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Coronavirus live news: Vaccine trial restarts as cluster worsens in Victoria, Australia Coronavirus live news: Vaccine trial restarts as cluster worsens in Victoria, Australia
(32 minutes later)
Dr Fauci says White House task force meeting less despite rising infection rates; WHO warns of ‘exponential’ rise in cases. Follow updatesDr Fauci says White House task force meeting less despite rising infection rates; WHO warns of ‘exponential’ rise in cases. Follow updates
Queensland health officials are working to determine the mystery strain of COVID-19 infecting the crew of a cargo ship anchored off the Sunshine Coast, AAP reports.
The MV Sofrana Surville was blocked from docking in Brisbane after New Zealand warned it could be carrying a new mutated strain of the virus.
Initial testing found two of the Sofrana’s 19 crew members were infected with COVID-19 and they were transferred to a mainland hospital on Friday.
Deputy premier Steven Miles said the New Zealand government had asked Queensland Health to undertake genomic sequencing on the suspected new strain.
“Given (the cases) have come off a ship that has been in other countries, it’s highly likely to be a different strain ... (to) the current strains within Australia,” he told reporters on Friday.
He said the additional testing would take about a week.
The Sofrana left New Zealand earlier in the month with fresh crew from the Philippines before stopping at Noumea in New Caledonia and then sailing for Brisbane.
New Zealand requested Australian health officials perform the additional testing after an engineer who had previously worked on the ship tested positive in Auckland.
Miles on Saturday said zero new cases of Covid-19 had been uncovered inside Queensland, meaning the state still had six active cases.
It has been 44 days since the last locally-acquired case in Queensland.
Miles on Friday said it was likely an announcement would be made about Queensland’s border reopening to NSW late next week.
Asked when Victorians would be free to travel to Queensland, Miles said it would be after health restrictions in that state were eased and several incubation periods had been completed.
Earlier this week I reported former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott has been allowed to leave Australia not once but twice as part of his new trade envoy role for the Boris Johnson government in the United Kingdom.
The former PM was allowed to leave on what was termed an “auto-exemption” because it was government business. I’d been trying to figure out how many people have been allowed to leave while Australia has had a travel ban in place during the pandemic.
Australian Border Force refused to say how many auto-exemptions have been granted, but I just came across some data on how many exemptions in total.
According to Border Force in documents tabled in the Senate, between April and September this year, a total of 73,848 Australians and permanent residents have been allowed to leave Australia.
More are coming back, however. Border Force also reports 93,937 Australians and permanent residents have travelled to Australia in that time.
It’s not clear how many have left and come back, or how many, if any apart from Abbott, have made multiple trips.
Senate estimates heard Abbott would be expected to go into hotel quarantine for a second time when he returns.
Meanwhile, our current prime minister, Scott Morrison, has said he will seek to get 26,000 stranded Australians back home before Christmas. Some extra capacity will be made available, with around 6,290 places in hotel quarantine available each week.
Germany has reported 14,714 new cases of Covid-19 overnight, and an additional 49 deaths.
It takes the country’s totals to 418,005 cases and 10,003 deaths
The United States broke its daily record for new coronavirus infections on Friday as it reported at least 83,948 new cases due to outbreaks in virtually every part of the country, according to a Reuters tally.The United States broke its daily record for new coronavirus infections on Friday as it reported at least 83,948 new cases due to outbreaks in virtually every part of the country, according to a Reuters tally.
The spike in cases comes less than two weeks before the presidential election on Nov. 3 and is hitting battleground states such as Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. On Thursday, the United States reported a near-record 76,195 new cases. The spike in cases comes less than two weeks before the presidential election on 3 November and is hitting battleground states such as Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. On Thursday, the United States reported a near-record 76,195 new cases.
The previous record was 77,299 new cases on July 16. At the time, hospitalisations for COVID-19 patients hit 47,000 and two weeks later deaths rose to an average of 1,200 per day. The previous record was 77,299 new cases on 16 July. At the time, hospitalisations for Covid-19 patients hit 47,000 and two weeks later deaths rose to an average of 1,200 per day.
Now, hospitalisations are over 41,000 and deaths average nearly 800 per day.Health experts have not pinpointed the reason for the rise but have long warned that colder temperatures driving people inside, fatigue with COVID-19 precautions and students returning to schools and colleges, could promote the spread of the virus.The United States has the most cases in the world at 8.5 million and the most fatalities with 224,000 lives lost. Now, hospitalisations are over 41,000 and deaths average nearly 800 per day.Health experts have not pinpointed the reason for the rise but have long warned that colder temperatures driving people inside, fatigue with Covid-19 precautions and students returning to schools and colleges, could promote the spread of the virus.The United States has the most cases in the world at 8.5 million and the most fatalities with 224,000 lives lost.
The United States has reported over the past week an average of 60,000 new cases per day, the highest seven-day average since early August.The United States has reported over the past week an average of 60,000 new cases per day, the highest seven-day average since early August.
The Midwest has been the epicenter of the latest surge but infections are rising nationwide.The Midwest has been the epicenter of the latest surge but infections are rising nationwide.
The Northeast reported an 83% increase in cases in the past month. New cases have doubled in Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and New Jersey in the past four weeks as compared to the prior four weeks, according to a Reuters analysis.The Northeast reported an 83% increase in cases in the past month. New cases have doubled in Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and New Jersey in the past four weeks as compared to the prior four weeks, according to a Reuters analysis.
Western states including Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming have reported a 200% increase in cases in the past four weeks when compared with the previous four weeks.Western states including Montana, New Mexico and Wyoming have reported a 200% increase in cases in the past four weeks when compared with the previous four weeks.
Mexico’s northern border state of Chihuahua returned to the highest level of alert and lockdown Friday after coronavirus cases jumped there and hospitals began to fill up.Mexico’s northern border state of Chihuahua returned to the highest level of alert and lockdown Friday after coronavirus cases jumped there and hospitals began to fill up.
The Chihuahua state government declared the return to the “red” level of alert Friday, which closes down most non-essential services and encourages people to stay at home.The Chihuahua state government declared the return to the “red” level of alert Friday, which closes down most non-essential services and encourages people to stay at home.
The Health Department said the state’s hospital beds were now 69% occupied, and that only about 23% of intensive care beds were open. The department said steps were being taken to expand hospital facilities.The Health Department said the state’s hospital beds were now 69% occupied, and that only about 23% of intensive care beds were open. The department said steps were being taken to expand hospital facilities.
The department also said that three other northern states — Durango, Coahuila and Nuevo Leon — were at risk of returning to maximum alert unless infections were brought under control.The department also said that three other northern states — Durango, Coahuila and Nuevo Leon — were at risk of returning to maximum alert unless infections were brought under control.
Nationwide, 19 of Mexico’s 32 states will be at high alert starting Monday, 11 will be at medium alert and one state was considered at moderate risk level.Nationwide, 19 of Mexico’s 32 states will be at high alert starting Monday, 11 will be at medium alert and one state was considered at moderate risk level.
Mexico as a whole has seen 880,775 test-confirmed cases, up 6,604 from the previous day’s count, and 88,312 confirmed deaths, up by 418.Mexico as a whole has seen 880,775 test-confirmed cases, up 6,604 from the previous day’s count, and 88,312 confirmed deaths, up by 418.
Here is a bit more info on the Covid-19 situation in NSW today:Here is a bit more info on the Covid-19 situation in NSW today:
It’s the second consecutive 24-hour period in which NSW recorded no new locally acquired virus cases, and comes as the state government from this weekend eases some restrictions.It’s the second consecutive 24-hour period in which NSW recorded no new locally acquired virus cases, and comes as the state government from this weekend eases some restrictions.
Up to 30 people are now allowed to gather outdoors, group bookings at hospitality venues have been extended from 10 to 30 people and up to 300 are allowed at places of worship.Up to 30 people are now allowed to gather outdoors, group bookings at hospitality venues have been extended from 10 to 30 people and up to 300 are allowed at places of worship.
Protesters can also gather en masse, with up to 500 people allowed to convene outdoors.Protesters can also gather en masse, with up to 500 people allowed to convene outdoors.
Staffing regulations at gyms across NSW have also been relaxed, with a safety marshal only required when more than 20 people are working out.Staffing regulations at gyms across NSW have also been relaxed, with a safety marshal only required when more than 20 people are working out.
Two drugmakers have announced the resumption of US testing of their Covid-19 vaccine candidates.Two drugmakers have announced the resumption of US testing of their Covid-19 vaccine candidates.
Testing of AstraZeneca’s vaccine candidate had been halted since early September, while Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine study was paused at the beginning of last week. Each company had a study volunteer develop a serious health issue, requiring a review of safety data.Testing of AstraZeneca’s vaccine candidate had been halted since early September, while Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine study was paused at the beginning of last week. Each company had a study volunteer develop a serious health issue, requiring a review of safety data.
The two coronavirus vaccines are among several candidates in final-stage testing, the last step before seeking regulatory approval.The two coronavirus vaccines are among several candidates in final-stage testing, the last step before seeking regulatory approval.
The drugmakers said they got the go-ahead on Friday from the Food and Drug Administration to restart tests in the US.The drugmakers said they got the go-ahead on Friday from the Food and Drug Administration to restart tests in the US.
Such temporary halts of drug and vaccine testing are relatively common. In research involving thousands of participants, some are likely to fall ill. Pausing a study allows researchers to investigate whether an illness is a side effect or a coincidence.Such temporary halts of drug and vaccine testing are relatively common. In research involving thousands of participants, some are likely to fall ill. Pausing a study allows researchers to investigate whether an illness is a side effect or a coincidence.
You can read the full story below:You can read the full story below:
Sutton was asked when the press conference will be held tomorrow, and he said “when it is called”. And that’s the end of that.Sutton was asked when the press conference will be held tomorrow, and he said “when it is called”. And that’s the end of that.
Victorian chief health officer Prof Brett Sutton says he is “very confident” Victoria will get control of the cases associated with the northern Melbourne outbreak, but reiterates there is a need to find the links between the cases, and that will inform the easing of instructions.Victorian chief health officer Prof Brett Sutton says he is “very confident” Victoria will get control of the cases associated with the northern Melbourne outbreak, but reiterates there is a need to find the links between the cases, and that will inform the easing of instructions.
Sutton declines to comment on why he instructed lawyers acting for the health department not to include evidence where it showed he was included on emails on 27 March that mentions the use of private security guards well before he previously said he was made aware.Sutton declines to comment on why he instructed lawyers acting for the health department not to include evidence where it showed he was included on emails on 27 March that mentions the use of private security guards well before he previously said he was made aware.
Sutton says he is providing an affidavit to the inquiry and it is appropriate to wait for that to be provided to the inquiry.Sutton says he is providing an affidavit to the inquiry and it is appropriate to wait for that to be provided to the inquiry.
Andrews won’t cop criticism of the public health team who communicated with the family at the centre of the East Preston Islamic College outbreak.Andrews won’t cop criticism of the public health team who communicated with the family at the centre of the East Preston Islamic College outbreak.
He said the family were advised what to do, but the message didn’t get through because one child went to school while infectious.He said the family were advised what to do, but the message didn’t get through because one child went to school while infectious.
Andrews disagrees with the suggestion it would be a miracle to have low case numbers tomorrow given all the tests waiting to be processed.Andrews disagrees with the suggestion it would be a miracle to have low case numbers tomorrow given all the tests waiting to be processed.
Andrews says the 25km radius limit and the Melbourne metro/regional border are on the table to be eased tomorrow, if that happens, but suggests both could remain in place to prevent potential spread of Covid-19 to popular tourism locations like Mornington Peninsula.Andrews says the 25km radius limit and the Melbourne metro/regional border are on the table to be eased tomorrow, if that happens, but suggests both could remain in place to prevent potential spread of Covid-19 to popular tourism locations like Mornington Peninsula.
Daniel Andrews says the school, community and faith leaders are calling people in the northern Melbourne area to get tested. The two schools involved are organising for everyone who hasn’t been tested to get tested.Daniel Andrews says the school, community and faith leaders are calling people in the northern Melbourne area to get tested. The two schools involved are organising for everyone who hasn’t been tested to get tested.
Daniel Andrews says “it’ll be a very late night, and a very early morning” when it comes to making decisions around restrictions easing tomorrow. Earlier in the press conference he said the easing of restrictions tomorrow could not be “banked on”.Daniel Andrews says “it’ll be a very late night, and a very early morning” when it comes to making decisions around restrictions easing tomorrow. Earlier in the press conference he said the easing of restrictions tomorrow could not be “banked on”.
He says Victoria is still in a good position with low case numbers, and will proceed with easing of restrictions if possible. It’s just about getting those test results.He says Victoria is still in a good position with low case numbers, and will proceed with easing of restrictions if possible. It’s just about getting those test results.
Jeroen Weimar says the Victorian health department is focused on close and secondary contacts for the northern Melbourne outbreak, and says he doesn’t think schools opened up again too soon.Jeroen Weimar says the Victorian health department is focused on close and secondary contacts for the northern Melbourne outbreak, and says he doesn’t think schools opened up again too soon.
“Some family members live in all sorts of housing, some in public housing, some in community housing, many in private accommodation. We are increasingly doing door-to-door testing for them so we are going to them to ensure that they get the care they need and support that they need but also to get tested,” he said.“Some family members live in all sorts of housing, some in public housing, some in community housing, many in private accommodation. We are increasingly doing door-to-door testing for them so we are going to them to ensure that they get the care they need and support that they need but also to get tested,” he said.
“If I look at the response of the school leadership of the schools that we are leading with, dealing with in this particular outbreak, they have taken prompt and swift action. We are talking about cases that happened on Monday this week.”“If I look at the response of the school leadership of the schools that we are leading with, dealing with in this particular outbreak, they have taken prompt and swift action. We are talking about cases that happened on Monday this week.”
The positive case at Croxton school is a student, they are part of a family of four, and all four of the family are positive, Jeroen Weimar said.The positive case at Croxton school is a student, they are part of a family of four, and all four of the family are positive, Jeroen Weimar said.
One of the family’s other children attends the East Preston Islamic College, but it is not clear whether the cases are connected. The two children attended school while infected on one day.One of the family’s other children attends the East Preston Islamic College, but it is not clear whether the cases are connected. The two children attended school while infected on one day.
A total of 9,405 tests have been conducted for staff, students or close contacts at the East Preston Islamic College, Victoria’s head of contact tracing, Jeroen Weimar, says.A total of 9,405 tests have been conducted for staff, students or close contacts at the East Preston Islamic College, Victoria’s head of contact tracing, Jeroen Weimar, says.
There are 101 close contacts associated with the college isolating, and 307 secondary contacts isolating. There are 34 close contacts of the Croxton special school also isolating.There are 101 close contacts associated with the college isolating, and 307 secondary contacts isolating. There are 34 close contacts of the Croxton special school also isolating.
The Victorian health department sent out 22,000 text messages and emails to taxi and Uber drivers in the northern Melbourne area, and Weimar has encouraged the drivers to come forward for testing.The Victorian health department sent out 22,000 text messages and emails to taxi and Uber drivers in the northern Melbourne area, and Weimar has encouraged the drivers to come forward for testing.