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Covid Australia live update: Victoria records eight deaths and 42 new coronavirus cases, with 10 in NSW – latest news Covid Australia live update: Victoria records eight deaths and 42 new coronavirus cases, with 10 in NSW – latest news
(32 minutes later)
South Australia opens up to ACT and Brett Sutton gives evidence at Victoria’s hotel quarantine inquirySouth Australia opens up to ACT and Brett Sutton gives evidence at Victoria’s hotel quarantine inquiry
Australia’s deputy chief medical officer Dr Nick Coatsworth is giving a media conference to deliver a national update.
He says the 53 new cases of coronavirus takes the national count since the start of the pandemic to 26,779. The eight deaths reported in Victoria take the national toll to 824 people who had died with the disease.
Coatsworth says there are 127 people in hospital with 16 people in intensive care. he says:
He said in other countries where restrictions had been lifted, the number of cases was accelerating and this was putting a “significant burden” on nations and economies. France had seen 10,000 cases in one day, he said.
Afternoon. Graham Readfearn here. Let’s have a quick summary of the day so far:
Victoria reported another eight deaths today, all connected to aged care. The state reported 42 new cases.
At Victoria’s hotel quarantine inquiry, the state’s chief health officer Prof Brett Sutton confirmed at least one guest left unknowingly passed on the virus to the person who picked them up when they left.
NSW reported 10 new cases of coronavirus. Six were overseas arrivals and four were linked to a known case. Queensland reported no new cases.
Victorian police has said it can issue $5,000 fines to people trying to leave city areas to regional Victoria, where restrictions are easing quickly due to low case numbers.
The Australian National University has announced it will shed 465 positions. Some 230 had already accepted voluntary terms with another 20 expected, but the university still needed to cut 215 more positions.
There’s a national Covid-19 update expected in about 10 minutes.
Deputy CHO Dr Nick Coatsworth is due to give the national Covid update at 3.30pm.Deputy CHO Dr Nick Coatsworth is due to give the national Covid update at 3.30pm.
Given that I went to sprinkle tabasco over my eggs, and instead seasoned my cup of tea, I am going to leave you in the very capable hands of Graham Readfearn while I attempt to reboot my brain.Given that I went to sprinkle tabasco over my eggs, and instead seasoned my cup of tea, I am going to leave you in the very capable hands of Graham Readfearn while I attempt to reboot my brain.
I’ll be back early tomorrow morning. In the meantime, take care of you. AxI’ll be back early tomorrow morning. In the meantime, take care of you. Ax
Victoria Police have spoken about the tightening border controls around greater metro Melbourne, as Matilda Boseley reports: Victoria police have spoken about the tightening border controls around greater metro Melbourne, as Matilda Boseley reports:
Melbourne’s “ring of steel” is tightening with city residents now facing fines of nearly $5,000 for attempting to escape to regional Victoria.Melbourne’s “ring of steel” is tightening with city residents now facing fines of nearly $5,000 for attempting to escape to regional Victoria.
Victorian authorities have introduced a new offence under the state of disaster rules, prohibiting people “leaving a restricted area”, aimed at preserving low case numbers in rural towns as they ease restrictions.Victorian authorities have introduced a new offence under the state of disaster rules, prohibiting people “leaving a restricted area”, aimed at preserving low case numbers in rural towns as they ease restrictions.
This infringement will carry a heavy fine of $4,957, more than double the general toll for breaching the chief health officers orders.This infringement will carry a heavy fine of $4,957, more than double the general toll for breaching the chief health officers orders.
“If it’s two people, if it’s mum and dad, they will both get a fine. That’s nearly $10,000,” deputy police commissioner of regional operations, Rick Nugent said.“If it’s two people, if it’s mum and dad, they will both get a fine. That’s nearly $10,000,” deputy police commissioner of regional operations, Rick Nugent said.
Police will also be increasing the number of vehicles they stop.Police will also be increasing the number of vehicles they stop.
“Certainly we will be checking every vehicle that is towing a caravan a camper trailer or other trailer, towing a boat or a jet ski or has a surfboard, a fishing rod or swags. They will all be checked.”“Certainly we will be checking every vehicle that is towing a caravan a camper trailer or other trailer, towing a boat or a jet ski or has a surfboard, a fishing rod or swags. They will all be checked.”
Melbournians can still leave the city, but only for permitted reasons, such as work, providing or receiving care, medical reasons and visiting an intimate partner.Melbournians can still leave the city, but only for permitted reasons, such as work, providing or receiving care, medical reasons and visiting an intimate partner.
Nugent announced on Wednesday, that a new semi-permanent checkpoint would be established on the Mornington Peninsula.Nugent announced on Wednesday, that a new semi-permanent checkpoint would be established on the Mornington Peninsula.
Although classified as part of metropolitan Melbourne and facing the same lockdowns the peninsula is a popular holiday destination with beachside towns such as Portsea and Sorrento.Although classified as part of metropolitan Melbourne and facing the same lockdowns the peninsula is a popular holiday destination with beachside towns such as Portsea and Sorrento.
The original $1,652 find still applies to those travelling illegally to the area.The original $1,652 find still applies to those travelling illegally to the area.
ANU vice-chancellor, Brian Schmidt, told staff today:ANU vice-chancellor, Brian Schmidt, told staff today:
“The changes required are painful, and the changes we make must leave the university in a state that will allow us to thrive in the years to come.“The changes required are painful, and the changes we make must leave the university in a state that will allow us to thrive in the years to come.
There will be less money in our systems for the foreseeable future. This is hard to hear when we have all made so many sacrifices to date, whether it is deferring our pay increase in July 2020, cancelling a piece of expenditure we planned to make, taking on additional or new tasks, or – in some cases – agreeing to separate from the university.There will be less money in our systems for the foreseeable future. This is hard to hear when we have all made so many sacrifices to date, whether it is deferring our pay increase in July 2020, cancelling a piece of expenditure we planned to make, taking on additional or new tasks, or – in some cases – agreeing to separate from the university.
To everyone who has made a sacrifice, thank you for what you have done and continue to do.Sadly, these sacrifices have been essential to get us through 2020, but are not sufficient on their own to make us financially sustainable going forward.To everyone who has made a sacrifice, thank you for what you have done and continue to do.Sadly, these sacrifices have been essential to get us through 2020, but are not sufficient on their own to make us financially sustainable going forward.
Yesterday, 15 September, the ANU Council approved the University’s 2021 financial strategy. This document launches a consultation on how we should respond.The stark reality is, we need to save money, and this will mean spending a lot less, both on our non-salary expenditure, but also on salaries.Yesterday, 15 September, the ANU Council approved the University’s 2021 financial strategy. This document launches a consultation on how we should respond.The stark reality is, we need to save money, and this will mean spending a lot less, both on our non-salary expenditure, but also on salaries.
This is not a course of action we wanted to take, but it is our only viable option going forward if we want to remain a sustainable, stable university. The need for our university and its mission is clear, and we must make sure we can deliver on that mission, and not be a hollowed-out shell of our former selves.”This is not a course of action we wanted to take, but it is our only viable option going forward if we want to remain a sustainable, stable university. The need for our university and its mission is clear, and we must make sure we can deliver on that mission, and not be a hollowed-out shell of our former selves.”
The Australian National University has announced a restructure that will involve the loss of 465 positions.The Australian National University has announced a restructure that will involve the loss of 465 positions.
Some 230 staff have already accepted voluntary separations, with a further 20 to come, but the ANU announced on Wednesday that there will need to be a further reduction of 215 positions.Some 230 staff have already accepted voluntary separations, with a further 20 to come, but the ANU announced on Wednesday that there will need to be a further reduction of 215 positions.
ANU has already saved $13.5m from deferred pay rises, which has saved 90 jobs but will need to save $103m a year up until 2023.The strategy is based on 50% of ANU’s ongoing level of savings coming from salaries.ANU has already saved $13.5m from deferred pay rises, which has saved 90 jobs but will need to save $103m a year up until 2023.The strategy is based on 50% of ANU’s ongoing level of savings coming from salaries.
The reduction will be achieved through additional voluntary separations, or as a last resort, redundancies.The reduction will be achieved through additional voluntary separations, or as a last resort, redundancies.
All these cuts to Australia’s universities are going to have ongoing impacts for yearsAll these cuts to Australia’s universities are going to have ongoing impacts for years
Active aged care outbreaks with the highest cumulative case numbers are as follows:Active aged care outbreaks with the highest cumulative case numbers are as follows:
251 cases have been linked to BaptCare Wyndham Lodge Community in Werribee.251 cases have been linked to BaptCare Wyndham Lodge Community in Werribee.
219 cases have been linked to Epping Gardens Aged Care in Epping.219 cases have been linked to Epping Gardens Aged Care in Epping.
213 cases have been linked to St Basil’s Homes for the Aged in Fawkner.213 cases have been linked to St Basil’s Homes for the Aged in Fawkner.
166 cases have been linked to Estia Aged Care Facility in Ardeer.166 cases have been linked to Estia Aged Care Facility in Ardeer.
139 cases have been linked to Kirkbrae Presbyterian Homes in Kilsyth.139 cases have been linked to Kirkbrae Presbyterian Homes in Kilsyth.
130 cases have been linked to BlueCross Ruckers Hill Aged Care Facility in Northcote.130 cases have been linked to BlueCross Ruckers Hill Aged Care Facility in Northcote.
127 cases have been linked to Twin Parks Aged Care in Reservoir.127 cases have been linked to Twin Parks Aged Care in Reservoir.
124 cases have been linked to Cumberland Manor Aged Care Facility in Sunshine North.124 cases have been linked to Cumberland Manor Aged Care Facility in Sunshine North.
120 cases have been linked to Japara Goonawarra Aged Care Facility in Sunbury.120 cases have been linked to Japara Goonawarra Aged Care Facility in Sunbury.
119 cases have been linked to Estia Aged Care Facility in Heidelberg.119 cases have been linked to Estia Aged Care Facility in Heidelberg.
In Victoria there are currently six active cases in residential disability accommodation:In Victoria there are currently six active cases in residential disability accommodation:
Total resident cases: two; Total Staff cases: four.Total resident cases: two; Total Staff cases: four.
Active cases in NDIS homes: six (two residents).Active cases in NDIS homes: six (two residents).
Active cases in “transfer” homes (state regulated/funded): 0.Active cases in “transfer” homes (state regulated/funded): 0.
Active cases in state government delivered and funded homes: 0.Active cases in state government delivered and funded homes: 0.
Non-aged care outbreaks with the highest number of active cases include:Non-aged care outbreaks with the highest number of active cases include:
12 active cases are currently linked to Footscray hospital (total cases: 13).12 active cases are currently linked to Footscray hospital (total cases: 13).
10 active cases are currently linked to Bulla Dairy Foods in Colac (total cases: 20).10 active cases are currently linked to Bulla Dairy Foods in Colac (total cases: 20).
nine active cases are currently linked to Vawdrey Australia Truck Manufacturer (total cases: 64).nine active cases are currently linked to Vawdrey Australia Truck Manufacturer (total cases: 64).
eight active cases are currently linked to Wydinia Kindergarten in Colac (total cases: 16).eight active cases are currently linked to Wydinia Kindergarten in Colac (total cases: 16).
five active cases are currently linked to Dandenong police station (total cases: 15).five active cases are currently linked to Dandenong police station (total cases: 15).
And we have a breakdown of those cases:And we have a breakdown of those cases:
In Victoria at the current time:In Victoria at the current time:
4,278 cases may indicate community transmission – a decrease of four since yesterday.4,278 cases may indicate community transmission – a decrease of four since yesterday.
991 cases are currently active in Victoria.991 cases are currently active in Victoria.
107 cases of coronavirus are in hospital, including 11 in intensive care.107 cases of coronavirus are in hospital, including 11 in intensive care.
18,153 people have recovered from the virus.18,153 people have recovered from the virus.
A total of 2,520,887 test results have been received which is an increase of 14,374 since yesterday.A total of 2,520,887 test results have been received which is an increase of 14,374 since yesterday.
Of the 991 current active cases in Victoria:Of the 991 current active cases in Victoria:
948 are in metropolitan Melbourne under stage 4 restrictions.948 are in metropolitan Melbourne under stage 4 restrictions.
37 are in regional local government areas under stage 3 restrictions.37 are in regional local government areas under stage 3 restrictions.
four are interstate residents.four are interstate residents.
two are either unknown or subject to further investigation.two are either unknown or subject to further investigation.
Colac Otway has 20 active cases, Greater Geelong has three active cases, Greater Bendigo has one active case and Ballarat has no active cases.Colac Otway has 20 active cases, Greater Geelong has three active cases, Greater Bendigo has one active case and Ballarat has no active cases.
Of the total cases:Of the total cases:
18,563 cases are from metropolitan Melbourne, while 1,201 are from regional Victoria.18,563 cases are from metropolitan Melbourne, while 1,201 are from regional Victoria.
Total cases include 9,507 men and 10,422 women.Total cases include 9,507 men and 10,422 women.
Total number of healthcare workers: 3,455, active cases: 152.Total number of healthcare workers: 3,455, active cases: 152.
There are 497 active cases related to aged care facilities.There are 497 active cases related to aged care facilities.
Victoria Health has just put out its official update:Victoria Health has just put out its official update:
Victoria has recorded 42 new cases of coronavirus since yesterday, with the total number of cases now at 19,943.Victoria has recorded 42 new cases of coronavirus since yesterday, with the total number of cases now at 19,943.
The over all total has increased by 32 due to 10 cases being reclassified.The over all total has increased by 32 due to 10 cases being reclassified.
Within Victoria, 29 of the new cases are linked to outbreaks or complex cases and 13 are under investigation.Within Victoria, 29 of the new cases are linked to outbreaks or complex cases and 13 are under investigation.
There have been eight new deaths from Covid-19 reported since yesterday. Four women and two men aged in their 80s and two men aged in their 90s. Six of the deaths occurred prior to yesterday.There have been eight new deaths from Covid-19 reported since yesterday. Four women and two men aged in their 80s and two men aged in their 90s. Six of the deaths occurred prior to yesterday.
All of today’s deaths are linked to known outbreaks in aged care facilities. To date, 737 people have died from coronavirus in Victoria.All of today’s deaths are linked to known outbreaks in aged care facilities. To date, 737 people have died from coronavirus in Victoria.
The average number of cases diagnosed in the past 14 days for metropolitan Melbourne is 49.6 and regional Victoria is 3.5. The rolling daily average case number is calculated by averaging out the number of new cases over the past 14 days.The average number of cases diagnosed in the past 14 days for metropolitan Melbourne is 49.6 and regional Victoria is 3.5. The rolling daily average case number is calculated by averaging out the number of new cases over the past 14 days.
The total number of cases from an unknown source in the past 14 days is 81 for metropolitan Melbourne and one for regional Victoria. The 14-day period for the source of acquisition data ends 48 hours earlier than the 14-day period used to calculate the new case average due to the time required to fully investigate a case and assign its mode of acquisition.The total number of cases from an unknown source in the past 14 days is 81 for metropolitan Melbourne and one for regional Victoria. The 14-day period for the source of acquisition data ends 48 hours earlier than the 14-day period used to calculate the new case average due to the time required to fully investigate a case and assign its mode of acquisition.
Over at the foreign affairs parliamentary committee which is looking at strengthening Australia’s ties with its Pacific neighbours, Save the Children deputy CEO Mat Tinkler is suggesting Australia embark on a “Pacific jobkeeper” style program:Over at the foreign affairs parliamentary committee which is looking at strengthening Australia’s ties with its Pacific neighbours, Save the Children deputy CEO Mat Tinkler is suggesting Australia embark on a “Pacific jobkeeper” style program:
Australia is pushing the United States to stay involved in UN institutions despite Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of several multilateral bodies, officials have told a parliamentary hearing.Australia is pushing the United States to stay involved in UN institutions despite Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of several multilateral bodies, officials have told a parliamentary hearing.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provided a small window into the conversations that are occurring behind the scenes with Australia’s top security ally in the Trump era. Despite Scott Morrison’s warning last year against “negative globalism”, the audit he commissioned ended up warning against an Australian retreat from global bodies but foreshadowed a push to reform UN bodies.The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provided a small window into the conversations that are occurring behind the scenes with Australia’s top security ally in the Trump era. Despite Scott Morrison’s warning last year against “negative globalism”, the audit he commissioned ended up warning against an Australian retreat from global bodies but foreshadowed a push to reform UN bodies.
Justin Lee, first assistant secretary of the multilateral policy division, said Australia was working to ensure global bodies were fit for purpose, were doing what they were supposed to be doing, were accountable to member states, and had strong independent leadership. Australia also wanted those bodies to have sufficient focus on the Indo-Pacific region, “particularly if we’re making contributions to them”. Australia was working with countries that had concerns about how global bodies were functioning.Justin Lee, first assistant secretary of the multilateral policy division, said Australia was working to ensure global bodies were fit for purpose, were doing what they were supposed to be doing, were accountable to member states, and had strong independent leadership. Australia also wanted those bodies to have sufficient focus on the Indo-Pacific region, “particularly if we’re making contributions to them”. Australia was working with countries that had concerns about how global bodies were functioning.
“We’ve certainly been continuing to encourage, where possible, strong United States engagement within the system and within multilateral institutions, and of course it has withdrawn from some, but we’re encouraging it to continue to participate in the system overall.“We’ve certainly been continuing to encourage, where possible, strong United States engagement within the system and within multilateral institutions, and of course it has withdrawn from some, but we’re encouraging it to continue to participate in the system overall.
“And [we have] also [been] looking at coalitions with other member states … to support the rules and norms and values and standards that have served us, so we’ve been very active in multilateral institutions to move in behind those and back those.”“And [we have] also [been] looking at coalitions with other member states … to support the rules and norms and values and standards that have served us, so we’ve been very active in multilateral institutions to move in behind those and back those.”
Elizabeth Peak, first assistant secretary of the human development and governance division, said Australia’s call for a comprehensive, impartial, independent inquiry into the Covid-19 response was “emblematic of the way Australia has approached multilateral engagement over this period”. That would look at how the World Health Organization had performed its role.Elizabeth Peak, first assistant secretary of the human development and governance division, said Australia’s call for a comprehensive, impartial, independent inquiry into the Covid-19 response was “emblematic of the way Australia has approached multilateral engagement over this period”. That would look at how the World Health Organization had performed its role.
“We’ve seen some good progress in terms of the inquiry. We’re watching it very closely to ensure that the inquiry really does what we want it to do, which is to learn lessons across the board so we can all be better prepared for a pandemic that may occur in the future.”“We’ve seen some good progress in terms of the inquiry. We’re watching it very closely to ensure that the inquiry really does what we want it to do, which is to learn lessons across the board so we can all be better prepared for a pandemic that may occur in the future.”
Earlier today, Gladys Berejiklian was pushing for the Queensland border to open to NSW residents:Earlier today, Gladys Berejiklian was pushing for the Queensland border to open to NSW residents:
South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia also have their borders closed to New South Wales residents.South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia also have their borders closed to New South Wales residents.
Meanwhile, the Melbourne Anglican Archbishop Philip Freier, has thrown his support behind keeping the jobseeker payment where it is – which includes the $550 Covid supplement.Meanwhile, the Melbourne Anglican Archbishop Philip Freier, has thrown his support behind keeping the jobseeker payment where it is – which includes the $550 Covid supplement.
Incredibly normal Queensland election stuff happening today:Incredibly normal Queensland election stuff happening today:
There is a lot of talk about what to do with Australia’s humanitarian and migration programs.There is a lot of talk about what to do with Australia’s humanitarian and migration programs.
Ames Australia, a migrant and refugee settlement agency, is hopeful by the federal government’s indications it is looking to re-establish its humanitarian programs as soon as it can:Ames Australia, a migrant and refugee settlement agency, is hopeful by the federal government’s indications it is looking to re-establish its humanitarian programs as soon as it can:
But Scarth also called for economic recovery programs to include newly arrived migrants and refuges already in Australia.But Scarth also called for economic recovery programs to include newly arrived migrants and refuges already in Australia.
That’s most of what Andrew Liveris had to say.That’s most of what Andrew Liveris had to say.
Check back in – Murph will have a story on that talk soon.Check back in – Murph will have a story on that talk soon.