Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination of aged care workers back under review after referral by Health Minister Greg Hunt
3 years, 7 months ago

Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination of aged care workers back under review after referral by Health Minister Greg Hunt

ABC  

The medical experts helping guide Australia's coronavirus response have been asked to reconsider whether people working in residential aged care should be required to get the vaccine. Key points: An expert panel has been asked to reconsider the mandatory vaccination of residential aged care workers An expert panel has been asked to reconsider the mandatory vaccination of residential aged care workers A man who lost his mother to COVID says the federal government has learnt nothing from the last aged care outbreak A man who lost his mother to COVID says the federal government has learnt nothing from the last aged care outbreak Private aged care staff have been working across multiple facilities after the federal government overturned a ban The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee — comprised of state and territory chief health officers and Commonwealth officials — decided against mandating vaccinations for aged care workers in January. Health Minister Greg Hunt said the mandatory vaccination of residential aged care workers has previously been discussed. Mishandling of aged care vaccine rollout slammed as 'ludicrous' As Victoria works through its fourth lockdown, Spiros Vasilakis said the unfolding outbreak in aged care homes triggered "the fear to set in" after the loss of his mother Maria during the height of the pandemic last year.

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History of this topic

Computer simulation predicts Australia's COVID-19 vaccine campaign prevented thousands of deaths before Omicron spread
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Computer simulation predicts Australia's COVID-19 vaccine campaign prevented thousands of deaths before Omicron spread

ABC  

In short: A new research study suggests the COVID-19 vaccine campaign prevented 17,760 deaths among NSW residents aged 50 years and over. A new research study suggests the COVID-19 vaccine campaign prevented 17,760 deaths among NSW residents aged 50 years and over. Their research used modelling of state and federal health department data to show the effect on over-50s in …

NSW Health review of COVID vaccine requirements could see two-dose rule dropped for healthcare workers
9 months, 2 weeks ago

NSW Health review of COVID vaccine requirements could see two-dose rule dropped for healthcare workers

ABC  

In short: The NSW government is considering waiving a two-dose minimum COVID vaccine requirement for healthcare workers. The NSW government is considering waiving a two-dose minimum COVID vaccine requirement for healthcare workers. Review supported AMA NSW president Michael Bonning said "as evidence continues to be evaluated" about COVID vaccines, requirements may become outdated. President of the Australian Medical Association's NSW …

Surge in Queensland respiratory illness prompts warning to stay away from older relatives
1 year ago

Surge in Queensland respiratory illness prompts warning to stay away from older relatives

ABC  

Queensland is experiencing an unseasonal surge in respiratory infections, prompting Chief Health Officer John Gerrard to warn people with symptoms to stay away from elderly relatives during the festive season. Key points: There are 66 people in Queensland hospitals with influenza Last week the state recorded 2,162 COVID cases and 836 of influenza There has also been a rise in …

Why thousands of Australians are getting sick right now
1 year, 1 month ago

Why thousands of Australians are getting sick right now

Daily Mail  

Australia's top professors have revealed why Covid cases are suddenly skyrocketing in every state and territory - and how you can help slow the spread of the virus this Christmas. Australia's top professors have revealed why Covid cases are suddenly skyrocketing across every state and territory There were 6,550 reported Covid cases across the country last week, with the Department …

Covid Australia: Fears grow that a new coronavirus strain is causing huge spike in hospitalisations
1 year, 2 months ago

Covid Australia: Fears grow that a new coronavirus strain is causing huge spike in hospitalisations

Daily Mail  

A new Covid subvariant could be causing a spike in hospitalisations and authorities are pleading with vulnerable and elderly patients to get booster shots to stave off the threat. Chief health officer Dr John Gerrard said the surge in cases was largely due to low booster rates in older Queenslanders and the possible emergence of a new Covid variant called …

Aged care design need a rethink and these experts say working with older Australians will help
1 year, 9 months ago

Aged care design need a rethink and these experts say working with older Australians will help

ABC  

Aged care in Australia is at a crisis point. Some say the problems in Australia's aged care crisis could be addressed by considering the experience of older Australians. "This is not a good service model," Mike Rungie, the director of the Global Centre for Modern Ageing and a former aged care CEO, tells ABC RN's Big Ideas. This would prioritise …

Health care vaccine mandate remains as some push for an end
1 year, 10 months ago

Health care vaccine mandate remains as some push for an end

Associated Press  

— At Truman Lake Manor in rural Missouri, every day begins the same way for every employee entering the nursing home’s doors — with a swab up the nose, a swirl of testing solution and a brief wait to see whether a thin red line appears indicating a positive COVID-19 case. An inspector subsequently cited it for violating the federal …

Health care vaccine mandate remains as some push for an end
1 year, 10 months ago

Health care vaccine mandate remains as some push for an end

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. An inspector subsequently cited it for violating the federal …

Every care home in England visited by coronavirus and flu vaccine teams – NHS
2 years ago

Every care home in England visited by coronavirus and flu vaccine teams – NHS

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. Care home residents are among those we prioritised at the start of this rollout …

Matt Hancock's Pandemic Diaries EXCLUSIVE EXTRACT
2 years, 1 month ago

Matt Hancock's Pandemic Diaries EXCLUSIVE EXTRACT

Daily Mail  

He's been the target of so much public anger over Covid. Boris Johnson's advisor Dominic Cummings, pictured in Downing Street on March 12th 2020 Friday, March 13 A call with my fellow G7 Health Ministers. At least 40 care homes have knowingly been using staff with Covid Friday, March 13 2020 Simon Stevens says frail elderly patients who don't need …

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 …

No Covid restrictions needed yet, Health Min. says as vaccinations open to everyone 12+
2 years, 2 months ago

No Covid restrictions needed yet, Health Min. says as vaccinations open to everyone 12+

NL Times  

Companies and organizations don’t have to take measures against the coronavirus yet but are free to do so if they wish. People between the ages of 40 and 60 can make an appointment next week, and “in principle the week after,” everyone from 12 to 40 can do so, Kuipers said. But according to Kuipers, it is ‘not yet necessary …

Australia is now living with COVID-19, but in aged care, thousands are dying with it
2 years, 3 months ago

Australia is now living with COVID-19, but in aged care, thousands are dying with it

ABC  

They're known as the Silent Generation: Australia's elders often have a reputation for copping hard knocks on the chin without complaint – but they’re also among our most vulnerable. Key points: While the COVID death rate in aged care has significantly decreased in 2022, the number of total deaths has increased exponentially Advocates say not enough people are aware of …

Inactive AFLW player and nurse Deni Varnhagen's COVID-19 vaccine mandate challenge dismissed by SA Supreme Court
2 years, 3 months ago

Inactive AFLW player and nurse Deni Varnhagen's COVID-19 vaccine mandate challenge dismissed by SA Supreme Court

ABC  

A legal challenge to South Australia's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for healthcare workers has been dismissed by the Supreme Court in Adelaide. Key points: Deni Varnhagen and another nurse went to court after losing their jobs when they refused to get COVID-19 vaccines The SA government changed the legislation the mandate was brought under The judge agreed with the government's application …

Australia Defence Force COVID help in aged care needed beyond September, sector says
2 years, 5 months ago

Australia Defence Force COVID help in aged care needed beyond September, sector says

ABC  

Australia's peak body for aged care providers has flagged the sector will need help from defence personnel beyond its September extension date. Key points: Aged care facilities with COVID-19 outbreaks can receive help from the Australian Defence Force Peak body says staff shortages will likely continue beyond September A Stawell aged care facility that received support says personnel were "a …

COVID-19 outbreaks force 'desperate' extension of defence force support in aged care
2 years, 5 months ago

COVID-19 outbreaks force 'desperate' extension of defence force support in aged care

ABC  

Defence personnel will be kept in aged care facilities for another two months, as staffing shortages continue amid the ongoing winter surge in COVID-19 cases. Key points: More than a thousand aged care facilities are facing COVID-19 outbreaks The Defence Minister says it is an extreme response and not a long-term solution An extra 250 personnel will also be deployed …

More than 1,000 active COVID-19 outbreaks in Australia's aged care sector, with Queensland second highest, taking toll on staff and residents
2 years, 5 months ago

More than 1,000 active COVID-19 outbreaks in Australia's aged care sector, with Queensland second highest, taking toll on staff and residents

ABC  

Aged care providers are "very concerned" rising COVID-19 outbreaks in the sector could be similar or worse than outbreaks seen earlier in the pandemic. Key points: Aged care providers are calling for more support as cases surge Unions say the workforce is "exhausted" and knows more work is to come The sector has asked the government to extend the availability …

How aged care residents and staff are coping in the face of another COVID-19 wave
2 years, 5 months ago

How aged care residents and staff are coping in the face of another COVID-19 wave

ABC  

For Michael North, life in aged care comes with a sense of isolation from the rest of the community. 'It can be heartbreaking' Alicia Shepherd is the service manager at Uniting The Marion Leichhardt in Sydney, an aged care home that has just come out of lockdown, something she says happens "once every couple of weeks". "It's not normal in …

Hospitals bring back Covid restrictions on patients and visitors
2 years, 5 months ago

Hospitals bring back Covid restrictions on patients and visitors

Daily Mail  

Hospitals in New South Wales are already implementing their own Covid mandates despite no official orders from government. Dr Ashford said the current situation is 'more serious now than ever' and urged the government to move quickly on implementing new measures There is also widespread outrage over the federal government's decision to scrap pandemic leave payments and free RAT tests …

Government to rely on antivirals to protect against winter wave of COVID in aged care, as defence support ends
2 years, 5 months ago

Government to rely on antivirals to protect against winter wave of COVID in aged care, as defence support ends

ABC  

Federal Aged Care Minister Anika Wells says the government has come up with a plan to protect aged care residents from the COVID wave set to sweep the country. Key points: More than 800 aged care homes are facing COVID outbreaks The government hopes supplies of antivirals will protect residents through winter Defence personnel will exit the sector next month …

COVID-19 outbreaks could hit two-thirds of Queensland's aged care facilities in third wave of Omicron
2 years, 5 months ago

COVID-19 outbreaks could hit two-thirds of Queensland's aged care facilities in third wave of Omicron

ABC  

More than 160 Queensland residential aged care facilities are dealing with active COVID-19 outbreaks, with the third Omicron wave threatening to hit harder than the January peak. Key points: The last two weeks of July and all of August are expected to be "high-risk periods for aged care" A key concern in the latest COVID wave is the impact on …

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 …

Queensland scraps more COVID-19 restrictions despite third wave of infections
2 years, 6 months ago

Queensland scraps more COVID-19 restrictions despite third wave of infections

ABC  

Many of Queensland's remaining COVID-19 restrictions have eased from today despite health authorities confirming the state is experiencing a third wave of new cases of the virus. Unless required by their employer, vaccinations will no longer be mandatory for workers in high-risk settings, such as early childhood centres, schools, outside school care, correctional facilities, and airports. A vaccine mandate remains …

COVID-19 vaccine mandates axed for most WA workers as businesses pick up the pieces
2 years, 6 months ago

COVID-19 vaccine mandates axed for most WA workers as businesses pick up the pieces

ABC  

Less than six months after WA's workplace vaccine mandates started applying to her business, Loren McMath is in two minds over their removal today. According to WA's Chief Health Officer Andy Robertson, that meant there was "little additional benefit to continuing to apply a vaccination mandate beyond a few workforces". "The workforce vaccination mandates have undoubtedly made a significant contribution …

WA's mandatory COVID-19 vaccination rules set to stay as experts see no reason to change
2 years, 7 months ago

WA's mandatory COVID-19 vaccination rules set to stay as experts see no reason to change

ABC  

Throughout the ebb and flow of WA's various COVID restrictions, one rule has remained steady for months now — workplace vaccination requirements. Key points: Most WA workers need to have been triple-dose vaccinated from today Most WA workers need to have been triple-dose vaccinated from today Experts agree the workplace mandate should remain for now Experts agree the workplace mandate …

Western Australia's COVID-19 cases in hospital surge past 300 amid calls for restrictions to be reintroduced
2 years, 7 months ago

Western Australia's COVID-19 cases in hospital surge past 300 amid calls for restrictions to be reintroduced

ABC  

Peak medical groups have renewed their calls for the West Australian government to reinstate public health measures, warning of a "system collapse" from the state's current trajectory of COVID-19 hospitalisations. Key points: Western Australia's number of COVID-19 hospital cases remains manageable, according to the Health Minister Western Australia's number of COVID-19 hospital cases remains manageable, according to the Health Minister …

Experts attribute Victoria's COVID-19 rate rise to change in weather, waning immunity
2 years, 7 months ago

Experts attribute Victoria's COVID-19 rate rise to change in weather, waning immunity

ABC  

As Victorians emerged from two years largely defined by lockdowns, the start of 2022 was marked by the sharp rise and fall of cases as a wave of Omicron swept through. She said there wasn't an "appetite" to bring back restrictions like indoor mask-wearing, but encouraged people to take steps to protect themselves by wearing "high quality, well-ventilating" masks. COVID-19 …

Victoria could be hitting the peak of its latest COVID-19 wave. So what comes next?
2 years, 8 months ago

Victoria could be hitting the peak of its latest COVID-19 wave. So what comes next?

ABC  

Over the past few days, a barely perceptible trend has emerged in Victoria's daily tally of COVID-19 infections. "Hopefully we only ever replace one case with less than one now and we'll keep that reproductive number below one and see the numbers come down," Professor Bennett says. Professor Blakely says that's because while vaccines stop people getting seriously ill, "they …

As Queensland's COVID-19 vaccine mandates ease in social settings, they still apply to many workers
2 years, 9 months ago

As Queensland's COVID-19 vaccine mandates ease in social settings, they still apply to many workers

ABC  

Mary Cullinane loved her job working with people with disabilities, but she left it when vaccine mandates were introduced. Key points: Ms Cullinane was told by her Russian doctors vaccines could reactivate her MS She was not given a vaccine exemption Vaccine rules change next week, but mandates remain for certain places and sectors "I was very good at my …

I Was A COVID Doctor. Here's The One Thing I Refuse To Do As We 'Get Back To Normal.'
2 years, 9 months ago

I Was A COVID Doctor. Here's The One Thing I Refuse To Do As We 'Get Back To Normal.'

Huff Post  

A nurse gives medication to a patient with COVID-19 in the medical intensive care unit at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center on April 24, 2020, in New York City. Health care workers are not OK. As the transition back to “normal” begins, our clinics — echoing the rest of the nation — are moving toward a new stage of the …

Life is returning to normal, but many older Australians still harbour 'perfectly reasonable' fears about COVID
2 years, 10 months ago

Life is returning to normal, but many older Australians still harbour 'perfectly reasonable' fears about COVID

ABC  

It has taken Christine Banks many years, but drawing on her "grit and determination" and undergoing therapy has enabled her to counter the effects of conditions she suffers, such as PTSD and depression. St Vincent's Hospital's head of geriatric medicine Richard Kane said both age alone and underlying conditions more common in older people heightened the risk of serious illness …

Queensland Fire and Emergency Service rules out mandating COVID-19 vaccines as state records 6,596 new cases
2 years, 10 months ago

Queensland Fire and Emergency Service rules out mandating COVID-19 vaccines as state records 6,596 new cases

ABC  

Queensland Fire and Emergency Service has ruled out enforcing COVID-19 vaccinations for its staff, months after mandates were put in place across Queensland. Key points: The state recorded 12 more COVID-19 deaths but hospital numbers were down The union says about 90 per cent of firies were already fully vaccinated A geriatric ward of the Maryborough Hospital is in lockdown …

Australian Defence Force to be sent into aged care facilities to ease staffing pressures
2 years, 11 months ago

Australian Defence Force to be sent into aged care facilities to ease staffing pressures

ABC  

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the government will send the Australian Defence Force into aged care homes to ease severe staff shortages in the sector. Key points: Up to 1,700 Defence staff will be sent to help aged care workers The ADF will provide clinical and logistical care, as well as carrying out general duties The government maintains the ADF …

Queensland records 10 new COVID-19 deaths and 7,588 new cases, concerns raised about rollout of boosters to aged care residents
2 years, 11 months ago

Queensland records 10 new COVID-19 deaths and 7,588 new cases, concerns raised about rollout of boosters to aged care residents

ABC  

Queensland's Health Minister says she is "very concerned" about the number of aged care residents who have not received a COVID-19 booster shot, after eight more aged care residents died from the disease. Key points: Hospitalisations are slightly up in the public system, but the Chief Health Officer said he was not too concerned The Health Minister says she did …

Government plans to scrap mandatory jab requirement in health and social care
2 years, 11 months ago

Government plans to scrap mandatory jab requirement in health and social care

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The requirement for care home …

Government plans to scrap mandatory jab requirement in...
2 years, 11 months ago

Government plans to scrap mandatory jab requirement in...

Daily Mail  

The Government plans to scrap the requirement for health and social care workers in England to be vaccinated against coronavirus to continue in their roles following a consultation. The requirement for care home staff to have two doses came into force last November, with one charity accusing the Government of using the sector as “the trial run for the NHS”. …

COVID-19 booster rollout in NSW aged care too slow to prevent deaths, peak body says
2 years, 11 months ago

COVID-19 booster rollout in NSW aged care too slow to prevent deaths, peak body says

ABC  

Australia should have been better prepared for another COVID-19 variant such as Omicron, in order to help stop the high number of deaths in New South Wales nursing homes, a peak national aged care group says. Key points: Out of the 31 aged care residents people whose deaths were reported on Sunday, just two had received booster shots A national …

Queenslanders urged to get flu shot as authorities brace for season dealing with influenza and COVID-19
2 years, 11 months ago

Queenslanders urged to get flu shot as authorities brace for season dealing with influenza and COVID-19

ABC  

Queensland experts are bracing for a double whammy of COVID-19 and flu as the weather cools down leading into winter and international borders reopen, putting even more pressure on the state's stretched hospital system. Key points: Authorities anticipate a flu resurgence in 2022 with the reopening of Queensland's borders People need to have a separate influenza shot on top of …

COVID-19 spreads to second Northern Territory aged care centre, with cases detected in Darwin's Regis Tiwi and Alice Springs' Old Timers Village
2 years, 11 months ago

COVID-19 spreads to second Northern Territory aged care centre, with cases detected in Darwin's Regis Tiwi and Alice Springs' Old Timers Village

ABC  

There are concerns about the spread of coronavirus in the Northern Territory's aged care sector after a second nursing home recorded cases this week, including one in a resident. Key points: Regis Tiwi has become the second Northern Territory aged care centre with COVID-19 cases, along with Alice Springs' Old Timers Advocates hold concerns about the Territory's aged care sector's …

Victorian COVID-19 close contact exemption expands for more workers as Omicron wave rages
2 years, 11 months ago

Victorian COVID-19 close contact exemption expands for more workers as Omicron wave rages

ABC  

Thousands more Victorians will be able to go to work after being exposed to COVID-19 at home, as the state government tries to counter significant disruption to essential services caused by the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. Key points: Household contacts of COVID-19 cases who work in education, transport, utilities and emergency services will be able to go to …

Victorian COVID-19 hospitalisations rise to 861 as 37,994 new cases, 13 deaths reported
2 years, 11 months ago

Victorian COVID-19 hospitalisations rise to 861 as 37,994 new cases, 13 deaths reported

ABC  

The number of COVID-19 patients in Victorian hospitals has hit a new pandemic high, as the wave of Omicron infections continues to place pressure on the healthcare system. Key points: There are more than 170,000 active cases in Victoria, sending thousands of workers into isolation Health services are struggling to maintain staffing as COVID-19 hospitalisations continue to rise The Premier …

COVID-19 vaccinations for NSW children delayed or cancelled as Sydney clinics hit with delivery issues
2 years, 11 months ago

COVID-19 vaccinations for NSW children delayed or cancelled as Sydney clinics hit with delivery issues

ABC  

Suzannah Nicholson's seven-year-old son, Angus, was due to get his first COVID-19 jab today at their local GP clinic in Glebe in Sydney's inner-west. Key points: Dr Danielle McMullen says vaccinations for 5-11-year-olds will not be completed before school starts Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt says there are three million vaccines available for this age group In the 12-15-year age …

Victorian COVID-19 hospitalisations rise to 818 as state reports 34,808 cases and two deaths
2 years, 11 months ago

Victorian COVID-19 hospitalisations rise to 818 as state reports 34,808 cases and two deaths

ABC  

The Victorian government has announced a raft of changes to tackle the effects of the Omicron outbreak in the state. Key points: Changes including a mandate for a third vaccine dose for some workers will come into effect at 11:59pm Wednesday evening Indoor dancefloors at entertainment and hospitality venues will no longer be allowed, with weddings exempt Close contacts involved …

SA records five deaths, as hospitalisations also rise with 16 people in ICU
3 years ago

SA records five deaths, as hospitalisations also rise with 16 people in ICU

ABC  

South Australia has reported five deaths from COVID-19 and a new daily record of 4,274 cases. Key points: South Australia reports a new daily record with 4,274 cases Five more people have died from COVID in the state Premier Steven Marshall said testing times have reduced despite more than 24,000 tests being carried out Premier Steven Marshall said the deaths …

As Omicron moves in, Australia is facing a predictable tragedy in aged care
3 years ago

As Omicron moves in, Australia is facing a predictable tragedy in aged care

ABC  

Today, there are tens of thousands of elderly people sitting alone in their bedrooms in nursing homes — some with COVID, more being tested, others stuck there because of management's well-founded fears. The Aged Care Royal Commission set out comprehensive recommendations to avert such a disaster by increasing staff numbers and paying proper wages, ensuring up-to-date vaccinations and giving families …

As Novak Djokovic's entry into Australia is denied, here's a look at the country's strict COVID-19 restrictions
3 years ago

As Novak Djokovic's entry into Australia is denied, here's a look at the country's strict COVID-19 restrictions

Firstpost  

The Serbian Tennis star’s chance to play for a 10th Australian Open title has been thrown into limbo after the country cancelled his entry visa after a public outcry over his ‘medical exemption’ On Thursday morning, one of the Tennis world’s top players, Novak Djokovic was detained at Melbourne Airport after Australia announced that it had cancelled his entry visa …

Victoria records 8,577 new COVID-19 cases, three deaths as hospitalisations rise
3 years ago

Victoria records 8,577 new COVID-19 cases, three deaths as hospitalisations rise

ABC  

Victorians are being urged to book in their booster and child vaccinations as soon as possible, in a bid to suppress a wave of hospitalisations as Omicron infections surge to record levels. Key points: Around one in five COVID-19 PCR tests are now returning positive results There are 38,118 active cases of the virus and 718 people have died during …

Australia Covid-19: Scott Morrison rules out new lockdowns despite rising cases and Omicron fears
3 years ago

Australia Covid-19: Scott Morrison rules out new lockdowns despite rising cases and Omicron fears

CNN  

CNN — For two years, Australia avoided the worst of the coronavirus pandemic thanks to strict border controls and prolonged lockdowns. On Tuesday, the country’s most populous state reported its highest new daily caseload of the pandemic, and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison called an emergency National Cabinet meeting to discuss the rising infections. The World Health Organization said on …

Sydney and Melbourne relaxing isolation rules for fully vaccinated international travelers
3 years ago

Sydney and Melbourne relaxing isolation rules for fully vaccinated international travelers

CNN  

CNN — Fully vaccinated international travelers arriving in Sydney and Melbourne will no longer have to quarantine for 72 hours starting Tuesday, December 21, Australian government officials announced Thursday. In a joint statement, the premiers of New South Wales and Victoria said international travelers who are fully vaccinated will instead be required to show proof of a negative result from …

Arguments over COVID vaccines could drive rise in family breakdowns, counsellors warn
3 years ago

Arguments over COVID vaccines could drive rise in family breakdowns, counsellors warn

ABC  

Relationship counsellors say the increasing need for a COVID-19 vaccination to work, travel and dine out may begin to tear families apart if they cannot settle on a mutual decision. Key points: Relationship counsellors are expecting a surge in families needing support to navigate COVID-19 vaccine decisions They say the decision on whether to vaccinate young children can be challenging …

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