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Australia live news: CMO Paul Kelly rejects Liberal MP Craig Kelly's Covid claims; Queensland orders hundreds to restart quarantine Australia live news: CMO Paul Kelly rejects Liberal MP Craig Kelly's Covid claims; Queensland orders hundreds to restart quarantine
(32 minutes later)
Annastacia Palaszczuk calls for hotel quarantine rethink after cluster discovered; NSW records one new community case. Follow all the latest news and information, liveAnnastacia Palaszczuk calls for hotel quarantine rethink after cluster discovered; NSW records one new community case. Follow all the latest news and information, live
The Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases (ASID), the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC), and the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA) have criticised the concerns raised about Australia’s reliance on the AstraZeneca vaccine in its vaccination strategy.
The organisations said concerns about the ability of any vaccines to create herd immunity were not justified at this stage of the process.
ASID immediate past president Prof Josh Davis, ACIPC president Assoc Prof Philip Russo, and PHAA president Prof Tarun Weeramanthri released a statement that said “the current debate over the efficacy of the AstraZeneca vaccine could undermine public trust in the country’s vaccination plan”.
Labor has told the Guardian it will seek “commonsense” changes to the migration act to end a requirement that some visa applicants leave Australia temporarily before they can receive final approval.Labor has told the Guardian it will seek “commonsense” changes to the migration act to end a requirement that some visa applicants leave Australia temporarily before they can receive final approval.
Currently, the migration act requires that applicants for some permanent visa categories be outside Australia when their case is decided.Currently, the migration act requires that applicants for some permanent visa categories be outside Australia when their case is decided.
For those who are already in the country, this forces them to fly abroad for a short period, obtain the final visa approval, and then return.For those who are already in the country, this forces them to fly abroad for a short period, obtain the final visa approval, and then return.
That is causing understandable concern during the middle of a pandemic and the existing strain on quarantine places.That is causing understandable concern during the middle of a pandemic and the existing strain on quarantine places.
Late last year, the then immigration minister, Alan Tudge, bowed to pressure and announced he would absolve those applying for partner visas from having to be offshore to have them granted.Late last year, the then immigration minister, Alan Tudge, bowed to pressure and announced he would absolve those applying for partner visas from having to be offshore to have them granted.
But other visa types – such as parental visas, for example – will not have such a concession.But other visa types – such as parental visas, for example – will not have such a concession.
The numbers of people placed in this situation are small. But Labor says it is “madness” to continue to require applicants go offshore to receive their visas.The numbers of people placed in this situation are small. But Labor says it is “madness” to continue to require applicants go offshore to receive their visas.
Labor MP Julian Hill plans to move a private member’s bill granting the minister the temporary power to issue any visa onshore during the pandemic.Labor MP Julian Hill plans to move a private member’s bill granting the minister the temporary power to issue any visa onshore during the pandemic.
“Forcing people to fly overseas and back again just so their visa can be granted is madness in the middle of a global pandemic,” Hill said.“Forcing people to fly overseas and back again just so their visa can be granted is madness in the middle of a global pandemic,” Hill said.
South Australia is lifting its hard border closure to regional New South Wales.South Australia is lifting its hard border closure to regional New South Wales.
The change will come into effect from 12:01am on Thursday.The change will come into effect from 12:01am on Thursday.
The announcement was made on Wednesday afternoon, as South Australia recorded no new locally-acquired cases in the previous reporting day.The announcement was made on Wednesday afternoon, as South Australia recorded no new locally-acquired cases in the previous reporting day.
The operator of Sydney’s Luna Park has been fined $5,000 after a police investigation found a New Year’s Eve event breached legal gathering limits.The operator of Sydney’s Luna Park has been fined $5,000 after a police investigation found a New Year’s Eve event breached legal gathering limits.
Officers launched an investigation into the New Year’s Eve party “after receiving mobile phone footage of a large crowd gathered at the Milsons Point venue”.Officers launched an investigation into the New Year’s Eve party “after receiving mobile phone footage of a large crowd gathered at the Milsons Point venue”.
A New South Wales police statement said that “following inquiries with the venue and a review of further footage, the company secretary of the amusement park was issued a $5,000” penalty infringement notice for failing to comply with the public health order.A New South Wales police statement said that “following inquiries with the venue and a review of further footage, the company secretary of the amusement park was issued a $5,000” penalty infringement notice for failing to comply with the public health order.
NSW police are urging the community to contact Crime Stoppers to report suspected breaches of the gathering limits and public health orders related to coronavirus.NSW police are urging the community to contact Crime Stoppers to report suspected breaches of the gathering limits and public health orders related to coronavirus.
The chief medical officer, Paul Kelly, has rejected unfounded claims about Covid-19 treatments made by Liberal MP Craig Kelly.The chief medical officer, Paul Kelly, has rejected unfounded claims about Covid-19 treatments made by Liberal MP Craig Kelly.
Asked about Kelly’s interest in anti-parasitic drug ivermectin, the CMO said it is useful for treating river blindness but there “is no evidence at the moment that it has any benefit or use in the prevention or treatment of Covid-19”.Asked about Kelly’s interest in anti-parasitic drug ivermectin, the CMO said it is useful for treating river blindness but there “is no evidence at the moment that it has any benefit or use in the prevention or treatment of Covid-19”.
Asked if he is frustrated by other claims (including likening masks to child abuse), the CMO said:Asked if he is frustrated by other claims (including likening masks to child abuse), the CMO said:
Chief medical officer Paul Kelly has said he can’t explain why Australia hasn’t been able to secure more Pfizer vaccines while other countries have been ordering extra doses.Chief medical officer Paul Kelly has said he can’t explain why Australia hasn’t been able to secure more Pfizer vaccines while other countries have been ordering extra doses.
Kelly said:Kelly said:
The press conference has ended.The press conference has ended.
Paul Kelly was repeatedly asked about government MP Craig Kelly’s recent statements that likened mandatory mask use to child abuse and touted unproven Covid-19 treatments.Paul Kelly was repeatedly asked about government MP Craig Kelly’s recent statements that likened mandatory mask use to child abuse and touted unproven Covid-19 treatments.
The chief medical officer initially said:The chief medical officer initially said:
Pushed on Craig Kelly in the next question, the CMO said:Pushed on Craig Kelly in the next question, the CMO said:
The CMO also clarified that the MP whose last name he shares “is no relation” of his. “I can absolutely guarantee that.”The CMO also clarified that the MP whose last name he shares “is no relation” of his. “I can absolutely guarantee that.”
Guardian Australia’s Paul Karp asks chief medical officer Paul Kelly if there could be a second run of the Pfizer vaccine later in the vaccination program for those who first had the AstraZeneca jab.Guardian Australia’s Paul Karp asks chief medical officer Paul Kelly if there could be a second run of the Pfizer vaccine later in the vaccination program for those who first had the AstraZeneca jab.
Kelly said:Kelly said:
Paul Kelly is asked “have we backed the only horse we could” in securing the AstraZeneca vaccine.Paul Kelly is asked “have we backed the only horse we could” in securing the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Kelly is asked, if he had unlimited access to the Pfizer vaccine, would he be happy having that as a primary vaccine for all Australians.Kelly is asked, if he had unlimited access to the Pfizer vaccine, would he be happy having that as a primary vaccine for all Australians.
Kelly said it’s pointless having a hypothetical debate, and adds:Kelly said it’s pointless having a hypothetical debate, and adds:
Paul Kelly has suggested the Australian government has unsuccessfully tried to order the Moderna vaccine.Paul Kelly has suggested the Australian government has unsuccessfully tried to order the Moderna vaccine.
Kelly said:Kelly said:
The government has also had issues with securing the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Kelly said the company has applied for a provisional designation and is going through the pathway for approval in Australia.The government has also had issues with securing the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Kelly said the company has applied for a provisional designation and is going through the pathway for approval in Australia.
Chief medical officer Paul Kelly is responding to concerns about the efficacy of the AstraZeneca vaccine.Chief medical officer Paul Kelly is responding to concerns about the efficacy of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
He said “some people have been taking particular parts” of an article about AstraZeneca’s interim results “and not reading the whole article”.He said “some people have been taking particular parts” of an article about AstraZeneca’s interim results “and not reading the whole article”.
He said the AZ vaccine will be useful because it’s being made in Australia and “we don’t need to queue for that”. He also said “it is very effective against severe illness” and that it “will save lives”.He said the AZ vaccine will be useful because it’s being made in Australia and “we don’t need to queue for that”. He also said “it is very effective against severe illness” and that it “will save lives”.
He said the Pfizer vaccine will likely be the first vaccine to gain TGA approval.He said the Pfizer vaccine will likely be the first vaccine to gain TGA approval.
“We expect that very soon within the next few weeks,” Kelly said.“We expect that very soon within the next few weeks,” Kelly said.
Sydney’s northern beaches is no longer considered a Covid-19 hotspot by the commonwealth.Sydney’s northern beaches is no longer considered a Covid-19 hotspot by the commonwealth.
Chief medical officer Paul Kelly announced the revocation of the hotspot at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon. The hotspot definition mostly relates to how the commonwealth provides support to the outbreak.Chief medical officer Paul Kelly announced the revocation of the hotspot at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon. The hotspot definition mostly relates to how the commonwealth provides support to the outbreak.
Kelly said Brisbane is still considered a hotspot, out of an abundance of caution, because of the cases linked to a quarantine hotel.Kelly said Brisbane is still considered a hotspot, out of an abundance of caution, because of the cases linked to a quarantine hotel.
Guardian Australia understands the federal government will be holding briefings in the next 24 hours with various stakeholders, health professionals and researchers to explain Australia’s various vaccine candidates, the science behind them, and to clear up any misinformation.Guardian Australia understands the federal government will be holding briefings in the next 24 hours with various stakeholders, health professionals and researchers to explain Australia’s various vaccine candidates, the science behind them, and to clear up any misinformation.
It follows some comments on Wednesday that the AstraZeneca vaccine rollout should be halted in Australia due to questions around its efficacy.It follows some comments on Wednesday that the AstraZeneca vaccine rollout should be halted in Australia due to questions around its efficacy.
But whether any of the vaccines, including the Pfizer vaccine or the Novavax vaccine, can prevent disease transmission, and the impact of any of these vaccines on herd immunity, is still unknown. Australia will also be able to learn from data from the UK and US, where the situation is more dire and the vaccines are being rolled out ahead of the full data from pharmaceutical companies being provided.But whether any of the vaccines, including the Pfizer vaccine or the Novavax vaccine, can prevent disease transmission, and the impact of any of these vaccines on herd immunity, is still unknown. Australia will also be able to learn from data from the UK and US, where the situation is more dire and the vaccines are being rolled out ahead of the full data from pharmaceutical companies being provided.
There have also been questions asked about why Australia has not secured a deal to get the Moderna vaccine, which like the Pfizer vaccine is highly effective and is an mRNA vaccine.There have also been questions asked about why Australia has not secured a deal to get the Moderna vaccine, which like the Pfizer vaccine is highly effective and is an mRNA vaccine.
But it is important to note that Australia is a member of the Covax Facility, which will allow more vaccine doses and other vaccines to be purchased as they become available, including the Moderna vaccine. Through Covax Australia has access to an additional 25m vaccine doses, and Moderna is a part of that.But it is important to note that Australia is a member of the Covax Facility, which will allow more vaccine doses and other vaccines to be purchased as they become available, including the Moderna vaccine. Through Covax Australia has access to an additional 25m vaccine doses, and Moderna is a part of that.
mRNA is a new technology, and the mRNA vaccines require cold-chain storage at extremely low temperatures. Australia already has the facilities in Australia to manufacture the AstraZeneca vaccine, whereas the technology is not yet in place to mass produce mRNA vaccines in Australia. So another benefit to securing a deal with AstraZeneca will be the fast roll-out and onshore manufacturing.mRNA is a new technology, and the mRNA vaccines require cold-chain storage at extremely low temperatures. Australia already has the facilities in Australia to manufacture the AstraZeneca vaccine, whereas the technology is not yet in place to mass produce mRNA vaccines in Australia. So another benefit to securing a deal with AstraZeneca will be the fast roll-out and onshore manufacturing.
Australia remains one of the world’s hotspots for deforestation, according to a new report by WWF, which finds an area six times the size of Tasmania has been cleared globally since 2004.Australia remains one of the world’s hotspots for deforestation, according to a new report by WWF, which finds an area six times the size of Tasmania has been cleared globally since 2004.
The analysis identifies 24 “deforestation fronts” worldwide where a total of 43 million hectares of forest was destroyed in the period from 2004 until 2017.The analysis identifies 24 “deforestation fronts” worldwide where a total of 43 million hectares of forest was destroyed in the period from 2004 until 2017.
Australia is the only country in the developed world to appear on the list, with eastern Australia named alongside Colombia, Peru, Laos and Mozambique as locations with “medium” rates of deforestation.Australia is the only country in the developed world to appear on the list, with eastern Australia named alongside Colombia, Peru, Laos and Mozambique as locations with “medium” rates of deforestation.
The countries with high rates of deforestation include Brazil, Bolivia, Madagascar and Borneo.The countries with high rates of deforestation include Brazil, Bolivia, Madagascar and Borneo.
The report warns that nearly half of the standing forests in the 24 deforestation fronts have suffered some type of fragmentation and trends suggest clearing will persist unless countries act to protect them.The report warns that nearly half of the standing forests in the 24 deforestation fronts have suffered some type of fragmentation and trends suggest clearing will persist unless countries act to protect them.
It expands on a 2015 report by WWF which named 11 hotspots, with eastern Australia also appearing on that list.It expands on a 2015 report by WWF which named 11 hotspots, with eastern Australia also appearing on that list.
In the first analysis, NSW and Queensland were singled out for high rates of clearing, but the new report identifies further areas of concern in Victoria and Tasmania.In the first analysis, NSW and Queensland were singled out for high rates of clearing, but the new report identifies further areas of concern in Victoria and Tasmania.
“Land-clearing rates rocketed after the axing of restrictions in Queensland and NSW placing eastern Australia alongside the most infamous places in the world for forest destruction,” WWF-Australia conservation scientist Martin Taylor said.“Land-clearing rates rocketed after the axing of restrictions in Queensland and NSW placing eastern Australia alongside the most infamous places in the world for forest destruction,” WWF-Australia conservation scientist Martin Taylor said.
The head of a Melbourne childcare centre which shut after a child tested positive to Covid-19 two days after visiting the facility has said the test result was a false positive, the Age reports.The head of a Melbourne childcare centre which shut after a child tested positive to Covid-19 two days after visiting the facility has said the test result was a false positive, the Age reports.
Lynda Kelly, the managing director of Armidale’s Explorers Early learning Centre, said the child, who tested positive to a rapid coronavirus when landing in Israel on Sunday morning, has now returned a negative test.Lynda Kelly, the managing director of Armidale’s Explorers Early learning Centre, said the child, who tested positive to a rapid coronavirus when landing in Israel on Sunday morning, has now returned a negative test.
In an update sent to families, Kelly said the childcare centre should reopen on Thursday.In an update sent to families, Kelly said the childcare centre should reopen on Thursday.
The facility closed for cleaning and contact tracing on Monday.The facility closed for cleaning and contact tracing on Monday.
Thanks Matilda for bringing us the latest news developments this morning.Thanks Matilda for bringing us the latest news developments this morning.
I’m Elias Visontay, and I’ll be taking you through the next part of the afternoon.I’m Elias Visontay, and I’ll be taking you through the next part of the afternoon.
If you see anything you think I should be aware of, you can contact me via email at elias.visontay@theguardian.com or via Twitter @EliasVisontay.If you see anything you think I should be aware of, you can contact me via email at elias.visontay@theguardian.com or via Twitter @EliasVisontay.