Health union joins NSW Premier's push to change mandatory COVID-19 isolation rules
2 years, 7 months ago

Health union joins NSW Premier's push to change mandatory COVID-19 isolation rules

ABC  

The union that represents workers in hospitals and the aged care sector wants to scrap mandatory COVID-19 isolation. Key points: The Health Services Union is calling for forced stay-at-home rules to be scrapped The NSW Premier is leading a push to reduce the COVID isolation period from seven days to five Some health experts argue it is too soon to abandon or reduce isolation rules Wednesday's national cabinet meeting is likely to discuss isolation periods, with NSW Premier Dom Perrottet leading the push to reduce it from seven to five days. But Health Services Union national president Gerard Hayes said it was time to move towards personal responsibility. "If we abandon all isolation rules, you're going to have people in the workplace with active COVID able to spread COVID to others. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has argued Australia risks falling behind global standards without changes to isolation rules.

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History of this topic

The US Center for Disease Control proposes to scrap its five-day COVID-19 isolation recommendations. What are the rules in Australia?
1 year, 1 month ago

The US Center for Disease Control proposes to scrap its five-day COVID-19 isolation recommendations. What are the rules in Australia?

ABC  

Americans testing positive for COVID-19 will no longer be told to stay home for five days under new rules proposed by the Center for Disease Control, local media has reported. While isolation is no longer a legal requirement, Australians who test positive for COVID-19 should also avoid "high-risk settings" like hospitals and care facilities for at least seven days "or …

The CDC may be reconsidering its COVID isolation guidance
1 year, 1 month ago

The CDC may be reconsidering its COVID isolation guidance

NPR  

The CDC may be reconsidering its COVID isolation guidance Enlarge this image toggle caption Patrick Sison/AP Patrick Sison/AP The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention may soon drop its isolation guidance for people with COVID-19. "This could actually increase COVID and long COVID cases and, to a certain extent, probably illness among high-risk individuals and thus hospitalizations and deaths," Parekh …

Matt Hancock rejected advice to cut Covid isolation as it would ‘imply we’ve been wrong’
2 years ago

Matt Hancock rejected advice to cut Covid isolation as it would ‘imply we’ve been wrong’

The Telegraph  

By the summer of 2021, mandatory isolation for contacts led to the “pingdemic”, when more than 600,000 people a week had to stay at home after the NHS Test and Trace app on their mobile phones alerted them to close contact with a Covid case. Presented with the news that the chief medical officers believed the 14-day isolation period could …

COVID-19 updates: Mandatory isolation comes to an end as Australia enters new phase of pandemic — as it happened
2 years, 5 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 plan isn't panning out the way authorities thought it would. Is it time to do more?
2 years, 8 months ago

Queensland's COVID-19 plan isn't panning out the way authorities thought it would. Is it time to do more?

ABC  

It has never been clearer that Queensland's days of being highly COVID cautious are over. "In order for us to go from the pandemic phase to an endemic phase, the virus has to be widespread," Dr Gerrard said at the time "We all have to have immunity there's two ways you can do that – by being vaccinated or getting …

Hospitals bring back Covid restrictions on patients and visitors
2 years, 8 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 …

COVID-19 cases in Queensland hospitals likely to pass 1,000, CHO says, as isolation rules change
2 years, 8 months ago

COVID-19 cases in Queensland hospitals likely to pass 1,000, CHO says, as isolation rules change

ABC  

The number of people hospitalised with COVID-19 in Queensland is likely to exceed 1,000 in coming weeks, the highest number of the pandemic so far, health authorities say. Key points: More than 2,300 Queensland health staff are off work due to COVID-19 Isolation rules around the COVID reinfection period cut from 12 weeks to four weeks Queensland CHO John Gerrard …

Queensland scraps more COVID-19 restrictions despite third wave of infections
2 years, 9 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 …

Victoria could be hitting the peak of its latest COVID-19 wave. So what comes next?
2 years, 11 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 …

NSW isolation rules for hospitality workers under review after NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard push
2 years, 11 months ago

NSW isolation rules for hospitality workers under review after NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard push

Daily Mail  

NSW could become the first state to axe Covid isolation rules after calls from the hospitality sector to free healthy workers. The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee is continuing its review of the Covid isolation rules on Wednesday after NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard pushed for NSW to drive the ease of restrictions. The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee is …

German minister backs off ending compulsory COVID isolation
2 years, 11 months ago

German minister backs off ending compulsory COVID isolation

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. Read our privacy policy Germany's health minister has backed …

Covid rules Australia: Dan Andrews and Dominic Perrottet plan huge changes ahead of winter
3 years ago

Covid rules Australia: Dan Andrews and Dominic Perrottet plan huge changes ahead of winter

Daily Mail  

Australia's Covid-19 rules are set to get a major update ahead of winter, with National Cabinet considering relaxing isolation requirements for close contacts. Australia's Covid-19 rules are set to get a major update ahead of winter, with National Cabinet considering relaxing isolation rules for close contacts If the AHPPC agrees to the plan, close contacts with mild symptoms will be …

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

Immunocompromised and disabled people ‘abandoned’ by end of Covid restrictions
3 years, 1 month ago

Immunocompromised and disabled people ‘abandoned’ by end of Covid restrictions

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. The Government is lifting restrictions without a plan to protect immunocompromised people, for who …

Britain will drop COVID-19 self-isolation requirements on Thursday, Johnson announces
3 years, 1 month ago

Britain will drop COVID-19 self-isolation requirements on Thursday, Johnson announces

NPR  

Britain will drop COVID-19 self-isolation requirements on Thursday, Johnson announces Enlarge this image toggle caption Tolga Akmen/AP Tolga Akmen/AP British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is scrapping coronavirus self-isolation rules as part of a "living with COVID" strategy, one day after Queen Elizabeth II announced she had contracted the virus. "So those who would wait for a total end to this …

New COVID-19 close contact and isolation rules to be unveiled by WA Premier Mark McGowan
3 years, 2 months ago

New COVID-19 close contact and isolation rules to be unveiled by WA Premier Mark McGowan

ABC  

Businesses are set to receive clarity today around Western Australia's close contact rules, something they say leaves them more vulnerable to shutdowns than other states and territories. Key points: The definition of a close contact is set to be changed in WA The definition of a close contact is set to be changed in WA The state's current rules are …

Changing COVID-19 health advice, barriers to testing and isolating are disadvantaging Aboriginal Territorians, say peak bodies
3 years, 2 months ago

Changing COVID-19 health advice, barriers to testing and isolating are disadvantaging Aboriginal Territorians, say peak bodies

ABC  

Many Indigenous Territorians are finding it increasingly difficult to isolate and keep up with the frequent changes to COVID-19 health advice, say leaders of Aboriginal peak bodies. Key points: AMSANT CEO John Paterson said pop-up isolation facilities could help COVID-19 patients isolate in overcrowded communities There are fears wet weather could compromise food supply in the locked-down homelands of Utopia …

SA Premier rules out supporting five-day COVID-19 isolation period at national cabinet
3 years, 2 months ago

SA Premier rules out supporting five-day COVID-19 isolation period at national cabinet

ABC  

The South Australian Premier says his government will not be signing up to a five-day isolation period for people who test positive to COVID-19. Key points: National cabinet is meeting today Reducing COVID-19 isolation to five days is expected to be discussed Steven Marshall says there are no plans in SA to even reduce it to seven days Prime Minister …

Covid isolation cut to five days in England over shortages
3 years, 2 months ago

Covid isolation cut to five days in England over shortages

Hindustan Times  

Boris Johnson’s government cut the Covid-19 self-isolation period in England to five days from seven as the surge in omicron infections sparked staff shortages at hospitals, schools and businesses. A healthcare worker wearing a PPE Kit walks inside a temporarily converted isolation ward for Covid-19 patients The reduction will take effect from Jan. 17, UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid told …

Victorian COVID-19 hospitalisations rise to 861 as 37,994 new cases, 13 deaths reported
3 years, 2 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 …

NSW has few COVID-19 restrictions, but Omicron outbreak has sparked a de facto 'lockdown'
3 years, 2 months ago

NSW has few COVID-19 restrictions, but Omicron outbreak has sparked a de facto 'lockdown'

ABC  

It's been described by an expert as a lockdown in NSW without public health orders. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet on Monday stood by his assessment of the state's health system as being "the best in the world" and in a "very strong position" to deal with the crisis. NSW Ambulance said it had been dealing with "unprecedented demand", with a …

NSW records 30,062 COVID cases and 16 deaths, isolation exemptions for critical workers introduced
3 years, 2 months ago

NSW records 30,062 COVID cases and 16 deaths, isolation exemptions for critical workers introduced

ABC  

NSW has recorded its highest number of COVID deaths in a single day since the pandemic began. Key points: Workers who are critical to the supply of essential goods now no longer have to isolate if they are a close contact with no symptoms The change to the isolation requirements comes after mass shortages of many products in supermarkets due …

NSW decision to allow critical workers who are close contacts back to work 'reckless', union says
3 years, 2 months ago

NSW decision to allow critical workers who are close contacts back to work 'reckless', union says

ABC  

The NSW government's decision to allow essential asymptomatic close contacts to come back to work without isolating is "reckless", a union says. Key points: Union says the isolation changes will cause a rise in COVID-19 infections The Premier flags the potential for similar changes in other industries if the need arises A grocery store owner says he is working close …

Reduced COVID-19 isolation for NSW healthcare staff a 'catch-up' measure to stop system 'collapsing'
3 years, 3 months ago

Reduced COVID-19 isolation for NSW healthcare staff a 'catch-up' measure to stop system 'collapsing'

ABC  

Tired and overworked healthcare workers in New South Wales were left with no choice but to support reducing the isolation rules for staff with no symptoms who had been deemed close contacts of COVID-19 cases. Key points: Expert says reducing isolation for asymptomatic healthcare staff made complete sense President of the doctors union says patients will not be put in …

No10 rules out cutting Covid self-isolation to FIVE days
3 years, 3 months ago

No10 rules out cutting Covid self-isolation to FIVE days

Daily Mail  

Boris Johnson was today told to 'be careful about changing tactics' as pressure ramped up on No10 to slash the Covid self-isolation period to five days. But the Government has said there are 'no further changes' planned On reducing the time spent in Covid quarantine Dr Michael Ryan, executive director of the World Health Organization health emergencies programme has said …

Crucial industries face 'massive disruption' under NSW COVID-19 close contact rules, expert warns
3 years, 3 months ago

Crucial industries face 'massive disruption' under NSW COVID-19 close contact rules, expert warns

ABC  

Crucial industries face "massive disruption" in coming months as more and more workers are taken out of action after being deemed close contacts, a prominent epidemiologist has warned. Key points: Industry figures say they are bracing for big challenges in the months ahead Omicron's spread is forcing thousands of exposed workers into isolation Staff shortages could impact the entire supply …

As Australia enters the 'living with COVID' phase, experts say the population needs to focus on hospitalisations, not case numbers
3 years, 5 months ago

As Australia enters the 'living with COVID' phase, experts say the population needs to focus on hospitalisations, not case numbers

ABC  

The divide could not be starker. As New South Wales "opened up to the world", on the other side of the country in the COVID-free state of WA, the population got its first early glimpse into what "living with COVID" could mean — when its hard border is lifted. The numbers As New South Wales became the first state or …

NSW COVID-19 isolation rules change, businesses given advice on enforcing vaccine rules
3 years, 5 months ago

NSW COVID-19 isolation rules change, businesses given advice on enforcing vaccine rules

ABC  

The NSW Health Minister has detailed new isolation requirements and how he expects businesses to enforce vaccination rules when the state opens back up. Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said the isolation time could be reduced because the risk of transmission was much lower among fully vaccinated people. Mr Dominello said notifications via the app would be the "starting point" …

National Cabinet considers how to deal with an influx of COVID-19 patients, with hospitals already straining
3 years, 6 months ago

National Cabinet considers how to deal with an influx of COVID-19 patients, with hospitals already straining

ABC  

There's something Mark McGowan would rather not talk about. Mr McGowan has conceded the system is under pressure but said "hundreds" of aged and disability care patients were occupying hospital beds because the federal government had failed to fund enough beds for them elsewhere. The Delta outbreak in New South Wales is putting enormous strain on the state's health system, …

NSW Health system stretched by COVID-19 Delta outbreak but Premier insists hospitals will 'cope'
3 years, 7 months ago

NSW Health system stretched by COVID-19 Delta outbreak but Premier insists hospitals will 'cope'

ABC  

The union representing health workers says the NSW Premier is "talking a big game" if she thinks the state's hospital system can withstand an expected increase in COVID-19 cases over the coming weeks. Key points: The Premier has warned October will be the state's worst month in case numbers The Premier has warned October will be the state's worst month …

More than a million Sydneysiders now in lockdown as NSW struggles to contain COVID-19 outbreak
3 years, 9 months ago

More than a million Sydneysiders now in lockdown as NSW struggles to contain COVID-19 outbreak

ABC  

More than a million people living in Sydney have woken up in lockdown as the city battles to bring the latest COVID-19 outbreak under control. Key points: Four local government areas are included in the lockdown: Waverley, Randwick, Woollahra and the CBD The partial lockdown is in place until midnight on Friday, July 2 Authorities have been able to trace …

Analysis: A virulent new strain of Covid-19 will mean more patients and sick staff for a battered NHS
4 years, 3 months ago

Analysis: A virulent new strain of Covid-19 will mean more patients and sick staff for a battered NHS

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email 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. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Faced with …

Covid: Don’t expect to escape tough restrictions this winter, Chris Whitty warns
4 years, 4 months ago

Covid: Don’t expect to escape tough restrictions this winter, Chris Whitty warns

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Professor Whitty also warned that only the harshest tier 3 regime would cut infections, with …

Self-isolation flouters could face fines for leaving house amid spike in coronavirus cases
4 years, 6 months ago

Self-isolation flouters could face fines for leaving house amid spike in coronavirus cases

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. Read our privacy policy Flouting self-isolation rules could be punishable with a fine under …

NSW is the 'gold standard' for COVID-19 management according to the PM — here's why
4 years, 6 months ago

NSW is the 'gold standard' for COVID-19 management according to the PM — here's why

ABC  

It's being dubbed Australia's coronavirus success story — open businesses, open borders, and slow infection growth. Prime Minister Scott Morrison yesterday described NSW's test-and-trace strategy as the "gold standard" in COVID-19 suppression. She also said NSW's decentralised health system of 15 local districts paved the way for better management of the virus in every pocket of Sydney and wider NSW. …

Coronavirus: People with no symptoms ‘could be forced to isolate for a fortnight’ once track and trace measures begin
4 years, 10 months ago

Coronavirus: People with no symptoms ‘could be forced to isolate for a fortnight’ once track and trace measures begin

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. Read our privacy policy People who display no symptoms of Covid-19 could be forced …

NSW coronavirus social-distancing rules introduced on public transport as authorities confirm one new death
4 years, 10 months ago

NSW coronavirus social-distancing rules introduced on public transport as authorities confirm one new death

ABC  

Busy train stations in NSW could be closed and a maximum of 12 people will be allowed on buses under new coronavirus social-distancing rules introduced by the State Government. Key points: Health authorities in NSW confirmed one new coronavirus fatality last night Health authorities in NSW confirmed one new coronavirus fatality last night It takes Australia's death toll to 99 …

Health Ministry issues guidelines for home-isolation of pre-symptomatic patients
4 years, 11 months ago

Health Ministry issues guidelines for home-isolation of pre-symptomatic patients

Op India  

On Monday, the Union Health Ministry had issued new guidelines stating that only ‘pre-symptomatic Coronavirus patients or the ones with ‘very mild’ symptoms can opt for home isolation, after being clinically determined by a medical officer. Health & Family Welfare Ministry has issued guidelines for home isolation of people who either have very mild #COVID19 symptoms or are in the …

NSW Police have not issued a single fine to isolation-breakers since new laws came into effect
5 years ago

NSW Police have not issued a single fine to isolation-breakers since new laws came into effect

Daily Mail  

Authorities have been forced to spell out social distancing guidelines to stubborn Sydneysiders who were caught flouting rules to swim and sunbathe at hotspots across the city. Police officers descended on beaches and parks across Sydney on Tuesday to crack down on social gatherings of more than two people and non-essential movements. Scroll down for video NSW Police Force and …

Who's making sure you stay in coronavirus self-isolation, and what might happen if you don't comply
5 years ago

Who's making sure you stay in coronavirus self-isolation, and what might happen if you don't comply

ABC  

Due to the spread of coronavirus, thousands of Australians are currently in self-isolation or quarantine — a list that is only likely to get longer. Should the same person transgress again, Queensland Health said it had the power "to enforce isolation at a specified location", which would generally either be that person's home or a hotel room. Victoria Police also …

Coronavirus quarantine raises questions about annual leave and workers' rights
5 years ago

Coronavirus quarantine raises questions about annual leave and workers' rights

ABC  

NSW is facing a major industrial relations headache amid the spread of coronavirus, after some State Government employees were told quarantine periods would come out of their annual leave. Key points: Employees face losing annual leave or being unpaid during quarantine An expert said it could mean vulnerable employees work through quarantine periods It comes as a Melbourne doctor continued …

Compulsory isolation will help contain coronavirus, but it poses questions about our human rights
5 years ago

Compulsory isolation will help contain coronavirus, but it poses questions about our human rights

ABC  

Note: The laws referenced in this piece are valid for UK citizens but the legal questions the piece raises remain relevant to Australian readers. In an unprecedented step, the law also creates new criminal offences for people who don't comply with detention orders, abscond from a place of isolation, supply false or misleading information or who obstruct public health officials …

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