This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2020/apr/04/coronavirus-australia-live-news-nsw-health-defends-handling-of-ruby-princess-as-more-cases-confirmed-latest-update
The article has changed 21 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 6 | Version 7 |
|---|---|
| Coronavirus Australia live news: NSW health minister defends senior staff over Ruby Princess decision – latest update | Coronavirus Australia live news: NSW health minister defends senior staff over Ruby Princess decision – latest update |
| (32 minutes later) | |
| Department announces 342 Covid-19 cases linked to cruise ship, saying transmission ‘could not have prevented by NSW Health staff’ | Department announces 342 Covid-19 cases linked to cruise ship, saying transmission ‘could not have prevented by NSW Health staff’ |
| Tasmania has recorded six new cases overnight, including two regional hospital staff. The state government has announced an investigation into the situation. The tally in Tasmania is now 80. | |
| The total number of cases in Victoria is 1115 – an increase of 30 from yesterday. | |
| Last night a woman in her 70s died in hospital, taking the number of people who have died in Victoria from coronavirus to eight. The total number of cases in the state includes 587 men and 528 women. Cases range in age from babies to people in their early 90s. | |
| There are 73 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Victoria that may have been acquired through community transmission. More than 54,000 tests have been conducted to date. Currently 42 people are in hospital – including 10 patients in intensive care – and 527 people have recovered. Of the 1115 cases, there have been 894 in Melbourne and 209 in regional Victoria. A number of cases remain under investigation. | |
| Over to Victoria now where health minister Jenny Mikakos is giving an update. She says police carried out 391 checks on return travellers and of those 99 people were not at home. She says: | |
| OK I’m going to leave that NSW Health press conference there because it’s going around in circles and there are sound issues, plus there are a few updates that have come through in the meantime from Queensland. We will have a full story on that NSW press conference up a bit later, where the health minister defended senior health staff over the handling of the Ruby Princess cruise ship, saying they had made difficult decisions under immense pressure. | OK I’m going to leave that NSW Health press conference there because it’s going around in circles and there are sound issues, plus there are a few updates that have come through in the meantime from Queensland. We will have a full story on that NSW press conference up a bit later, where the health minister defended senior health staff over the handling of the Ruby Princess cruise ship, saying they had made difficult decisions under immense pressure. |
| But in Queensland there have been 27 new cases overnight, raising the state total to 900. The majority of cases are from patients who have travelled overseas, or have had direct contact with a confirmed case who had travelled overseas. | But in Queensland there have been 27 new cases overnight, raising the state total to 900. The majority of cases are from patients who have travelled overseas, or have had direct contact with a confirmed case who had travelled overseas. |
| Meanwhile Palm Island police have arrested and charged five men with breaches of the Biosecurity Act and chief health officer Queensland directions. | Meanwhile Palm Island police have arrested and charged five men with breaches of the Biosecurity Act and chief health officer Queensland directions. |
| On March 26, a determination was made under the Biosecurity Act restricting non-essential travel to designated remote communities, which included the community of Palm Island. Police allege that five men departed Palm Island in a private dingy on March 30 and travelled to Townsville. Townsville police spoke to the men and advised them they were not permitted to return to Palm Island. | On March 26, a determination was made under the Biosecurity Act restricting non-essential travel to designated remote communities, which included the community of Palm Island. Police allege that five men departed Palm Island in a private dingy on March 30 and travelled to Townsville. Townsville police spoke to the men and advised them they were not permitted to return to Palm Island. |
| Police will allege all five men were located on Palm Island on April 3. | Police will allege all five men were located on Palm Island on April 3. |
| Three men aged 19 and two men aged 30 and 46 have been arrested and charged with one count each of failing to comply with an emergency requirement and failing to comply with Covid-19 public health directions. | Three men aged 19 and two men aged 30 and 46 have been arrested and charged with one count each of failing to comply with an emergency requirement and failing to comply with Covid-19 public health directions. |
| One of the 19-year-old men was also charged with possessing dangerous drugs and two counts of supplying dangerous drugs (methamphetamines and cannabis). The 30-year-old man was also charged with possession of cannabis. | One of the 19-year-old men was also charged with possessing dangerous drugs and two counts of supplying dangerous drugs (methamphetamines and cannabis). The 30-year-old man was also charged with possession of cannabis. |
| All five men have been denied police bail and are due to appear in the Townsville Magistrates Court tomorrow. | All five men have been denied police bail and are due to appear in the Townsville Magistrates Court tomorrow. |
| Townsville district disaster coordinator, acting chief superintendent Glen Pointing said: “The reckless actions of a few have placed the remainder of the Palm Island community at risk.” | Townsville district disaster coordinator, acting chief superintendent Glen Pointing said: “The reckless actions of a few have placed the remainder of the Palm Island community at risk.” |
| “It is even more disappointing given the great work undertaken by the Palm Island council and broader community in putting measures in place to ensure their island is protected,” he said | “It is even more disappointing given the great work undertaken by the Palm Island council and broader community in putting measures in place to ensure their island is protected,” he said |
| It’s also important to note that no ship has the capacity to test for Covid-19 on board. | It’s also important to note that no ship has the capacity to test for Covid-19 on board. |
| NSW health minister Brad Hazzard says New South Wales Health had assured him back on 14 February that they had stepped up their protocols. A when the new federal protocol came out, what New South Wales health was doing was actually far higher than those protocols. Under the federal protocol in place from 6 March, it was entirely discretionary as to whether those processes had to be followed. Hazzard says he’s: | NSW health minister Brad Hazzard says New South Wales Health had assured him back on 14 February that they had stepped up their protocols. A when the new federal protocol came out, what New South Wales health was doing was actually far higher than those protocols. Under the federal protocol in place from 6 March, it was entirely discretionary as to whether those processes had to be followed. Hazzard says he’s: |
| Given the risk assessment they did – regardless of federal advice they did not have to do an assessment – the NSW Health staff decided the ship was low risk as only flu was found, and at non-outbreak levels. However, they did order everyone to go home and self-isolate anyway, the chief health officer Kerry Chant says. | Given the risk assessment they did – regardless of federal advice they did not have to do an assessment – the NSW Health staff decided the ship was low risk as only flu was found, and at non-outbreak levels. However, they did order everyone to go home and self-isolate anyway, the chief health officer Kerry Chant says. |
| I have to say NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant is doing a tough job here, calmly explaining the steps that led to senior public health officials making the decisions they did about the Ruby Princess cruise ship while the health minister takes a back seat. One reporter in particular keeps jumping in giving her a grilling and calling on her to resign. It needs to be said that Australia Border Force also had a role to play in this saga – it’s not all on NSW Health who were following protocol and assessment processes in place at the time. Chant says: | I have to say NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant is doing a tough job here, calmly explaining the steps that led to senior public health officials making the decisions they did about the Ruby Princess cruise ship while the health minister takes a back seat. One reporter in particular keeps jumping in giving her a grilling and calling on her to resign. It needs to be said that Australia Border Force also had a role to play in this saga – it’s not all on NSW Health who were following protocol and assessment processes in place at the time. Chant says: |
| A reporter asks NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant – who has worked tirelessly since the epidemic began – why her resignation isn’t on the premier’s desk over NSW Health’s handling of the Ruby Princess. Hazzard answers the question, saying: | A reporter asks NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant – who has worked tirelessly since the epidemic began – why her resignation isn’t on the premier’s desk over NSW Health’s handling of the Ruby Princess. Hazzard answers the question, saying: |
| Hazzard is now addressing criticisms of the handling of the Ruby Princess following reports overnight that NSW Health advisors let passengers disembark from the ship after exchanging emails with its physician and assessing the ship as “low risk”. A chain of emails has been leaked that indicate the department knew about the risk of coronavirus aboard the cruise. Seven of the ship’s passengers have now died after getting the virus and more than 600 passenger are infected. Hazzard is angry at the criticisms, and has defended the handling of the situation by senior NSW Health staff. | Hazzard is now addressing criticisms of the handling of the Ruby Princess following reports overnight that NSW Health advisors let passengers disembark from the ship after exchanging emails with its physician and assessing the ship as “low risk”. A chain of emails has been leaked that indicate the department knew about the risk of coronavirus aboard the cruise. Seven of the ship’s passengers have now died after getting the virus and more than 600 passenger are infected. Hazzard is angry at the criticisms, and has defended the handling of the situation by senior NSW Health staff. |
| NSW health minister Brad Hazzard is once again having a go at young people for disobeying social distancing measures. However, people of all ages have been seen breaking social distancing rules. However, Hazzard says: | NSW health minister Brad Hazzard is once again having a go at young people for disobeying social distancing measures. However, people of all ages have been seen breaking social distancing rules. However, Hazzard says: |
| No doubt once this update and chastising of young people is over Hazzard will face a grilling over the handling of the Ruby Princess cruise ship saga. | No doubt once this update and chastising of young people is over Hazzard will face a grilling over the handling of the Ruby Princess cruise ship saga. |
| The NSW health minister Brad Hazzard made orders last night that there will be slight changes to funeral arrangements. Up until last night a funeral could have a total of 10 people including funeral staff and a celebrant or priest. Upon reflection and working with Victoria and the way that state has implemented the rules, Hazzard says there will now be 10 people allowed in attendance at funerals in addition to those officiating the service. | The NSW health minister Brad Hazzard made orders last night that there will be slight changes to funeral arrangements. Up until last night a funeral could have a total of 10 people including funeral staff and a celebrant or priest. Upon reflection and working with Victoria and the way that state has implemented the rules, Hazzard says there will now be 10 people allowed in attendance at funerals in addition to those officiating the service. |
| Hazzard has also clarified that caravan parks in NSW can be used by overnight travellers by people, working in the local area and by people whose primary place of residence is unavailable. For example, some people lost their primary homes in bushfires, Hazzard said. He continues: | Hazzard has also clarified that caravan parks in NSW can be used by overnight travellers by people, working in the local area and by people whose primary place of residence is unavailable. For example, some people lost their primary homes in bushfires, Hazzard said. He continues: |
| As of 8pm Friday there are a further 104 confirmed cases in NSW, the health minister says. Those additional cases make a total of 2,493. In the past 24 hours more than 3,500 tests have been carried out in NSW. That means 117,633 tests have now been undertaken in the state. | As of 8pm Friday there are a further 104 confirmed cases in NSW, the health minister says. Those additional cases make a total of 2,493. In the past 24 hours more than 3,500 tests have been carried out in NSW. That means 117,633 tests have now been undertaken in the state. |
| Twelve people have died from Covid-19 in NSW. | Twelve people have died from Covid-19 in NSW. |
| We mentioned that abrasive press conference from US president Donald Trump a little earlier. Here is more from the reporter Trump attacked. | We mentioned that abrasive press conference from US president Donald Trump a little earlier. Here is more from the reporter Trump attacked. |
| Acting immigration minister Alan Tudge said the government is making a number of changes to temporary visa holder arrangements. There are 2.17 million people presently in Australia on a temporary visa. There are more than 8,000 skilled medical professionals on temporary visas supporting the health system. | Acting immigration minister Alan Tudge said the government is making a number of changes to temporary visa holder arrangements. There are 2.17 million people presently in Australia on a temporary visa. There are more than 8,000 skilled medical professionals on temporary visas supporting the health system. |
| While citizens, permanent residents and many New Zealanders have access to unconditional work rights and government payments (including the new jobkeeper and jobseeker payments), temporary visa holders do not. There has always been an expectation that temporary visa holders are able to support themselves while in Australia. | While citizens, permanent residents and many New Zealanders have access to unconditional work rights and government payments (including the new jobkeeper and jobseeker payments), temporary visa holders do not. There has always been an expectation that temporary visa holders are able to support themselves while in Australia. |
| But changes announced by the government today will help support those who may be stood down or lose work hours as a result of Covid-19. In line with changes being made for Australian citizens and permanent residents, most temporary visa holders with work rights will now be able to access their Australian superannuation to help support themselves during this crisis. | But changes announced by the government today will help support those who may be stood down or lose work hours as a result of Covid-19. In line with changes being made for Australian citizens and permanent residents, most temporary visa holders with work rights will now be able to access their Australian superannuation to help support themselves during this crisis. |
| Temporary visa holders who are unable to support themselves under these arrangements over the next six months are being strongly encouraged by the government to return home. | Temporary visa holders who are unable to support themselves under these arrangements over the next six months are being strongly encouraged by the government to return home. |
| International students are able to work up to 40 hours per fortnight. Those students working in aged care, as nurses and in supermarkets have now had these hours extended to support critical sectors. From 1 May, their hours willreturn to the maximum 40 hours a fortnight as more Australians are being recruited into these roles. | International students are able to work up to 40 hours per fortnight. Those students working in aged care, as nurses and in supermarkets have now had these hours extended to support critical sectors. From 1 May, their hours willreturn to the maximum 40 hours a fortnight as more Australians are being recruited into these roles. |
| New Zealanders who are on 444 visas and arrived before 26 February 2001 will have access to welfare payments and the jobkeeper payment. Those who arrived after 2001 have access to the jobkeeper payment. They do nothave access to jobseeker or other welfare payments. | New Zealanders who are on 444 visas and arrived before 26 February 2001 will have access to welfare payments and the jobkeeper payment. Those who arrived after 2001 have access to the jobkeeper payment. They do nothave access to jobseeker or other welfare payments. |
| Temporary skilled visa holders who have been stood down, but not laid off, will maintain their visa validity and businesses will have the opportunity to extend their visa as per normal arrangements. They will also be able to access up to $10,000 superannuation this financial year. | Temporary skilled visa holders who have been stood down, but not laid off, will maintain their visa validity and businesses will have the opportunity to extend their visa as per normal arrangements. They will also be able to access up to $10,000 superannuation this financial year. |
| And as we mentioned earlier, temporary visa changes to secure food supply and support farmers have also been announced. | And as we mentioned earlier, temporary visa changes to secure food supply and support farmers have also been announced. |
| The Victorian health minister Jenny Mikakos and the state’s deputy chief health officer are due to give an update at noon AEDT. | The Victorian health minister Jenny Mikakos and the state’s deputy chief health officer are due to give an update at noon AEDT. |
| In the meantime, Victoria Police have issued a statement saying police conducted 707 spot checks at homes, businesses and non-essential services across the state in the past 24 hours. Twenty-five fines have been issued in that time. The total number of fines is now 57. Since 21 March, police have conducted a total of 12,541 spot checks. | In the meantime, Victoria Police have issued a statement saying police conducted 707 spot checks at homes, businesses and non-essential services across the state in the past 24 hours. Twenty-five fines have been issued in that time. The total number of fines is now 57. Since 21 March, police have conducted a total of 12,541 spot checks. |
| The federal government will provide $32.5m to states and territories to immediately bolster frontline services to protect those most at risk of domestic violence as a result of living changes enforced due to the coronavirus pandemic. | The federal government will provide $32.5m to states and territories to immediately bolster frontline services to protect those most at risk of domestic violence as a result of living changes enforced due to the coronavirus pandemic. |
| This week the inaugural Council of Australian Governments Women’s Safety Council was held. It was agreed that, as a priority, funding should be directed to safer housing and emergency accommodation, counselling and outreach, crisis support and helplines as well as men’s behavioural change programs and other perpetrator interventions. | This week the inaugural Council of Australian Governments Women’s Safety Council was held. It was agreed that, as a priority, funding should be directed to safer housing and emergency accommodation, counselling and outreach, crisis support and helplines as well as men’s behavioural change programs and other perpetrator interventions. |
| This initial round of funding includes a fixed 3% payment to all states and territories with the remainder provided on a per capita basis with a small contingency set aside. The money will flow this month to support services through to 30 June. | This initial round of funding includes a fixed 3% payment to all states and territories with the remainder provided on a per capita basis with a small contingency set aside. The money will flow this month to support services through to 30 June. |
| $20m has already been committed to Commonwealth funded initiatives including 1800RESPECT, Mensline and a new national information campaign with clear information on where Australians experiencing violence during this period can access support. | $20m has already been committed to Commonwealth funded initiatives including 1800RESPECT, Mensline and a new national information campaign with clear information on where Australians experiencing violence during this period can access support. |
| It follows a report on Thursday from Women’s Safety NSW that the impact of Covid-19 was significant, with a higher percentage of frontline domestic violence workers reporting: | It follows a report on Thursday from Women’s Safety NSW that the impact of Covid-19 was significant, with a higher percentage of frontline domestic violence workers reporting: |
| An increase in client numbers overall (50% up from 41% the week prior) | An increase in client numbers overall (50% up from 41% the week prior) |
| Increasing complexity of client needs (75% up from 70.8%) | Increasing complexity of client needs (75% up from 70.8%) |
| Escalating or worsening violence (50% up from 44.9%) | Escalating or worsening violence (50% up from 44.9%) |
| Violence specifically relating to COVID-19 (50% up from 36.2%) | Violence specifically relating to COVID-19 (50% up from 36.2%) |
| A sharp increase in violence being reported for the first time (47.5% up from 15.9%) | A sharp increase in violence being reported for the first time (47.5% up from 15.9%) |
| “What we’re observing is a ramping up on each indicator”, Hayley Foster, Women’s Safety NSW chief executive officer, said. “Not only are we seeing increased client numbers in more locations, we’re also seeing instances where the Covid-19 pandemic is contributing to more extreme violence and abuse as well as cases where violence is erupting in relationships for the first time.” | “What we’re observing is a ramping up on each indicator”, Hayley Foster, Women’s Safety NSW chief executive officer, said. “Not only are we seeing increased client numbers in more locations, we’re also seeing instances where the Covid-19 pandemic is contributing to more extreme violence and abuse as well as cases where violence is erupting in relationships for the first time.” |