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Aussie travellers warned over bird flu outbreak

Australian travellers have been warned to be cautious after concerns about the sudden outbreak of bird flu. Strains of Avian Influenza, known as the bird flu, are circulating across the globe, with <a href="https://www.smartraveller.gov.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Smart Traveller</a> warning of outbreaks in Europe, North and South America and Asia. “Human infection is rare. But be aware of increased health risks when travelling to impacted countries,” the alert states. The virus typically affects birds but can be transferred to other animals before being passed on to humans. “Eggs and poultry meat are safe to eat if handled and cooked using safe food handling practices,” the alert states. Travellers have been urged to look out for signs of infection, including eye redness or irritation (conjunctivitis), fever, cough, sore throat, runny or blocked nose, muscle or body aches, fatigue, shortness of breath or difficult breathing, and pneumonia. Travellers have also been urged to minimise contact with animals in areas affected by the bird flu, avoid contact with dead or sick animals (including wild birds), and avoid poultry farms and live bird “wet” markets. While there is no specialised vaccine for bird flu, travellers have been urged to check that their other influenza vaccines are up to date before travelling. Smart Traveller states, “If you feel unwell while travelling back to Australia, tell a crew member or airport staff. Make sure to tell them about any contact with sick people or animals.” Image credits: Shutterstock

International Travel

100 cases confirmed in Melbourne's Legionnaires' outbreak

Authorities have confirmed that the number of confirmed cases of Legionnaires' in Melbourne has climbed to 100. Since the first confirmed case on July 26th, two elderly people have died from the illness, after the outbreak was tracked back to a cooling tower in Laverton North, in the city's west. The Department of Health currently investigating the outbreak, as another 10 suspected cases being closely monitored. Most of the cases are in adults aged over 40 and many have required hospitalisation, with a number of cases then requiring admission to intensive care after they developed severe community acquired pneumonia. Victoria’s chief health officer, Dr Clare Looker said authorities believe people were exposed to the virus between July 5th and July 20th, and presented with symptoms from the 15th. “Recent weather patterns could explain the wider than usual spread of legionella bacteria with this outbreak,” she said. Common symptoms of legionnaires’ include chills, cough, fever, headache and muscle aches and pains, while other atypical symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and confusion. Legionella is commonly associated with plumbing fixtures, humidifiers, air scrubbers and air conditioners but can become severe when it begins in a major water source. Image credits: Shutterstock

Caring

Second person dies during Legionnaires outbreak

A man in his 60s has become the second person to die from Legionnaires amidst the outbreak in Victoria. The man became unwell on July 27th and was admitted to hospital, where he died on August 1st. His death comes just days after a woman in her 90s also died from the disease. Victoria's Chief Health Officer Clare Looker confirmed that the state is now grappling with 77 confirmed cases, including two in the past 24 hours and another seven suspected cases. Most people with the disease are over 40 years of age and are believed to have been exposed between July 5th and July 20th. Despite the worrying case number, Looker confirmed that authorities have seen a reduction in cases and believe the situation is stabilising. The source of the outbreak is being linked to a cooling tower in the Laverton North and Derrimut area of Melbourne, after more than 50 sites have been inspected. Authorities believe there is a high likelihood they have already tested and treated the source, while sharing that weather patterns could explain the extent of the outbreak. They have contacted another 1000 businesses across Melbourne, telling them to self-test and report to the Department of Health, Looker said. Legionnaires’ disease is caused by the legionella bacteria, which is found in natural bodies of water as well as spas, warm water systems, potting mix and artificial systems that use water for cooling. Symptoms usually include a chest infection, aches, headache, fever, cough and chills. Image credits: 7News

Caring

Surprise move after Covid outbreak on Aussie cruise ship

A Covid outbreak has infected around 100 passengers and crew on the Coral Princess cruise liner which docked in Brisbane on Sunday July 10. According to Queensland authorities, a Covid outbreak on a cruise ship was expected. This led to Princess cruises offering refunds to the more than 2000 passengers – however, most refused the offer and decided to remain on board. Over 2,300 guests and crew on the ship were headed to NSW. Of the 100 positive cases, only a small number of guests disembarked in Brisbane. Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said that Covid protocols were in place on the ship before the outbreak. Some passengers are isolating at home or in separate accommodation while authorities help staff manager infected staff on board. "This was always going to happen, just like the rest of the community,” Ms D’Ath said. "The virus is everywhere and there's no escaping that, but I do want to acknowledge that the public health units, along with the cruise line, are doing all the right things and following the protocols in place." A Princess Cruises spokesperson says they were doing everything possible to enable guests and crew to stay safe alongside COVID-19. "We have also been open and transparent with guests on the effectiveness of our protocols and this has led to some recent media coverage," the spokesperson said. "We are adhering to comprehensive protocols that were agreed in conjunction with federal and state authorities and we are confident that they are working effectively." The spokesperson said protocols included regular testing of crew, who must all be fully vaccinated, and isolation if they test positive. "In answer to media inquiries at the weekend, we noted that fewer than 20 guests on the previous cruise had tested positive," they said. "The health and well-being of our guests and crew remain our main priority and the protocols being followed on board are working." A Queensland Health spokesperson said the cases on the cruise ship were expected and they were prepared to manage them. Image: Getty

Cruising

How to deal with mould outbreaks this winter

The recent downpour of rain mixed with humid temperatures has led to nation-wide mould outbreaks in many homes. Toxic mould can take a toll on your health, and hijack hidden corners of your home without you even realising. In order to reproduce, mould produces tiny particles called spores that are carried in the air and may cause health problems if inhaled by people who are sensitive or allergic to them, <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/mould.aspx">NSW Health advises</a>. Experts have shared how to spot mould in your home, as well as how to clean it and prevent it from coming back. What exactly is mould? <a href="https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/mould.aspx">Mould</a> is a type of fungi, an organism from the same group that includes yeast and mushrooms, which is present virtually everywhere both indoors and outdoors. When airborne mould spores land on damp spots indoors, they may begin to grow and spread. Mould thrives in moist areas that are not adequately ventilated, with rooms such as laundries, bathrooms most at risk, as well as walls and ceilings that don’t receive direct sunlight. Wet weather, increased humidity, and flood damage have seen households across the country battling recent mould outbreaks in their homes. How do I stop mould from growing in my house? Experts say that prevention is much more effective than mould removal, with the key being to keep your home dry and dust-free. Fix any structural damage Leaks in roofs, full gutters and leaky appliances are all things that will bring mould into your home. Fixing these issues as soon as they arise is vital, as you want to aim to keep the main structure of your home free of any spontaneous leaks. “If you do notice any leaks, get on top of that immediately because dried mould can still become easily airborne,” consultation microbiologist Dr Cameron Jones told <a href="https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/mould-is-coming-back-with-a-vengeance-heres-how-to-tackle-the-outbreak-c-6840176">7News</a>. “That’s how people can become quite ill from mould which has dried inside roof voids and dried on insulation - and then it enters into the home around the perimeters and downlights.” Ventilation is key Keeping your home well ventilated is your best bet when preventing the growth of mould. Jones says that for good ventilation in the home, you can try, “opening windows, and making sure that ceiling fans in wet areas like laundries and bathrooms are on and working.” “As soon as the weather is good, you should start opening your windows and get some ventilation through,” Institute for Infectious Diseases Professor Dee Carter told 7News. “Drying things out is really key or it’ll just come back.” Some air conditioners have a handy dry mode, while portable dehumidifiers also work to draw in extra moisture from the air. Cut condensation Use extractor fans in the kitchen while cooking, and in the bathroom and laundry while washing. Reducing the condensation in your home can also be as simple as popping a lid on your saucepan when boiling water, and opening windows when you’re creating steam within the house. If you see condensation building on walls and inner windows, wipe it up before it has the chance to encourage growth of mould. Getting rid of mould For a routine clean-up of mould, NSW Health suggests using mild detergent or vinegar. Bleach can be used on non-porous surfaces such as tiles and in bathrooms but is not recommended for materials like wood or drywall. Mould has roots that it sends deep into porous materials, so antibacterial agents work best to attack the roots as well as the surface of the fungi. If you see a spot of mould in one particular place, it’s always best to do a clean sweep of the entire room to see if it is hiding anywhere else. Move all your furniture away from the wall and check hidden crevices. There’s nothing worse than thinking your cleaning job is done and then finding a huge mouldy patch behind your lounge or bed frame. In order to stop your furniture being attacked by pesky mould, try to keep your furniture an inch or two out from the wall. This will stop the mould transferring from walls to surfaces such as fabric that are harder to clean. Can mould be killed permanently? Even if you successfully get rid of mould in one area, you’ll need to maintain the conditions of your home continuously to discourage regrowth. “Mould can grow wherever there is moisture source, the correct temperature, and something to grow on,” Jones said. “Cellular debris and the food and liquid waste” are also used as a food source by “the pathogens, which are normally around us all the time”, Jones said. If mould grows in a spot once, it can grow there again. Is mould harmful to humans? A 2018 inquiry by the University of Melbourne recommended that the Department of Health undertake further research into the potential health effects of mould exposure and its prevalence in the built environment. <a href="https://www.mouldlab.com.au/">MouldLab</a> defined biotoxins at the time as including “toxic chemicals found on spores, fine or ultrafine fragments of mould or fungus … that are able to be released into the air”. They stated that some people are “genetically susceptible” and may develop inflammation and chronic illness after coming into contact with these biotoxins. Reported <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/black-mold-exposure#symptoms">symptoms of mould exposure</a> include coughing, wheezing, stuffiness, red or itchy eyes, skin rashes, and a sore throat. These symptoms can be more severe if you have an allergy to mould. Image credits: Getty Images

Home & Garden

Dan Andrews reacts to primary school teacher who refused Covid test

Victorian Premier Dan Andrews has reacted to a kindergarten worker who refused to take a COVID-19 test, despite working on the same site as a child who has tested positive to the virus. The staff member was meant to be tested a week ago after a student at Glenroy West Primary School, which is on the same site as the kindergarten, tested positive to COVID-19. However, the staff member continued to work at the kindergarten for eight hours at a time between August 6 and 12 and refused to be tested. When asked about the situation, Victorian Premier Dan Andrews commented that “millions of Victorians have given so much” since the start of the pandemic. “If you’re asked to test because there’s a sense you may have the virus, but also look after the safety of people you’ve been with, some of whom might be little kids, I don’t know if that’s such a big ask, is it?” <img style="width: 0px; height:0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843304/9b472c5c702bec9f45a798f96864a79759b81244.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/4307467842834fec97d3a5ff356a7d69" /> Image: 7NEWS As a result, at least children and their families have been asked to isolate for 14 days. Since the student’s positive result, 45 infections have been linked to the school outbreak, with dozens of active cases identified at the primary school. “As we always do, particularly with a high number of children we’ve had involved in these outbreaks over the last couple of weeks it will continue to be a Tier 1 exposure site,” COVID Commander Jeroen Weimar said.

News

NSW cases explode into triple digits

NSW has recorded 112 cases to 8pm last night, with the majority of cases involving family members and close contacts of already-infected individuals. At least 34 of those cases were partially or fully in the community while infectious. “It is critical, that is something all of us have a role to play in, all of us have to make sure that if anyone has symptoms, get tested and stay at home,” Premier Gladys Berijiklian said. “People need to be aware and they need to keep themselves and their families safe.” The Premier has insisted that anyone with symptoms stay home from work and to stay away from GPs and pharmacies. “The virus won’t spread if people don’t leave home,” Ms Berejiklian said. The vast majority of cases are occurring south-western Sydney, eastern Sydney, and some cases in western Sydney and the Nepean-Blue Mountains area. From today, mandatory QR check-ins are in place for additional venues, including workplaces and retail outlets. Additionally, pharmacists across the state will begin administering COVID-19 vaccinations from today. According to the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, 113 pharmacies in three states will be helping fast track the vaccine rollout. “We’re really hoping, that with the support of the New South Wales government, that National Government will reverse their hold or blockage or deferral on pharmacies in major metropolitan areas which should see up to an extra 900 pharmacies in Greater Sydney come on board,” said Guild President Trent Towney. The AstraZeneca vaccine is now available to individuals over 40 by completing “the appropriate consent forms at all New South Wales Health sites”, according to Ms Berejiklian.

News

"Like India": Epidemiologists warn about Delta outbreak

Australian infectious disease experts are warning that the country "could end up with a situation like India" if the Delta variant of COVID-19 is allowed to run throughout the community. This comes after NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard suggested that the state might never control its current outbreak and will have to live with the virus "for good". Mr Hazzard said if people don’t do the right thing over the coming days, “then at some point we’re going to move to a stage where we’re going to have to accept that the virus has a life which will continue in the community”. Raina Macintyre from the Kirby Institute said that letting the virus continue would be "really risky". “I think for Australia, for NSW, that’s a different proposition to countries that have high vaccination rates and high levels of disease. We’ve got virtually no immunity in the community because very few people have been fully vaccinated, and very few people have been infected,” she said to ABC Breakfast. “So we are absolutely susceptible. If we let it spread in Sydney, it could impact the whole country and we could end up with a situation like we saw in India in March and April. “We can’t afford to relax until we’ve got the vaccination rates high.” Ms Macintyre said there would be at least a three-month wait until vaccine supplies in Australia became “adequate”. “It would be really risky to throw it all away without waiting that three months and doing everything that we can to crush this outbreak and to prevent further leaks from hotel quarantine and the international borders by mitigating airborne transmission more comprehensively than we have done,” she said.

News

Alarming new way the Vic outbreak is spreading

Victorian authorities say people are becoming infected with COVID after just "brushing past" strangers with the virus. Testing Commander Jeroen Weimar said at least four of the state's 54 locally transmitted cases have come from "fleeting" contact between Victorians, “What we’re seeing now is people are brushing past each other in a small shop, they are going to a display home, they are looking at photos in a Telstra shop,” he said. “This is relatively speaking, relatively fleeting. They do not know each other’s names, and that is very different from what we have been before. “This is stranger to stranger transmission.” He said the ease with which the virus is spreading may be a feature of the Indian variant. “We are used with previous variants, we are more used to transmission roccurring in the home, in the workplace, where people know each other already, not all of those big social settings,” he said. “These are quite different.” “We have seen transmission in these places with very fleeting contact. We have transmission in places like the Telstra store in South Melbourne, JMD Grocers, the display home we talked about a few days ago, I’d add Craigieburn Central shopping centre. “They are all examples of transmission with very limited contact. With previous variants, we are more used to transmission occurring in the home, in the workplace, where people know each other already, not at all of those big social settings. These are quite different.” If anyone has been to any of the following sites in the past two weeks, they should come forward and get tested: • Craigieburn Central • Bay Street shops in Port Melbourne • Clarendon Street in the South Melbourne • Pacific Epping, also known as the Epping Plaza • The Epping North shopping centre • Broadway Reservoir

News

Patient zero of Sydney's latest outbreak revealed as restrictions are extended

The Sydney COVID-19 patient dubbed "BBQ man" after he visited multiple BBQ stores around the city while infectious has been named, finally providing an explanation for his shopping spree. Investment company Apollo Global Management managing director Tom Pizzey has been identified by the Australian Financial Review as the man linked to Sydney's latest COVID-19 scare. Mr Pizzey is understood to have the "double mutant" Indian strain of the virus, with his wife also testing positive to COVID-19. AFR reported Mr Pizzey is still dealing with symptoms of the virus, with Apollo confirming it is assisting NSW Health in relation to a positive virus case. “The employee has not travelled outside Australia this year,” an Apollo spokesperson told AFR. Mr Pizzey, who is one of Apollo's only two full-time employees in Australia, is understood to be the mystery COVID-19 case who visited multiple venues on May 1 while unknowingly infectious, including multiple BBQ stores. He visited two different Barbecue Galore stores as the chain is in its early stages of auction. Mr Pizzey was checking out the stores for Apollo, with reports the company is considering acquiring the chain. In the same day, Mr Pizzey also visited Joe’s Barbeques & Heating in Silverwater, Tucker Barbecues in Silverwater and The Meat Store in Bondi Junction

News

Lisa Wilkinson questions COVID outbreak timing: “What is it about outbreaks and public holidays?”

Lisa Wilkinson couldn’t help but bring attention to an interesting point during The Project on Thursday night. Her comments followed after Waleed Aly revealed the latest Sydney COVID outbreak, saying there are struggled that will come with it restrictions being on Mother’s Day weekend. “Here we are again. The Mother’s Day thing is interesting. Indoor is the main issue with COVID,” Aly said. “We know that from experience. And the weather in Sydney over the weekend is meant to be wet, which means Mother’s Day will probably be inside. Which does increase the risk. It’s not a great situation.” Lisa then brought up her own point, asking: “The other thing with this virus, what is it about outbreaks and public holidays?” <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841113/lisa-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/13dbe0a2c9004647a97c3d5adf45ac5a" /> “We got Mother’s Day coming up, Christmas was a disaster in Sydney... Anzac Day in Perth, Easter we had a problem, Valentine’s Day...” Interestingly enough, a large number of COVID outbreaks have coincided with big public holidays. On Thursday, NSW Health released an updated list its list of exposure sites, placing a new public health alert. The list of venues has expanded to 21 and NSW Health is urging anyone who has or will visit these sites to get tested and possibly isolate. • Bondi Trattoria, Bondi Beach: April 29, 12.45 pm to 1.30pm • Fratelli Fresh, Sydney: April 27, 1.15 pm to 2.15pm • The Stadium Club, Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park: May 3, 11.30 am to 12.30pm • Azure Cafe, Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park: May 3, 12.pm to 1.00pm • The Royal Sydney Golf Club, Rose Bay: May 3, 5.30 pm to 9.00pm • Rug Cleaning Repairs Hand Rug Wash, Brookvale: May 4, 12.30 pm to 1.00pm • Alfresco Emporium, Collaroy: May 4, 1.00 pm to 1.30pm • Smith Made, Balgowlah: May 4, 2.30 pm to 2.45pm • Chemist Warehouse, Double Bay: May 4, 3.45 pm to 4.00pm • Woolworths, Double Bay: May 4, 3.45 to 4.00pm • District Brasserie, Sydney: April 30, 11.00 pm to 12.00pm • HineSight Optometrist at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth: April 30, 12.00 pm to 1.00pm • Barbetta, Paddington: April 30, 1.30 pm to 2.30pm • Screening of The Courier at Event Cinemas, Westfield Bondi Junction: April 30, 6.00 pm to 8pm • Figo Restaurant, Rushcutters Bay: April 30, 8.45 pm to 11.00pm • Joe’s Barbecues & Heating, Silverwater: May 1, 1.30 pm to 2.30pm • Tucker Barbeques, Silverwater: May 1, 1.00 pm to 1.45pm • Barbecues Galore, Annandale: May 1, 2.00 pm to 3.00pm • Barbecues Galore, Casula: May 1, 4.00 pm to 5.00pm • BP, Mascot: May 1, 4.30 pm to 5.00pm • The Meat Store, Bondi Junction: May 2, 3.00 pm to 4.00pm

Gladys Berejiklian reveals key new case in Sydney COVID outbreak

A traveller has tested positive for COVID-19 – and on the same floor as a security guard who contracted the virus a week before. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed the news to reporters Wednesday morning, saying this new case could be the “missing link” health authorities need. “Health believes they (new case) acquired (COVID) when they went into the hotel and we’re being very upfront about that,” Ms Berejiklian said. “They are an overseas traveller but they didn’t have the virus when they came into the hotel … health believes that because of the timing they contracted the virus.” The Premier confessed that investigators and health officials may “never find the link…. similar to the Avalon cluster; we still don’t know. “As always during a pandemic we ask all of our citizens to be on high alert and follow health advice,” she said. “Fortunately the person is already in quarantine … health will be making further investigations, it could be very much the missing link between the overseas traveller and the guard.” The security guard is believed to have contracted the virus while working on the 11th floor at the Sofitel in Wentworth. Officials are still yet to determine how, however an extensive look at CCTV footage shows he did not breach any protocols. A previous returned traveller at the hotel has also tested positive, but the link between them and the guard continues to be a mystery to investigators and health officials. “It’s not surprising the case is on the same floor as the security guard and the traveller that had the original case,” the premier said. “There is no cause for us to be alarmed in the community.” Ms Berejiklian said the case would not impact an expected easing of restrictions later on Wednesday. “At this stage there’s no cause for us to change any of that,” she said. “But of course, as I say every day the pandemic is evolving, and if we have to adjust any of our settings we will.” The guard was the state’s first coronavirus case in 55 days and had received one dose of the Pfizer vaccine earlier in March. NSW Health revealed that the 47-year-old man caught the virus while he worked across two Sydney quarantine hotels, Sofitel Wentworth in Sydney’s CBD and the Mantra hotel at Haymarket. Chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant told reporters that the man had a full-time office job and worked in the hotels over weekends. “(He was) was infectious while doing a shift and we have contacted around 130 people who worked from 7 pm on Friday night to 7 am on Saturday, overlapping that March 12 to March 13 (window),” she said at the time. “We are asking those individuals to immediately self-isolate and get a test. Basically, that allows us time to work through and ascertain the nature of interaction that this security guard had with those quarantine workers.”

News

NSW acting premier hints at tighter measures after bottle shop outbreak

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> Two employees infected with the coronavirus served thousands of customers at a BWS in Berala, which has prompted fears that the cluster is set to explode. Anyone who visited the bottle shop over the festive period is being considered a close contact and must get tested for coronavirus and isolate for 14 days. Acting Premier John Barilaro said that Sydney wouldn't hesitate to enforce a "Northern Beaches-style lockdown." “Yeah, absolutely,” he replied to Sunrise. “We never take anything off the table.” He's also urged other states to step up when it comes to quarantine. “We, as a state, have had 105,000 passengers through Sydney, [we are] doing the heavy lifting,” he said. “[And] 45 to 50 per cent of those citizens returning to Australia belong to other states. “It’s like we’re the dry cleaner or car wash - we clean them up and send them off clean to other states. “What we do need is other states to start lifting their game and taking more people directly into their states rather than NSW being the laundromat,” Barilaro said. This comes after a south-western Sydney venue operator was fined for a major breach of public health orders as the venue allowed up to 700 guests to attend a wedding. Between 600 to 700 people attended the wedding in Fairfield, double the amount of patrons allowed at the venue under the NSW coronavirus restrictions. The operator will be fined $5,000 for the "high level" breach, according to a livid NSW Police Minister David Elliott. "The police will ensure he gets the $5000 (fine)," Mr Elliott told Today. "He can challenge that and risk himself six months in jail." "It is baffling that somebody would breach it (the public health order) so badly," Mr Elliott said. "This isn't one or two people coming from an area in lockdown or, you know, this isn't a dozen people that turned up unannounced, this is twice the amount of people that were allowed to attend that wedding reception in an area not far from Berala." "It is not about the fines or the punishment, this is about compliance, and people need to realise the police are enforcing a law to keep them healthy," Mr Elliott said. "We don't want to go back into lockdown. That's why we have introduced these Public Health Orders and I'm very disappointed that the Fairfield police area command has had to go through that over the last 48 hours. "It is time that western Sydney needs to be well and truly on its game when it comes to complying with Public Health Orders. This just does not make sense." He said there was now "potentially 700 people that have to monitor their own health and probably go get a COVID-19 test". Photo credits: Today </div> </div> </div>

News

"We kind of forgot": Lisa Wilkinson responds to NSW outbreak

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> With 28 new cases linked to the Northern Beaches cluster, Premier Gladys Berejiklian has urged all northern beaches residents to "not leave your home" as NSW works quickly to get on top of its cluster. She's told the NSW community that as soon as she gets information about affected venues, she'll tell the community. "As soon as NSW Health gets that information about that venue or that someone has acquired the disease, you will get it in real time, the same time as I do," she said. "But to avoid confusion, we will be doing one daily update at 11 am on the numbers." This comes after Lisa Wilkinson warned that NSW was getting "complacent". <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Contact tracers are working hard tonight to confirm the source of Sydney’s new COVID cluster, with the number of cases increasing and testing queues lengthening just eight days from Christmas. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheProjectTV?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheProjectTV</a> <a href="https://t.co/uuY1iBpyaD">pic.twitter.com/uuY1iBpyaD</a> — The Project (@theprojecttv) <a href="https://twitter.com/theprojecttv/status/1339483075542212608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2020</a></blockquote> Wilkinson is a Sydney resident herself and said on Thursday night's episode of The Project that NSW "kind of forgot" we are in a pandemic. “In NSW, because we never went through what Victoria did or South Australia... we’ve just been sort of rolling along, thinking, ‘Gee, haven’t we done well,’” she said. “Well, it turns out it is very definitely still out there and obviously people who are asymptomatic that are passing it on. We are in a pandemic and we kind of forgot.” Epidemiologist and public health specialist Tony Blakely joined The Project and said that "the real truth will come in the next few days". "This is serious," he urged the audience. The Premier has said that there is "absolutely" no reason people should not be wearing masks when they're unable to social distance, especially on public transport. The outbreak has also spread to other areas, including Cronulla RSL after it confirmed a positive coronavirus case visited the establishment. </div> </div> </div>

NSW experiences COVID-19 outbreak just days before Xmas

NSW is racing to bring a handful of mystery cases under control just eight days before Christmas. The state has six locally acquired cases, which haven't been traced, with five in the Northern Beaches area of Sydney and one in Sydney's southwest. Sydney was on high alert as a 45-year-old man who transports international aircrew from the airport tested positive to the virus. A few hours later, a couple from Avalon in their 60s and 70s tested positive to the coronavirus. NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant are urging people who have visited hot spots to get tested. Hazzard also implored journalists to ensure that privacy of infected people remained intact, despite naming the band that the initial case took from the airport. "The gentleman from Frenchs Forest – I have to say the tracing and tracking of our health teams is just incredible – just in the last few hours, they've taken histories and managed to work out that this particular person has been working in a band," Mr Hazzard said. "The band is called Nothing Too Serious. Certainly from our point of view, I wouldn't say it's exactly how we feel, because it obviously is serious. "We are making every effort to do what New South Wales does extremely well, and that is to keep in the perspective and deal with what is coming our way at the moment." "We need to respect people's privacy as far as possible so they can actually feel confident in coming forward," he said. "Look, there have been circumstances. In fact, I wish I hadn't actually named that band now because some of you will be rushing out. I want to hear that band when they're well but we need to respect their privacy as far as humanly possible." A self-isolate order has been issued for anyone who attended the venues below, which means people must seek testing and remain in isolation for 14 days. The locations where people need to go into isolation are: <ul> <li>Avalon RSL Club – December 11 all day until close</li> <li>Penrith RSL Club – December 13 from 1 pm to 6pm</li> <li>The Kirribilli Club – December 14 from 12 pm to 3pm</li> </ul> Avalon currently has a new pop-up testing COVID-19 clinic at the Avalon Recreation Centre, which is open from 8 am to 10 pm Monday to Sunday so that people are able to get tested. “It is critical that anyone who was at the [Avalon] RSL club gets tested,” Chant said. “Our working hypothesis is that someone at the [Avalon] RSL club was potentially the source of infection for a number of subsequent cases.” Chant also admitted that one of the cases came forward for testing after realising they had been at a high-risk venue. "That person did not have any symptoms. That person was tested because of our advice around coming forward for testing if you have been at any sites," she said. "Remember, for those sites we say even if you had symptoms or not, get tested. "The reason for that is that if you're in that presymptomatic period, we know you can be infectious for 24-48 hours before symptoms develop. It gives us that time. "That person potentially did work and we are working with the residential facility on that, obviously the residents as well may well have gone to other venues. "I'm aware some residents also get out and about and that some of them – a small number of them – have also attended some of the other venues at the times where we have got interest. We are working with that facility."

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"We are going in hard, early": How SA are tackling the newest outbreak

South Australia has recorded just one new case of coronavirus overnight, linked to the family cluster at the centre of the fresh outbreak. The update was issued at 7 am on Tuesday in what seems to be great news as health authorities scramble to take control of emerging COVID-19 cases. There is concern the state may go through a second wave of the highly infectious virus. All international flights to Adelaide have been suspended while the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Tasmania and Queensland have closed their borders to the state. New South Wales will remain open and Victoria, too, despite deeming SA a "hotspot". New restrictions have also been put in place, coming into effect at midnight. Premier Steven Marshall said the restrictions are set to be put in place for two weeks. "Of course, if we can remove them earlier, we certainly will." <ul> <li>Pubs, clubs and restaurants now have a 100-person limit; private functions are capped at 50 and there is to be no stand-up drinking. The four</li> <li>Recreation centres, play centres and gyms are now closed — though with outdoor boot camps permitted, some are moving classes outside.</li> <li>Community sports fixtures and training have been temporarily suspended, for both indoor and outdoor sports.</li> <li>Funeral are capped at 50 people; church services are limited to 100 people; wedding guests must register with the communicable diseases control branch.</li> <li>Home gatherings are limited to 10 people.</li> <li>Masks must be worn by beauty providers, and are encouraged for clients.</li> </ul> Those who can work from home are encouraged to, and people have been asked to avoid unnecessary travel, and wear a mask where social distancing is not possible. Schools will remain open. "To everyone who has gone to get tested and acted on advice to self-isolate, thank you," Marshall said in a statement <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/158532174266173/posts/3400590756726949" target="_blank">shared on social media</a> last night. "As we've seen interstate and overseas, this virus has the ability to spread thick and fast. It's a nasty virus and it's not going to go away until we have a vaccine. That's why we can never get complacent. "Social distancing, hand hygiene, getting tested and respecting restrictions are our strongest line of defence. "We are not waiting. We are going in hard, early. This cluster won't define us. It won't ruin all the hard work we've done if we continue to work together."

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Carers at Epping Gardens break silence over deadly outbreak

A group of aged care workers who came under fire for holding an “unauthorised” baby shower at their facility days before a deadly outbreak occurred have finally broken their silence. Heritage Care, owner of aged cared facility Epping Gardens, referred six of its carers to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency over the baby shower on July 16, claiming it was unauthorised. The first case of COVID-19 at the facility was found days later. The cluster ended up taking the lives of 38 residents. But the carers claim management knew of the baby shower as well as a birthday celebration that took place at the facility two days later. Appearing on A Current Affair, the carers made a series of allegations saying a COVID-19 outbreak was inevitable. Only two nurses were on duty at Epping Gardens when the Australian Defence Force took over in late July. Speaking to ACA reporter Christine Ahern, the carers who chose to stay anonymous painted a picture of confusion, chaos and a lack of infection control before the virus took place. And most seriously, one carer, Renee* alleges that she was required to continue working as she waited for the results of a COVID-19 test. "They say, 'you are waiting, you can work'," Renee* said. Jade* another carer was also told she needed to continue working after coming into contact with a COVID-positive resident. "They said to me, 'do you have symptoms?' And I said, 'no, I don't have symptoms.' And they said, 'don't worry, you have to go upstairs, you have to work today'." Jade* refused to work and tested positive the following day. She hasn't been back to Epping Gardens since. Renee* was also told to stop wearing a mask because it was scaring the residents. "(The manager said) 'just throw your mask in the bin… you're scaring the consumers and they think we're sick'," Renee* said. Heritage Care CEO Greg Reeve declined to comment when contacted by A Current Affair. *Carers names have been changed.

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2020 word of the year announced

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> Collins English Dictionary has announced the 2020 word of the year, which is "lockdown". The term has quickly wormed its way into conversations around the world due to public health measures against the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe. "Our lexicographers chose '<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/coronavirus-victoria-restrictions-things-you-may-not-know-lockdown-ends-melbourne/1dd707e6-a1d0-44af-bef9-17196b1799db" target="_blank" class="editor-rtflink">lockdown</a>' as Word of the Year because it is a unifying experience for billions of people across the world, who have had, collectively, to play their part in combating the spread of COVID-19," Collins wrote after announcing the award. "It's not a shock to remember that lockdown was originally a piece of prison vocabulary: it's when inmates are confined to their cells because of some disturbance on the wing," it added. "2020 is year that the meaning of the word shifted irrevocably: in most people's minds, lockdown is now a public health measure — its use having increased exponentially since 2019." The dictionary asid it registered over a quarter of a million usages of the word "lockdown", which is an increase of more than 6,000 per cent. Since the initial outbreak in Wuhan, China, virtually every major country has followed suit and enacted some form of lockdown. This makes 2020 a year unlike any other in modern history due to unprecedented social restrictions limiting human interaction. According to the dictionary, the choice of the word was easy. "It's no surprise that quite a few of the words on Collins Word of the Year 2020 shortlist have one big thing in common: the pandemic," the dictionary wrote. "Something that changed everyone's lives so profoundly — leaving no country or continent untouched — was bound to have a significant impact on our language." </div> </div> </div>

Travel Trouble

Masked Singer Australia suspended after COVID-19 outbreak

Production of The Masked Singer Australia has been halted after several crew members have tested positive for coronavirus. The show is filmed in Melbourne, which is currently experiencing a spike of infections and residents are following strict lockdown rules. Some lockdown rules include a night-time curfew, the closure of restaurants and gyms and no travel further than 5kms from home. The show announced its immediate suspension in a tweet on Sunday. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CEMBW74Dqti/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CEMBW74Dqti/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Thanks for all the love and support fam! We've still got plenty of episodes of The Masked Singer ready to go so we'll see you 7.30 Monday and Tuesday on 10.</a> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/themaskedsingerau/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> The Masked Singer Australia</a> (@themaskedsingerau) on Aug 22, 2020 at 3:13am PDT </div> </blockquote> <div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> “The health and safety of the community, and our staff and production partners is our number one priority,” the show wrote on Twitter. “The entire production team, including the masked singers, the host and panellists are now in self-isolation. “They are all being monitored closely and are in constant contact with medical authorities.” This shows that the show's host Osher Gunsberg and judges including singer Dannii Minogue and comedian Dave Hughes are being isolated. </div> </div> </div>

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