16 cases in Ntaria
· 9 cases at Alice Springs Correctional Centre
· 9 cases in Mt Liebig
· 19 cases in Papunya
· 4 cases in Laramba
· 2 cases in Mutitjulu
· 5 cases in town camps around Alice Springs
· 1 case in Santa Teresa
· 5 cases in Kintore
There are currently 84 patients in hospital, with ten patients requiring oxygen. There are three patients in ICU.
1616 COVID-19 PCR tests were processed across the NT yesterday.

Public health measures
A Territory-wide indoor mask mandate remains in place.

The Territory Vaccine Pass is in effect.
Several lockouts and lockdowns are in place across the Territory to control the spread of COVID-19.
A Lockdown is in place in Milikapiti until 27 January, in Gunyangara, Utopia Homelands and Wurrumiyanga until Saturday 29 January and in Galiwin’ku until Monday 31 January.
Lockouts are in place in Alice Springs, Amoonguna, Yuendumu and Yuelamu until Sunday 30 January.

COVID-19 testing
Everyone should get tested for COVID-19 if showing symptoms. A number of NT Rapid Antigen Testing and Distribution Points have been established.
Individuals can collect RATs for free from NT distribution centres located in Darwin, Katherine, Nhulunbuy, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in our communities, it is important for everyone to follow all the health directions:
• Book your COVID-19 vaccine
• Check in using The Territory Check In App every time, everywhere
• If you have symptoms, stay away from others and get tested for COVID-19
• Wash your hands with soap and water and use hand sanitiser regularly
• Do not go to work if you feel sick
• Maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres where possible.


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

POSITIVITY ANALYSIS

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

DELTA WAVE Day 222 & OMICRON TSUSAMI Day 47 < NZ >

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

NZ DELTA WAVE & OMICRON OUTBREAKS

NZ recorded 23 LOCAL cases , NZ local total for DELTA - OMICRON WAVE now 11619 cases.
12 mystery cases.
35 repats from o/seas. again
NZ recorded 0 delta deaths.

 

[kingofnobbys]

27 JANUARY = DELTA WAVE Day 2254 & OMICRON TSUSAMI Day 50

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

PCRs remain restricted in who can access them to test for covid.
RATs remain very hard to get hold of , further reducing the reliability of reported known VOC cases in all states with the exceptions of WA and NT where case loads are VOC case numbers remain low.

VERY BRIEF SUMMARY NEW CASES & DEATHS OVERNIGHT

AUS + 46872 new cases ==> 2256735 * and today's COVID DEATHS = 72.

NSW + 17316 new cases ==> 945577 cases ,29 DEAD , ,+ve RATs are RECORDED IN NSW
VIC + 13755 new cases==> 776686 cases , 15 DEAD , PCR & +RAT RECORDED IN VIC *
QLD + 11600 new cases ==> 368040 , 15 DEAD , PCR & +RAT RECORDED IN QLD *
WA + 12 (local) new cases ==> 268 , PCR ONLY RECORDED IN WA
SA + 1953 new cases ==> 96818 cases * , 13 DEAD, PCR & +RAT RECORDED IN SA
ACT + 884 new cases ==> 31442 cases *,0 DEAD .PCR & +RAT RECORDED IN ACT
TAS + 726 new cases ==> 27223 cases * , 0 DEAD , PCR & +RAT RECORDED IN TAS
NT + 626 ! new cases ==> 10581 cases, 0 DEAD , PCR ONLY RECORDED IN NT

NZ + 41 (LOCAL) cases==> 11619 !, PCR ONLY RECORDED IN NZ , NO RESTRICTIONS ON PCR TESTING NZ <== ACCURATE CASE NUMBERS.

* not considered reliable numbers because in NSW -ve RATs are not being mandated to be reported and access to PCR tests is restricted ONLY to those ordered to be PCR tested and those who are symptomatic.
The concensas is the case numbers in ! are under-reporting actual case numbers to a significant degree , perhaps low by 2x fold or more.

Health experts are calling for a mandate for all RAT test results ( negative or positive ) to be reported and for free access to RATs for ALL Australians ON DEMAND.

COMBINED DELTA & OMICRON WAVE IN AUSTRALIA

NATIONAL DAILY CASES SNAPSHOT

NATIONAL PCR POSITIVITY = 18.9%

NATIONAL CASES SNAPSHOT

10/1/2022 =71254 **, #
11/1/2022 = 90838 up by 27% **, #
12/1/2022 = 103689 up by 14% **,#
13/1/2022 = 89255 PCR , INCL BACKDATED +ve RATs = 144340 but not reliable ##
14/1/2022 = 105716 PCR , NOT INCLD BACKDATED +ve RATs AS not reliable ##
15/1/2022 = 100595 ##
16/1/2022 = 63051 #*#
17/1/2022 = 73818 #*#
18/1/2022 = 72850 #*#
19/1/2022 = 79565 #*#
20/1/2022 = 75668 #*#
21/1/2022 = 64513 #*#
22/1/2022 = 55124 #*#
23/1/2022 = 48981 #*#
24/1/2022 = 40683 #*#
25/1/2022 = 46845 #*#
26/1/2022 = 52613 #*#
27/1/2022 = 46872 #*#

** Rules for getting official PCR test in effect , many fewer people can now show up and demand a PCR test unless told to by their state's health department or they are sick + very long delays getting PCR test results ( > 4 days in NSW )
! positive RATs included in Vic daily cases from today.
# concensus is UNDERreporting because ! are NOW under reporting by at least 2 fold ( ie NSW case numbers are no longer reliable ).
## backdated +RATs included.
#*# +PCRs & +RATs

DELTA & OMICRON DEATHS TODAY

NSW = +29, ==> NSW total in this DELTA WAVE = 1145
Victoria +15, ==> VIC total in this DELTA WAVE = 1095
QLD = +15 ==>QLD total in this DELTA WAVE = 937
SA = +13 ==> SA total in this DELTA WAVE = 98
ACT ==> ACT total in this DELTA WAVE = 25
TAS ==> total in this DELTA WAVE = 4
NT total in this DELTA WAVE ( and for entire pandemic ) = 2
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Australia = +72 ==> 3296 total since mid June 2021.