Covid 19 -

[russellw]

Data valid as at 23:59 GMT October 15th, 2020.

Note: As not all Australian States report at the same time, the data below is based on the previous full day reporting except for the Victorian 14 day moving averages.

25 new cases for Australia and no deaths so the CMR drop to 3.297% while active cases increase to 1,397. NSW recorded 11; WA recorded 5 and Queensland 1 case(s) with the balance in Victoria.

The Victorian State 14 day moving average is now back down to 10.0 with metro falling to 8.7 (17 unknown) and regional still at 0.6 with no unknown cases (including today). Victoria reported 2 new cases for the last 24 hours.

2 new cases and no deaths for NZ so CMR is 1.333% and active cases rise to 42.

The UK had a slightly lower 18,978 new cases yesterday. We know they are now not counting their mortalities by the WHO guidelines so we are going to ignore the CMR but even using their method they recorded 138 deaths.

Just under 60k new cases in the USA yesterday and 970 deaths sees CMR drop to 2.722% and active cases drop to 32.5% with the raw numbers rising and still over 2.6M. Note that the USA is actually minus one day due to time differences.

Other notable points:
Global cases set a new daily high of 398,609 (15/10);
Global cases pass 39M with the last 1M taking 3 days again;
Global deaths pass 1.1M, the last 50k taking 9 days again;
Spain recorded their 2nd highest daily total of 13,318 new cases;
The USA completes 122M, India 91M, Russia 52M and Italy 13M tests;
Europe recorded a new daily case high of 153,303;

Angola (250)
Albania (257)
Bosnia (569)
Slovenia (745)
Croatia (793)
Bulgaria (914)
Armenia (1,371)
Lebanon (1,499)
Austria (1,552)
Slovakia (1,929)
Portugal (2,101)
Jordan (2,459)
Germany (7,074)
Ukraine (7,791)
Poland (8,099)
Belgium (8,271)
Italy (8,804)
Czechia (9.720)
Russia (14,231)
Argentina (17,906); and
France (30,621) all recorded new daily highs; those in blue for the second consecutive day and those in red for a third or more consecutive day.

[FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0]

That global new cases figure is continuing to rise. Not a good thing.

[T3rminator]

Originally Posted by FoxtrotGolfXray 5.0

That global new cases figure is continuing to rise. Not a good thing.

Yep. Sis in Washington state just wrote that they are spiking again. My nephew won't be going back to school until Jan now.... at least. He has been off since March.

I don't care what anyone says. Vic did the right thing with a harsh lock down. We were asked to "live with it" at 50 to 100 a day. It would have quickly spiked again and put other states at risk. The 2nd wave in Europe could be worse than the first. Even Sweden might be imposing restrictions now.

[DJR-351]

Well that went well for the first day of the NZ-NSW-NT Bubble, some ducking and weaving going on at the end of the article

Seventeen New Zealanders caught entering Melbourne on day one of travel bubble

Seventeen Kiwi travellers who landed in Sydney have been caught entering Melbourne on day one of a travel bubble set up between NSW and New Zealand.

Late on Friday, Victoria's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) confirmed the arrival of the group into Melbourne, but said its authorised officers did not have the authority to detain them.

"Victoria has not agreed to a travel bubble arrangement with New Zealand and did not expect to receive international travellers as a result of NSW making that arrangement," DHHS said in a statement.

"The Victorian Government has made it clear to the Commonwealth that we expect NZ passengers who have not undertaken quarantine will not be permitted to board flights in Sydney bound for Melbourne."

It remains unclear whether the 17 travellers have been allowed to stay in Melbourne or if they have been sent back to Sydney, where they would be required to isolate for 14 days.

Victoria is not currently accepting any international travellers after the state’s hotel quarantine program for travellers was put on hold.

Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison gave a warm welcome to the hundreds of New Zealanders who arrived in his home state, the first cohort under the new 'bubble' arrangement between the two countries.

"Today, we have already welcomed our first Kiwis back to Australia for a holiday. That's fantastic," he said on Friday.

"We say 'Kia Ora' to those Kiwis who've joined us, we hope you enjoy your holiday in New South Wales, or the ACT and we look forward to seeing more of you – tell your friends.

"We have a few Australians in New Zealand at the moment for the Bledisloe (Cup) on the weekend.

"There'll be a few Kiwis headed this way for the Bledisloe return matches here in Australia in a few weeks' time."

The Prime Minister described the arrival of Australia's first international tourists in six months as a turning point.

"Here we are, already, before the end of the year, getting at least to some new point of normal when it comes to COVID-safe travel," he said.

Airport staff greeted travellers from New Zealand with Tim Tam biscuits, gelato and sunscreen on Friday.

Passengers were required to complete a health declaration, confirming they had only been in New Zealand in the past 14 days, and a health screening upon landing in Sydney.

Those arriving in Australia under the scheme will need to quarantine for two weeks if they return to New Zealand.

Two flights arrived in Melbourne from Sydney on Friday: a Virgin flight scheduled to land at 11am and a Jetstar flight scheduled to arrive at 4.50pm.

Border Force refused to comment on the matter, directing The Age and Sydney Morning Herald to state authorities.

Spokeswomen for the Victorian government directed any queries about the matter to the DHHS.

A spokeswoman for Melbourne Airport said it had also been unable to reach the Victorian DHHS to understand the situation and were therefore unable to comment.

A Victoria Police spokesperson declined to comment, stating the force had no jurisdiction over travellers at the airport.

The NSW government, the federal government and Sydney Airport have been contacted for comment.

With Laura Chung

[PooDog]

[QUOTE=DJR-351;6502339]Well that went well for the first day of the NZ-NSW-NT Bubble, some ducking and weaving going on at the end of the article

Seventeen New Zealanders caught entering Melbourne on day one of travel bubble



There has'nt been any community transmission in NZ for quite a while so its these idiots putting themselves at risk?

Its a one way ticket to NSW/NT because you have to pay for the 14 day quarantine yourself .....so all it will be is people returning to family etc? as it makes for an expensive holliday

[T3rminator]

Originally Posted by DJR-351

Well that went well for the first day of the NZ-NSW-NT Bubble, some ducking and weaving going on at the end of the article

Leaking like a sieve already. It is an interstate flight where no processing is done at the arrival port, it should have been stopped at Sydney airport. I'm not buying the "but they are infection free" argument. What are the odds of these travelers obeying restriction rules once they enter Vic? Nudda, zilch, donut. Again, it will be a free pass, no scrutiny on failures. We have just been through months of tough restrictions, and we are about to reap some of the rewards, then this happens.

Keen to know how Melb airport caught them. From memory you get off the flight and you walk straight out at the domestic end, so how did they get stopped?

EDIT: Hearing on ABC now that they weren't stopped. DHHS has no powers to stop people at the airport. They are gone, somewhere in the state, but they don't know where. Probably having a big welcome party as we speak.

[MITCHAY]

Our office has been told to come back in November. I've been working mostly in the office the whole time with the odd day or two a week WFH but there are some I have not seen for 6 months. Gonna suck hard for them

But peak logic is we are going to 'pilot' ongoing WFH arrangements despite it working perfectly fine for the last 6 months.

**** me dead

[Tickford.]

Morrison and the NSW government simply playing games with people's lives, again.

[Tickford.]

BREAKING NEWS: The rogue New Zealand travellers have been spotted in a field east of Melbourne.

[hayseed]

Originally Posted by Tickford.

BREAKING NEWS: The rogue New Zealand travellers have been spotted in a field east of Melbourne.

image

They're Paddocks here In Australia Mate..

[PooDog]

Originally Posted by Tickford.

BREAKING NEWS: The rogue New Zealand travellers have been spotted in a field east of Melbourne.

image

That should dramatically increase the local IQ

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by Tickford.

BREAKING NEWS: The rogue New Zealand travellers have been spotted in a field east of Melbourne.

image

You were closer to the truth than you thought. Seems that most of the Kiwi's that landed in Melb were Shearers. Who are badly needed at this time of year.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/20...earer/12782506

[russellw]

Data valid as at 23:59 GMT October 16th, 2020.

Note: As not all Australian States report at the same time, the data below is based on the previous full day reporting except for the Victorian 14 day moving averages.

9 new cases for Australia and no deaths so the CMR drop to 3.303% while active cases increase to 1,405. NSW recorded 5 and Queensland 2 cases with the balance in Victoria.

The Victorian State 14 day moving average is down to 9.5 with metro falling to 8.1 (17 unknown) and regional down to 0.5 with no unknown cases (including today). Victoria reported 1 new cases for the last 24 hours.

2 new cases and no deaths for NZ so CMR is 1.333% and active cases rise to 42.

The UK had a slightly lower 15,635 new cases yesterday. We know they are now not counting their mortalities by the WHO guidelines so we are going to ignore the CMR but even using their method they recorded 136 deaths.

Just over 66k new cases in the USA yesterday and 873 deaths sees CMR drop to 2.711% and active cases remain at 32.5% with the raw numbers rising and still over 2.6M. Note that the USA is actually minus one day due to time differences.

Other notable points:
Global cases set a new daily high of 411,361 (16/10);
The USA completes 123M, India 92M, Pakistan 4M and 13M tests;
Europe recorded a new daily case high of 153,184 after the previous high was amended slightly;

Albania (289)
Greece (503)
Bosnia (621)
Slovenia (834)
Bulgaria (998)
Croatia (1,131)
Libya (1,169)
Armenia (1,465)
Slovakia (2,075)
Portugal (2,608)
Morocco (3,498)
Romania (4,026)
Ukraine (5,992)
Germany (7,964)
Netherlands (7,984)
Italy (10,010)
Belgium (10,448)
Czechia (11,102) and
Russia (15,150) all recorded new daily highs; those in blue for the second consecutive day and those in red for a third or more consecutive day.

[Tickford.]

Almost 100% of the tests conducted during the blitz in Shepparton earlier in the week have been completed.

So far, all have been negative. That is fantastic news for the Shepparton region. Well done to everyone in Shepparton for getting tested, and the testing teams for the rapid response.

[Danny]

Deleted.

[tweeked]

Exactly why is it an issue that NZ visitors are an issue crossing the border? Andrews is in a huff about people from one of the safest covid countries in the world coming into Victoria, most probably returning to where they normally reside??? And yet a few thousand NSW people crossing daily from a much more covid active area is fine? (And i don’t have an issue with that, just trying to understand what he is thinking). The guy is an idiot, he needs concentrate on something important like the anarchy that is swelling like a tidal wave in front of him. He has backed businesses into a corner where now many do not care about fines as they are taking their last commercial breaths anyway.

[tweeked]

sorry another double post, going to give up using the phone version

[T3rminator]

Breaking news: Dictator Dan wields illegal powers and detains NZ arrivals at melb airport. Growing anger at police overreach.

Astonishing this has somehow been twisted into a Vic fault. May as well open up all states to NZ and have a free for all. Unbelievable people can't see we have just recovered. Other states can risk a 2nd wave, VIC can't risk a 3rd. There will not be a 3rd lock down, the people won't have it. Best thing DA can do now is close our borders to nsw. Follow WA and QLD. IMHO. Yes NZ is low risk but only 2 states taking them in... Why?

Friday's national cabinet cancellation is starting to smell a bit funky now. I'm jumping on the cynic bandwagon. Looking forward to be able to drive 20km!

[Citroënbender]

I’m pleased to see Melbourne residents are now accorded more freedom. Hopefully it won’t be revoked.

[Tickford.]

Originally Posted by T3rminator

Breaking news: Dictator Dan wields illegal powers and detains NZ arrivals at melb airport. Growing anger at police overreach.

Astonishing this has somehow been twisted into a Vic fault.

Yep, it's unbelievable the length some of the one eyed, biased and political agenda driven will go to. During cabinet meetings prior to NZ arrivals, DA had asked the Federal government (Morrison) to ensure international arrivals to Sydney cannot catch a connecting flight to VIC. The VIC-NSW border is closed to the general public, but isn't closed for essential workers and freight, as was requested by Morrison. The NZ travellers aren't either of those, so it was up to Fed run border force, and NSW government to make sure they could not board a flight to VIC.

The NZ travellers arrived in Sydney, and despite VIC governments request, the Fed run Australian Border Force, along with the NSW government, failed to implement any strategies to ensure international arrivals could not travel to other states that are not open to international travellers! And this is somehow VIC/Andrews fault!??

If I was to be cynical, I wouldn't be surprised if the NSW authorities, and the Border Force knew that some of the NZ arrivals had connecting flights to Melbourne, and turned a blind eye and let them board the flight, just minutes after arriving in Sydney.

This is, once again, the Morrison government, and NSW playing political games. They turned a bind eye to the VIC governments request, just so they could put pressure on VIC government to fully open up the border to NSW, and to international arrivals. Just as Morrison did back in July. Can you imagine if the VIC-NSW border did in fact open up back in July, and the clusterf**k that was the northern suburbs of Melbourne had spread into NSW?? Who do you think Morrison and Berejiklian would have blamed then?

On another note, it is true that NZ has one of the lowest infected numbers in the world. And the NZ arrivals most likely are (or have to prove to be) negative before travelling to Sydney. But why put them at risk of catching the virus by allowing them to travel to VIC, which is only just beginning to recover from the worst infection rate in Australia? And still has a number of mystery cases of unknown origin? If NSW wants to take the risk of allowing international travellers to come to Sydney, contract Covid, with the risk of them falling ill, or worse - while they're in NSW, or even potentially taking it back to NZ, that's Morrison's and Berejiklian's choice. Andrews is probably not willing to take that risk.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by Tickford.

Yep, it's unbelievable the length some of the one eyed, biased and political agenda driven will go to. During cabinet meetings prior to NZ arrivals, DA had asked the Federal government (Morrison) to ensure international arrivals to Sydney cannot catch a connecting flight to VIC. The VIC-NSW border is closed to the general public, but isn't closed for essential workers and freight, as was requested by Morrison. The NZ travellers aren't either of those, so it was up to Fed run border force, and NSW government to make sure they could not board a flight to VIC.

The NZ travellers arrived in Sydney, and despite VIC governments request, the Fed run Australian Border Force, along with the NSW government, failed to implement any strategies to ensure international arrivals could not travel to other states that are not open to international travellers! And this is somehow VIC/Andrews fault!??

If I was to be cynical, I wouldn't be surprised if the NSW authorities, and the Border Force knew that some of the NZ arrivals had connecting flights to Melbourne, and turned a blind eye and let them board the flight, just minutes after arriving in Sydney.

This is, once again, the Morrison government, and NSW playing political games. They turned a bind eye to the VIC governments request, just so they could put pressure on VIC government to fully open up the border to NSW, and to international arrivals. Just as Morrison did back in July. Can you imagine if the VIC-NSW border did in fact open up back in July, and the clusterf**k that was the northern suburbs of Melbourne had spread into NSW?? Who do you think Morrison and Berejiklian would have blamed then?

On another note, it is true that NZ has one of the lowest infected numbers in the world. And the NZ arrivals most likely are (or have to prove to be) negative before travelling to Sydney. But why put them at risk of catching the virus by allowing them to travel to VIC, which is only just beginning to recover from the worst infection rate in Australia? And still has a number of mystery cases of unknown origin? If NSW wants to take the risk of allowing international travellers to come to Sydney, contract Covid, with the risk of them falling ill, or worse - while they're in NSW, or even potentially taking it back to NZ, that's Morrison's and Berejiklian's choice. Andrews is probably not willing to take that risk.

The Vic NSW border isn't closed, its just in a bubble atm, as long as you are within the 150km line from the border either side you can cross back and forth without a reason. I was in Albury yesterday.

But I agree with everything else you have stated.

[Tickford.]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

The Vic NSW border isn't closed, its just in a bubble atm, as long as you are within the 150km line from the border either side you can cross back and forth without a reason. I was in Albury yesterday.

But I agree with everything else you have stated.

True, and correct.

I was more referring to Melbourne Metro, which is closed to Sydney/NSW general public. But not to 50 odd New Zealanders who probably are now spread out in the Melbourne metro area.

[T3rminator]

20 odd made it to Perth, but due to the hard border, they were caught and quarantined. MM said they caught them using the G2G app? What is that? I had a quick look, it looks like something you have to apply for, so does that mean they had prior notice? He is fuming, and has made a very valid point. Not only are these arrivals unplanned, but they are also taking up cap space from potential citizens and residents who want to return to Perth.

Meanwhile, its been revealed that the couple that illegally opened their hair salon yesterday is linked to our good friend Avi. Too obvious. Long lines, protesters, TV crew all set up for the stunt.

Oh, and apparently it has been mentioned in Britain that they might model Victoria's restrictions to help stop the bleeding.

[tweeked]

Originally Posted by Tickford.

True, and correct.

I was more referring to Melbourne Metro, which is closed to Sydney/NSW general public. But not to 50 odd New Zealanders who probably are now spread out in the Melbourne metro area.

"The Vic border isn't closed from the NSW direction at all.
No permit or approval is required to enter Victoria from another state – however you will need to adhere to the restrictions and directions that are in place to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Victoria."

https://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/about-rdv...r-commissioner

Do you honestly believe that the plane from Sydney only had those NZ arrivals on it? There are six flights from NSW arriving tomorrow.

There are only restrictions on leaving the MEL metro area, or crossing OUT of VIC

The hysteria on this non event is mind boggling.

[tweeked]

Originally Posted by T3rminator

Astonishing this has somehow been twisted into a Vic fault.

Because Victoria's website that said there was no restriction on entering the state???? Betchya no one can remember who was meant to change or not change the website. Or maybe Dan doesn't know what was on it.

[T3rminator]

Originally Posted by tweeked

Because Victoria's website that said there was no restriction on entering the state???? Betchya no one can remember who was meant to change or not change the website. Or maybe Dan doesn't know what was on it.

Agree Vic's DHHS website is a joke. It took them ages to update the FAQs when we changed from Stage 3 to Stage 4 restrictions, even when after they had several questions about a particular topic, like "going for a drive". Its also very hard to find the exact info you are looking for. But surely you can't rely on overseas tourists to read Victoria's DHHS website, a state that wasn't even part of the bubble .

Anyway, its obvious we are not all in this together, so we can at least now stop pretending. DA needs to put some coast guards at Port Melb and make sure no mysterious cruise ships dock there overnight.

I wouldn't be surprised if Jacinda re-evaluates the bubble. If you can't even co-ordinate state borders, what hope do you have to co-ordinate people moving in and out of "hot spots".

[Citroënbender]

What happens to bubbles, by nature?

Victoria is probably less “infected” than NSW by a long shot now.

[AlanD]

Watched most of D.A's press conference today and, based on his answers to questions:
1. The federal government asked the Victorian government if Victoria wanted to be a part of the bubble. The answer was "not at the moment".
2. The Victorian government found out about the 17 travellers' from NZ about 12 hours after they had boarded a domestic flight from Sydney.
3. Turns out that there were 55 or so people rather than 17. In between times the number bounced upwards from the initial number. The final number was advised about 24 hours after the domestic flight.
4. At least one of them, when phoned, was not in Victoria but was at Byron Bay.
5. I gathered that Andrews point was that he would have liked to have known about them so that they could have been met at the airport. Then they could be advised about our restrictions in a group before departing for their final destinations. That way they would be in the same position as all other Victorians.

As it has transpired many hours were spent chasing these people (for that purpose?) by officers on the covid task force deflecting the officers from other activities that are ongoing.

I wonder how many of the "Kiwis" are aware that if they want to return to NZ (presuming the NZ government allows this) they will need to quarantine as they enter NSW for 14 days in the absence of special relaxation, and that will be followed by a similar requirement when they get to NZ if the current requirements of that country still exist.

His other point was that "it happened - we need to see it does not happen again - and that is not likely if we all retreat to our respective corners to snipe at one another".

Now, without getting into politics, I will say that I do not envy Andrews his job. For the last 100 days, at least, he has fronted the media to report each day and responded to all of the questions asked with, if todays event is an example, good grace. Todays event lasted 2 hours, and I will offer that by the end of it I would, if in Andrews position, not have responded with the same level of grace that he did. I'm glad I'm not into politics.

Final point. For Metro residents, you will be able to travel up to a distance of 25km from home so long as you do not cross the Metro/Regional boundary. Checks at the boundary are going to be beefed up and the fine for non compliance is a bit south of $4000.

Cheers

[Tickford.]

Here's a quick list of the VIC restrictions effective from 11:59pm today. For the full listed details, click HERE.

Metropolitan Melbourne
From 11:59pm on Sunday October 18:

- No time limit on leaving the home for exercise or socialising outdoors

- Travel distance will move to 25 kilometres

- Outdoor gatherings will increase to 10 people from two households

- Settings to reopen are tennis, skate parks, golf

- Hairdressers will reopen

- Real estate auctions can proceed with max 10 people

- 30 swimmers at outdoor pools

- Solo or automated car washing and pool cleaning will be allowed



Regional Victoria
From 11:59pm on Sunday October 18:

- Two people plus dependants are allowed into the home. The bubble is gone, you can have as many different families visit you but they can only be two adults and dependants at a time per day.

- Hospitality venues can increase their capacity to 70 people outside and 40 people inside.

-Outdoor religious gatherings will increase to 20 people.

-Libraries, toy libraries will open again, a maximum of 20 people.

[wodahs]

yep , so much for the travel bubble situation scomo was putting forward
his call is its the only places where they are allowed to enter in to australia , but once they are here , acording to scomo its open slather to where they want to go
so scomo why not just let them fly dirrect with out the hassel
thats right these states dont want to fully open their borders yet but youll play your games to bypass things to get your way , couldnt get them open with backing his mate clive so now trying another angle