What we know so far about Perth's emerging COVID-19 outbreak
3 years ago

What we know so far about Perth's emerging COVID-19 outbreak

ABC  

WA has avoided a lockdown and instead brought in public health controls after the emergence of six COVID-19 cases in the past two days. Yesterday Premier Mark McGowan announced masks would be mandatory in all public indoor settings including workplaces, shopping centres, hospitality venues and public transport. "But if we do have an outbreak before February 5, obviously we put in place public health social measures … it may well be mask wearing, restrictions on venues, measures around the unvaxxed whereby they can't go to certain places.. those sorts of things are all on the table." Mr McGowan today flagged the WA border reopening date of February 5 could be reviewed, saying broad community spread of the virus in WA might make that date "redundant". Mr McGowan said WA was in a "holding pattern" for the next few days while authorities conducted more testing and developed a better understanding of the level of community transmission.

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History of this topic

Start Wearing Masks, Says Health Minister
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Start Wearing Masks, Says Health Minister

Deccan Chronicle  

Hyderabad: Health minister Damodar Rajanarasimha on Wednesday urged the public to start wearing masks in public places and follow social distance protocols, while chairing a review on Covid-19 control in the state in the wake of the emergence of the JN.1 variant. The minister said that people experiencing Covid-like symptoms must visit a doctor, get advice and get themselves tested …

Expert who has never caught Covid tells Aussies to wear face masks every time they leave the house - amid fresh mandate in one state
1 year, 1 month ago

Expert who has never caught Covid tells Aussies to wear face masks every time they leave the house - amid fresh mandate in one state

Daily Mail  

A leading epidemiologist who has never caught Covid-19 has advised Australians to wear face masks every time they leave the house to avoid catching the virus. Dr Zoe Hyde,who has never caught Covid-19 has advised Australians to wear face masks every time they leave the house if they want to stay Covid-free A recent surge in Covid-19 cases - Australia's …

AMA Queensland president Maria Boulton calls for Australians to wear masks as latest Covid wave strikes the country
1 year, 1 month ago

AMA Queensland president Maria Boulton calls for Australians to wear masks as latest Covid wave strikes the country

Daily Mail  

AMA president calls for masks to be worn in public places A top doctor has called on Australians to return to wearing masks in public as a new Covid wave pushes hospitals to 'breaking point' ahead of the festive season. Australian Medical Association Queensland president Maria Boulton says people should opt to wear masks in public places such as large …

COVID cases are rising across Australia. Here's a rundown of the latest advice
1 year, 1 month ago

COVID cases are rising across Australia. Here's a rundown of the latest advice

ABC  

Australia appears to be on the cusp of an eighth COVID-19 wave, with an increase in cases across the country. If you have tested positive, the Australian government says you should not visit high-risk settings like hospitals and disability aged-care settings: For at least seven days or until symptoms have gone Unless seeking urgent medical assistance If you are planning …

Return of masks? COVID-19 cases surge; new variant ‘Pirola’ causes concern
1 year, 3 months ago

Return of masks? COVID-19 cases surge; new variant ‘Pirola’ causes concern

Live Mint  

COVID-19 cases in the United States have surged to levels reminiscent of the peak experienced last winter, causing concerns over the emergence of a new highly mutated variant known as "Pirola" BA.2.86 and the impending respiratory virus season. Dr. Georges Benjamin, the Executive Director of the American Public Health Association, highlights that masking remains a potent tool for mitigating COVID-19 …

Masks are back on at Lionsgate HQ as COVID outbreaks rise, including at ‘Masked Singer’ studio
1 year, 4 months ago

Masks are back on at Lionsgate HQ as COVID outbreaks rise, including at ‘Masked Singer’ studio

LA Times  

The change in policy at Lionsgate Entertainment comes after several employees tested positive for COVID-19, according to an internal memo. The policy change came after several employees tested positive for COVID-19, according to an internal memo. Of those, 14 were at workplaces, including a couple within the entertainment industry — the Directors Guild of America and “The Masked Singer” studio …

New Covid wave has begun in UK and masks should be worn again, warn scientists
1 year, 4 months ago

New Covid wave has begun in UK and masks should be worn again, warn scientists

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery Rates have risen since early July Prof Pagel predicted the …

Health officials are urging masks again amid high COVID, flu levels
2 years ago

Health officials are urging masks again amid high COVID, flu levels

LA Times  

With COVID-19, the flu and other respiratory diseases circulating widely in Los Angeles County and elsewhere, many officials are urging residents to use a familiar tool to help thwart transmission: masks. As case rates rise, “your chance of catching COVID during your routine activities — grocery shopping, eating out, running errands, going to work — will increase,” according to Los …

COVID-19 updates: Mandatory isolation comes to an end as Australia enters new phase of pandemic — as it happened
2 years, 2 months ago

COVID-19 updates: Mandatory isolation comes to an end as Australia enters new phase of pandemic — as it happened

ABC  

*Sigh* — It looks like I'll be wearing an N95 for the foreseeable future. I haven't had covid yet and don't appreciate that people will be forced to work when sick as they won't receive paid leave- for their sake and for mine! Matthew Pickett — Absolutely crazy - look at what is happening in Europe and the USA now …

Queensland's COVID-19 mandate for masks on public transport to be scrapped
2 years, 3 months ago

Queensland's COVID-19 mandate for masks on public transport to be scrapped

ABC  

Queensland is ending the requirement for people to wear face masks while on public transport. Key points: The rule will be relaxed for staff and commuters from midnight The Health Minister asked the public to respect those who chose to continue wearing masks Masks will still be required in vulnerable settings, by close contacts and those who have left just …

Malaysia scraps indoor face mask rule as Covid-19 wave eases
2 years, 3 months ago

Malaysia scraps indoor face mask rule as Covid-19 wave eases

Hindustan Times  

Malaysia is scrapping its rule requiring masks indoors, effective immediately, ending the last of its significant Covid-era restrictions. Malaysia scraps indoor face mask rule as Covid-19 wave eases Masks will still be mandatory for people who test positive for the disease as well as in places such as public transport and health-care facilities, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said in a …

Is COVID-19 winding down? Scientists say no
2 years, 3 months ago

Is COVID-19 winding down? Scientists say no

LA Times  

Vials of Pfizer’s bivalent COVID-19 vaccine are seen on a production line at a manufacturing facility in Kalamazoo, Mich. Is the coronavirus on its way out? Still, living with COVID-19 “should not necessarily be a scary or bad concept,” since people are getting better at fighting it, Jha said during a recent question-and-answer session with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders. Topol …

COVID mask mandates for public and passenger transport in WA set to end next week
2 years, 3 months ago

COVID mask mandates for public and passenger transport in WA set to end next week

ABC  

WA's transition out of COVID is continuing with mask mandates on public and passenger transport to end late next week. Key points: Mask mandates will continue in aged and disability care facilities Visitor restrictions in those settings have been eased from Friday People are urged to continue wearing masks in crowded indoor settings Premier Mark McGowan said the move was …

Health experts say COVID-19 complacency has restricted freedoms of the immunocompromised and elderly
2 years, 5 months ago

Health experts say COVID-19 complacency has restricted freedoms of the immunocompromised and elderly

ABC  

From the isolation of her Melbourne home, Carol Davy fights a day-to-day battle against ovarian cancer and systemic lupus. Key points: Australia's COVID hospitalisation rates have spiked back to February highs Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has shot down any reintroduction of mask mandates Health experts say Australia's COVID complacency is leading to higher transmission rates With COVID-19 still casting …

CDC: Mask-wearing recommended in growing number of counties
2 years, 5 months ago

CDC: Mask-wearing recommended in growing number of counties

Associated Press  

PORTLAND, Ore. — People in 24 Oregon counties — including the county around Portland — and 15 counties in Washington state should resume mask-wearing indoors in public and on public transportation, according to recommendations from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Washington, the counties at high risk include: Clallam, Grays Harbor, Pacific, Lewis, Thurston, Pierce, Chelan, Douglas, …

CDC recommends 6 Washington counties should wear masks again
2 years, 5 months ago

CDC recommends 6 Washington counties should wear masks again

Associated Press  

PORTLAND, Ore. — People in six Washington counties should begin wearing masks indoors in public and on public transportation again, according to recommendations from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The latest information from the CDC shows that Lewis County, Pacific County, Thurston County, Grays Harbor County, Garfield County and Spokane County all have COVID-19 community levels rated …

With California hit by new coronavirus wave, time to start wearing masks? Limit gatherings?
2 years, 6 months ago

With California hit by new coronavirus wave, time to start wearing masks? Limit gatherings?

LA Times  

As California contends with another resurgence of the coronavirus, what should residents consider doing to protect themselves from infection? “With all of the unknowns around these new variants, it is sensible to take the simple step of putting back on the mask when you’re indoors,” said Barbara Ferrer, the county’s public health director. But regardless of a region’s level, “individuals …

WA Premier Mark McGowan says masks and restrictions unlikely to return ahead of winter
2 years, 7 months ago

WA Premier Mark McGowan says masks and restrictions unlikely to return ahead of winter

ABC  

Western Australia will gamble on riding its first wave of COVID-19 into the flu season without restrictions, and it's a sensible approach, according to some epidemiologists. Key points: The Premier says it's better for COVID cases to peak sooner rather than later The Premier says it's better for COVID cases to peak sooner rather than later An epidemiologist agrees restrictions …

People tire of masks, but doctors in Bengaluru advise caution citing Covid-19 cases in China
2 years, 8 months ago

People tire of masks, but doctors in Bengaluru advise caution citing Covid-19 cases in China

The Hindu  

The scorching summer sun, low number of COVID-19 cases or simply exhaustion from wearing them for over two years are the reasons being cited by an increasing number of people who are lax about wearing masks. Col Singh said in the light of the spread of the virus in China, people should continue to wear a mask, at least in …

COVID-19: Namibia ends mask and PCR testing
2 years, 9 months ago

COVID-19: Namibia ends mask and PCR testing

Al Jazeera  

The wearing of masks in public in Namibia and negative PCR tests for vaccinated visitors are no longer required, President Hage Geingob has said. In June 2021, infections peaked at more than 30,000 per month, but the southern African country has averaged 14 cases per day during the last seven days, with the total active cases at 222. “Wearing of …

Hawaii is ending certain Covid-19 safety precautions for domestic travelers later this month
2 years, 9 months ago

Hawaii is ending certain Covid-19 safety precautions for domestic travelers later this month

CNN  

CNN — Hawaii’s Safe Travels program, established to slow the spread of Covid-19 through safety precautions for travelers, will come to an end on March 25, the state’s governor announced. Domestic passengers arriving in Hawaii after the program ends won’t need to follow earlier regulations, like showing proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test to bypass quarantine, according to …

Washington officials to assess new mask guidance from CDC
2 years, 9 months ago

Washington officials to assess new mask guidance from CDC

Associated Press  

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington’s March 21 date to lift the statewide mask mandate remains in place for now as state officials review new guidance Friday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that says people in most places can safely take a break from wearing facial coverings. Jay Inslee, said in an email Friday that the office has not …

COVID-19 mask rules explained for every state and territory
2 years, 9 months ago

COVID-19 mask rules explained for every state and territory

ABC  

Masks will be coming off indoors today across much of the east coast, while a mask mandate has been extended in Western Australia. Australian Capital Territory From today, masks will no longer be mandatory in most indoor settings in the ACT, but will still be required on public transport, and in hospitals and aged-care facilities. While NSW has scrapped mask …

Victorian COVID-19 hospitalisations at 319 as 6,926 cases and 17 deaths reported
2 years, 10 months ago

Victorian COVID-19 hospitalisations at 319 as 6,926 cases and 17 deaths reported

ABC  

Victoria's Chief Health Officer has defended the decision to continue mandating masks for some primary school students as a proportionate response given the state's high caseload and low vaccination coverage among younger children. Key points: The number of COVID-19 patients in hospital has dropped to 345 and the seven-day average for cases is falling Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said …

Visiting hours cut at Perth hospitals as COVID detected at Hollywood hospital, Amana Living
2 years, 10 months ago

Visiting hours cut at Perth hospitals as COVID detected at Hollywood hospital, Amana Living

ABC  

Hospital visiting hours have been reduced to just two hours twice a day across all public hospitals in Perth in response to growing COVID-19 cases in WA. Key points: WA hospitals shifted to an 'amber alert' level as Omicron spreads This triggers a number of measures to protect patients and staff It comes as the virus is detected in another …

More COVID-19 rules fall as CDC hints at better times ahead
2 years, 10 months ago

More COVID-19 rules fall as CDC hints at better times ahead

LA Times  

Customers eat at the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia on Feb. 16, 2022. The nation’s leading health officials said Wednesday that the U.S. is moving closer to the point that COVID-19 is no longer a “constant crisis” as more cities, businesses and sports venues began lifting pandemic restrictions around the country. Philadelphia officials said Wednesday the city’s vaccine mandate for …

Covid: How well do face masks protect us against the virus?
2 years, 11 months ago

Covid: How well do face masks protect us against the virus?

The Independent  

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. …

Critically ill COVID patients in regional WA to be sent to Perth for treatment
2 years, 11 months ago

Critically ill COVID patients in regional WA to be sent to Perth for treatment

ABC  

The WA Country Health Service says regional COVID patients who become critically ill and need to be placed on ventilators will be transferred to Perth for treatment. Key points: The WA Country Health Service says regional hospitals are "prepared" for a COVID outbreak Critical patients in the regions will be treated in Perth Air purifiers will be used in regional …

Five new local COVID-19 cases recorded in WA as contact tracers probe mystery infection
2 years, 11 months ago

Five new local COVID-19 cases recorded in WA as contact tracers probe mystery infection

ABC  

Western Australia has recorded five new local COVID-19 cases, including one that has yet to be linked to any known cases and was infectious in the community. Key points: The source of infection is unknown for one of the five new cases The source of infection is unknown for one of the five new cases Six new WA exposure sites …

Western Australia records zero new local COVID-19 cases as mask mandate scrapped
2 years, 11 months ago

Western Australia records zero new local COVID-19 cases as mask mandate scrapped

ABC  

Western Australia's mask-wearing mandate is set to ease this evening after the state recorded no new local COVID-19 cases overnight. Key points: WA has recorded no locally transmitted cases of COVID-19 WA has recorded no locally transmitted cases of COVID-19 It means the state's mask-wearing mandate will be relaxed It means the state's mask-wearing mandate will be relaxed State borders …

COVID-19 restrictions extended in Perth until January 4 as WA records one new local case
2 years, 11 months ago

COVID-19 restrictions extended in Perth until January 4 as WA records one new local case

ABC  

Perth's mask mandate and hospitality COVID-19 restrictions will remain until January 4, with Western Australia recording one new case linked to an infected French backpacker. Key points: Face masks will need to be worn indoors in public for another week Face masks will need to be worn indoors in public for another week Perth Cup patrons on January 1 must …

If COVID is spreading around Perth, it could mean dramatic changes to WA's February 5 reopening
3 years ago

If COVID is spreading around Perth, it could mean dramatic changes to WA's February 5 reopening

ABC  

West Australians thought they had another six weeks to get used to the idea of living with COVID. But authorities have legitimate reasons to suspect coronavirus may already be spreading around Perth, given the long list of nightclubs, shops and entertainment venues an unvaccinated COVID-positive backpacker visited while potentially infectious. And if the virus is already seeding its way around …

WA coronavirus update: Five COVID cases emerge in Perth outbreak
3 years ago

WA coronavirus update: Five COVID cases emerge in Perth outbreak

ABC  

Western Australia has recorded five new COVID cases, a day after an unvaccinated French backpacker tested positive to the disease. WA Premier Mark McGowan said one was a close contact of case 1133, who attended an event with the man at the Perth Mess Hall in Northbridge on December 19. Fremantle hostel locked down Mr McGowan said 100 of the …

COVID-19 experts urge Australia to keep some restrictions while more is learnt about Omicron
3 years ago

COVID-19 experts urge Australia to keep some restrictions while more is learnt about Omicron

ABC  

An adviser to the federal government's COVID-19 re-opening plan is now calling for some restrictions on crowd sizes and masks to remain, while authorities learn more about the Omicron variant. Key points: Three infectious disease experts say reintroducing restrictions will give authorities time to learn about Omicron NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet says people can make their own decisions about wearing …

COVID updates: Thousands of people in isolation in NSW as cases rise and Queensland's mask mandate begins — As it happened
3 years ago

COVID updates: Thousands of people in isolation in NSW as cases rise and Queensland's mask mandate begins — As it happened

ABC  

Residents at a north Queensland aged care home are being tested for COVID-19 after a contractor visiting the facility tested positive. The Mackay Hospital and Health Service confirmed it is testing residents, staff and visitors at the Blue Care Home Field Aged Care facility in Mackay. “The health service has deployed a team of testers to the facility following confirmation …

Queensland records 16 new COVID-19 community cases ahead of mask mandate being introduced
3 years ago

Queensland records 16 new COVID-19 community cases ahead of mask mandate being introduced

ABC  

Queensland has recorded 20 new cases of COVID-19, including 16 that have been in the community, a day ahead of a statewide mask mandate being introduced. Key points: A statewide mask mandate comes into effect tomorrow and will be revised when 90 per cent of the population 16 and over is double vaccinated The Premier rules out lockdowns over Christmas …

Vaccines alone won't stop Omicron. So which COVID measures are in place in your state?
3 years ago

Vaccines alone won't stop Omicron. So which COVID measures are in place in your state?

ABC  

The head of the World Health Organization has warned the new Omicron variant is spreading at an unprecedented rate, and countries should not rely on vaccines alone to fight it. In Victoria, there is no requirement to wear face masks in most indoor and most outdoor settings but are strongly recommended where physical distancing is not possible. In the ACT, …

WA's COVID roadmap explained: When will Premier Mark McGowan open the state's borders?
3 years, 1 month ago

WA's COVID roadmap explained: When will Premier Mark McGowan open the state's borders?

ABC  

COVID-19 is coming to Western Australia. So that might mean WA actually opens before the 90 per cent threshold, perhaps even not far past 80 per cent. But the state's sluggish vaccine rollout is still some way short of either of those targets, with WA only having passed the 65 per cent threshold this week. And the government has also …

Queensland passes 80 per cent of over 16s COVID-19 vaccination threshold for easing of mask rules
3 years, 1 month ago

Queensland passes 80 per cent of over 16s COVID-19 vaccination threshold for easing of mask rules

ABC  

Queensland has met the state government's threshold for the easing of mask rules, with 80.1 per cent of the state's population over 16 now at least partially vaccinated. On Tuesday, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said people in south-east Queensland would no longer need to wear masks indoors, including at schools, workplaces, cafes, pubs, clubs and hairdressers "the minute" 80 per cent …

COVID-19 vaccine restrictions could pose issues for Queensland businesses worried about being on the frontline
3 years, 1 month ago

COVID-19 vaccine restrictions could pose issues for Queensland businesses worried about being on the frontline

ABC  

Queensland hospitality businesses are concerned restrictions for those unvaccinated against COVID-19 from next month will have serious repercussions on their busiest trade time of the year. Key points: Hospitality venues says they will have to put on extra staff to check vaccination status Some are looking to double security at venues, but there is a 'massive shortage' of guards Some …

The ACT has recorded 17 new cases of COVID-19 as 80 per cent vaccination milestone is reached
3 years, 2 months ago

The ACT has recorded 17 new cases of COVID-19 as 80 per cent vaccination milestone is reached

ABC  

The ACT has reached 80 per cent full vaccination coverage of Canberrans aged 12 and over. Key points: Six of today's cases are yet to be linked to a known source Six of today's cases are yet to be linked to a known source ACT charities say they expect an influx of donations as restrictions continue to ease ACT charities …

New WA COVID vaccination ad tackles hesitancy as tougher Victoria border restrictions flagged
3 years, 3 months ago

New WA COVID vaccination ad tackles hesitancy as tougher Victoria border restrictions flagged

ABC  

Apathy and lives unaffected by the pandemic are the reasons almost 40 per cent of West Australians are yet to get a COVID-19 vaccination, according to Vaccine Commander Chris Dawson, amid warnings travel restrictions with Victoria could soon be tightened. Key points: A new $3.6 million ad campaign to tackle vaccine hesitancy has been launched Many West Australians do not …

COVID: Sydney lockdown extended, masks required outside
3 years, 4 months ago

COVID: Sydney lockdown extended, masks required outside

India TV News  

A lockdown in Australia’s largest city was extended throughout September and tougher measures to curb the coronavirus’s delta variant were imposed Friday, including a curfew and a mask mandate outdoors. New South Wales state, which includes Sydney, reported 642 locally acquired infections in the latest 24-hour period, the fourth consecutive day of tallies exceeding 600. Elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific region: …

CIT campuses, more gyms, pubs and supermarkets added to growing ACT COVID-19 exposure sites list
3 years, 4 months ago

CIT campuses, more gyms, pubs and supermarkets added to growing ACT COVID-19 exposure sites list

ABC  

The number of Canberra sites visited by a positive COVID-19 case has ballooned to more than 100 after ACT Health updated its list of exposure sites overnight. Canberra Institute of Technology campuses in Reid and Bruce were both listed among the new sites, after three people who attended the higher education sites tested positive for COVID-19. Additional close contact exposure …

Perth COVID exposure sites updated after FIFO worker returns weak positive test
3 years, 4 months ago

Perth COVID exposure sites updated after FIFO worker returns weak positive test

ABC  

WA authorities have added six new exposure sites overnight, after a COVID scare involving a FIFO worker who returned a weak positive test yesterday. Airport, Scarborough bar of concern WA Health said anyone who had been at a number of other exposure sites visited by the man, revealed yesterday, should get tested immediately. On Saturday, after visiting the cafe in …

No lockdown as COVID case detected in Perth from FIFO worker, exposure sites released
3 years, 4 months ago

No lockdown as COVID case detected in Perth from FIFO worker, exposure sites released

ABC  

WA Premier Mark McGowan says a very weak positive case has been detected in a FIFO worker, who may have been infectious in the community in Perth. Key points: The FIFO worker was tested and returned a "weak positive" result The FIFO worker was tested and returned a "weak positive" result There are fears he may have been infectious in …

Mask foes at risk after virus case at Missouri meeting
3 years, 4 months ago

Mask foes at risk after virus case at Missouri meeting

Associated Press  

— At least one of the people who were at a boisterous St. Louis County Council meeting last week where many people spoke out against the county’s new mask requirement has COVID-19, an official said Monday, noting that contact tracers were trying to determine if other attendees were infected. Many of those who were at last Tuesday’s meeting ignored the …

EXPLAINER: Why masks are again advised for everyone indoors
3 years, 4 months ago

EXPLAINER: Why masks are again advised for everyone indoors

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Wait, we’re supposed to wear masks again? The change comes two months after the agency eased its mask advice, declaring that fully vaccinated people no longer had to cover up at indoor public places. CDC officials announced that people who are fully vaccinated should resume wearing masks indoors if they live in areas where the virus is …

Fears customers exposed to COVID-19 at Campsie shopping centre for 11 days
3 years, 4 months ago

Fears customers exposed to COVID-19 at Campsie shopping centre for 11 days

ABC  

Health authorities have identified a shopping mall in Sydney's south-west as "a key venue of concern" amid fears customers could have been exposed to COVID-19 there for 11 days. Key points: Anyone who attended the Campsie Centre between July 14 and 24 is deemed a close contact Dr McAnulty says "many people" have been exposed at the centre Shopping centre …

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