Thread: Covid Mk ll

Originally Posted by Arapiles

As has been pointed out before, it was NSW and Victoria (and, to a smaller extent, QLD) that ran the risk of Covid by running the quarantine process for people returning to Australia. A lot of the people who processed through NSW and Vic were residents of other States who then went back to their States after they'd done quarantine in NSW and Victoria. I'm no fan of NSW's whack-a-mole approach to outbreaks but credit where it's due - after the first debacle they did process a lot of people through hotel quarantine without letting in Covid, up until the limo driver stuff-up. The other States and Territories didn't permit international arrivals - in fact Tasmania hasn't had an international flight of any type for years - so there wasn't much management going on in the smaller States, just closing their borders and letting a couple of other States take the risks for them.



But the bigger question is this - WA has had nearly two years to prepare for an increase in hospitalisations due to Covid when it opens its borders - has it done so? Apparently not:

Regional WA hospital staff '''not ready''' for border opening, '''inevitable''' COVID outbreaks - ABC News

WA hospitals under strain despite lack of COVID cases, with top doctor warning state unprepared for outbreak | 7NEWS

Actually, factual information from the Australian Bureau of Statistics has previously been presented to show that the "opinion" above is incorrect. The number of returning Australians by state per capita is really not that much different between NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and NT. NSW has definitely accepted the highest number of returning travellers per capita, but that is to be expected. The other states and territories mentioned are nowhere near as far behind in this respect than some would have us believe. SA is a lot lower than those mentioned previously, with ACT and Tasmania recording virtually no returned overseas travellers directly accepted.

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But you are definitely correct in your following question - the WA government has done NOTHING in the last two (four really) years to improve the sub-standard hospital system in this state. If anything, the hospital system here is in significantly worse condition than it was when the current government was first elected to power. All we have seen so far is promises - no action.

Originally Posted by BMKal

Actually, factual information from the Australian Bureau of Statistics has previously been presented to show that the "opinion" above is incorrect. The number of returning Australians by state per capita is really not that much different between NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and NT. NSW has definitely accepted the highest number of returning travellers per capita, but that is to be expected. The other states and territories mentioned are nowhere near as far behind in this respect than some would have us believe. SA is a lot lower than those mentioned previously, with ACT and Tasmania recording virtually no returned overseas travellers directly accepted.

The returns for the ACT and TAS relate to the international functions of their airports - TAS has no international airports (Restricted Use only) so arrivals there are all via other States. The ACT is International (but Restricted Use only) as far as Singapore and Wellington is concerned, so not many flights (if any during the pandemic) to bring returnees in.

Originally Posted by Tote

We’re currently in Mildura and I reckon the mask wearing is running at 40% in the hotel. Add to that the pdf file that was updated on dec 15 on the Victorian covid site contradicts the advice given on other pages when it comes to the rules around mask wearing. the pdf
From the .pdf - Latest statewide settings "Masks are required indoors only in limited settings including retail (except hair and beauty), health care, aged care and justice facilities, at primary schools and on public transport/taxis/rideshare."

Regards
Tote

Current rules:

COVIDSafe Settings | Coronavirus Victoria

How we live: Information for Victorians | Coronavirus Victoria

Almost all restrictions have eased for fully vaccinated Victorians, but some COVID-19 risks still remain. There are things we can all do to make ourselves and others safer. As you live and work, remember these COVIDSafe principles:

• Face masks are required indoors (except at home) for everyone aged 8 and above at all times, unless an exception applies.
  
  
  • We strongly recommend that you wear a face mask outdoors, if you can’t physically distance, have any symptoms, or if you are with people who may be vulnerable to COVID-19.
  • Carry a mask when leaving home. See the Face masks page for information about where masks are required.

Where face masks are required

Wearing a mask is required for everyone aged 8 and above in all indoor settings in Victoria (unless an exception applies, such as when in a home, when consuming food or drink, or when receiving beauty services).


Wearing a mask is also required in the following settings:

• On public transport, in taxis/rideshare services, in tourism vehicles and on commercial flights.
• At an airport.
• While attending an event that has 30,000 or more patrons present, unless you are seated outdoors at the event.
• While visiting a hospital or care facility.
• After being tested for COVID-19 and awaiting results, other than as part of surveillance testing.
• If the person has COVID-19 or is a contact, and is leaving the premises in line with quarantine, isolation or testing requirements.
• International passenger arrivals and international aircrew services workers who are in direct transit to their place of self-quarantine in Victoria and who leave their vehicle, or who are in self-quarantine and leave to undertake permitted essential services.

Carry your mask at all times when leaving home.



In Melbourne masks would be 95% plus - I was just at a very crowded supermarket and didn't see anyone not wearing one. It wouldn't surprise me if country Victoria, which never had much in the way of infections or lockdowns, was a lot slacker.

Originally Posted by Arapiles

......................
In Melbourne masks would be 95% plus - I was just at a very crowded supermarket and didn't see anyone not wearing one. It wouldn't surprise me if country Victoria, which never had much in the way of infections or lockdowns, was a lot slacker.

If it's not holiday time the situation in country Vic is the opposite of what you surmise.

Have done a couple of jobs in Portland where everyone in the streets were wearing masks when there was no requirement to do it.

It's only times like now when the Melbourne hoards arrive and THEY don't wear masks or check in because they think there have been low case numbers.

Doesn't sit well with the locals.

DL

Originally Posted by Arapiles

Current rules:

COVIDSafe Settings | Coronavirus Victoria

How we live: Information for Victorians | Coronavirus Victoria

Almost all restrictions have eased for fully vaccinated Victorians, but some COVID-19 risks still remain. There are things we can all do to make ourselves and others safer. As you live and work, remember these COVIDSafe principles:

• Face masks are required indoors (except at home) for everyone aged 8 and above at all times, unless an exception applies.
  
  
  • We strongly recommend that you wear a face mask outdoors, if you can’t physically distance, have any symptoms, or if you are with people who may be vulnerable to COVID-19.
  • Carry a mask when leaving home. See the Face masks page for information about where masks are required.

Where face masks are required

Wearing a mask is required for everyone aged 8 and above in all indoor settings in Victoria (unless an exception applies, such as when in a home, when consuming food or drink, or when receiving beauty services).


Wearing a mask is also required in the following settings:

• On public transport, in taxis/rideshare services, in tourism vehicles and on commercial flights.
• At an airport.
• While attending an event that has 30,000 or more patrons present, unless you are seated outdoors at the event.
• While visiting a hospital or care facility.
• After being tested for COVID-19 and awaiting results, other than as part of surveillance testing.
• If the person has COVID-19 or is a contact, and is leaving the premises in line with quarantine, isolation or testing requirements.
• International passenger arrivals and international aircrew services workers who are in direct transit to their place of self-quarantine in Victoria and who leave their vehicle, or who are in self-quarantine and leave to undertake permitted essential services.

Carry your mask at all times when leaving home.





In Melbourne masks would be 95% plus - I was just at a very crowded supermarket and didn't see anyone not wearing one. It wouldn't surprise me if country Victoria, which never had much in the way of infections or lockdowns, was a lot slacker.

So why do the government have this document posted on their site which contradicts the above?
https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/s...ictoria-v3.pdf

Its under the current covidsafe settings so its not like its hidden,
Masks are required indoors only in limited settings including retail (except hair and beauty), health care, aged care and justice facilities, at primary schools and on public transport/taxis/rideshare.


We recommend wearing a mask if you can’t physically distance, if you have any symptoms, or if you are with people who may be vulnerable to COVID-19.
Mildura is considerably more lax than broken hill where we were earlier where we had to prove vaccination status to get into most venues, no such issue in Mildura where they don't seem to care if you check in or wear a mask.
Regards,
Tote

Originally Posted by trout1105

There is so Much more to the WA economy than just mining and some towns especially in the NW of the State have actually had a tourism Boom due to the border closures and West Australians spending their holidays within the State instead of going overseas/interstate.

The local buisnesses (Retail and service) havent taken the massive hits due to endless lockdowns and infected workers not being able to go to work like in some of the other States.

As far as "Freedoms" go West australians can travel anywhere in this vast State, We don't have to wear masks, most of the pubs etc. are open for buisness, We don't have to proove our vaccination status to enter anywhere either.

IF we want to we can moove to ANY State we choose (Coming back is problematic) as well.

So as far as "Freedoms" go WA has Much more of that than most of the other States so I don't know what you are banging on about

Has it though.

I’ve been watching the policies etc being enacted in WA. Whilst you’ve been smirking at us about Covid, a heap of your freedoms are being eroded.

Good luck with those daily life impacts that will impact many more.

Originally Posted by trout1105

With the infection rates doubling every few days in NSW keep telling yourself that lie if it makes you feel better

You need to read more data.

Higher infection of a lower mortality bug is a good thing. Take a look at deaths from Flu etc last couple of years.

Originally Posted by 350RRC

If it's not holiday time the situation in country Vic is the opposite of what you surmise.

Have done a couple of jobs in Portland where everyone in the streets were wearing masks when there was no requirement to do it.

It's only times like now when the Melbourne hoards arrive and THEY don't wear masks or check in because they think there have been low case numbers.

Doesn't sit well with the locals.

DL

I am a local. When I was up home last week it wasn't people from Melbourne who weren't wearing masks.