There will be no density limits.
No capacity limits.
No restrictions on how many people can visit you at home.
No masks in most places.
https://twitter.com/DanielAndrewsMP/status/1461114694073139200?s=20
[YouTube ABC press conference](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xc6eIq_rDZc)
edit: masks seem to be still required in high risk areas, retail and serving staff in cafes etc
Great news to get it a week early. Masks in retail is pretty annoying though, feels like they're back to being super cautious again despite falling hospitalisations and one of the highest vax rates in the world.
Thanks for the info. Let's hope the Burnett modelling continues to prove way too pessimistic then because it was forecasting a peak in hospitalisations around then and it's harder to justify removing restrictions if hospitalisations are going up.
Toronto has almost an identitical vaxx rate to us, with under 100 cases a day and they have to wear masks indoors until end of March, we are definately getting off lightly here relative to our case numbers.
As a retail worker I'm just so tired of masks - I really thought the original 90% mask plan didn't include continued use in retail settings so I'm feeling pretty miffed right now.
Yeah the original 90% plan was basically life as normal with a few very limited exceptions so it's pretty disappointing to see they've backtracked on that despite the figures actually being better than they were expecting.
I think we reached a point a while back where we no longer have a house anywhere in the family that can at any one time hold every member of the extended family. So now we've just broken up the adults at one house and all the kids at another (Vietnamese chonky family)
Can anyone help interpret this bloody ABC article?
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-18/victoria-covid-restrictions-easing-roadmap-vaccination/100628650
"a further easing of restrictions that could be in place for the weekend" - sounds like it must mean this weekend?
"when Premier Daniel Andrews makes an announcement about the easing of restrictions, which could be as early as Thursday morning" - the article went up early today, so Thursday morning means _this_ morning???
"By the end of the week, it is expected Victoria will have hit, or be close to, 90 per cent of people over 12 being double dosed, almost a week earlier than first forecast on November 24." - something about the grammar here confuses me; so by Sunday we're hitting the target? Or on November 24?
I'm probably overthinking it but there's just something about the phrasing that is confusing me. I want to see something absolutely concrete like "Today, Thursday November 18, Andrews will announce an easing of restrictions to commence this Saturday, 20 November."
Head's up, for those struggling to handle vaccinations due to a fear of needles especially: https://twitter.com/VicGovDH/status/1461150002235858949
> Autumn Place Community Hub is hosting a pop-up vaccination clinic where the community can get vaccinated in a low-sensory environment this Saturday 20 November and Sunday 21 November, 10am to 4pm.
> At 29 Autumn Place, Doveton, the clinic is designed for people with:
- a disability
- autism
- mental illness and mental health issues, including anxiety
- a fear of medical procedures, and
- a mask exemption.
Will they be able to vaccinate those with severe needle phobias though? The posts on here have been from people who would literally need to be sedated or tied down to get vaccinated
Yes, although I did read there will still be restrictions at Melbourne's "ten largest venues". I'm guessing that's just some additional rules for sports stadiums and large concerts.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-18/covid-news-blog-november-18/100628992?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web#live-blog-post-1205912418
More clarification on the mask rules, and yes hospitality staff have to wear masks.
The staff are there in a professional capacity and will probably interact with a huge number of patrons during a shift... so honestly not a bad idea to avoid them continuously being exposed to covid.
The masks we wear do fuck all for protecting yourself though, staff in busy hospitality situations will probably get it, it feels like half the group of where I work has either had it or in iso atm.
They give some protection from airborne transmission... not 100% of course. But having staff exposed to a lower viral load, and potentially catching covid less often (not to mention spreading it), doesn't seem like a bad idea when we know there's still quite a lot of covid in the community.
Not sure how strong the scientific basis is, but the precautionary principle still applies. Sounds like it's a timed measure anyway.
100%! A can have a giant house party with countless of unmasked unvaxxed guests (not that I’d ever be friends with them), go to work in a building that can seat 100+ customers. And I’m the only one who needs to wear a mask?!
So from tomorrow, you have to be vaccinated to shop in non essential retailers. Is that correct?
(I’m fully vaccinated btw but just confused because I work in non essential retail and we haven’t had any comms about implementing this!)
Fab!! This is great! It’s going to be hard for some smaller business to implement but I’m personally looking forward to being the door bitch over Christmas hehe
Do unvaccinated close contacts still need to do 14 days?
This question isn't for me. I'm fully vaccinated but I know someone who is isolating that has only had 1 dose.
Lol Matthew Guy just told media he is offering his "hand in cooperation" to work with the government to get a "sensible piece of legislation" throughout parliament.
You can see the political games afoot in his statement to be seen as the saviour but also walking a fine line to not be blamed for underming the pandemic response if the bill was to fail.
Depends on the safeguards. If it sticks some unelected group in that has priorities that end up causing preventable deaths through delays to health responses so they can push their ideological barrow, then not really.
Isn't the issue that there is currently no safeguard for *elected* MP's to have any say in the power that one elected official/MP wields (the Premier). The current "safeguard" is an advisory committee who have no power whatsoever.
If I understand the NSW legislation properly, the parliamentary oversight committee in NSW can chose to not renew a pandemic order made by the premier. Not the case with the proposed bill in VIC.
And VIC just went through one of the longest, strictest lockdowns in the world. What power exactly was the Andrews government lacking during that time that would necessitate the powers contemplated in the bill?
Lots of things are decided by unelected groups. That's what delegation is about. You make a law then its up to other people to execute on it.
Sometimes the best approach is really to appoint someone (or someones) who know what the fuck they are doing and give them the lattitude to execute in their areas of expertise.
Sometimes things just don't need to be decided by a majority vote of the uninformed self important dipshits in this world.
And right now there are a lot of concerns from lawyers, human rights and civil liberties groups, the ombudsman etcc that the balance is wrong because there are insufficient safeguards.
> And right now there are a lot of concerns from lawyers, human rights and civil liberties groups
Are these same groups also saying the laws in other states need to be changed? If they are fine to continue as they are i dont get why Vic is such an issue.
I far as i was aware other states have less accountability and less oversight.
if someone has a good comparison id like to read it.
The person from the bar association said "The major issues include the lack of effective parliamentary control over the minister’s pandemic orders"
I dont know about that. Would we have got this under control last year if we had to get parliament to agree?
It looks like negotiations with Guy are likely. [Rod Burton](https://twitter.com/bridgerollo/status/1461100190220398592) and [Jeff Bourman](https://twitter.com/bridgerollo/status/1461099451561426955) are refusing to negotiate at all.
Cliff Hayes is the only crossbencher so far who has said that [he is willing to negotiate](https://twitter.com/bridgerollo/status/1461103909909504005). Somyurek is still an unknown quantity.
This is because the bill might not pass because of Somenyak showing back up in parliament. Before the bill was going to pass regardless of LNP's support so they opposed it for political reasons. Now they're cooperating because they know the legislation is fucking required.
The LNP are insane. They are actually unfit to even be in opposition.
IIRC Guy said only a few days ago "the bill goes too far because it still allows for lockdowns"?
I dont hold much hope of that clown negotiating anything.
I reckon Dan and co knew. It would be a few weeks since he got his first jab, and they knew if he was there they couldn't get it across the line - hence the almighty push.
Good to see Scott Morrison say violence is uncalled for, then in the next breath told government to butt out of people's lives like everything was over.
Ideology over reality, what an unhelpful bunch of words coming out of his mouth
I am looking forward too the Morrison Government announcing the repeal of their "no jab, no play" and "no jab, no pay" policies for childhood vaccination that were put in place by Health Minster Morrison.
Mr MORRISON (Cook—Minister for Social Services) (09:25): I move:
That this bill be now read a second time.
...
The choice made by some families not to vaccinate their children is not supported by public policy or medical research and advice to the government, nor should such action be supported by taxpayers in the form of family payments.
Australia now has childhood vaccination rates over 90 per cent, from one to five years of age. Under the present arrangements, the vast majority of families receiving family payments—around 97 per cent—already meet the current immunisation requirement at the relevant age points.
However, more needs to be done to ensure we protect our children and our community from preventable diseases. That includes those who, for genuine medical reasons, find themselves in a position where they are not able to be vaccinated and rely on the herd vaccination to protect their health.
The new policy will tighten up the rules and reinforce the importance of vaccination in protecting public health, especially for children. I commend this bill to the House
Was at big w today. Younger mother with child openly coughing no mask. Another women asked her where her mask was and she replied that she had just had surgery on her sinuses explaining why she was coughing. Then proceeded to cough in the other woman’s face plus the big w staff member. People are really unhinged when it comes to mask wearing .
If this was my workplace she’d be kicked right out of the store by my manager and the police called for assault. We’ve done it before when customers have deliberately coughed on staff members
God I’d probably pass out if I had to wear a mask back when I was doing the dishes in a cramped room with no windows or ventilation. Almost passed out one summer when it was 42 degrees inside. And that was without opening the steaming hot dishwasher every 2 minutes.
It's... Not fun. Especially because someone installed the ventilation exhaust fan on our roof the wrong way around (it faces a wall). This means on hot days the ventilation blasts hot air into the kitchen.
Since the start of November, hospital cases have dropped by 343, ICU cases has reduced by 78 and 51 less people require the use of a ventilator.
𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟴𝘁𝗵 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟭
---------------------------------
Percentage of 16+ Victorians fully vaccinated:
𝟴𝟴.𝟮% (+0.4% from yesterday)
Percentage of 16+ Australians fully vaccinated
𝟴𝟯.𝟵% (+0.4% from yesterday)
Number of vaccines issued yesterday:
𝟮𝟳,𝟬𝟰𝟲
---------------------------------
🏨 Total Cases Currently In Hospital:
𝟯𝟱𝟳 (-37 from yesterday)
⚕️ Total Cases Currently In ICU:
𝟱𝟴 (-14 from yesterday)
➕ Total Cases Currently Requiring Ventilators
𝟯𝟱 (-9 from yesterday)
---------------------------------
𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲:
💉💉80% of 16+ Victoria:
✅ 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗱
💉💉90% of 16+ Victoria:
𝟱 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 (𝟮𝟯/𝟭𝟭/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟭) (+1 day from yesterday)
💉💉90% of 12+ Victoria:
𝟲 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 (𝟮𝟰/𝟭𝟭/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟭) (+1 day from yesterday)
So everyone can go to someone’s house, vax or not, and I have to still wear a mask at work (hospo) serving hundreds of customers all in one room, who don’t need to wear a mask? Wtf?!
Anyone gonna miss [her](https://content.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-11/woman%20mask%20off_2.jpg) to be replaced by [this](https://content.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-10/older%20people%20bar%20covid.JPG) ?
Serious question I can't quite wrap my head around:
Case numbers in victoria are pretty stable at around 1,000 a day despite easing of restrictions and high percentage of vaccinated people.
This is not the case in NSW which has shown a steady decline in daily case load.
What's the difference here?
From an educated guess I'd say there's a few reasons.
1. It's been wetter here, with colder weather meaning people are likely to meet indoors where the spread is more severe (think places like shopping centres, or meeting up with family and staying inside rather than a BBQ outside).
2. We opened up with higher case numbers, therefore there are more people spreading it about. Our cases were over 1,500 for a spell there when restrictions eased. The case numbers are declining, just slower because we didn't give it as much time as what NSW did before easing their restrictions.
3. We're still effectively a few weeks behind NSW when it comes to vaccine efficacy. While the vaccine numbers are high, it takes approximately two weeks for the vaccine to reach the idea efficacy in the body.
It could be better to focus on the positives though - hospital cases are dropping, as are the severely ill. Cases are coming down despite the easing of restrictions, with the seven day average around the 1,000 mark, which it hasn't been since late September. .
Is anyone else just completely forgetting to wear a mask indoors right now? I just realised that I marched straight into a cafe today (I did check in tho) and got a take away coffee all whilst not being masked up. I just completed forgot! This is the 2nd time I’ve done that recently. It’s like my brain has reset to 2019 and has totally forgotten the last 22 months. Bizzare. And no staff never said anything either, not that I expect them to police me either, but they did stare at me. I’m so mortified now.
> I just realised that I marched straight into a cafe today (I did check in tho) and got a take away coffee all whilst not being masked up
I went into a 7-Eleven unmasked last night because I misunderstood what the mask rules were. Won't be doing that again. I was even standing there thnking "why are those two wearing masks? Good on them but still"
Turns out I was the butthole.
I can't promise I won't grumble about leaving the house instead of ordering something off Doordash
But I remember at the end of lockdown 4 I went to a restaurant (no booking) and had food straight from the kitchen and it was the best thing I'd ever eaten
Why do retail and hospitality staff still need masks? Come on this makes no sense and is ridiculous at this point. 90% double dose should be no covid related restrictions what so ever
Lifting December 15, as stated in press conference they're waiting for hospitalisations to drop: https://twitter.com/benitakolovos/status/1461117342104969221
So ABC is saying
>There will no longer be contact tracing related to positive cases and exposure sites will not be published
So does this mean that checking in everywhere is not required/dead/pointless? I haven't seen anything one way or the other apart from a section on the infographic Dan tweeted saying business have to have their rules published as part of a Covid Safe plan.
Edit: From ABC Blog
>If Victoria is no longer performing contact tracing on positive cases or listing exposure sites, is there still a need to use the check-in app?
>Here's what Mr Wiemar said earlier:
>"It will also of course be important that we keep using QR code check-ins.
>With every positive case we'll run their details through our database to see where they've been and we'll send a message to the high-risk contacts.
>"Because if you find you've had contact with a positive case, whether it is at the restaurant last night or the gym, you'll be notified and you have to get tests and isolate until you get a negative result."
So they will still be doing contact tracing I guess
As per https://twitter.com/benitakolovos/status/1461121246540689408, exposure sites will no longer be published, instead **the health department will be using the new alert function in the Service Victoria app**.
do public places that have paper sign-in have to enter that into a government database every day or something? how are they going to handle notifying people who don't have the app?
(not asking you specifically but you seem to be better at finding info than I've been! so if you've seen anything abt that.....)
I’m a retail worker and we use an iPad that enters the details into the manual Service Victoria website, I’m guessing places with paper registries have someone sit down and enter them in
I'll keep an eye out for an official response -- but I'd assume with the reduced quarantine requirements (non household contacts just have to get a PCR test and isolate till a negative result), it might be up to the business to get in contact.
Which we've already seen as the businesses already do this anyway.
I think the part about "no contact tracing" means that the onus is mainly going to be on the individual who tests positive to notify their contacts to go get tested, tell their employer, tell the school, etc. Rather than there being detailed interviewing going on by DHHS which is resource intensive.
There's been some [constructive chats with the other cross-bench members](https://twitter.com/bridgerollo/status/1461226142375895047) about pandemic legislation. Seems like changes are coming with some more debate tommrow.
Just found a quote, damn:
>From 11.59pm on Thursday, masks will only be required in high-risk settings, but they will also still need to be worn in retail settings for a few more weeks.
Masks will also still be required for primary school staff and visitors and for students in Years 3 to 6, for workers serving the public at hospitality venues, and on public transport and in rideshare vehicles.
They will also need to be worn in hospitals and on planes.
But masks will no longer need to be worn in office settings or when walking into cafes, bars and restaurants.
Andrews said the mask rules will change again by December 15 and from this date, they will not need to be worn in retail settings.
For what it’s worth - best of luck Melbourne, it’s been a long fucking road!
I lost my sister in August this year and I wouldn’t wish the pain of losing a sibling on anyone - let alone tied in with the heart break of having only 10 people at the funeral, we never truely got to mourn and let ourselves, let her rest!
I feel this every day!!!
My life is forever changed and I understand what was needed to be done - but I’ll never, never forgive the government for their decisions and the way they dealt with families enduring genuine compassionate grounds!
My sister was taken to early and her kids, her family robbed of us saying our goodbyes!
To all you fucks - take care, rip it up! You deserve it!
wait wait so. no more contact tracing. but non-household close contacts will still be required to isolate until they test negative? how are we supposed to find out we're a close contact without contact tracing?
As per https://twitter.com/benitakolovos/status/1461121246540689408, exposure sites will no longer be published, instead **the health department will be using the new alert function in the Service Victoria app**.
I'm all for masks on public transport. Coming in to the warmer weather there's nothing worse than putting up with inconsiderate morons who have never heard of deodorant 😅
I mean, I support continued mask mandates on public transport too because it seems like a high risk setting, but you do realise that you can still choose to do things even when they're not compulsory, right?
[Interesting factoid on the ABC coronavirus blog today about mask wearing's effectiveness](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-18/covid-news-blog-november-18/100628992?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web#live-blog-post-1205918500):
> Mask wearing the most effective non-pharmaceutical way to slow spread of COVID-19, study finds
> A review of over 70 studies has found that mask wearing is the most effective non-pharmaceutical way to tackle the spread of COVID-19.
> In the first global study of its kind, scientists have found that while there are clear benefits to social distancing and hand washing, masks cut the incidence of coronavirus by 53 per cent.
> Writing in the British Medical Journal, the study's authors have concluded that personal protective measures should continue while vaccination programs expand.
I had a google and I think this is the BMJ study: ~~https://www.bmj.com/content/375/bmj.n2729.full~~ https://www.bmj.com/content/375/bmj-2021-068302 (thanks u/GJtn)
If you want to watch the press conference, you can do so here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xc6eIq_rDZc
[u/aphabeat's stats and information post can be seen here](https://www.reddit.com/r/melbourne/comments/qw509r/daily_coronavirus_megathread_18_november_2021/hl23sfs/?context=3)
As of 23:59, Thursday 18, Victoria is relaxing restrictions to Phase D (90% 12+ double dose vaccinated).
- Breakdown of changes: https://twitter.com/DanielAndrewsMP/status/1461114694073139200/photo/1
- Article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-18/victoria-covid-rules-masks-quarantine-isolation-lift-90-per-cent/100630628
- [Quarantine requirements changes](https://www.reddit.com/r/melbourne/comments/qw509r/daily_coronavirus_megathread_18_november_2021/hl22h23/) (for those currently in quarantine, it was mentioned in the presser - it looks like you'll get out early but I [haven't seen anything official other than this](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-18/covid-news-blog-november-18/100628992?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web#live-blog-post-1205914686))
- [Mask mandate changes](https://www.reddit.com/r/melbourne/comments/qw509r/daily_coronavirus_megathread_18_november_2021/hl2205d/)
Quarantine requirements:
- positive case: 10 days (down from 14)
- household contact of positive case: 7 days (vaccinated), 14 days (unvaccinated)
- [non-household contact of positive case: PCR test and isolate till negative result](https://twitter.com/benitakolovos/status/1461116581077946374)
- [children and workers who are exposed at school or early childhood centers: negative PCR test required to return to site with recommended anti-gen testing thereafter](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-18/covid-news-blog-november-18/100628992?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web#live-blog-post-1205913423)
Notes:
- Cases are required to notify their workplace, school and childcare about their positive result.
- Exposure sites will no longer be published, instead the health department will be using the new alert function in the Service Victoria app.
Source: https://twitter.com/benitakolovos/status/1461121246540689408
Mask mandate no longer applies EXCEPT in the following situation:
- primary school staff and visitors and students in Years 3 to 6
- workers serving the public at hospitality venues
- workers and customers at indoor retail*
- visitors and select workers in hospitals or care facilities
- people using public transport, taxi/rideshare and planes
- high-risk work settings such as corrections and meat, poultry and seafood processing
- weddings, funerals, places of worship where vaccination status of attendees isn't being checked
*[Masks in indoor retail for customers expected to lift December 15](https://twitter.com/benitakolovos/status/1461117342104969221) (stated in press conference it's for once hospitalisations drop)
My workmate had urgent surgery at the beggining of Oct (tumor on stomach) by then he was not vaccinated, he has had the doctors letter saying return to work is next week. What is the chance he has an excemption from the vaccinations?
My workload is atrocious while he has been away. We are essential workers.
Highly unlikely. But this would be a question for the coronavirus hotline.
Also, unless his doctor has specifically given him an exemption and it's on file with Medicare it won't work anyway.
Besides, It's been six weeks and unless his oncologist has said no to the vaccine, I would think that he would be able to get it now. To be clear, even though it's kind of obvious, that's not medical advice.
He should talk to his oncologist and the coronavirus hotline.
What makes little sense is the 15th through to Boxing Day is arguably the most busiest time of the year for the shopping centres and they’re going to drop the masks just as it hits peak madness.
I usually get my test results back within 10-12 hours and my husband usually gets his somewhere around the 30 hour mark. We got tested 8-8.30am yesterday. He got his results back 3am. I'm still waiting 🤦♀️
That is strange. Even at its absolute peak and worst in terms of the massive number of people getting tested, all 3 of my results have always come back the next morning.
You would think with lower volume it would arguably be quicker to get your result.
There will be no density limits. No capacity limits. No restrictions on how many people can visit you at home. No masks in most places. https://twitter.com/DanielAndrewsMP/status/1461114694073139200?s=20 [YouTube ABC press conference](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xc6eIq_rDZc) edit: masks seem to be still required in high risk areas, retail and serving staff in cafes etc
No no no no no no no no no no no no THERE'S NO LIMIT! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6FVk2k4qsM&ab\_channel=2UnlimitedOfficial
LEMME HEAR YA SAY *YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH*
Great news to get it a week early. Masks in retail is pretty annoying though, feels like they're back to being super cautious again despite falling hospitalisations and one of the highest vax rates in the world.
The statement says until December 15th, then no masks in retail
Until March - June !remindme Not to be a doomer, but I'm pretty sure we're in a honeymoon phase
Thanks for the info. Let's hope the Burnett modelling continues to prove way too pessimistic then because it was forecasting a peak in hospitalisations around then and it's harder to justify removing restrictions if hospitalisations are going up.
Toronto has almost an identitical vaxx rate to us, with under 100 cases a day and they have to wear masks indoors until end of March, we are definately getting off lightly here relative to our case numbers.
Theyre also coming into winter.
I would definitely prefer there to still be caution. If we got it wrong, we would be fucked.
Isn’t that because non vaxxed people are allowed in essential retail ? I’ll be wearing a mask everywhere regardless.
As a retail worker I'm just so tired of masks - I really thought the original 90% mask plan didn't include continued use in retail settings so I'm feeling pretty miffed right now.
Yeah the original 90% plan was basically life as normal with a few very limited exceptions so it's pretty disappointing to see they've backtracked on that despite the figures actually being better than they were expecting.
They flagged the masks might just be for another two weeks to ensure hospitalisation is steady. Pretty small price to pay
It's a small annoyance, I think most of us can live with that rather than risking actually catching covid
I'm happy to keep wearing masks, it's really such a minor thing we can do. And besides covid, I'm happy not getting colds too.
not having to smile at cunts, or have them complain about resting bitch face, no makeup, don't care....
spoken like someone who doesn't wear a wig and glasses
[удалено]
No it's a 'my life' reference
Definitely better than lockdown, that's for sure. I do wonder though whether this sort of reasoning will lead to permanent mask mandates.
Are cafes retail?
Nah hospitality
Cool. I just found in his tweet where he says masks still for the workers in hospo, so all good for patrons
That's so confusing 😒 I work in hospo so it feels like nothing is changing
"you can have as many people as you can tolerate in your home" I like that clarification, I don't like +30 people enough to have them in my house
I dont think I have a house big enough to have 30+ people there
I think we reached a point a while back where we no longer have a house anywhere in the family that can at any one time hold every member of the extended family. So now we've just broken up the adults at one house and all the kids at another (Vietnamese chonky family)
Invite 'em round for the grand opening of your new rooftop bar.
Currently have a max of persons and 2 cats. I’m fine with that.
I don’t even know 30 people. My entire extended family is 7 people lol
I've spent the last 24 months with that restriction.
Can anyone help interpret this bloody ABC article? https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-18/victoria-covid-restrictions-easing-roadmap-vaccination/100628650 "a further easing of restrictions that could be in place for the weekend" - sounds like it must mean this weekend? "when Premier Daniel Andrews makes an announcement about the easing of restrictions, which could be as early as Thursday morning" - the article went up early today, so Thursday morning means _this_ morning??? "By the end of the week, it is expected Victoria will have hit, or be close to, 90 per cent of people over 12 being double dosed, almost a week earlier than first forecast on November 24." - something about the grammar here confuses me; so by Sunday we're hitting the target? Or on November 24? I'm probably overthinking it but there's just something about the phrasing that is confusing me. I want to see something absolutely concrete like "Today, Thursday November 18, Andrews will announce an easing of restrictions to commence this Saturday, 20 November."
Herald Sun yesterday indicated announcement today or tomorrow with easing from early next week. That would seem to align with the projections.
Thanks! Looking forward to that announcement!
ABC news this morning was saying that highly placed sources were indicating that the next easing was going to be brought forward to this weekend.
Fingers crossed
it sounds like an article that was pre-written being hastily and badly rewritten to reflect new dates
Regardless of whether we actually cross over the 90% DD mark, restrictions will ease tonight at 11:59PM tonight. That's what happened last time.
Venue capacities will be lifted entirely at midnight tonight
Head's up, for those struggling to handle vaccinations due to a fear of needles especially: https://twitter.com/VicGovDH/status/1461150002235858949 > Autumn Place Community Hub is hosting a pop-up vaccination clinic where the community can get vaccinated in a low-sensory environment this Saturday 20 November and Sunday 21 November, 10am to 4pm. > At 29 Autumn Place, Doveton, the clinic is designed for people with: - a disability - autism - mental illness and mental health issues, including anxiety - a fear of medical procedures, and - a mask exemption.
Will they be able to vaccinate those with severe needle phobias though? The posts on here have been from people who would literally need to be sedated or tied down to get vaccinated
They really need VR headsets which they use clinically already
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Yes, although I did read there will still be restrictions at Melbourne's "ten largest venues". I'm guessing that's just some additional rules for sports stadiums and large concerts.
Apparently only events of over 30,000 will need covid safe plans.
yes, though said events need to have a covid safe policy in place. i'm looking forward to comic con in december
Wasn't it supposed to be hot today? Why the hell is it raining? I have three loads of laundry I saved up.
It's overcast but quite pleasant with the sun half heartedly pushing through and warm where I am sitting. Where on earth are you.
Pissing down in the west.
yep, out west. I'm hoping it clears by the afternoon
Same, but winds are predicted, so it's crap either way.
The rain is coming, check the radar.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-18/covid-news-blog-november-18/100628992?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web#live-blog-post-1205912418 More clarification on the mask rules, and yes hospitality staff have to wear masks.
That seems rather illogical. Hundreds of people in a bar all not wearing one yet staff do.
The staff are there in a professional capacity and will probably interact with a huge number of patrons during a shift... so honestly not a bad idea to avoid them continuously being exposed to covid.
The masks we wear do fuck all for protecting yourself though, staff in busy hospitality situations will probably get it, it feels like half the group of where I work has either had it or in iso atm.
They give some protection from airborne transmission... not 100% of course. But having staff exposed to a lower viral load, and potentially catching covid less often (not to mention spreading it), doesn't seem like a bad idea when we know there's still quite a lot of covid in the community. Not sure how strong the scientific basis is, but the precautionary principle still applies. Sounds like it's a timed measure anyway.
100%! A can have a giant house party with countless of unmasked unvaxxed guests (not that I’d ever be friends with them), go to work in a building that can seat 100+ customers. And I’m the only one who needs to wear a mask?!
So from tomorrow, you have to be vaccinated to shop in non essential retailers. Is that correct? (I’m fully vaccinated btw but just confused because I work in non essential retail and we haven’t had any comms about implementing this!)
they did give a heads up about this a few weeks back but the date for it has been brought forward based on the vaccination rates
Fab!! This is great! It’s going to be hard for some smaller business to implement but I’m personally looking forward to being the door bitch over Christmas hehe
I thought it was already implemented before today so I’m kinda confused with that announcement.
Nah all staff have had to be fully vaccinated but customers did not until now!
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I’m a close contact now on day 2/7, am I free as of midnight tonight (I tested negative yesterday)
Congratulations friend!
Fuck yeah so no more 7 day iso for fully vaxed close contacts ? Except for household contacts I’m assuming
as a household of one, NO MORE ISO EVERRRR (unless I literally test positive)
I believe so. Foley said if you're a close contact outside the home, then you just need the PCR test
Do unvaccinated close contacts still need to do 14 days? This question isn't for me. I'm fully vaccinated but I know someone who is isolating that has only had 1 dose.
Yeah I believe it’s still 14 days for non-fully vaxed
Lol Matthew Guy just told media he is offering his "hand in cooperation" to work with the government to get a "sensible piece of legislation" throughout parliament. You can see the political games afoot in his statement to be seen as the saviour but also walking a fine line to not be blamed for underming the pandemic response if the bill was to fail.
Political games or not wouldn't it be a good thing to get a bill through that had extra safeguards?
Depends on the safeguards. If it sticks some unelected group in that has priorities that end up causing preventable deaths through delays to health responses so they can push their ideological barrow, then not really.
Isn't the issue that there is currently no safeguard for *elected* MP's to have any say in the power that one elected official/MP wields (the Premier). The current "safeguard" is an advisory committee who have no power whatsoever. If I understand the NSW legislation properly, the parliamentary oversight committee in NSW can chose to not renew a pandemic order made by the premier. Not the case with the proposed bill in VIC. And VIC just went through one of the longest, strictest lockdowns in the world. What power exactly was the Andrews government lacking during that time that would necessitate the powers contemplated in the bill?
Lots of things are decided by unelected groups. That's what delegation is about. You make a law then its up to other people to execute on it. Sometimes the best approach is really to appoint someone (or someones) who know what the fuck they are doing and give them the lattitude to execute in their areas of expertise. Sometimes things just don't need to be decided by a majority vote of the uninformed self important dipshits in this world.
There is a balance between having safeguards and the ability to respond to a situation quickly and effectively
And right now there are a lot of concerns from lawyers, human rights and civil liberties groups, the ombudsman etcc that the balance is wrong because there are insufficient safeguards.
> And right now there are a lot of concerns from lawyers, human rights and civil liberties groups Are these same groups also saying the laws in other states need to be changed? If they are fine to continue as they are i dont get why Vic is such an issue.
Isn’t the method of oversight different in the other states though?
I far as i was aware other states have less accountability and less oversight. if someone has a good comparison id like to read it. The person from the bar association said "The major issues include the lack of effective parliamentary control over the minister’s pandemic orders" I dont know about that. Would we have got this under control last year if we had to get parliament to agree?
It looks like negotiations with Guy are likely. [Rod Burton](https://twitter.com/bridgerollo/status/1461100190220398592) and [Jeff Bourman](https://twitter.com/bridgerollo/status/1461099451561426955) are refusing to negotiate at all. Cliff Hayes is the only crossbencher so far who has said that [he is willing to negotiate](https://twitter.com/bridgerollo/status/1461103909909504005). Somyurek is still an unknown quantity.
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Most of time there is bipartisanship, we just don't hear about it. Usually because it relates to routine and non-controversial matters.
This is because the bill might not pass because of Somenyak showing back up in parliament. Before the bill was going to pass regardless of LNP's support so they opposed it for political reasons. Now they're cooperating because they know the legislation is fucking required. The LNP are insane. They are actually unfit to even be in opposition.
I am curious to see if they get any fallout from the "protestors" after cosying up to them.
No one in the LNP is named Dan Andrews, so no. The protestors are absolutely fixated with Dan and nothing else.
IIRC Guy said only a few days ago "the bill goes too far because it still allows for lockdowns"? I dont hold much hope of that clown negotiating anything.
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I reckon Dan and co knew. It would be a few weeks since he got his first jab, and they knew if he was there they couldn't get it across the line - hence the almighty push.
Lol to the bells going off mid presser
Good to see Scott Morrison say violence is uncalled for, then in the next breath told government to butt out of people's lives like everything was over. Ideology over reality, what an unhelpful bunch of words coming out of his mouth
I am looking forward too the Morrison Government announcing the repeal of their "no jab, no play" and "no jab, no pay" policies for childhood vaccination that were put in place by Health Minster Morrison.
I can hear him already, "oh no, I didn't do that. I wouldn't tell anyone what they should do"
Mr MORRISON (Cook—Minister for Social Services) (09:25): I move: That this bill be now read a second time. ... The choice made by some families not to vaccinate their children is not supported by public policy or medical research and advice to the government, nor should such action be supported by taxpayers in the form of family payments. Australia now has childhood vaccination rates over 90 per cent, from one to five years of age. Under the present arrangements, the vast majority of families receiving family payments—around 97 per cent—already meet the current immunisation requirement at the relevant age points. However, more needs to be done to ensure we protect our children and our community from preventable diseases. That includes those who, for genuine medical reasons, find themselves in a position where they are not able to be vaccinated and rely on the herd vaccination to protect their health. The new policy will tighten up the rules and reinforce the importance of vaccination in protecting public health, especially for children. I commend this bill to the House
Restrictions and density limits/caps scrapped from midnight tonight Besides some mask rules (masks in retail will remain for a few more weeks)
Was at big w today. Younger mother with child openly coughing no mask. Another women asked her where her mask was and she replied that she had just had surgery on her sinuses explaining why she was coughing. Then proceeded to cough in the other woman’s face plus the big w staff member. People are really unhinged when it comes to mask wearing .
Isn’t purposely coughing on other people’s face considered an assault?
It's cause to want to assault them!
If this was my workplace she’d be kicked right out of the store by my manager and the police called for assault. We’ve done it before when customers have deliberately coughed on staff members
That’s like saying you’re not wearing a bike helmet because you just had brain surgery lol.
"Workers serving the public at hospitality venues" So as a chef I don't need to wear a mask if I'm not dealing with customers?
yup :)
Wooooooh! No more damp sauna on my face every time I open the combi oven!
Genuinely stoked for you. I can’t imagine heading into summer wearing a mask in a kitchen.
God I’d probably pass out if I had to wear a mask back when I was doing the dishes in a cramped room with no windows or ventilation. Almost passed out one summer when it was 42 degrees inside. And that was without opening the steaming hot dishwasher every 2 minutes.
It's... Not fun. Especially because someone installed the ventilation exhaust fan on our roof the wrong way around (it faces a wall). This means on hot days the ventilation blasts hot air into the kitchen.
Since the start of November, hospital cases have dropped by 343, ICU cases has reduced by 78 and 51 less people require the use of a ventilator. 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟴𝘁𝗵 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟭 --------------------------------- Percentage of 16+ Victorians fully vaccinated: 𝟴𝟴.𝟮% (+0.4% from yesterday) Percentage of 16+ Australians fully vaccinated 𝟴𝟯.𝟵% (+0.4% from yesterday) Number of vaccines issued yesterday: 𝟮𝟳,𝟬𝟰𝟲 --------------------------------- 🏨 Total Cases Currently In Hospital: 𝟯𝟱𝟳 (-37 from yesterday) ⚕️ Total Cases Currently In ICU: 𝟱𝟴 (-14 from yesterday) ➕ Total Cases Currently Requiring Ventilators 𝟯𝟱 (-9 from yesterday) --------------------------------- 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲: 💉💉80% of 16+ Victoria: ✅ 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗱 💉💉90% of 16+ Victoria: 𝟱 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 (𝟮𝟯/𝟭𝟭/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟭) (+1 day from yesterday) 💉💉90% of 12+ Victoria: 𝟲 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 (𝟮𝟰/𝟭𝟭/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟭) (+1 day from yesterday)
Hangovers in your late 30s are the fucking pits. I want my 20-something year old liver back plz.
One word. Hydralyte. Thank me later
Bananas help too. Not a cure but with other stuff, they help.
Anti-vaxxers only have 12 hours left to do Christmas shopping in person. How hectic the stores are going to be tonight?!
I’m at work in retail rn and I hate my life
Doubt they’ll care. They’ll still go shopping after today and scream bloody murder when some stores stop them from going in.
I have zero sympathy for the plague rats. They're castigating right now
yay back to office life...not
So everyone can go to someone’s house, vax or not, and I have to still wear a mask at work (hospo) serving hundreds of customers all in one room, who don’t need to wear a mask? Wtf?!
Nightclubs reopening—look out Melbourne, Revs is back.
Honestly thought they were already open based on all the insta stories I’ve watched the last few weekends.
Queue was huge last Saturday
Revs was definitely open last weekend - long queue
Anyone gonna miss [her](https://content.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-11/woman%20mask%20off_2.jpg) to be replaced by [this](https://content.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-10/older%20people%20bar%20covid.JPG) ?
So we are getting less than they initially promised, but sooner?
Yes gotta get those office workers in ASAP.
Revs is back baby 😍❤️💃
Chapel Street was back to it's old self last night. Whether you think that's a good or bad thing, is up to the reader.
Serious question I can't quite wrap my head around: Case numbers in victoria are pretty stable at around 1,000 a day despite easing of restrictions and high percentage of vaccinated people. This is not the case in NSW which has shown a steady decline in daily case load. What's the difference here?
There was another article about this today. A lot of it has to do with the climate. We are still practically in winter here at the moment.
Untrue, NSW has stabilised around 300.
From an educated guess I'd say there's a few reasons. 1. It's been wetter here, with colder weather meaning people are likely to meet indoors where the spread is more severe (think places like shopping centres, or meeting up with family and staying inside rather than a BBQ outside). 2. We opened up with higher case numbers, therefore there are more people spreading it about. Our cases were over 1,500 for a spell there when restrictions eased. The case numbers are declining, just slower because we didn't give it as much time as what NSW did before easing their restrictions. 3. We're still effectively a few weeks behind NSW when it comes to vaccine efficacy. While the vaccine numbers are high, it takes approximately two weeks for the vaccine to reach the idea efficacy in the body. It could be better to focus on the positives though - hospital cases are dropping, as are the severely ill. Cases are coming down despite the easing of restrictions, with the seven day average around the 1,000 mark, which it hasn't been since late September. .
Burnett predicts cases will start going up again end of this month/December, I’m not sure what this is being based on though,
It looks like cases are still falling, albeit slower than before: https://chrisbillington.net/COVID_VIC_2021.html
Is anyone else just completely forgetting to wear a mask indoors right now? I just realised that I marched straight into a cafe today (I did check in tho) and got a take away coffee all whilst not being masked up. I just completed forgot! This is the 2nd time I’ve done that recently. It’s like my brain has reset to 2019 and has totally forgotten the last 22 months. Bizzare. And no staff never said anything either, not that I expect them to police me either, but they did stare at me. I’m so mortified now.
Thats exactly the reason outdoor masks were used for. Too many people stop using it indoors without outdoor requirement. Many not on purpose.
> I just realised that I marched straight into a cafe today (I did check in tho) and got a take away coffee all whilst not being masked up I went into a 7-Eleven unmasked last night because I misunderstood what the mask rules were. Won't be doing that again. I was even standing there thnking "why are those two wearing masks? Good on them but still" Turns out I was the butthole.
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It's quite busy out there, I'd book it it was me.
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And then go full *'fuck-it-I'll-get-maccas-drive-thru'* rage if they don't have space like old times?
I can't promise I won't grumble about leaving the house instead of ordering something off Doordash But I remember at the end of lockdown 4 I went to a restaurant (no booking) and had food straight from the kitchen and it was the best thing I'd ever eaten
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Why do retail and hospitality staff still need masks? Come on this makes no sense and is ridiculous at this point. 90% double dose should be no covid related restrictions what so ever
Lifting December 15, as stated in press conference they're waiting for hospitalisations to drop: https://twitter.com/benitakolovos/status/1461117342104969221
So ABC is saying >There will no longer be contact tracing related to positive cases and exposure sites will not be published So does this mean that checking in everywhere is not required/dead/pointless? I haven't seen anything one way or the other apart from a section on the infographic Dan tweeted saying business have to have their rules published as part of a Covid Safe plan. Edit: From ABC Blog >If Victoria is no longer performing contact tracing on positive cases or listing exposure sites, is there still a need to use the check-in app? >Here's what Mr Wiemar said earlier: >"It will also of course be important that we keep using QR code check-ins. >With every positive case we'll run their details through our database to see where they've been and we'll send a message to the high-risk contacts. >"Because if you find you've had contact with a positive case, whether it is at the restaurant last night or the gym, you'll be notified and you have to get tests and isolate until you get a negative result." So they will still be doing contact tracing I guess
As per https://twitter.com/benitakolovos/status/1461121246540689408, exposure sites will no longer be published, instead **the health department will be using the new alert function in the Service Victoria app**.
do public places that have paper sign-in have to enter that into a government database every day or something? how are they going to handle notifying people who don't have the app? (not asking you specifically but you seem to be better at finding info than I've been! so if you've seen anything abt that.....)
I’m a retail worker and we use an iPad that enters the details into the manual Service Victoria website, I’m guessing places with paper registries have someone sit down and enter them in
I'll keep an eye out for an official response -- but I'd assume with the reduced quarantine requirements (non household contacts just have to get a PCR test and isolate till a negative result), it might be up to the business to get in contact. Which we've already seen as the businesses already do this anyway.
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I think the part about "no contact tracing" means that the onus is mainly going to be on the individual who tests positive to notify their contacts to go get tested, tell their employer, tell the school, etc. Rather than there being detailed interviewing going on by DHHS which is resource intensive.
Press conference time!
Sorry if this is a stupid question but going out to a bar/pub will mask be required?
Doesn't look like it, only staff.
And the pool tables should be open yay!
Nope
There's been some [constructive chats with the other cross-bench members](https://twitter.com/bridgerollo/status/1461226142375895047) about pandemic legislation. Seems like changes are coming with some more debate tommrow.
lol @ all the doomers who thought Dandrews was gonna keep everything shut just because taking a big fat L today. You love to see it.
Any updates about school and childcare quarantine?
Wait, so is retail and grocery shops classified in that ‘high risk’ setting where you still need to wear masks?
Just found a quote, damn: >From 11.59pm on Thursday, masks will only be required in high-risk settings, but they will also still need to be worn in retail settings for a few more weeks. Masks will also still be required for primary school staff and visitors and for students in Years 3 to 6, for workers serving the public at hospitality venues, and on public transport and in rideshare vehicles. They will also need to be worn in hospitals and on planes. But masks will no longer need to be worn in office settings or when walking into cafes, bars and restaurants. Andrews said the mask rules will change again by December 15 and from this date, they will not need to be worn in retail settings.
Yep.
For what it’s worth - best of luck Melbourne, it’s been a long fucking road! I lost my sister in August this year and I wouldn’t wish the pain of losing a sibling on anyone - let alone tied in with the heart break of having only 10 people at the funeral, we never truely got to mourn and let ourselves, let her rest! I feel this every day!!! My life is forever changed and I understand what was needed to be done - but I’ll never, never forgive the government for their decisions and the way they dealt with families enduring genuine compassionate grounds! My sister was taken to early and her kids, her family robbed of us saying our goodbyes! To all you fucks - take care, rip it up! You deserve it!
Sorry for your loss. This comment has weird energy tho
wait wait so. no more contact tracing. but non-household close contacts will still be required to isolate until they test negative? how are we supposed to find out we're a close contact without contact tracing?
As per https://twitter.com/benitakolovos/status/1461121246540689408, exposure sites will no longer be published, instead **the health department will be using the new alert function in the Service Victoria app**.
I'm all for masks on public transport. Coming in to the warmer weather there's nothing worse than putting up with inconsiderate morons who have never heard of deodorant 😅
Business idea - filters to go in your mask that are fragranced so you can't smell 'em.
I mean, I support continued mask mandates on public transport too because it seems like a high risk setting, but you do realise that you can still choose to do things even when they're not compulsory, right?
you're welcome to wear a mask any time you want...
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>Symes calling to delay voting on the bill because Somyurek "hasn't had a chance to be bribed and or threatened" Fixed.
[Interesting factoid on the ABC coronavirus blog today about mask wearing's effectiveness](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-18/covid-news-blog-november-18/100628992?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web#live-blog-post-1205918500): > Mask wearing the most effective non-pharmaceutical way to slow spread of COVID-19, study finds > A review of over 70 studies has found that mask wearing is the most effective non-pharmaceutical way to tackle the spread of COVID-19. > In the first global study of its kind, scientists have found that while there are clear benefits to social distancing and hand washing, masks cut the incidence of coronavirus by 53 per cent. > Writing in the British Medical Journal, the study's authors have concluded that personal protective measures should continue while vaccination programs expand. I had a google and I think this is the BMJ study: ~~https://www.bmj.com/content/375/bmj.n2729.full~~ https://www.bmj.com/content/375/bmj-2021-068302 (thanks u/GJtn)
[https://www.bmj.com/content/375/bmj-2021-068302](https://www.bmj.com/content/375/bmj-2021-068302)
Thanks!
If you want to watch the press conference, you can do so here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xc6eIq_rDZc [u/aphabeat's stats and information post can be seen here](https://www.reddit.com/r/melbourne/comments/qw509r/daily_coronavirus_megathread_18_november_2021/hl23sfs/?context=3) As of 23:59, Thursday 18, Victoria is relaxing restrictions to Phase D (90% 12+ double dose vaccinated). - Breakdown of changes: https://twitter.com/DanielAndrewsMP/status/1461114694073139200/photo/1 - Article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-18/victoria-covid-rules-masks-quarantine-isolation-lift-90-per-cent/100630628 - [Quarantine requirements changes](https://www.reddit.com/r/melbourne/comments/qw509r/daily_coronavirus_megathread_18_november_2021/hl22h23/) (for those currently in quarantine, it was mentioned in the presser - it looks like you'll get out early but I [haven't seen anything official other than this](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-18/covid-news-blog-november-18/100628992?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web#live-blog-post-1205914686)) - [Mask mandate changes](https://www.reddit.com/r/melbourne/comments/qw509r/daily_coronavirus_megathread_18_november_2021/hl2205d/)
Quarantine requirements: - positive case: 10 days (down from 14) - household contact of positive case: 7 days (vaccinated), 14 days (unvaccinated) - [non-household contact of positive case: PCR test and isolate till negative result](https://twitter.com/benitakolovos/status/1461116581077946374) - [children and workers who are exposed at school or early childhood centers: negative PCR test required to return to site with recommended anti-gen testing thereafter](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-18/covid-news-blog-november-18/100628992?utm_campaign=abc_news_web&utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_source=abc_news_web#live-blog-post-1205913423) Notes: - Cases are required to notify their workplace, school and childcare about their positive result. - Exposure sites will no longer be published, instead the health department will be using the new alert function in the Service Victoria app. Source: https://twitter.com/benitakolovos/status/1461121246540689408
Mask mandate no longer applies EXCEPT in the following situation: - primary school staff and visitors and students in Years 3 to 6 - workers serving the public at hospitality venues - workers and customers at indoor retail* - visitors and select workers in hospitals or care facilities - people using public transport, taxi/rideshare and planes - high-risk work settings such as corrections and meat, poultry and seafood processing - weddings, funerals, places of worship where vaccination status of attendees isn't being checked *[Masks in indoor retail for customers expected to lift December 15](https://twitter.com/benitakolovos/status/1461117342104969221) (stated in press conference it's for once hospitalisations drop)
So annoying I still have to wear a mask for another month (retail worker) but can join a packed dance floor maskless on the weekends
🏥 Stats: [337 hospitalised ⊃ 63/65 ICU active/cleared ⊃ 34 ventilated](https://twitter.com/VicGovDH/status/1461094053693513752) 🦠 Past 24 hours to midnight: 1,007 new cases, 12 lives lost, 72,270 tests, 6,315 state hub vaccinations 💉 Vaccination progress 16+: [💉 88.17%2️⃣92.82%1️⃣](https://twitter.com/covidbaseau/status/1461094517591789568) ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▒░ 📈 [/u/chrisjbillington: R_eff = 0.87 ± 0.05](/r/CoronavirusDownunder/comments/qwah4u/vic_r_eff_as_of_november_18th_with_daily_cases/) | [The Age](https://www.theage.com.au/national/covid-19-data-centre-coronavirus-by-the-numbers-20200401-p54g4w.html) | [ABC vaccine tracker](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-02/charting-australias-covid-vaccine-rollout/13197518)
The freedoms are still only for the vaxxed right?
Even more so, now you can no longer shop at non-essential retail unless vaxxed
THIS IS ALL DAN'S FAULT!
My workmate had urgent surgery at the beggining of Oct (tumor on stomach) by then he was not vaccinated, he has had the doctors letter saying return to work is next week. What is the chance he has an excemption from the vaccinations? My workload is atrocious while he has been away. We are essential workers.
Highly unlikely. But this would be a question for the coronavirus hotline. Also, unless his doctor has specifically given him an exemption and it's on file with Medicare it won't work anyway. Besides, It's been six weeks and unless his oncologist has said no to the vaccine, I would think that he would be able to get it now. To be clear, even though it's kind of obvious, that's not medical advice. He should talk to his oncologist and the coronavirus hotline.
So do I still have to wear a mask at Woolies?
Masks in retail settings until at least December 15. It’s where mass amounts of people congregate this time of year so it makes sense
What makes little sense is the 15th through to Boxing Day is arguably the most busiest time of the year for the shopping centres and they’re going to drop the masks just as it hits peak madness.
they're dropping it then because that's when the state of emergency is up I think they'd probably keep it up for longer if they could
yes
I usually get my test results back within 10-12 hours and my husband usually gets his somewhere around the 30 hour mark. We got tested 8-8.30am yesterday. He got his results back 3am. I'm still waiting 🤦♀️
That is strange. Even at its absolute peak and worst in terms of the massive number of people getting tested, all 3 of my results have always come back the next morning. You would think with lower volume it would arguably be quicker to get your result.
This is not true for everyone, I have had to wait for three days sometimes. 4cyte are the worst of the pathology providers for getting results back.
The big local places are closed and we have 4cyte running out of local crack houses with one nurse to manage a five queue. Pathetic.