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Coronavirus Australia live update: 'Disaster' to use private security guards for hotel quarantine, says NZ deputy prime minister Winston Peters Coronavirus Australia live update: 'Disaster' to use private security guards for hotel quarantine, says NZ deputy prime minister Winston Peters
(32 minutes later)
NSW authorities are concerned about a number of Covid-19 cases in the past six weeks where the source was unknown. Follow liveNSW authorities are concerned about a number of Covid-19 cases in the past six weeks where the source was unknown. Follow live
Australian health officials say the national medical stockpile now contains – or will soon contain – more than 500m surgical masks and more than 160m P2/N95 respirators.
The Department of Health has been addressing a federal parliamentary inquiry into the implications of the Covid-19 pandemic for Australia’s foreign affairs, defence and trade.
Senior officials provided an update on the status of the national medical stockpile, based on the numbers of items that are currently on hand or have been contracted to arrive this year. They said about half of the 500m surgical masks mentioned were already on hand, with the remainder expected to arrive by October.
Apart from the masks and respirators mentioned above, officials provided the following national stockpile figures:
200m units of gloves
50m units of gowns
43m units of goggles or face shields
10m units of hand sanitiser (which were procured early on when there appeared to be shortages but this has since been resolved “in a big way”)
5,000 non-invasive ventilators
4,000 invasive ventilators
These are in addition to items already in use and in addition to the stockpiles held by the states and territories. The national medical stockpile also contains a range of pharmaceuticals but the details are kept confidential.
The committee was told the national medical stockpile had been in place for some time, but was previously intended to be ready for threats such as a flu pandemic or a biological or other terrorist attack. It traditionally held quite small stocks of personal protective equipment – but the Covid-19 pandemic had sparked a rethink of what was needed in that stockpile.
An official told the hearing via teleconference:
“We do guard the stockpile very jealously to make sure it’s used for distribution to people who need it in clinically required circumstances. [Based on our modelling] we feel like we have sufficient PPE on hand and on order. Now, I say that with some caution because we do know we need to be very careful and make sure that we ensure all frontline staff – medical and related – have access to it. But we do feel we’re in a good place at the moment – certainly much better than we were in late February and March when this did come – all of us, no one expected a pandemic of this nature.”
I don’t think they’ve thought this one through.I don’t think they’ve thought this one through.
The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia has reported another case of coronavirus.The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia has reported another case of coronavirus.
The club has told members that the person did not attend the club in recent weeks, but sailed twice on Sunday and Wednesday, and attended a committee meeting on Tuesday night.The club has told members that the person did not attend the club in recent weeks, but sailed twice on Sunday and Wednesday, and attended a committee meeting on Tuesday night.
Those who attended the meeting are being tested and isolating pending results. The club has said it will be closed today and Friday out of an abundance of caution.Those who attended the meeting are being tested and isolating pending results. The club has said it will be closed today and Friday out of an abundance of caution.
NSW police won’t conduct any further investigation into the early June incident after a Black Lives Matter protest at Central station when about 40-60 protesters were kettled in the station and hit with capsicum spray, but after reviewing the bodycam footage, NSW police has told those who complained that there would be no further internal investigation.NSW police won’t conduct any further investigation into the early June incident after a Black Lives Matter protest at Central station when about 40-60 protesters were kettled in the station and hit with capsicum spray, but after reviewing the bodycam footage, NSW police has told those who complained that there would be no further internal investigation.
The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission will review the decision.The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission will review the decision.
Incidentally, after this letter was sent to those who complained, a list of the more than 100 people who complained was sent by accident to one of the complainants, including their names and email addresses.Incidentally, after this letter was sent to those who complained, a list of the more than 100 people who complained was sent by accident to one of the complainants, including their names and email addresses.
That would be a data breach that NSW police would likely have to report to the OAIC.That would be a data breach that NSW police would likely have to report to the OAIC.
After all that drama, Labor’s employment spokesman, Brendan O’Connor, is next on ABC talking about the unemployment rate.After all that drama, Labor’s employment spokesman, Brendan O’Connor, is next on ABC talking about the unemployment rate.
He says the ABS data today is four weeks old and doesn’t account for the stage 4 lockdown in Victoria yet, among other things.He says the ABS data today is four weeks old and doesn’t account for the stage 4 lockdown in Victoria yet, among other things.
“They’re not taking into account those that are not looking for work,” he says. “They’re not really taking into account the 3.5m people supported by jobkeeper. And they’re not taking into account what’s happened in Victoria.“They’re not taking into account those that are not looking for work,” he says. “They’re not really taking into account the 3.5m people supported by jobkeeper. And they’re not taking into account what’s happened in Victoria.
“Let’s hope Victoria recovers quickly and, you know, [there’s] some promising movement today. But that has to be fully considered. And the government, I don’t think, has really taken the Victorian situation into account.”“Let’s hope Victoria recovers quickly and, you know, [there’s] some promising movement today. But that has to be fully considered. And the government, I don’t think, has really taken the Victorian situation into account.”
The government should be looking at making jobkeeper broader, and look at other ways to get people employed during a recession.The government should be looking at making jobkeeper broader, and look at other ways to get people employed during a recession.
Winston Peters was also highly critical of the Victorian government’s decision to use private security guards for hotel quarantine.Winston Peters was also highly critical of the Victorian government’s decision to use private security guards for hotel quarantine.
“In Melbourne’s case, of course, it was – how shall I say it without being too critical? – pretty slack oversight and supervision, where it was put in the hands of private industry, which was a disaster,” he said.“In Melbourne’s case, of course, it was – how shall I say it without being too critical? – pretty slack oversight and supervision, where it was put in the hands of private industry, which was a disaster,” he said.
“In our case, we got the army in early enough to know that that wouldn’t have been the problem. But there’s been a breach, and we’ll find out in a matter of hours, or within a day.”“In our case, we got the army in early enough to know that that wouldn’t have been the problem. But there’s been a breach, and we’ll find out in a matter of hours, or within a day.”
No new cases in South Australia.No new cases in South Australia.
Is it wise for the deputy prime minister to be airing a tip-off he had about the outbreak in the media, Winston Peters is asked?Is it wise for the deputy prime minister to be airing a tip-off he had about the outbreak in the media, Winston Peters is asked?
“I think, as an experienced politician and as a lawyer, that the moment I found out that this strain is not unique to my country, it had to go to a point of entry either by sea, by air, or in quarantine facilities. And the quarantine facility is the one I think is the most likely.”“I think, as an experienced politician and as a lawyer, that the moment I found out that this strain is not unique to my country, it had to go to a point of entry either by sea, by air, or in quarantine facilities. And the quarantine facility is the one I think is the most likely.”
Peters also says he thinks masks will become mandatory in Auckland.Peters also says he thinks masks will become mandatory in Auckland.
New Zealand’s deputy prime minister, Winston Peters, is on ABC TV talking about the recent surprising resurgence of coronavirus in his country.New Zealand’s deputy prime minister, Winston Peters, is on ABC TV talking about the recent surprising resurgence of coronavirus in his country.
He says he hasn’t heard through officials but through a “very reliable” NZ journalist that a quarantine system breach led to the new cases after 102 days.He says he hasn’t heard through officials but through a “very reliable” NZ journalist that a quarantine system breach led to the new cases after 102 days.
“I think, when that comes out very shortly, in a matter of maybe less than a day, we’ll find out that was the case. But you don’t always find out from your officials. You don’t always find out from the experts.“I think, when that comes out very shortly, in a matter of maybe less than a day, we’ll find out that was the case. But you don’t always find out from your officials. You don’t always find out from the experts.
“It’s something you sort of find out by contact with other people.”“It’s something you sort of find out by contact with other people.”
He says elimination and eradication was never going to work, but New Zealand is trying to “get on top of it and beat the crap out of it”.He says elimination and eradication was never going to work, but New Zealand is trying to “get on top of it and beat the crap out of it”.
“We’ve got to get out there and find it and all of its traces, all of its elements, and all of its reach, as fast as we possibly can.”“We’ve got to get out there and find it and all of its traces, all of its elements, and all of its reach, as fast as we possibly can.”
The federal government acted too late in making masks compulsory in aged care, the royal commission has heard.The federal government acted too late in making masks compulsory in aged care, the royal commission has heard.
In strong closing remarks, the counsel assisting the commission, Peter Rozen QC, also said the advice given on masks was so confusing that it “appeared to be [done] by press release”.In strong closing remarks, the counsel assisting the commission, Peter Rozen QC, also said the advice given on masks was so confusing that it “appeared to be [done] by press release”.
Masks were not made compulsory for aged care workers until 13 July, two days after a resident had died from Covid-19 in Victoria, and months after dozens of people had died in aged care in NSW. By 13 July there were 250 infections in Victoria.Masks were not made compulsory for aged care workers until 13 July, two days after a resident had died from Covid-19 in Victoria, and months after dozens of people had died in aged care in NSW. By 13 July there were 250 infections in Victoria.
“The masks order should have been made earlier,” Rozen said.“The masks order should have been made earlier,” Rozen said.
He also criticised confusion among the members of the AHPPC, including the former national chief medical officer, Prof Brendan Murphy.He also criticised confusion among the members of the AHPPC, including the former national chief medical officer, Prof Brendan Murphy.
Rozen said Murphy, who gave evidence earlier in the week, could not say whether the AHPPC had discussed compulsory masks at all in the four weeks between 16 June and 13 July.Rozen said Murphy, who gave evidence earlier in the week, could not say whether the AHPPC had discussed compulsory masks at all in the four weeks between 16 June and 13 July.
Also earlier, neither Murphy nor Michael Lye, who is the deputy secretary at the federal health department, could say what legal order made masks compulsory.Also earlier, neither Murphy nor Michael Lye, who is the deputy secretary at the federal health department, could say what legal order made masks compulsory.
“The legal instrument by which this important measure concerning masks was effected is unclear,” Rozen said. “Our researchers have not revealed any instrument in imposing the requirement.“The legal instrument by which this important measure concerning masks was effected is unclear,” Rozen said. “Our researchers have not revealed any instrument in imposing the requirement.
“Prof Murphy was not sure and thought it might have been a Victorian public health order. He said he would have to check; we are awaiting the outlook of that checking. Mr Lye was not necessarily sure it was such an order. This level of confusion by senior officers in the department of health is far from reassuring. It appears to be more by press release.”“Prof Murphy was not sure and thought it might have been a Victorian public health order. He said he would have to check; we are awaiting the outlook of that checking. Mr Lye was not necessarily sure it was such an order. This level of confusion by senior officers in the department of health is far from reassuring. It appears to be more by press release.”
He continued: “Prof Murphy and Mr Lye were unable to clarify if there had been discussions within the AHPPC regarding making mask wearing compulsory any time between 16 June and 13 July. Commissioners, one is left with the sense that it was the death of an aged care resident on 11 July, the first in the current outbreak, that prompted the advice.”He continued: “Prof Murphy and Mr Lye were unable to clarify if there had been discussions within the AHPPC regarding making mask wearing compulsory any time between 16 June and 13 July. Commissioners, one is left with the sense that it was the death of an aged care resident on 11 July, the first in the current outbreak, that prompted the advice.”
Rozen said the federal government did not do enough.Rozen said the federal government did not do enough.
“The time between the two Sydney outbreaks and the increase in community transmission in Melbourne in June was an important period ... What did the commonwealth do to ensure the lessons of the two outbreaks were conveyed to the aged care sector? We say it’s not enough.”“The time between the two Sydney outbreaks and the increase in community transmission in Melbourne in June was an important period ... What did the commonwealth do to ensure the lessons of the two outbreaks were conveyed to the aged care sector? We say it’s not enough.”
Here’s the data on the 12 new cases of coronavirus in NSW for today:Here’s the data on the 12 new cases of coronavirus in NSW for today:
24,621 people were tested24,621 people were tested
Four were locally acquired and linked to known casesFour were locally acquired and linked to known cases
Three were locally acquired, without a known sourceThree were locally acquired, without a known source
Five were returned travellers in hotel quarantineFive were returned travellers in hotel quarantine
There was one new death, a woman in her 80s who was linked to the Our Lady of Lebanon Church clusterThere was one new death, a woman in her 80s who was linked to the Our Lady of Lebanon Church cluster
Of the 135 cases being treated by NSW Health:Of the 135 cases being treated by NSW Health:
Seven are in ICUSeven are in ICU
Six are on ventilatorsSix are on ventilators
Amy back here again. I’ve just been speaking to some MPs who made the point that if the border restrictions stay in place, from the 5 October session Victorian MPs will effectively have to quarantine with their families/households (or stay apart in hotels) until Christmas.Amy back here again. I’ve just been speaking to some MPs who made the point that if the border restrictions stay in place, from the 5 October session Victorian MPs will effectively have to quarantine with their families/households (or stay apart in hotels) until Christmas.
Same for the Queensland MPs, if Queensland keeps the ACT border lockdown going.Same for the Queensland MPs, if Queensland keeps the ACT border lockdown going.
That’s a big ask of MPs families/loved ones – lockdown-Canberra-lockdown-Canberra until Christmas. Or it means not seeing an MP for just as long.That’s a big ask of MPs families/loved ones – lockdown-Canberra-lockdown-Canberra until Christmas. Or it means not seeing an MP for just as long.
That’s the reality they’re facing though.That’s the reality they’re facing though.
The counsel assisting the aged care royal commission has recommended that blanket bans on visitors into aged care homes should be overturned.The counsel assisting the aged care royal commission has recommended that blanket bans on visitors into aged care homes should be overturned.
In his closing remarks to the commission’s hearings into Covid-19, Peter Rozen QC said “blanket bans” on visitors into aged care homes was doing more harm to residents’ health than good.In his closing remarks to the commission’s hearings into Covid-19, Peter Rozen QC said “blanket bans” on visitors into aged care homes was doing more harm to residents’ health than good.
He pointed to evidence from earlier in the week from experts who said they were “not aware of any cases where visitation has resulted in a case of Covid-19 within a facility.”He pointed to evidence from earlier in the week from experts who said they were “not aware of any cases where visitation has resulted in a case of Covid-19 within a facility.”
“Visits from family and friends are critical to the physical and emotional health of people living in residential aged care,” he said. “The position on visitation must be continually reviewed and revised and must adapted to the particular circumstances of each facility.“Visits from family and friends are critical to the physical and emotional health of people living in residential aged care,” he said. “The position on visitation must be continually reviewed and revised and must adapted to the particular circumstances of each facility.
“We submit that a blanket ban on visitation is unacceptable in all but extreme cases.”“We submit that a blanket ban on visitation is unacceptable in all but extreme cases.”
Earlier this week the commission heard from a woman, given the pseudonym UY, whose father had died in an aged care home in Victoria in May, before the state’s second outbreak.Earlier this week the commission heard from a woman, given the pseudonym UY, whose father had died in an aged care home in Victoria in May, before the state’s second outbreak.
She told the commission she “begged” to be able to take her father for walks, and when she did she noticed he had visibly deteriorated without visitors.She told the commission she “begged” to be able to take her father for walks, and when she did she noticed he had visibly deteriorated without visitors.
Her father was “an Italian man for whom family was everything” and who had dementia meaning he “relied on physical touch to communicate”, Rozen said.Her father was “an Italian man for whom family was everything” and who had dementia meaning he “relied on physical touch to communicate”, Rozen said.
The woman told the commission that “Dad gave up wanting to live” as a result of his lack of visitors, and he died in his sleep.The woman told the commission that “Dad gave up wanting to live” as a result of his lack of visitors, and he died in his sleep.
Rozen also said that for similar reasons, allied health professionals should be allowed to enter aged care homes, and some barriers to their entry should be removed.Rozen also said that for similar reasons, allied health professionals should be allowed to enter aged care homes, and some barriers to their entry should be removed.
Josh Taylor will take you through the afternoon. Thank you again so much for joining me again today.Josh Taylor will take you through the afternoon. Thank you again so much for joining me again today.
I’ll be back early tomorrow morning. I’m getting through your questions, so bear with me – but thank you for your messages.I’ll be back early tomorrow morning. I’m getting through your questions, so bear with me – but thank you for your messages.
Please – take care of you. AxPlease – take care of you. Ax
The aged care royal commission has been told the federal government acted with “self-congratulation” and “hubris” as it did not prepare Victoria for its devastating outbreak of coronavirus in aged care.The aged care royal commission has been told the federal government acted with “self-congratulation” and “hubris” as it did not prepare Victoria for its devastating outbreak of coronavirus in aged care.
The counsel assisting the commission, Peter Rozen QC, delivered the strong criticism in his closing remarks into an emergency week of hearings into how the coronavirus pandemic entered Australia’s nursing homes.The counsel assisting the commission, Peter Rozen QC, delivered the strong criticism in his closing remarks into an emergency week of hearings into how the coronavirus pandemic entered Australia’s nursing homes.
Rozen told the commission that none of the hundreds of deaths were “unforeseeable”, the sector was “not properly prepared” and the sector is still “not properly prepared now”.Rozen told the commission that none of the hundreds of deaths were “unforeseeable”, the sector was “not properly prepared” and the sector is still “not properly prepared now”.
He said the federal government did not learn the lessons from the outbreaks in NSW at Newmarch House and the Dorothy Henderson Lodge earlier in the year. Later outbreaks in Victoria in mid-June were even more devastating.He said the federal government did not learn the lessons from the outbreaks in NSW at Newmarch House and the Dorothy Henderson Lodge earlier in the year. Later outbreaks in Victoria in mid-June were even more devastating.
There have been 220 deaths of residents in aged care due to Covid-19, which is 70% of all the country’s deaths. Rozen said this made Australia one of the worst performing countries in the world.There have been 220 deaths of residents in aged care due to Covid-19, which is 70% of all the country’s deaths. Rozen said this made Australia one of the worst performing countries in the world.