COVID-19
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Host of COVID restrictions scrapped
Close contact quarantine, proof of vaccination and mask mandates for most settings have been scrapped with a raft of other pandemic orders. Minister for Health Martin Foley changed restrictions on Friday following a near 70 per cent uptake of the third COVID vaccination. “As the peak of the Omicron wave begins to subside… Victoria will…
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Mask rules to ease
A number of further changes to pandemic orders and public health recommendations in Victoria will come into place at 11.59pm on Friday February 25. The public health recommendation for Victorians to work or study from home will be removed, while masks will no longer be needed in most indoor settings. Masks will only be required…
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Lifeguard shortage impacts pools
A shortage of lifeguards due to COVID has forced some changes to the operating hours for public outdoor pools in Castlemaine, Harcourt, Maldon and Newstead. Mount Alexander Shire Council late last week confirmed that the operating hours for its public outdoor swimming pools in each of these centres will be adjusted for the remaining four…
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Restrictions to ease on Friday
With hospitalisation numbers and community transmission decreasing and more than half of Victorians aged over 16 now vaccinated with three doses, a number of common-sense restrictions and recommendations in place during the state’s Omicron surge can be safely eased. From 6pm tomorrow, as part of new pandemic orders to be signed by the Minister for…
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Vaccinated economy trials
The Victorian Government will conduct trials in businesses and events across highly vaccinated regional areas to help the state open progressively as a vaccinated economy. Greater Bendigo will be among the first invited to participate in the trials to test systems and support in the fortnight before Victoria is aiming to reach a 70 per…
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Kyneton Health passes 25,000 COVID-19 tests
Kyneton Health’s Respiratory Assessment Clinic team recently celebrated a major milestone with more than 25,000 tests taken since the onset of COVID-19. Kyneton Health took its first test in the Urgent Care Centre on February 22, 2020, and opened a stand-alone Respiratory Assessment Clinic in the old ambulance bay in April that same year. Central…
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Hospitality hit hard
Labour market shortages and COVID uncertainty are placing strain on Macedon Ranges’ hospitality industry. Many have successfully pivoted to takeaway models during COVID lockdown periods but some have been forced into temporary closure and are struggling to keep staff.Those reliant on Melbourne and tourism trade have also taken a financial hit during last week’s state…
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FRONTLINE FIGHTER
In February 2020, the United States was still largely unaware of the impending COVID-19 pandemic. Yanti Turang, a Kyneton born and raised nurse who now calls New Orleans home, joined her colleagues and the rest of the city taking part in the city’s annual Mardi Gras, completely unaware they were participating in a super-spreader event.…
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Frontline workers receive vaccine
This week marks an exciting and important chapter in the fight against COVID-19, with the first vaccinations administered to high-risk frontline staff at Central Highlands Rural Health’s Kyneton campus. During the initial rollout, 60 frontline staff received the Pfizer vaccine, one of two COVID-19 vaccines to receive Commonwealth regulatory approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration…
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Anti-vaxxers target region
Anti-vaxxer leaflets landing in letterboxes across the region are spreading dangerous and deliberate falsehoods and should be binned on receipt, McEwen MP Rob Mitchell says. Mr Mitchell said he was alerted to the leaflets last week by constituents in the electorate who said they were disturbed that non-evidence based messages were being distributed. “The leaflet…
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Roadmap to reopening
From 11.59pm on September 13, some restrictions will be eased across Victoria. Regional Victoria and Melbourne Metro each have their own roadmaps, relating to how many active cases are currently in the community. Summary of Steps towards COVID Normal First Step First step only applies to Metro Melbourne. Expanded social interaction. Key points Curfew in…
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Marvellous masks
We’re loving our masks! That some people have gained a few minutes of fame by refusing to wear one doesn’t just shine a light on their totally self-centred nature but their complete lack of being able to grab it while the going is good! Like any other workplace, at the Midland Express office we’re all…