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Covid Australia live update: Victoria records eight deaths and 42 new coronavirus cases, with 10 in NSW – latest news Victoria records eight deaths and 42 new coronavirus cases, with 10 in NSW – as it happened
(about 1 hour 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
That’s it for our live coverage of coronavirus news and other developments in Australia. Thanks to Amy Remeikis for the earlier coverage. She’ll be back in the morning.
You can follow our global coverage here and there is a lot to follow. Outside Australia, the second wave is well and truly surging.
India has now recorded more than 5 million cases of the disease, with 1 million added in just the past 12 days. The UK’s virus-testing system is creaking under soaring demand.
Here’s what happened in Australia today:
Victoria recorded 42 new cases and eight deaths. The number of active cases in the state fell to 991 – the last time it was at those levels was on July 8 when there were 921 active cases.
NSW reported 10 new cases. Six were overseas arrivals and four were linked to a known case. Queensland reported no new cases. WA reported one new case – a returned overseas traveller.
Deputy prime minister Michael McCormack shifted the focus on the 26,000 Australians stranded overseas to the states, saying he wants to raise the weekly cap from 4,000 to 6,000 arrivals. He wants states to make quarantine room for more.
Victoria’s chief health officer Prof Brett Sutton told the state’s hotel quarantine inquiry he was unaware private security staff were being used until outbreaks started to happen in June. In hindsight, using private security was a transmission risk, he said.
Victorian police will be able to fine people $5,000 if they try to sneak out of metropolitan Melbourne and into regional areas, where restrictions are being lifted.
The NSW deputy premier and NSW Nationals leader John Barilaro survived a no confidence vote in the state parliament. Barilaro last week threatened to blow up the state’s coalition agreement over new laws to better protect koalas.
The Victorian government is facing three class-action lawsuits over the coronavirus lockdowns with potentially thousands of plaintiffs seeking damages.
Thanks for being with us. Graham Readfearn signing off. Take care of yourself. Wash your hands and don’t touch your face.
Australia’s cricket coach Justin Langer says he could “see the blood draining out of their faces” when his players were told about the quarantine periods in store for them in the coming months.Australia’s cricket coach Justin Langer says he could “see the blood draining out of their faces” when his players were told about the quarantine periods in store for them in the coming months.
AAP reports the team was given the rundown ahead of tonight’s ODI series decider against England in Manchester.AAP reports the team was given the rundown ahead of tonight’s ODI series decider against England in Manchester.
“You could see the blood draining out of their faces. Because it’s not only the cricket, it’s living in the hubs, the quarantine periods before and after,” Langer told SEN.“You could see the blood draining out of their faces. Because it’s not only the cricket, it’s living in the hubs, the quarantine periods before and after,” Langer told SEN.
“Which is certainly going to add up to more time away from our families. The biggest challenge we’ve got ... is trying to stay focused on now.“Which is certainly going to add up to more time away from our families. The biggest challenge we’ve got ... is trying to stay focused on now.
“Because if you look too far ahead it probably brings tears to your eyes.“Because if you look too far ahead it probably brings tears to your eyes.
“I’m going to Adelaide for two weeks in quarantine then I go to Perth for two more weeks in quarantine ... probably a few weeks at home then we get back to more quarantine time [prior to the India series].”“I’m going to Adelaide for two weeks in quarantine then I go to Perth for two more weeks in quarantine ... probably a few weeks at home then we get back to more quarantine time [prior to the India series].”
Langer, staff and some players will head home on Thursday then spend a fortnight in quarantine at Adelaide Oval’s new onsite hotel.Langer, staff and some players will head home on Thursday then spend a fortnight in quarantine at Adelaide Oval’s new onsite hotel.
A charter flight will take a group of Australian and English players to the UAE for the Indian Premier League, which runs until early November.A charter flight will take a group of Australian and English players to the UAE for the Indian Premier League, which runs until early November.
Cricket Australia is on the cusp of filling a recently-created position that is entirely focused on mental health.Cricket Australia is on the cusp of filling a recently-created position that is entirely focused on mental health.
Team psychologist Michael Lloyd has already helped map out individual mental-health plans for Langer’s charges.Team psychologist Michael Lloyd has already helped map out individual mental-health plans for Langer’s charges.
“We’ll keep a very close eye on our players, we’re going to have to keep a close eye on our staff,” Langer said.“We’ll keep a very close eye on our players, we’re going to have to keep a close eye on our staff,” Langer said.
The former Test opener insisted a six-match tour of England had been worthwhile despite the tourists’ timely and taxing requirements.The former Test opener insisted a six-match tour of England had been worthwhile despite the tourists’ timely and taxing requirements.
Langer suggested a “very inspiring” recent conversation with his dad, in which he was told to harden up and think of visits to the Western Front and Gallipoli, put the squad’s sacrifices in perspective.Langer suggested a “very inspiring” recent conversation with his dad, in which he was told to harden up and think of visits to the Western Front and Gallipoli, put the squad’s sacrifices in perspective.
New South Wales deputy premier John Barilaro has survived a “no confidence” vote in the state’s parliament.New South Wales deputy premier John Barilaro has survived a “no confidence” vote in the state’s parliament.
The no confidence motion was brought by the opposition leader, Jodi McKay, after last week’s chaotic events in which Barilaro, the NSW Nationals leader, backed down from a threat to walk away from the Coalition. Barilaro said his party couldn’t support new rules to protect koalas.The no confidence motion was brought by the opposition leader, Jodi McKay, after last week’s chaotic events in which Barilaro, the NSW Nationals leader, backed down from a threat to walk away from the Coalition. Barilaro said his party couldn’t support new rules to protect koalas.
AAP reports that neither the premier, Gladys Berejiklian, nor any Liberal ministers remained in the chamber to defend the deputy premier, who also left the chamber for the debate.AAP reports that neither the premier, Gladys Berejiklian, nor any Liberal ministers remained in the chamber to defend the deputy premier, who also left the chamber for the debate.
The ABC reports the motion was lost 48 to 40.The ABC reports the motion was lost 48 to 40.
The Australian National University and the University of New South Wales today both announced hundreds of job cuts.The Australian National University and the University of New South Wales today both announced hundreds of job cuts.
Australia’s universities are in crisis mode as revenues from international students crash. Guardian reporter Paul Karp has this story.Australia’s universities are in crisis mode as revenues from international students crash. Guardian reporter Paul Karp has this story.
Victorian’s higher education minister Gayle Tierney has released a letter pushing back against key elements of the federal government’s jobs-ready university graduate reforms.Victorian’s higher education minister Gayle Tierney has released a letter pushing back against key elements of the federal government’s jobs-ready university graduate reforms.
In a letter to federal education minister Dan Tehan, Tierney writes:In a letter to federal education minister Dan Tehan, Tierney writes:
In particular, Tierney argues increasing fees “will result in students from disadvantaged backgrounds being less able to access courses like law, commerce and humanities”.In particular, Tierney argues increasing fees “will result in students from disadvantaged backgrounds being less able to access courses like law, commerce and humanities”.
Caravan parks and camping grounds in regional Victoria that have shared facilities will be opening up from midnight tonight.Caravan parks and camping grounds in regional Victoria that have shared facilities will be opening up from midnight tonight.
The Guardian’s Melbourne bureau chief Melissa Davey has emailed some clarifications.The Guardian’s Melbourne bureau chief Melissa Davey has emailed some clarifications.
Group bookings will be restricted to members of a single household; or intimate partners; or members of a single household with up to five people from another household part of the nominated household bubble.Group bookings will be restricted to members of a single household; or intimate partners; or members of a single household with up to five people from another household part of the nominated household bubble.
All of this applies only to people already living in regional Victoria and any groups booking separately cannot share bedrooms, but there are no restrictions on sharing kitchens, toilets and showers.All of this applies only to people already living in regional Victoria and any groups booking separately cannot share bedrooms, but there are no restrictions on sharing kitchens, toilets and showers.
The state government has previously said people can travel through Melbourne, but can only stop for one of three reasons.The state government has previously said people can travel through Melbourne, but can only stop for one of three reasons.
To shop for food and essential goods or services.To shop for food and essential goods or services.
To provide care, for compassionate reasons or to seek medical treatment.To provide care, for compassionate reasons or to seek medical treatment.
For work or study, if you can’t do it from home.For work or study, if you can’t do it from home.
People in Victoria ordered to isolate at home in March after returning from overseas escaped $20,000 fines when, after later testing positive for Covid-19, contact tracers found out they had been leaving home.People in Victoria ordered to isolate at home in March after returning from overseas escaped $20,000 fines when, after later testing positive for Covid-19, contact tracers found out they had been leaving home.
Victoria’s deputy chief health officer, Dr Annaliese van Diemen, told the state’s hotel quarantine inquiry on Wednesday that before hotel quarantine was used for all returned travellers, people were ordered to isolate at home and failure to do so would lead to $20,000 fines.Victoria’s deputy chief health officer, Dr Annaliese van Diemen, told the state’s hotel quarantine inquiry on Wednesday that before hotel quarantine was used for all returned travellers, people were ordered to isolate at home and failure to do so would lead to $20,000 fines.
Some of those tested positive, and through that process, they discovered people weren’t complying with the orders. Van Diemen said:Some of those tested positive, and through that process, they discovered people weren’t complying with the orders. Van Diemen said:
But those who admitted to breaching the order were not fined, she said, in the interest of maintaining trust and people’s willingness to provide accurate information to contact tracers.But those who admitted to breaching the order were not fined, she said, in the interest of maintaining trust and people’s willingness to provide accurate information to contact tracers.
Van Diemen said before hotel quarantine was the policy, the public health team was considering home detention with enforcement for returned travellers, but said ultimately she supports the decision to begin mandatory hotel quarantine.Van Diemen said before hotel quarantine was the policy, the public health team was considering home detention with enforcement for returned travellers, but said ultimately she supports the decision to begin mandatory hotel quarantine.
She said in hindsight of the second wave, the mechanisms to enforce compliance with thousands of people at home were not well developed, and it would have been difficult to ensure at that time that people were quarantining at home.She said in hindsight of the second wave, the mechanisms to enforce compliance with thousands of people at home were not well developed, and it would have been difficult to ensure at that time that people were quarantining at home.
Victoria’s chief health officer Prof Brett Sutton gave evidence today before the state’s inquiry into its hotel quarantine system.Victoria’s chief health officer Prof Brett Sutton gave evidence today before the state’s inquiry into its hotel quarantine system.
He told the inquiry he didn’t know before June outbreaks of the disease that private security firms were being used at the hotels. With hindsight, this had created a transmission risk, he said.He told the inquiry he didn’t know before June outbreaks of the disease that private security firms were being used at the hotels. With hindsight, this had created a transmission risk, he said.
The Guardian’s Josh Taylor has this report.The Guardian’s Josh Taylor has this report.
Queensland’s state election is on 31 October. Usually, state elections see national party figures turning up in marginal electorates to raise the profile of their candidates.Queensland’s state election is on 31 October. Usually, state elections see national party figures turning up in marginal electorates to raise the profile of their candidates.
But News.com journalist Samantha Maiden has a story pointing out that unless things change, national party leaders, including the prime minister Scott Morrison, will need to go into 14-day quarantine if they want to campaign in Queensland.But News.com journalist Samantha Maiden has a story pointing out that unless things change, national party leaders, including the prime minister Scott Morrison, will need to go into 14-day quarantine if they want to campaign in Queensland.
Trade minister Simon Birmingham is talking to the ABC about raising the cap on international arrivals.Trade minister Simon Birmingham is talking to the ABC about raising the cap on international arrivals.
He says the government is asking all states and territories – except Victoria – “to do a little bit more” in finding quarantine spots for Australians currently stranded overseas.He says the government is asking all states and territories – except Victoria – “to do a little bit more” in finding quarantine spots for Australians currently stranded overseas.
Most state premiers, he said, had suggested there was a potential to take more people.Most state premiers, he said, had suggested there was a potential to take more people.
There’s some coverage around today of new research that tested 2,991 Australians who had been for elective surgery to see if they had, or had previously had, Covid-19.There’s some coverage around today of new research that tested 2,991 Australians who had been for elective surgery to see if they had, or had previously had, Covid-19.
There’s an extrapolation from that study that gets you a headline that reads something like “70,000 more Australians might have caught coronavirus”.There’s an extrapolation from that study that gets you a headline that reads something like “70,000 more Australians might have caught coronavirus”.
Deputy chief medical officer Dr Nick Coatsworth is a co-author on that study, which you can find here. It has not been peer-reviewed yet.Deputy chief medical officer Dr Nick Coatsworth is a co-author on that study, which you can find here. It has not been peer-reviewed yet.
In his briefing a few minutes ago, Coatsworth said the estimate “doesn’t precisely correspond to reality”.In his briefing a few minutes ago, Coatsworth said the estimate “doesn’t precisely correspond to reality”.
Here’s what the study did. They took blood samples from 2,991 individuals at 10 hospitals across four states between May and June 2020. All the patients had said they’d had no symptoms of Covid-19 before they went in for surgery.Here’s what the study did. They took blood samples from 2,991 individuals at 10 hospitals across four states between May and June 2020. All the patients had said they’d had no symptoms of Covid-19 before they went in for surgery.
Coatsworth says none of the patients had Covid-19 at the time they were patients.Coatsworth says none of the patients had Covid-19 at the time they were patients.
But tests also suggested five of the patients had antibodies to the disease. In other words, they’d had the disease but hadn’t realised. Coatsworth said:But tests also suggested five of the patients had antibodies to the disease. In other words, they’d had the disease but hadn’t realised. Coatsworth said:
Australia’s deputy chief medical officer Dr Nick Coatsworth is giving a media conference to deliver a national update.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 have died with the disease.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 have died with the disease.
Coatsworth says there are 127 people in hospital with 16 people in intensive care.Coatsworth says there are 127 people in hospital with 16 people in intensive care.
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.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: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.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.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.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.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.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.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