Covid 19 -

[Tickford.]

NZ has recorded it's first case in the community in over two months. 56 year old woman returning from Europe did the 14 day hotel quarantine, tested negative twice while in quarantine, was released from quarantine 13th Jan. 15th Jan she developed symptoms. 22nd Jan tested positive.

Why did she wait a whole week after developing symptoms before getting tested?? Stupid.

NZ authorities are now tracing back upto 30 venues the woman visited while being infectious. They also suspect she has the UK variant.

This again raises the question of if 14 day quarantine is long enough. It has proven to be not enough in several cases so far. Some countries have moved to 21 days quarantine.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/william...h=a17abdc721e9


Also, another report saying she may have caught the virus in her last few days of hotel quarantine from another positive case staying at the same hotel (Auckland's Pullman Hotel). There were at least 13 guests staying at the hotel at the same time as the woman who had tested positive.Do they not separate the negative cases and positive cases in different hotels?

[Tickford.]

Originally Posted by buggerlugs

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-.../13078574?nw=0

That report really shows who was responsible for bringing the virus, and letting it spread into all parts of Australia.
And that same complacency continues to this day.

[russellw]

Data valid as at 00:00 GMT January 24th, 2021.

Note: As not all Australian States report at the same time, the data below is based on the previous full day reporting.

4 new cases for Australia and no deaths so the CMR is 3.160%..

7 new cases and no deaths for NZ so CMR is 1.095% and active cases 79.

The UK had 30,552 cases yesterday and 610 deaths.

Just over 173.5k new cases in the USA yesterday and 3,438 deaths sees CMR up to 1.673%. Note that the USA is actually minus one day due to time differences.

Other notable points: (weekend reporting)
Europe passes 29M cases;
South America passes 400k deaths;

Only -
UAE (3,579)

... recorded new daily highs; those in blue for the second consecutive day and those in red for a third or more consecutive day.

[tweeked]

Originally Posted by Tickford.

NZ has recorded it's first case in the community in over two months. 56 year old woman returning from Europe did the 14 day hotel quarantine, tested negative twice while in quarantine, was released from quarantine 13th Jan. 15th Jan she developed symptoms. 22nd Jan tested positive.

Why did she wait a whole week after developing symptoms before getting tested?? Stupid.

NZ authorities are now tracing back upto 30 venues the woman visited while being infectious. They also suspect she has the UK variant.

This again raises the question of if 14 day quarantine is long enough. It has proven to be not enough in several cases so far. Some countries have moved to 21 days quarantine.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/william...h=a17abdc721e9


Also, another report saying she may have caught the virus in her last few days of hotel quarantine from another positive case staying at the same hotel (Auckland's Pullman Hotel). There were at least 13 guests staying at the hotel at the same time as the woman who had tested positive.Do they not separate the negative cases and positive cases in different hotels?

Yeah, unfortunately there should probably be a requirement for people on leaving hotel quarantine to then self isolate for at least a week at home, probably 2. It is just the cost of coming home. Even if you try to separate those in Hotels, there is still a huge chance of catching it within the facility.

[MITCHAY]

Good to see TGA approval for the Pfizer vaccine and looks like contact tracing has worked well in getting the outbreak under control. Only about 100 cases at the moment.

[Tickford.]

Australia halts New Zealand travel bubble amid fears of South African coronavirus strain

The Federal Government has suspended quarantine-free travel for New Zealanders arriving in Australia for 72 hours amid fears of a South African strain of COVID-19 across the Tasman.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-...virus/13089832

[russellw]

Data valid as at 00:00 GMT January 25th, 2021.

Note: As not all Australian States report at the same time, the data below is based on the previous full day reporting.

11 new cases for Australia and no deaths so the CMR is 3.159%..

5 new cases and no deaths for NZ so CMR is 1.093% and active cases 65.

The UK had 11,195 cases yesterday and 592 deaths.

Just under 143k new cases in the USA yesterday and 1,850 deaths sees CMR down to 1.671%. Note that the USA is actually minus one day due to time differences.

Other notable points:
Global cases pass 100M, the last 1M in 2 days;
Europe passes 29M cases;
South America passes 400k deaths;

Only -
UAE (3,591)

... recorded new daily highs; those in blue for the second consecutive day and those in red for a third or more consecutive day.

[FairmontGS]

Europe threatens to restrict vaccine exports after AstraZeneca and Pfizer hit production problems

The European Union is calling out vaccine makers AstraZeneca (AZN) and Pfizer (PFE) over delivery delays that could slow its recovery from the pandemic. Officials are even threatening to restrict exports and take legal action as anger mounts.

https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/26/b...ope/index.html

[russellw]

Data valid as at 00:00 GMT January 26th, 2021.

Note: As not all Australian States report at the same time, the data below is based on the previous full day reporting.

3 new cases for Australia and no deaths so the CMR is 3.158%.

2 new cases and no deaths for NZ so CMR is 1.092% and active cases 65.

The UK had 20,088 cases yesterday and 1,631 deaths.

Just under 152.5k new cases in the USA yesterday and 1,911 deaths sees CMR down to 1.668%. Note that the USA is actually minus one day due to time differences.

Other notable points:
Global deaths pass 2.15M, the last 50k in 4 days;
The USA passes 26M cases;
The UK passes 100k deaths;
South America passes 400k deaths;

Only -
Albania (879) to tie;
Mozambique (1,274);
UAE (3,601) - for the 5th consecutive day

... recorded new daily highs; those in blue for the second consecutive day and those in red for a third or more consecutive day.

[Citroënbender]

According to an article on Aunty, some Chinese are being tested for coronavirus both with nasal and anal swabs.

I really hope they go up the nose first!

[FairmontGS]

Vaccine nationalism: Germany suggests EU should restrict the export of Pfizer’s vaccine

With vaccination campaigns hindered by logistical blunders and industrial shortages, the blame game has started among European governments and industrialists over who is responsible for the delays and how to cope with them.

European Union officials said on Monday that pharmaceutical companies producing COVID vaccines on EU territory would be required to register in advance exports of doses to third countries.

German health minister Jens Spahn said on Tuesday that the EU move would enable it to control and potentially block exports of the vaccine if its own supplies were threatened.

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/va...ne-11611668745

[T3rminator]

I think Australia only has one LGA left that is defined as a "red" zone. Somehow a group of "tourists" from this red zone got into Parliament house for a tour. Interesting the article doesn't mention how many people, and who may have known or who was the guide

This a week before Parliament is supposed to resume....maybe take another 6 months off.

Tourists potentially from Sydney COVID-19 hotspot visited Canberra
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/sto...-restrictions/

Originally Posted by Citroënbender

According to an article on Aunty, some Chinese are being tested for coronavirus both with nasal and anal swabs.

I really hope they go up the nose first!

Hate to tell you but its been happening here too, you just don't hear about it, I'm assuming to not scare people off from getting tested. But this method is only reserved for VIPs.

[Citroënbender]

Now Queensland has said anyone in Australia can visit. Genuinely, really pleasing to read this.

Although, I’m not going to be the only person distrustful of state governments snapping borders shut at a moment’s notice (or less!).

I remain hopeful of longer term implementation of uniform criteria and policies, and life without the Soviet-style internal travel permits certain states are fostering. (Supermarket rationing, travel restrictions, demonstrations outlawed; who actually won the Cold War?)

[T3rminator]

Covid Performance Index
https://interactives.lowyinstitute.o...d-performance/


NZ ranked 1. Aus came in at 8th, surprisingly. The ranking takes into account of testing regimes, so the "if you don't test you don't get cases" have been taken into consideration. The most surprising was Rwanda, came in at 6th.

[russellw]

Data valid as at 00:00 GMT January 27th, 2021.

Note: As not all Australian States report at the same time, the data below is based on the previous full day reporting.

5 new cases for Australia and no deaths so the CMR is 3.158%.

5 new cases and no deaths for NZ so CMR is 1.089% and active cases 69.

The UK had 25,308 cases yesterday and 1,725 deaths.

Just over 152k new cases in the USA yesterday and 4,193 deaths sees CMR up to 1.674%. Note that the USA is actually minus one day due to time differences.

Other notable points:

Global cases pass 101M, the last 1M in 2 days;
Brazil passes 9M cases;

Only -
UAE (3,939) - for the 6th consecutive day

... recorded new daily highs; those in blue for the second consecutive day and those in red for a third or more consecutive day.

[FairmontGS]

Vaccine supply fight escalates as EU demands millions of doses from UK

London: A bitter row which threatens to disrupt vaccine shipments to Australia has morphed into a post-Brexit stand-off, with European Union officials demanding immediate delivery of tens of millions of doses manufactured in Britain.

The salvo was a new escalation in a dispute between the EU and vaccine manufacturers Pfizer and AstraZeneca triggered by revelations the pharmaceutical giants were unable to supply the bloc with as many vials as first agreed.

https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/...28-p56xcj.html

Pfizer getting more information about reports European Union will block coronavirus vaccine exports

Key points:

• Pfizer says it is getting clarification about whether vaccine doses will be prevented from leaving Europe
• Australia has secured 10 million doses of the vaccine, which was approved by the TGA on Monday
• The initial vaccination target of 4 million people by the end of March now looks unlikely

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-...ccine/13098418

[Work Horse]

CSL are making 50 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine in Melbourne.

[MITCHAY]

Originally Posted by Work Horse

CSL are making 50 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine in Melbourne.

We paid a premium for it but given supply **** fights this will be worth it in the end once CSL can get it up and going.

A lot has been made about the efficacy about the AZ vaccine but realistically it is better than nothing and we can make our own.

If supply is an issue then really doesn't matter if other vaccines are better. We have 0% efficacy if no Aussie is getting vaccinated because we don't have it

[Citroënbender]

I’ll wait for the Premcar version of the vaccine. It should be better than OEM.

Been wondering how much coin would be required to persuade the slackers and anti’s to get on board? Seven days of drive through Macca’s vouchers, $50 in the mitt or three points’ credit on your licence?

[Mr_G6ET]

I was surprised to hear this one yesterday, 'jnj' single dose brew

https://www.jnj.com/johnson-johnson-...al-of-medicine

[T3rminator]

Originally Posted by MITCHAY

A lot has been made about the efficacy about the AZ vaccine but realistically it is better than nothing and we can make our own.

I was a bit skeptical about the AZ numbers at first, but it seems the numbers can be played around with a bit. 60% chance of you transmitting the virus, but 90% chance of stopping you from getting severe covid. I'm told the seasonal flu vaccine is only around 50-60% efficacy, so AZ is good enough.

The Pfizer and Moderna numbers are a bit special. Never ever has the world seen a vaccine for corona viruses, yet in less than 12 months, two come out with 90% efficacy.

Anyhow, there is nothing we average joes/janes can do except trust that the TGA experts have our best interest at heart.

[PhilT2]

Mortician giving some insight into life in LA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdpS...ature=emb_logo

[FairmontGS]

Germany recommends against giving Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to over 65s

London: Germany has warned against giving the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to people aged over 65 in a surprise recommendation that will stoke speculation over whether Australia’s drug regulator might reach a similar conclusion.

Scientists on the German health ministry’s vaccine committee announced on Thursday, local time, that the jab should not be given to older age groups, citing a lack of trial data.

https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/...29-p56xns.html

[FairmontGS]

There goes 2nd place...

Record daily tally as Vietnam experiences first virus surge in 55 days

Vietnam has confirmed its first outbreak of the coronavirus in nearly two months and warned it could be more serious than its last wave of infections.

Authorities were rushing to contain the spread and test tens of thousands of people.

The 83 infections announced on Thursday were a record daily tally for Vietnam, which has effectively closed its borders and avoided the larger epidemics seen by its neighbours.

https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/2021...navirus-surge/

[HIPO]

Originally Posted by Mr_G6ET

I was surprised to hear this one yesterday, 'jnj' single dose brew

https://www.jnj.com/johnson-johnson-...al-of-medicine

wonder if they manage to slip something in like they did with their baby powder! (asbestos)

Have been reading up on vaccines of late.... last book by Dr Vernon Cole... theres no way i'll be having any vaccines in the foreseeable future!

[Fed]

I'm waiting until they make the vaccine in a pill.

[russellw]

Data valid as at 00:00 GMT January 28th, 2021.

Note: As not all Australian States report at the same time, the data below is based on the previous full day reporting.

8 new cases for Australia and no deaths so the CMR is 3.153%.

4 new cases and no deaths for NZ so CMR is 1.087% and active cases 69.

The UK had 28,680 cases yesterday and 1,239 deaths.

Just over 161.5k new cases in the USA yesterday and 4,261 deaths sees CMR up to 1.680%. Note that the USA is actually minus one day due to time differences.

Other notable points:

Global cases pass 102M, the last 1M in 1 day;
North America passes 30M cases.

Only -
UAE (3,966) - for the 7th consecutive day; and
Portugal (16,432)

... recorded new daily highs; those in blue for the second consecutive day and those in red for a third or more consecutive day.

[FairmontGS]

Gladys Berejiklian hits out at Annastacia Palaszczuk after JobKeeper extension proposal, coronavirus border closure

Ms Palaszczuk has drawn criticism from both state and federal politicians after yesterday calling on the Federal Government to extend the JobKeeper payment for struggling industries like the tourism sector.

Ms Berejiklian let out a large sigh and shook her head when she was asked about her Queensland counterpart's plea for help.

"She is now the victim of a policy that she put in place herself," Ms Berejiklian told reporters.

"NSW has been so strong on keeping borders open in Australia … to prevent exactly what the Queensland Premier is now complaining about.

"When you unnecessarily close state borders you lose jobs, you create hardship, you impact people's mental health and wellbeing."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-...nsion/13097582

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by FairmontGS

Germany recommends against giving Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to over 65s

https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/...29-p56xns.html

Lack of data, or all the oldies dying after getting it?

Tough choice for the oldies. Take the jab which has a slight chance of killing you, or take your slight chances of getting covid, which also has a slight chance of killing you.

[Citroënbender]

My mate’s in-laws have had their first dose of vaccine in the UK, it’s apparently a twelve week wait for the top-up. They are keen to leave the country!

In Sydney it’s been interesting to compare retail yesterday and today vis-à-vis the mask rules. Woolies felt more upbeat, many patrons wore masks still and there was much use of the sanitiser. The local Lebanese grocery was very much “masks off” and Petbarn - despite having a mask directive on the door - welcomed me as the only mask wearer. QR code check-ins? Pffft!

I’m absolutely not a fan of masks and QR, but for at least a few more days I’ll probably go this way in public/retail spaces. The way I see it, NSW’s government has returned responsibility to the individual; in return for no longer being nannied I’m happy to step up.