Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia
This article documents the chronology and epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia.
The first human case of COVID-19 in Australia was identified in Melbourne, in January 2020.
January 2020[edit]
On 23 January, biosecurity officials began screening arrivals on flights from Wuhan to Sydney. Passengers were given an information sheet and asked to present themselves if they had a fever or suspect they might have the disease.[4]
On 25 January, the first case of a SARS-CoV-2 infection was reported, that of a Chinese citizen who arrived from Guangzhou on 19 January. The patient was tested and received treatment in Melbourne.[5][6] On the same day, three other patients tested positive in Sydney after returning from Wuhan.[7][8][9]
Nine cases were recorded in January. From 31 January, foreign nationals returning from China were required to have spent a fortnight in a third country before being allowed into Australia.[10]
February 2020[edit]
By 6 February, three returning members from a tour group in Wuhan were identified in Queensland.[11]
Twenty-four Australians were infected on the Diamond Princess cruise ship with eight being sent to Darwin for two weeks of quarantine.[12] The number repatriated from the ship are included in the state totals as follows: Qld (3), SA (1), Vic (4), WA (2, one of whom died on 1 March).[13]
On 27 February, the prime minister activated the Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19),[14] stating that the rapid spread of the virus outside of China had prompted the government to elevate its response.[15]
On 29 February, after a Queensland case of an infected person returning to Australia from Iran, the government extended the enforced quarantine to people who had been in Iran, requiring them to spend a fortnight in a third country before being allowed into Australia.[16] There were 14 new cases in February, bringing the number of cases to 23.[citation needed]
March 2020[edit]
Week 1[edit]
On 1 March, Australia reported the first death from COVID-19: a 78-year-old Perth man, who was one of the passengers from Diamond Princess, and who had been evacuated and was being treated in Western Australia.[17]
On 2 March, four new cases were reported, two of which were the first cases of community transmission of the virus.[18] These two cases were acquired in Australia whereas all other previous cases were imported from another country. The two cases were in New South Wales: one was acquired from a close relative and the other was a health care worker in Western Sydney.[19] Another confirmed case on this day was a 40-year-old man from Launceston who came back on 29 February from a flight which left Melbourne and landed in Launceston on the same day. He was treated at the Launceston General Hospital as he became the first COVID-19 case in Tasmania.[20]
On 4 March, a second death was reported, a 95-year-old woman dying at a Sydney aged-care facility.[21]
On 7 March, Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos confirmed during a press conference that a doctor in Victoria had tested positive for COVID-19. The doctor in his 70s had returned to Australia from the United States on 29 February. From 2 to 6 March, the doctor had consulted approximately 70 patients at The Toorak Clinic in Melbourne and two patients at an aged-care facility. The clinic was closed over the weekend and patients were contacted to self-isolate. Health officials sought to notify passengers on the doctor's flights. The doctor believed he only had a mild cold and was fit to return to work,[22] hitting back at the minister for her comments.[23][24]
Week 2[edit]
On 8 March, an 82-year-old man died, becoming the second death at the Dorothy Henderson Lodge aged-care facility and the third death in the country.[25]
On 9 March, the principal of Carey Baptist Grammar confirmed that one of the teachers at their Kew campus was infected with the virus. This teacher, a woman in her 50s, was confirmed to be the partner of an individual who was on the same flight from the US that the general practitioner (GP) of Toorak Clinic was on.[26][27]
On 11 March, the head of the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), David Walsh, cancelled the MONA FOMA winter arts festival Dark Mofo. In a statement, David Walsh stated "I know that [the cancellation] will murder an already massacred tourism environment, but I feel like I have no choice."[28]
On 12 March, the ACT announced its first case, the 142nd case in Australia. A man in his 30s had not travelled overseas but did travel outside of the ACT.[29] Actor Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson advised that they had tested positive and were in isolation.[30][31]
Later that day, an initial $17.6 billion stimulus package was unveiled by the Prime Minister to "protect Australians' health, secure jobs and set the economy to bounce back" from the crisis.[32] West Australian health minister Roger Cook has informed the public that the Western Australian Department of health is postponing upgrades at Peel Health Campus to accommodate patients with the virus. There were concerns that the upgrade would temporarily halve the Emergency Department (ED) waiting room capacity, preventing isolation of ED patients from patients with the virus. The upgrade has been postponed to 1 October 2020.[33]
Victoria confirmed nine new cases, one of which was the first case of human-to-human transmission in the state. A McLaren Formula One team member on the now-cancelled Australian Grand Prix tested positive for the virus.[34] This brought the Victorian total to 36 and the national total to 175. Peter Dutton the Home Affairs Minister for Australia was diagnosed in Queensland.[35] The Victorian government declared they are suspending all jury trials to limit the spread of the virus.[36]
Week 3[edit]
On 10 March, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews warned Victorians to expect "extreme measures" in the wake of the federal government updating the travel advice for Italy.[37] These could include cancelling major sporting events, requiring entire economic sectors to work from home, and calling recently retired health professionals to return to work.[38]
On 16 March, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews declared a state of emergency until 13 April.[39] The State of Emergency was subsequently extended[citation needed] (see below).
Also on 16 March, the 2020 National Folk Festival in Canberra was cancelled.[40]
The University of Queensland stopped all teaching for the week after three students tested positive for the virus.[41] Western Australia introduced similar measures as New South Wales, preventing schools from organising gatherings of over 500.[42] Susan McDonald, a Queensland senator, confirmed being infected with the virus.[43] New South Wales Liberal senator, Andrew Bragg, was the third Australian politician to test positive.
On 17 March, the New South Wales government announced a A$2.3 billion stimulus package, including A$700 million for health services. A$450 million was allocated to waive payroll tax for 3 months. A$250 million so state-owned buildings and public schools could employ more cleaners. A$750 million was allocated for capital works and public asset maintenance.[44]
On 18 March,[45] a human biosecurity emergency was declared[46] by the Governor-General of Australia, David Hurley, under Section 475 of the Biosecurity Act 2015.[45]
Also on 18 March, the cruise ship Ovation of the Seas docked in Sydney and discharged about 3,500 passengers. 79 passengers had tested positive for the virus by 1 April.[47] Voyager of the Seas also docked that day. By 2 April, 34 passengers and 5 crew members had tested positive for the virus in New South Wales alone.[48]
Still on 18 March, the Northern Territory government announced an economic stimulus package of A$60 million.[49]
On 18 March in Tasmania the Agfest agricultural field day, set for 7–9 May, was cancelled[50] and replaced by an online event that ran from 7–28 May,[51]
On 19 March, Celebrity Solstice docked and contributed a further 11 cases to NSW figures by 2 April.[48] On the same day, the cruise ship Ruby Princess discharged 2,700 passengers in Sydney. It was announced on 20 March that three of 13 passengers had tested positive for the coronavirus. New South Wales health authorities asked all passengers to go into self-isolation.[52]
Also on 19 March, Qantas confirmed it would suspend about 60% of domestic flights,[53] put two-thirds of its employees on leave, suspend all international flights and ground more than 150 of its aircraft from the end of March until at least 31 May 2020 following expanded government travel restrictions in response to COVID-19.[54][55]
On 22 March, the Federal government announced a second stimulus package of A$66 billion, increasing the amount of total financial package offered to A$89 billion. This included several new measures; most notably a Coronavirus Supplement of an extra A$550 per fortnight of income support, relaxed eligibility criteria for individuals on Jobseeker Payment (formerly Newstart), and grants of up to A$100,000 for small and medium-sized businesses.[56]
Week 4[edit]
On 24 March, one passenger from Ruby Princess had died and 133 on the ship had tested positive.[57] On 28 March 284 passengers had tested positive.[58]
On 25 March, the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission (NCCC) was established by the Prime Minister, as a strategic advisory body for the national response to the pandemic.[59][60] The NCCC's role includes providing advice on public-private partnerships and coordination to mitigate the social and economic impacts of the pandemic.[61][62] From 12 pm on this day, Australia required that Australian citizens and permanent residents seek exemptions to leave the country.[63] On 27 July, the Prime Minister renamed the NCCC, to the "National COVID-19 Commission Advisory Board" (NCC) to better reflect the advisory nature of the body.[64]
Week 5[edit]
The cruise ship Artania docked at Fremantle on 27 March. Most of the 850 passengers flew home from Perth to Germany on 28–29 March. 41 passengers and crew tested positive to COVID-19 and were being treated in Perth hospitals.[65][66] When the cruise departed on 18 April 79 of Western Australia's 541 cases were passengers and crew off the Artania with one death acknowledged as being a crew member from the Philippines.[67]
As of 30 March, at least 440 passengers (211 in New South Wales, 71 in South Australia, 70 in Queensland, 43 in Western Australia, 22 in the Australian Capital Territory, 18 in Victoria, three in Tasmania and two in the Northern Territory) from Ruby Princess had tested positive for the virus.[68] As of 31 March 2020, five of them had died, one in the Australian Capital Territory, two in Tasmania, one in New South Wales and one in Queensland.[69]
The same day, the Australian Government announced its largest economic support package in response to the crisis, a $130 billion "JobKeeper" wage subsidy program. This figure was later revised to $70 billion when an error of estimation came to light.[70] The JobKeeper program would pay employers up to $1500 a fortnight per full-time, part-time or casual employee that has worked for that business for over a year, if the business fits criteria involving a loss of turnover as a result of the pandemic.[71]
On the evening of 31 March, six baggage handlers from Adelaide Airport had tested positive. As a result, up to 100 other staff from the airport were required to self-isolate, causing cancellations of flights to and from Adelaide.[72]
April 2020[edit]
On 1 April, the Western Australian State Government introduced intrastate travel restriction, limiting movements between the regions of Western Australia.[73]
On 2 April, the number of cases in Victoria exceeded 1,000, including over 100 healthcare workers.[74]
Also on 2 April, the Federal government announced the temporary provision of free childcare so that people could continue working, and to prevent closure of childcare centres. The Government will pay half each centre's operating costs.[75] The free childcare ended on 12 July, and the previous Child Care Subsidy was reintroduced.[76]
On 5 April, New South Wales Police Force launched a criminal investigation into whether the operator of Ruby Princess, Carnival Australia, broke the Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cwth) and New South Wales state laws, by deliberately concealing COVID-19 cases.[77]
On 6 April, the Department of Health revealed that 2,432 people recovered from the infection as the federal government started reporting recovery statistics. This is more than a third from the official number reported so far, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly stating, "I think it is important. Firstly it really reinforces that message, which is a true one, that most people who get this disease do recover". The day before, at 3 pm, it was announced that 2,315 of the 5,687 confirmed coronavirus cases had recovered.[78]
On 11 April, the charity Anglicare was advised of an outbreak at its Newmarch House aged care nursing home in Caddens, New South Wales.[79][80] On 14 April, the outbreak was linked to an infected staff member with minor symptoms, but who attended work for six shifts. Ten residents and five other staff tested positive for coronavirus.[81] On 27 and 28 April, four residents of the home died in less than 24 hours, bringing to eleven the number of residents who had died from COVID-19 since 11 April.[79][80] By 9 May, there had been 69 COVID-19 cases linked to the facility, 32 staff and 37 residents.[citation needed] On 19 May, the 19th resident died from coronavirus.[82]
Also on 11 April, the South Australian state government announced its own A$350 million dollar COVID-19 related economic stimulus measures.[83]
On 13 April, the Tasmanian government closed the North West Regional Hospital and North West Private Hospital for cleaning, and put the entire staff of over 1,000 people and their families into quarantine.[84]
On 14 April the Federal government announced the "COVIDSafe" digital contact tracing app.[85][86]
On 15 April, a Western Australian man became the first person in Australia to be jailed for breaking a self-isolation directive.[87]
On 27 April, the Federal government announced A$94.6 million of support was available for zoos, wildlife parks and aquariums in financial difficulties due to coronavirus restrictions.[88]
On 30 April 2020, the ACT declared itself to be free of all known cases of COVID-19, the first Australian jurisdiction.[89] However, on 4 May there was a one new case, a young woman who acquired the virus overseas.[90] On 10 May, the ACT was again free of active COVID-19 cases.[91]
May 2020[edit]
An outbreak in Victoria at a meatworks, later revealed to be Cedar Meats, was announced on 2 May with eight cases.[92] By 8 May, the cluster of cases linked to Cedar Meats in Victoria was 71, consisting of at least 57 workers and 13 close contacts, including a nurse, aged care worker and high school student.[93][94] The number had increased to 75 by 9 May,[95][94] 88 by 13 May,[96] and 90 by 14 May.[97]
On 9 May, two Victorian cases were announced to be related to McDonald's Fawkner.[94] By 18 May, this had increased to 12 cases, and on that day it was revealed that a delivery driver had tested positive, prompting the closing for cleaning of 12 more McDonald's locations: Melton East, Laverton North, Yallambie, Taylors Lakes, Campbellfield, Sunbury, Hoppers Crossing, Riverdale Village, Sandown, Calder Highway Northbound/Outbound, Calder Highway Southbound/Inbound, and BP Rockbank Service Centre Outbound.[98]
As of 15 May in New South Wales, some restrictions on public gatherings were eased. After being restricted to take-away only since March, free standing cafes and restaurants, and those inside pubs and clubs, were allowed some sit-down dining. Bars and gaming areas remained closed. Ten people were permitted in restaurants and cafes, social distancing rules still had to be followed. Outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people were allowed. Up to 10 guests were permitted at weddings, funerals could have up to 20 mourners indoors, 30 outdoors. Up to 10 people were allowed at indoor religious gatherings.[99][100]
On 15 May, South Australia became the second jurisdiction, after the ACT, to be free of any active cases;[101] however, on 26 May, a woman returning from overseas who was granted exemption into South Australia from her hotel quarantine in Victoria tested positive for COVID-19. This was the first new case in 19 days for the state.[102] On 4 June, it was announced that the woman had recovered and the state was free of any active cases once again.[103]
On 17 May, Victoria announced two further business sites had been shut down due to a suspected case at each. Domino's Pizza in Fairfield has been shut for two weeks, and mattress manufacturer The Comfort Group in Deer Park was closed from Friday 15 May to at least Wednesday 20 May.[104]
On 19 May, in New South Wales, another resident of Newmarch House nursing home died from coronavirus. This brought COVID-19 related deaths at the nursing home to nineteen and the national death toll to 100.[82]
On 21 May, the Northern Territory had also announced that there were no more active cases left in the jurisdiction.[105][106]
On 25 May, a night duty manager at one of Melbourne's quarantine hotels reported a fever and tested positive on 26 May. Five security guards on contract from Unified Security also tested positive, as did members of their families.[107] Victoria's Chief Health Officer indicated that "a very significant proportion of [Victoria's second wave of] cases were linked to hotel quarantine."[108]
By 26 May, Australia's first human trials of a candidate COVID-19 vaccine, Novavax's NVX-CoV2373, began in Melbourne.[109]
June 2020[edit]
On 6 June, both New South Wales and Victoria reported no new cases for the previous 24 hours, with only Queensland and Western Australia reporting one new case each, the lowest national total since February. Western Australia also announced two old cases. However, the new case in Queensland was linked to the Rydges on Swanston cluster in Melbourne when a man who travelled from Melbourne to Brisbane on Virgin flight VA313 on 1 June tested positive.[110]
On 7 June, a man travelling from overseas to the Australian Capital Territory was diagnosed with coronavirus. This was the Territory's first new COVID-19 case in more than a month, with the last reported case being on 4 May.[111] By 17 June, this case had recovered and there were no longer any more active cases in the Territory once again.[112]
On 12 June, there were no longer any active cases in Tasmania.[113]
On 20 June, the Victorian Government announced the re-tightening of restrictions on household gatherings following a spike in community transmitted cases over the previous week, reported to be mainly caused by family-to-family transmission in large household gatherings. From 22 June, households could again only have five visitors; and most easing of restrictions that were to take place were postponed.[114] The same day restrictions were re-tightened in Victoria, the Western Australian Government announced the state would move into "Phase 4" from 27 June, permitting some of the most relaxed restrictions in the country. The listed restrictions included a reduction of the four-square-metre rule for enclosed venues to two square metres, as well as the allowance of 50% capacity limits for large venues such as Optus Stadium which seats 60,000 patrons at full capacity.[115]
On 30 June, the Victorian Government re-enforced local lockdowns across 10 different Melbourne postcodes. Residents in these postcodes had to comply with the four acceptable reasons to leave their houses: shopping for essentials; for medical or compassionate needs; exercise in compliance with the public gathering restriction of two people; and for work or education purposes.[116][117][118]
July 2020[edit]
On 2 July, the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced the "Judicial Inquiry into Hotel Quarantine Program". This followed some cases of coronavirus in Victoria being linked by DNA sequencing to a breach in hotel quarantine infection control. The Inquiry was to "… examine the operation of Victoria's hotel quarantine program for returning travellers." It was headed by retired judge Jennifer Coate, and scheduled to deliver its report to the Governor by 25 September.[119][120] The inquiry was delayed by lockdown restrictions.[121] Andrews noted that "it is abundantly clear that what has gone on here is completely unacceptable and we need to know exactly what has happened."[119] An interim report was published on 6 November,[122] and the inquirys final report was published on 21 December.[123] The Government response to the interim report was published in November.[124]
On 4 July, the Victorian Government announced an additional two postcodes affected by the lockdown until 29 July 2020.[125] Furthermore, effective immediately the announcement was made, nine public housing towers housing about 3,000 residents were added, with the additional condition that residents could not leave the tower under any circumstances for five days, with the possibility of extension to 14 days.[126] The Victorian ombudsman later found the lockdown of the public housing towers breached human rights laws, tabling her report in Victoria's Parliament on 17 December 2020.[127]
From 5 July, at the request of the NSW Government, the Federal Government introduced restrictions on the number of passengers arriving at Sydney Airport. A maximum of 50 passengers per flight, and 450 international arrivals per day was set.[128]
On 6 July, the Victorian and NSW governments announced that their interstate border would be closed from the start of 8 July.[129]
On 7 July, after recording 191 new cases, Premier Andrews announced that metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire would re-enter lockdown for a minimum of six weeks from 12 a.m. on 9 July.[130]
By 10 July more than 357,000 people had returned to Australia since 13 March 2020.[131]
On 11 July, the NSW Government announced that compulsory hotel quarantine, previously free to international arrivals, would now be charged for from 18 July. Those already in quarantine were not charged, nor those who purchased flights and had a confirmed international arrival date before 11:59 p.m. 12 July 2020 AEST.[132]
On 12 July, the free Federally funded childcare introduced on 2 April 2020[75] ended, and the Federal Child Care Subsidy was reintroduced. At the same time the government loosened the "recognised activities" criteria for those whose employment was impacted by the pandemic. They were eligible for subsidised childcare of up to 100 hours per fortnight till 4 October 2020.[76]
On 14 July, because of an increase in new cases, the NSW Government announced tightened preventive measures, and introduced new requirements for pubs. Effective as of 17 July, the new rules included per-table seating reduced from 20 to 10 and a maximum number of 300 persons in any venue.[133]
On 18 July, it was announced that a sitting of Federal Parliament, scheduled for the first 2 weeks of August, had been cancelled. Medical advice said there was a "significant risk" if members were to return to Canberra from all over Australia. Parliament was rescheduled to return on 24 August.[134]
On 19 July in Victoria, Andrews announced that "face coverings" were to be mandatory in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire when residents left their homes. Enforcement began after 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday 22 July to allow time to acquire a face covering. A fine of A$200 applied to those not complying, though there were some exemptions. In addition, the State of Emergency in Victoria was extended until 11:59 p.m. on 16 August 2020.[135] (See 19 July in COVID-19 pandemic in Australia#Victoria for more details.)
On 20 July, the number of daily overseas arrivals allowed at Sydney Airport was reduced from 450 (since 5 July) to 350.[136]
Also on 20 July, it was announced that the Federal Coronavirus Supplement and JobKeeper subsidy would be extended, but in altered form at a lower rate, beyond 24 September.[137]
From 22 July in Victoria visitations to aged care/ health care settings were restricted to carers only and a limit of one hour per day.[135]
On 27 July, the Prime Minister renamed the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission, formed on 25 March 2020 as the "National COVID-19 Commission Advisory Board (NCC)".[64]
In late July, businessman Clive Palmer claimed that the closing of the borders by the Western Australian government was unconstitutional and he launched a legal challenge in the Federal Court. In response the Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan labelled Palmer an enemy of the state.[138] Palmer also claimed that the border closure would "destroy the lives of hundreds of thousands of people for decades" and compared the death toll of COVID-19 with that of road accidents and influenza.[139]
August 2020[edit]
On 1 August, the 2020 Tasmanian Legislative Council periodic election, deferred from 30 May, took place.[140]
On 2 August, a state of disaster was declared in Victoria from 6 p.m. that day, with the imposition of increased restrictions for at least six weeks; Metropolitan Melbourne moved to stage 4 restrictions and regional Victoria to stage 3 restrictions.[141] The increased restrictions included a curfew across Melbourne from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. starting immediately,[142] while other changes that took effect from 8 August were that abattoir production was reduced by a third and poultry production by one fifth to allow for reduced worker numbers. Major supermarkets reintroduced limits on meat purchases.[143]
Scott Morrison withdrew support of Clive Palmer's legal challenge to WA border entry restrictions on 2 August after receiving a public backlash against his previously supportive stance. Mark McGowan praised the Commonwealth for its withdrawal and indicated the Western Australian government would continue to fight the case. He urged Palmer to withdraw.[144]
On 7 August, an easing of internal WA restrictions was deferred to at least 29 August due to the outbreak in Victoria.[145]
On 14 August, the 2021 Australian Wooden Boat Festival was cancelled.[146]
The physical Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) Open Day was replaced by an on-line event from 17 to 22 August.[147]
September 2020[edit]
On 2 September, the Australian economy goes into recession for the first time in nearly thirty years, as the country's gross domestic product (GDP) falls 7 per cent in the June quarter.[148][149][150]
On 3 September 2020, the human biosecurity emergency period in Australia under the Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cth) was extended by the Federal Health Minister until 17 December.[151]
On 6 September, the Victorian Government released their five-step roadmap to reopening, which detailed the conditions which needed to be met to facilitate the gradual easing of Victoria's restrictions.[152][153]
On 9 September in Canberra, the "Check in CBR" sign-in/contact tracing app was introduced.[154]
On 13 September, Melbourne moved from Stage Four into to the First Step of the roadmap for reopening, which allowed for slightly reduced restrictions; such changes included the implementation of social bubbles which allowed those living alone or single parents to have one other person in their home, the reopening of playgrounds and outdoor fitness equipment, libraries allowed to open for contactless click and collect, as well as a reduction of the curfew by an hour. On the same day, regional Victoria moved from Stage Three restrictions to the Second Step of the roadmap, which enabled up to five people to gather together in outdoor public places from a maximum of two households, the reopening of outdoor pools and playgrounds, as well as allowing religious services to be conducted outside with a maximum of five people, plus a faith leader.[155]
On 27 September, with the cases in Melbourne continuing to fall, restrictions there were loosened: the night-time curfew ended the next day, outdoor exercise with a personal trainer was allowed, public gathering limits were increased (up to five people from a maximum of two households could meet outdoors for social interaction) and childcare reopened the next day, with kindergarten programs returning from 5 October. Additionally, primary school students, special school students and students in Years 10–12 undertaking the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) would return to school on 12 October.[156] Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced that coronavirus restrictions were intended to be lifted faster, in time for a "Covid-normal Christmas".[citation needed]
In late September a report from Ernst & Young stated that pandemic related border restrictions could result in a shortfall of 26,000 farm workers to pick fruit and vegetables over Australia's summer harvest season. Such work is typically reliant on overseas staff, such as backpackers and seasonal workers from the Pacific Islands.[157] As a trial, some seasonal workers were allowed in, such as 160 workers from Vanuatu allowed into the Northern Territory in early September to pick mangoes. The pickers arrived on a chartered aircraft, and had to undergo the usual 14-day quarantine.[158]
Canberra's 2021 Summernats 34 car festival was "delayed" in late September 2020 until January 2022. The venue, Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) was being used as a COVID-19 testing station. The much smaller, 5,000 patrons maximum, "Summernats Rev Rock ‘n’ Roll" festival was due be held at EPIC on the 5–7 March 2021 Canberra Day long weekend.[159] On 13 January 2021 that event too was cancelled.[160]
October 2020[edit]
The 2020 Federal Budget, due to be delivered in May but delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic, is delivered on 6 October.[161]
On 11 October, Victoria's State of Emergency and State of Disaster were extended until 11.59 pm on 8 November.[162][163]
On 12 October, Australian scientists at the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) were credited with discovering that the coronavirus could survive for up to 28 days on glass, stainless steel and paper banknotes.[164]
On 16 October a trans-Tasman travel bubble went into effect, whereby travellers from New Zealand were able to go to New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory without having to quarantine upon arrival. However, the arrangement was not reciprocal - Australian travellers still had to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in New Zealand.[165]
On 19 October, restrictions were eased in Victoria; the two-hour time limit for exercise and socialising was lifted, groups of up to 10 people from two households were allowed to gather outdoors, outdoor sports settings like tennis courts, golf courses and skateparks could reopen, outdoor swimming pools can host up to 30 swimmers, hairdressers were able to open with strict safety protocols in place, outdoor real estate auctions were allowed to go ahead with up to 10 people plus staff, non-essential outdoor home maintenance can take place with up to five workers and many allied health services resumed to face-to-face services. Further easing of restrictions were scheduled for 2 November.[166]
On 24 October, Victoria recorded 98 active cases statewide; this was the first time since 19 June in which Victoria had under 100 cases.[167]
On 26 October, the "second wave" ended when Victoria recorded zero new cases and zero deaths statewide for the first time since 9 June 139 days.[168][169] On the same day, Daniel Andrews announced a significant easing of restrictions to take effect over the coming weeks. From 11.59 pm on 27 October, people no longer required a reason to leave home, all retail, restaurants, hotels, cafes and bars were allowed to open with capacity limits, beauty, personal services and tattooing will reopen, outdoor community sport for under 18 and outdoor non-contact sport for adults recommenced, a maximum of 10 people were allowed to attend weddings, a maximum of 20 mourners allowed to attend funerals and faith and religious gatherings allowed to resume, subject to patron limitations.[169] With a length of 112 days, this Victorian COVID-19 lockdown was the longest continuous lockdown world-wide, as of October 2020.[170] From 11.59 pm on 8 November onwards, the 25 kilometres (16 miles) travel limit was removed, restrictions on moving between regional Victorian and metropolitan Melbourne lifted, gyms and fitness studios opened for with a maximum of 20 people per space and one person per 8 square metres, capacity limits for restaurants, hotels, cafes and bars increased, gathering limits for faith and religious gatherings increased and indoor pools opened for up to 20 people.[171]
On 31 October 2020, Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan announced that from 14 November, Western Australia's hard border policy would be eased, enabling residents from states and territories deemed very low risk (i.e. Tasmania, Queensland, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory) to enter the state without undertaking quarantine.[172][173]
November 2020[edit]
On 1 November 2020, Australia recorded zero cases of community transmission nationwide for the first time since 9 June 2020.[174][175]
On 3 November in Melbourne there was an anti-lockdown protest. More than 400 people were arrested and nearly 400 penalties issued.[176]
On 6 November the Victorian hotel quarantine inquiry published its interim report.[122]
On 17 November 2020 the NSW Government announced the "Out and About" economic stimulus voucher scheme. NSW residents over 18 years-of-age will be eligible to receive four A$25 vouchers through Service NSW. Residents will need to have a Service NSW account to receive their vouchers.[177] Two vouchers are for dining, the other two are to be spent on entertainment.[178] After trials in Sydney and regional areas, full rollout was scheduled for March. The scheme was later renamed "Dine & Discover NSW".[177][178]
On 16 November South Australia reintroduced "a number of significant restrictions" after an outbreak of coronavirus in the northern suburbs of Adelaide.[179]
On 21 November, South Australia ended its lockdown after it was uncovered that the patient thought to have spread the virus hadn't come into contact with many people and had lied to health officials. South Australian Premier Steven Marshall said that the government would be "looking very carefully at what consequences there are going to be", although South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said that the man would likely not face charges as there was "no penalty associated with telling lies".[180]
On 23 November, the Australian Capital Territory government announced the "ChooseCBR" electronic voucher discount scheme to help stimulate local businesses during the "coronavirus recession". Residents could receive vouchers worth up to A$40 per day.[181]
On 24 November, Victoria recorded no active cases in the state for the first time since 29 February. This was also the first time since 21 February where there were no cases of COVID-19 in Victorian hospitals.[182]
On 27 November, Victoria recorded 28 consecutive days without recording any new COVID-19 infections or deaths; 28 days is considered to be the benchmark for eliminating COVID-19 from the community.[183][184] Also on 27 November, the 2021 National Multicultural Festival in Canberra was postponed from its usual February dates to "... by late 2021".[185] In early 2021 the Festival was cancelled entirely.[186]
On 30 November, the Victorian government announced that a new dedicated agency, "COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria" (CQV), had been created. The interim Commissioner of CQV is the Commissioner of Corrections, Emma Cassar. CQV is part of the government's response to the COVID-19 Hotel Quarantine Enquirys' interim report. It will oversee all parts of the Victorian quarantine program. The CQV Commissioner will be supported by three Deputy State Controllers, two have been appointed,[187] while as of 15 January 2021[update] the third Controller position was being advertised.[188]
December 2020[edit]
On 2 December, it was announced Australia had pulled out of recession after experiencing a 3.3% growth in gross domestic product (GDP) in the September quarter. GDP is likely to have experienced a contraction from 2019 figures.[189]
On 11 December, the V451 vaccine being developed at the University of Queensland was abandoned after trials revealed that while safe, it triggered false positives in HIV screening tests.[190]
On 17 December, the Victorian ombudsman Deborah Glass, tabled a report in the Victorian Parliament in which she found the 4 July lockdown of public housing towers in Melbourne breached human rights laws.[127]
On 18 December, Sydney's Northern Beaches was declared a national COVID-19 hotspot following an outbreak that was linked to 28 cases. No patient zero was found for this outbreak.[191] Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly had designated the region a COVID-19 hotspot in line with the National Cabinet's guidelines, which designates a metropolitan area a potential hotspot if it registers 30 or more community transmissions within three days.[191][192] In response, Queensland health authorities imposed new border restrictions on anyone entering Queensland who had visited the Northern Beaches cluster area including a mandatory two-week quarantine period.[193]
By 19 December, 23 new cases were reported in the Northern Beaches area.[194] On 19 December, Western Australia reinstated its hard border with New South Wales, no longer permitting travel from NSW without an exemption.[195]
By 20 December, 30 new cases were reported in Sydney, with 28 being linked to the Avalon RSL club and Avalon bowling club within the Northern Beaches cluster. This brought the total number of cases within the Northern Beaches cluster to 66. In response, Premier Gladys Berejiklian imposed social gathering restrictions across Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and the Central Coast areas including a ten-person limit on private gatherings and restrictions on dancing and singing.[196]
On 20 December, the Northern Territory re-imposed controls on cross border movements of people who were from, or visited Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Illawarra and the Central Coast, including quarantine requirements. Queensland, Victoria, and South Australia also strengthened their borders.[197] Canberra will require quarantine of those from the Central Coast, Greater Sydney, Illawarra-Shoalhaven, and Nepean Blue Mountains.[198]
On 21 December, New South Wales health authorities reported 15 new cases, bringing the total number of cases in Sydney's Northern Beaches cluster to 83. More than 38,000 people had been tested in the previous 24 hours.[199]
Also on 21 December, the Victorian hotel quarantine inquiry published it final report.[123]
On 30 December, a new cluster was announced in New South Wales, comprising six members of an extended family living in Croydon and two other locations, found through testing of a symptomatic family member. No link to the Northern Beaches cluster was immediately identified. The cluster grew by three additional family members on 31 December.[200]
On 30 December, Victoria reported community transmission for the first time in 61 days, with three cases in total found in Melbourne, growing by three further cases on 31 December, suspected to have originated in a traveller from New South Wales.[201][202] In response, on 31 December, Victoria lowered allowed household guests to 15, and mandated masks indoors anywhere other than in Victorians' own homes.[203]
January 2021[edit]
New Year celebrations, such as the fireworks on Sydney Harbour, when they were held, were mostly considerably reduced due to restrictions introduced to prevent crowds gathering. Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane (and the Gold Coast), and Adelaide cancelled their official New Year's fireworks.[204] In Sydney, access to the city, and the CBD in particular, was restricted, foreshore access was not permitted. The 9 pm display was cancelled, the usually boat crowded harbour was largely empty, and the midnight fireworks were reduced to 7 minutes. Those attending hospitality venues required a pass to a access harbourside areas. At homes, only five visitors were allowed.[205][206] In regional South Australia firework displays were still held in Victor Harbor, Port Lincoln and Murray Bridge. In Brisbane some hospitality venues hosted private fireworks, but they were paid, ticketed events.[205]
As the Northern Territory made it through the year with no community transmission, Darwin celebrated with some of the "most relaxed coronavirus restrictions" in Australia.[205] Two 10-minute firework shows were held at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct. Patrons had to register on-line, pay A$20, and there were no door sales.[204] About 10,000 people attended the waterfront. Organisers claimed that, as more NT residents were holidaying locally, and interstate tourists had travelled north to avoid interstate restrictions, the event was bigger than previously. Perth also enjoyed a relatively normal New Years Eve due to Western Australia's, then, community transmission free status.[205] There was a 9 pm family display, and 5 minutes at midnight. People were encouraged to follow normal COVID safe rules, and register on the SafeWA app at events.[204][205] In Hobart, the Taste of Tasmania food and wine festival had been cancelled, so the usually busy CBD was unusually quiet. Two firework displays were still held on the Derwent River. Large crowds could not congregate as outside gatherings were restricted to 1,000.[205]
In early 2021 in Canberra, that years previously postponed National Multicultural Festival,[185] was cancelled entirely.[186]
On 2 January, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced that face masks would become mandatory in many indoor venues in Greater Sydney, Central Coast and Wollongong,[a] including supermarkets, places of worship and public transport, from 3 January.[207] A$200 on-the-spot fines were given to non-compliant individuals from 4 January. People exempt to the mandate included children under the age of 12.[208]
Berejiklian also announced that gym classes must have a maximum size of 30 people, places of worship must only welcome a maximum of 100 worshippers and one person every four square metres, and weddings and funerals limited to 100 attendees or one person per four square metres. She also said that outdoor performances must only have 500 people in attendance while events which were "seated, ticketed and enclosed" were reduced back to a maximum capacity of 2,000. Night clubs were not allowed to operate.
On 3 January, NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant revealed that results of genomic testing concluded that cases in Berala were not linked to cases in the Northern Beaches.[209]
Also on 3 January, an anti-mask protest was held inside Westfield Bondi Junction. This was the first day that new mask wearing requirements, including venues like shopping centres, came into effect.[210]
On 5 January, NSW Acting Premier John Barilaro warned that an individual diagnosed with COVID-19 had travelled to Orange, Broken Hill and Nyngan. He urged people who attended certain venues in those towns to monitor for symptoms and to get tested.[211]
On the same day, Qantas announced that it had moved the resumption date of ticket sales for international flights to 1 July.[212] Transport Minister Michael McCormack responded by saying that "decisions about when international travel resumes will be made by the Australian government".
On 6 January, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard announced that all spectators of the Third Test at Sydney Cricket Ground would have to wear a face mask, except when consuming food or drink.[213]
On the same day, some health experts called for Australia's international borders to be strengthened or even closed again due to increasing concern about a COVID-19 strain, the Variant of Concern 202012/01, which was first identified in Kent, United Kingdom. Victorian Deputy Chief Health Officer Allan Cheng had raised the issue with the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee. Dr Tony Blakely, an epidemiologist from the University of Melbourne said Australia needed to "close the border or strengthen it as much as we possibly can". Professor Damian Purcell from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Peter Doherty Institute, said Australians "don't need to be terrified" of expected coronavirus mutations.[214] After the strain was found in quarantined travellers in Melbourne, the Victorian Government said it was considering banning travellers from the UK.[citation needed] That afternoon, Prime Minister Scott Morrison posted on Facebook to announce that he would "convene a special meeting of National Cabinet" on 8 January. He said that it would be to discuss a proposal to strengthen international travel procedures, "particularly in the context of the UK strain".
Victorian Acting Premier Jacinta Allan announced a "pause" in changes to workers returning to the workplace. Up to 50% of Victorian employees were initially planned to be allowed to work in the office.[215]
On 7 January, Australian Prime Minister Morrison announced that they would bring forward the rollout of the Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to February. He said workers dealing with international arrivals, hotel quarantine workers, frontline healthcare workers, and workers and residents in aged care and disability care would receive the vaccine first.[citation needed]
Meanwhile, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced that a hotel quarantine cleaner had contracted COVID-19.[216] It was later confirmed that she was infected with the Variant of Concern 202012/01.[217] In response, Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young announced immediate restrictions to visitors to certain facilities, including aged care and hospitals, in the Metro North, Metro South and West Moreton Hospital and Health Service regions.
On 8 January, National Cabinet met and agreed to major changes to international air travel arrangements. These included halving the weekly cap of international arrivals to 1,500 in NSW and 500 in WA and Queensland until 15 February, as well as mandating that all international travellers test negative for COVID-19 before flying to Australia.[218][219] Masks were also made mandatory for all passengers and crew on domestic and international flights and in airports, with few exemptions.[220]
On the same day, Queensland Premier Palaszczuk announced a three-day lockdown for all of Greater Brisbane.[b] In response, NSW told Queenslanders to isolate while SA declared Greater Brisbane a hotspot. Tasmania declared Greater Brisbane as "high risk" while WA implemented a hard border with Queensland.[citation needed]
On 13 January the cancelled Summernats "replacement" event, the Summernats Rev Rock ‘n’ Roll festival that was planned to run over the 5–7 March 2021 Canberra Day long weekend,[159] was also cancelled.[160]
On 15 January the airline Emirates announced it was indefinitely suspending all flights to, or from, Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne.[221] However, within a week Emirates announced that it would resume the cancelled routes. In the interim, cargo operations to all Australian airports, and flights between Dubai and Perth, continued.[222]
On 16 January the Federal government announced 20 repatriation flights to return Australian citizens stranded overseas. The flights will be from 31 January to 31 March. The number of people returned will be in addition to existing caps on international flight arrivals.[223] As of 15 January 2021[update] over 37,000 Australians were stranded abroad.[221]
On 23 January an anti-mask protest was stopped by police from entering the Westfield Parramatta shopping centre. Warning was given to the group to obey public health orders, and follow social distancing guidelines. One man was arrested when he did not comply with the police directive when the group dispersed after they were given a move-on direction. A protest group was also turned away a week earlier.[224]
On 25 January, the Federal government suspended the trans-Tasman travel bubble operating since 16 October 2020. This removed the ability of New Zealanders to travel to Australia, without quarantining, for at least 72 hours. This followed the discovery of a NZ resident with the South African COVID-19 variant. The woman was not known to be infectious, having twice tested negative to COVID-19 before leaving quarantine, then visited many places in northern NZ, but was then found to have the new strain.[225]
On 28 January the ban on travel from NZ without quarantine was extended for 3 more days.[226]
On 29 January 2021, the ability of Australians stuck overseas to fly back to Australia was further hampered when the UK banned direct flights from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over the possible spread of the South African COVID-19 variant. Both Etihad and Emirates airlines are UAE based, and major carriers between the UK and Australia.[227]
Western Australian lockdown[edit]
On 31 January, a quarantine hotel security guard at the Four Points by Sheraton in Perth tested positive. A five-day lockdown, from 6 pm on 31 January (Sunday) until 6 pm on 5 February (Friday) was declared. Schools remained closed for another week after being scheduled to resume on 1 February.[228]
Beginning at 6:00 pm tonight the whole Perth metropolitan area, the Peel region and the South West region will be going into full lockdown.
— WA Premier Mark McGowan[228]
The guard's infection ended a ten-month period of no community transmission in Western Australia (WA).[229] Approximately 2 million people in WA were affected by the lockdown.[230]
Federal politicians from WA flying into Canberra had to quarantine for five-days when the lockdown was declared. Parliament was to resume on 2 February,[231] so some MPs were unable to physically attend the first week.[229]
In response to the lockdown, health authorities in the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, the Northern Territory and Victoria declared the affected areas to be COVID-19 hotspots.[229]
- The ACT ordered anyone who had been to Perth's metropolitan area since 25 January to get tested, and enter a five-day self-quarantine.[229]
- Queensland required 2 weeks of hotel quarantine for any new arrivals who had been in the locked down areas. Those already in Qld, but were in a WA hotspot area since 26 January had to be tested, and isolate until receiving a negative result.[229]
- Travellers to the NT from WA hotspots underwent 14 days of mandatory supervised quarantine.[229]
- Victoria did not allow entry to anyone who was in any of the WA red zones since 25 January without an exception, exemption or permitted worker permit.[229]
- South Australia did not immediately close its border with WA, but airline passengers from WA arriving in Adelaide were told to self-quarantine, and get a COVID-19 test on days one, five and twelve.[229]
The lockdown was lifted on 5 February, but some rules, such as mandatory mask wearing, were maintained in the Peel and Perth regions.[232] The last lockdown specific restrictions were lifted at 12:01 a.m. on 14 February.[233]
February 2021[edit]
On 1 February, Queensland opened its border to all states except Western Australia. Since border closure 6,855,750 border passes were issued.[234]
On 2 February, responding to the WA lockdown, New South Wales ordered more than 1,100 people who had visited affected areas in WA since 25 January into five days of lockdown. They had to adhere to the same restrictions as if they had stayed in WA. Any arrivals from WA must have a COVID-19 test within 48 hours, or undergo 14 days of quarantine.[230]
Also on 2 February the Ellume company of Brisbane received a contract worth A$302 million (US$230 million) from the United States Department of Defense to provide at-home COVID-19 testing kits. The "Ellume COVID-19 Home Test" is the first at-home COVID-19 test to get emergency approval from the US Food and Drug Administration. The company claims its test can be done in 15 minutes and is around 95% accurate.[235]
On 3 February in Victoria, a quarantine hotel worker at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne, a "resident support officer" involved in the Australian Open tennis quarantine program, was found to have COVID-19. From 11:59 pm Victoria immediately reintroduced some rules, tightened some, and put off imminent easing of some restrictions. The plan to, from 8 February (Monday), allow up to 75 per cent of office workers back into their workplaces was put on hold. Masks were mandatory inside, and only 15 persons are allowed at private events. The man visited a numbers of businesses from 29 January to 1 February, but was able to give contact tracers a detailed list of places and times. Anyone who was at those places at those times, must be tested, and isolate for 14 days. Testing site hours were extended from 4 February, opening at 8 am. More drive-through lanes were added, and additional testing sites opened.[236]
On 4 February, the Northern Territory declared ten suburbs in Melbourne to be hotspots. Arrivals into NT from Melbourne, West Melbourne, Noble Park, Keysborough, Springvale, Brighton, Wheelers Hill, Clayton South, Heatherton or Moorabbin will be required to go into mandatory quarantine for 14 days. Those already in NT who have been in any of the hotspots since 29 January will also have to self-isolate until their COVID-19 testing is negative.[237]
By 5 February, genomic sequencing confirmed that the Melbourne Grand Hyatt worker was infected with the more contagious "UK strain" of COVID-19.[238] Also on 5 February 2021, National Cabinet decided to increase the number of international passenger arrivals to Australia as from 15 February. New South Wales will return from 1,505 to a weekly cap of 3,010 people and Queensland from 500 to 1,000. South Australia has increased from 490 a week to 530, and Victoria from 1,120 to 1,310. Western Australia will remain at a reduced arrival cap of 512. The total national weekly cap of 4,127 will increase to 6,362. It was 6,645 on 15 January, when the cap was cut as a response to the UK strain of coronavirus. Repatriation flights to: the Howard Springs facility in the Northern Territory; Canberra; and Hobart are additional to the caps.[239]
Also on 5 February, the WA lockdown was lifted, though some rules such as mandatory mask wearing were kept.[232] Travel restrictions also still applied to Peel and Perth, but not the North Western region. That day, Premier McGowan also announced a A$43 million package to assist small businesses and charities who suffered financially during the lockdown in the form of a A$500 offset on their electricity bill. Chief executive of The Australian Hotels Association (AHA) WA, Bradley Woods said: "We estimate over $100 million revenue and sales has been lost as a result of this shutdown …". Plans to increase WA's weekly international flight arrival cap were postponed to the end of February.[240]
- Holiday Inn outbreak
On 10 February, a quarantine hotel at Melbourne airport was evacuated. The Holiday Inn was emptied after hotel quarantine workers were found to have been infected with COVID-19, though no breach of protective equipment use or procedures was found. It is believed that an returned traveller, with pre-existing health conditions, used a nebuliser, which increased the chance of the virus spreading by air.[241] By 12 February, the cluster had grown to 14,[242][243] by the 16th the cluster had increased to 19.[244] By the 19th the outbreak had increased to 22 and one person was in intensive care. That morning, about 3,515 "primary close contacts" that are linked to the outbreak were in quarantine.[245]
On 11 February, the airline Cathay Pacific decided that, excepting Sydney, from 20 February it would temporarily cease all flights to Australia until the end of the month. This was a response to the Hong Kong government's new COVID restrictions requiring Hong Kong based aircrew to quarantine.[246] Also on 11 February, trials of the "Dine and Discover NSW" economic stimulus vouchers began in Broken Hill, and The Rocks in Sydney. Full roll-out is scheduled for March.[247]
On 12 February Victoria announced that it would again enter lockdown across the entire state for 5 days from 11:59 pm that night. This was in response to the Melbourne Airport Holiday Inn quarantine hotel outbreak.[248] By 12 February, the Holiday Inn cluster had grown to 14.[242] The Australian Open tennis competition continued, but without any spectators. This will apply to all professional sporting events.[249] In response all other states and territories placed travel restrictions upon Victoria.[250]
The same day the new Victorian lockdown started, in Melbourne the Moomba Festival was cancelled for the first time. However within a week an alternative event, "Moomba 2.0", was created.[251][252] Instead of the usual attractions, Lord Mayor Sally Capp said Moomba 2.0 will be: "... a series of fun, family friendly events and attractions across the city that will help bring the buzz back to Melbourne."[253]
Also on 12 February 2021, the 16th World Solar Challenge, due to run from 22–30 October, was cancelled by the SA Government.[254]
On 14 February, the final WA post-31 January lockdown restrictions, including mandatory masks, were lifted in the Perth and Peel regions after 14 days. WA Premier McGowan said since January more than 102,000 COVID-19 tests had been done. There were no new COVID-19 cases detected overnight in WA, and only 5 cases in hotel quarantine.[233]
On 15 February, the first 142,000 doses of the Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Australia. The first doses were due be administered on 22 February.[255] The Australian Government has purchased 10 million doses of this vaccine.[256]
By 16 February, the number of confirmed infections linked to the Melbourne Holiday Inn outbreak had increased to 19.[244] The same day, the Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, was approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) "… for use in people aged over 18 years".[257]
Also on 16 February, the first vials of COVID-19 vaccine produced in Australia came off the production line at the CSL Behring plant in Broadmeadows, Melbourne.[258]
On 17 February Canberra's public health emergency declaration was extended 90 days to 18 May 2021.[259]
Also on 17 February the 5-day lockdown in Victoria was lifted at 11:59 pm.[260] Despite this, Victoria will not allow any incoming international flights "indefinitely".[251]
On 18 February, there were no new locally acquired COVID-19 cases in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia or Victoria.[261]
By 19 February, the Melbourne Holiday Inn outbreak had increased to 22. One person was admitted to intensive care and about 3,515 contacts were quarantined.[245] Also on this day, after the Moomba Festival was cancelled on 12 February, the replacement Moomba 2.0 events were announced.[253]
On 20 February anti-COVID-19 vaccine rallies were held in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. There were a few hundred people at each.[262]
Also on 20 February, New Zealanders were again able to come to Australia without needing to quarantine on arrival. If they have been in Auckland in the 14 days before travelling they will need a negative COVID-19 test less than 3-day before travelling. The "travel bubble" only applies to entry to Australia.[263]
- Vaccinations start
On 21 February, the first public COVID-19 vaccinations in Australia, with the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine, were administered in Sydney. An 84-year-old aged care resident was the first Australian to receive the vaccine. To show confidence in the national immunisation vaccine rollout, Prime Minister Morrison, and Australia's Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly, also received vaccinations.[264] Up to 6:00 pm on 23 February in NSW, 3,200 people were immunised across three state-run hospitals.[265]
On 22 February 2021, the first Canberran received a COVID-19 vaccination. She was a 22-year-old registered nurse, and a member of a COVID-19 testing team.[266] The same day the first Queenslander received a vaccination at Gold Coast University Hospital. She was a nurse who works in that hospitals COVID-19 ward.[267]
On 23 February 2021, 166,000 more doses of the Pfizer vaccine, Australia's second shipment, arrived at Sydney airport. 120,000 more doses are due to arrive in the following week.[268]
On 24 February, further restrictions eases were announced in NSW. From 12:01 am on 26 February (Friday):
- Dancing and singing will be allowed at gatherings
- At weddings, up to 30 people, including guests, can dance at one time. (currently, only the wedding party, a maximum of 20 people. The 300 person limit for wedding guests remains for now)
- Up to 50 people at their home (up from 30) Visitor number includes adults and children.
- Up to 50 people allowed in gym classes (4-square metre rule applies)
- Up to 30 singers allowed in choirs and religious congregations. Masks required, place of worship must adhere to the 4-square metre rule
Also, as of 24 February, there has been no transmission of COVID-19 in the community in NSW for 38 days. On 17 March restrictions will be "revisited".[265]
The same day, 24 February, Queensland State Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young announced that the state had halted its travel bubble arrangement with New Zealand in response to a recent community outbreak in South Auckland. From 9 pm (NZ time), New Zealanders traveling to Queensland would have to enter quarantine.[269]
On 25 February, Qantas said it intends to resume international Qantas and Jetstar flights on 21 October, which was originally planned for July. Qantas also reported a half-year revenue loss of A$1.08 billion. Revenue fell by 75 per cent to A$2.3 billion, passenger numbers fell by 83 per cent.[270]
On 26 February the Chief Executive of the Australian Airports Association, James Goodwin, said that Australian airports had been losing A$320 million every month during the coronavirus pandemic. He also said over the past 12 months, job losses amounted to 25 per cent of the airports' workforce.[271]
On 28 February 2021, 300,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine arrived at Sydney airport.[272] The same day in Queensland the "Check in Qld" QR code sign-in/contact tracing app was launched by the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Yvette D'Ath. Use of the app is not mandatory.[273]
March 2021[edit]
On 2 March, the general closure of Australia's international borders to travel was extended to 17 June 2021. Australia's borders have now been closed for 12 months.[274] Despite the border closure, between 25 March and 31 December 2020 over 105,000 exemptions were approved for people to leave Australia.[275]
On 4 March a health worker in Queensland experienced a serious anaphylactic reaction after receiving the Pfizer vaccine and was admitted into intensive care. The person had a history of anaphylaxis. They made a full recovery on the same day and were discharged from hospital.[276]
On 5 March 250,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from Italy headed to Australia, were not permitted to be exported by Italy and the European Union.[277] The same day, the first Australian to receive that vaccine was at Murray Bridge, South Australia. The recipient was a doctor in regional South Australia.[278]
On 10 March 2021 the Federal Government announced steps worth A$1.2 billion to encourage Australians to holiday within Australia to assist ailing tourist destinations. Between April and July, up to 800,000 airfares to 13 regions normally favoured by international tourists will be halved for domestic travellers.[279]
On 12 March Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane went into lockdown after a doctor tested positive for COVID-19. Queensland had gone 59 days without any locally acquired COVID-19 infections.[280]
On 17 March Prime Minister Morrison proposed that one million of Australia's doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine be diverted to Papua-New Guinea (PNG) as that neighbouring country was under an "... out-of-control second COVID-19 wave, " and "... facing a humanitarian crisis". Other measures include sending personal protective equipment and suspending flights from Cairns to PNG.[281]
On 21 March production of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Australia was approved by Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration.[282]
On 29 March at 5 pm Greater Brisbane went into a 3 day lockdown. The step was taken when a cluster of the UK strain of COVID-19 grew to 7 people.[283] The lockdown ended early at midday on 1 April.[284] Also on 29 March, the JobKeeper wage subsidy ended.[285]
By 30 March in Queensland, another 8 locally acquired cases were reported for a total of 10 new cases in the preceding 24 hours, and 2 separate clusters, both of the UK strain were identified. As of this date Queensland had 78 active cases in hospitals.[286]
On 31 March in Queensland 34,711 coronavirus tests and 7,596 vaccinations were conducted.[284]
April 2021[edit]
On 1 April in Brisbane, the "3 day" lockdown from 29 March, due to end at 5 pm, was lifted at midday. Ten new cases were recorded in the previous 24 hours, but only one case of community transmission, which is linked to a cluster from an infected nurse at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. This cluster now numbered 12, up from 7 on 29 March. Some restrictions introduced for the lockdown will be maintained:[284]
- all Queenslanders will have to carry a face-mask outside their home until 15 April.
- patrons at food or beverage venues must stay seated, no dancing allowed
- 30 person limit at private gatherings at homes statewide.
- Businesses and churches can open, but must have only one-person-per 2-square-metres of floor area.
- Visitors are not permitted for 2 weeks at: aged or disabled care facilities, hospitals and prisons.[284]
On 2 April a 44-year-old Victorian man was admitted to Melbourne's Box Hill Hospital when he developed serious thrombosis and a low platelet count after receiving the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine on 22 March. He developed blood clots in his spleen, liver and gut.[287] The Therapeutic Goods Administration warned anyone who experienced persistent headaches or other worrying symptoms 4 to 20 days after receiving the vaccine to seek medical advice.[288] Another case of clotting linked to this vaccine was reported on 13 April.[289]
On 5 April, Malcolm Kela Smith, a British born Papua New Guinean, businessman, aviator and politician died aged 77-years from complications of COVID-19 while under treatment in the intensive care unit at Redcliffe Hospital in Queensland, Australia.[290]
On 8 April 2021 the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and the TGA met to review concerns over the AstraZeneca vaccine. Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Paul Kelly, reassured about the safety of the vaccine, but it was being reviewed.[291] ATAGI advised the Federal Government to use the AstraZeneca vaccine only for those over 50-years-of-age as they confirmed the rare side-effect of blood clotting could occur in younger people.[292]
On 12 April an 80-year-old Australian man, who had been living in the Philippines but returned to Australia, died from COVID-19 in Queensland. It was the seventh death of a person who had been diagnosed with the virus in the state, and first COVID-19 death recorded in the state since an 83-year-old cruise ship passenger died in April 2020 in a Sydney hospital.[293]
On 13 April a second case of blood clotting, in a Western Australian women in her 40s, was linked to the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.[289]
On 15 April, a diabetic 48-year-old New South Wales woman died in John Hunter Hospital after developing thrombosis with thrombocytopenia 4 days after being vaccinated with the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. The TGA said it was "likely" her death was linked to the vaccination.[294]
On 19 April, a 'travel bubble' between Australia and New Zealand opened. Australians are able travel to New Zealand and not have to quarantine on return, for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.[295]
On 21 April a 40-year old man was admitted to a private hospital in Queensland with blood clots, the fourth reported case, after he was vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine on 18 April. Investigations are underway to confirm the link between the vaccine and the clotting.[296]
On 23 April, Prime Minister Morrison announced that travellers to Australia from "high risk" countries, in particular India, were to be reduced by 30 percent.[297] This decision is based on an increase in positive results for COVID-19 among travellers from India at the Howard Springs, Northern Territory quarantine facility. Travel to such countries is also to be limited.[298] On 27 April, due to an ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 in India, all incoming flights from there were "paused" until at least 15 May.[299]
Also on 23 April in Western Australia, Perth city and the Peel region went to into a 3 day lockdown from midnight after two cases of COVID-19 transmission inside the Mercure quarantine hotel. The outbreak originated from a man who quarantined after he travelled to India to get married.[300] Anzac Day services in the affected areas were cancelled.[301] In response to the lockdown, Air New Zealand canceled a flight between Auckland and Perth.[302] The lockdown ended on 26 April.[300]
Still on 23 April 2021, 3 more cases of blood clotting were reported that are believed to be linked to AstraZeneca vaccination. A 49-year-old Queensland man, an 80-year-old Victorian man and 35-year-old NSW woman all had suspected thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). The TGA said there was a "likely link" as all three had received the AstraZeneca vaccine. All were in a stable condition and recovering.[303]
On 26 April the lockdown in WA ended as scheduled with no new case of community transmission. Travel beyond the Perth and Peel areas was allowed but for the following four days, some restrictions remained in force:[300]
- Mandatory face masks in public
- Indoor fitness venues, nightclubs and the casino remained closed,
- Venues including restaurants, pubs and cafes reopened, however:
- The four-square-metre area capacity rule applied,
- A limit of 20 patrons, not including staff.
- Private gatherings, both indoor and outdoor were limited 20 people.
- Visits to hospitals, aged care and disability care facilities were restricted to compassionate grounds only.
- Community sport allowed, but:
- Without spectators,
- Capacity limits for indoor venues.
- Universities will only be open for online learning.[300]
On 27 April, due to the "record breaking" outbreak of COVID-19 in India, with 323,000 new infections that day after five days with new cases peaking above 350,000, and another 2,771 COVID deaths there, the Federal Government "paused" all incoming flights from there until at least 15 May. The pause includes repatriation flights into the Howard Springs quarantine facility near Darwin with more than 9,000 Australians in India at this date wanting to come to Australia. Australia will send medical aid to India in the form of ventilators, surgical masks, P2 and N95 masks, goggles, gloves and face shields.[299]
By 28 April more than 2 million COVID-19 vaccinations had been administered, but this was 3 million short of original plans.[304]
On 30 April in South Australia, a COVID-19 mass vaccination hub opened at Adelaide Showground.[305]
May 2021[edit]
On 1 May, a male guard at the Pan Pacific quarantine hotel in Perth, tested positive to COVID-19. He had already received his first dose of COVID vaccine. 2 of his 7 housemates, both food delivery drivers, then tested positive.[306][307] While likely to have been infectious the guard visited several locations in the community, raising the possibility of another lockdown in Western Australia.[308] It is not known how the guard became infected, but he worked at the hotel on 24, 25 and 26 April, including on the same floor as two returned travellers who were COVID-19 positive. One result was that spectators were not allowed at the Western AFL Derby on 2 May at Optus Stadium. Prior to the guards' infection, up to 45,000 people were to be allowed to attend. On Sunday 2 May, WA Premier McGowan also announced a number of new restrictions, including that nightclubs were to be closed immediately. Those and the casino gaming floor remained shut until at least 12.01 am on Saturday May 8. Under the restrictions, masks remained mandatory indoors and outdoors in the Perth and Peel regions, unless people had a medical exemption, or were doing vigorous exercise outside. This included those who had been in Perth or Peel since April 17. On 3 May another lockdown was still a possibility.[306][307][308]
On 5 May in Sydney, a case of COVID-19 in a man in his 50s was detected with no known physical link to travel or border control/quarantine hotels or workers. Genomic testing provided a link to an overseas (US) acquired infection at the Park Royal in Darling Harbour. The new case is believed to have been infectious while visiting at least 20 locations in Sydney from 30 April to 4 May. His wife also tested positive to COVID-19. Due to these new cases, COVID related restrictions in Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains and Wollongong, were tightened, initially for 3 days from 5 pm on 6 May (Friday), to 12:01 am on 9 May (Monday).[309][310]
- Mask-wearing was made mandatory at indoor places for three days, including:[309]
- Public transport
- Supermarkets
- Other indoor events
- Hospitality staff at front of house also had to be masked[310]
- Patrons drinking had to be seated.
- No singing or dancing allowed at indoor venues, including,
- Places of worship and
- Entertainment venues.
Exemptions included weddings, and dancers or singers performing in shows.[309]
- Only 20 visitors allowed at private homes
- Maximum 2 visitors at aged care facilities[310]
Most of these restrictions were later extended to 17 May.[311]
Also on 5 May, in Victoria, the COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria general manager of infection control, Matius Bush, was stood down by the Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson pending a conduct review. Bush breached infection controls twice by: refusing a COVID test at a quarantine hotel when requested by Defence personnel; and failing to sanitise or change his mask when returning to a quarantine hotel from a coffee shop.[312]
By 6 May, another 5 cases of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) linked to AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination had been reported, bringing the total to 11.[313]
On 9 May in NSW, because the "missing link" in two infections there had not been located, most of the restrictions tightened on 5 May were extended another seven days until 12:01 am on 17 May. The main change was mask wearing was not required indoors by patrons of shops and hospitality venues, except for gaming areas where masks were still needed. On public transport and other indoor public venues masks remained mandatory.[311]
Also on 9 May, Victoria had 72 days of no recorded cases of community transmission of COVID-19.[314] In NSW, 13,768 tests were undertaken in the 24 hours to 8:00pm on 9 May, but NSW recorded no locally acquired COVID-19 infections.[315]
On 10 May in NSW, a mass vaccination hub opened at Sydney Olympic Park. The same day, registrations began for NSW residents aged 40 to 49 to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.[315]
On 13 May, it was announced that the US Moderna company had an agreement with the Australian Federal government to provide 25 million doses of its' COVID-19 vaccine 'mRNA-1273', subject to TGA approval.[316]
On 17 May in Sydney, the temporary restrictions introduced on 5 May were removed. The missing link in the 2 cases of community transmission that led to these restrictions had not been located by this day.[317]
On 23 May, an expanded ChooseCBR voucher scheme was announced in the ACT. Bigger discounts were offered and more money was allocated.[318] The new scheme proved popular when launched on 9 June, but its' website crashed and the scheme was suspended a week.[319]
On 24 May in northern Melbourne, 4 cases of COVID-19 in the community were reported. Another 5 community cases, for a total of 9, were reported on 25 May. 4 of them are family contacts of a man, who may be the source of the outbreak, who tested positive on 2 May. As a result, restrictions in Greater Melbourne were again tightened from 6pm on Tuesday, 25 May, to at least Friday, 4 June.[320] Restrictions included: mandatory wearing of masks indoors (children under 12 exempted), private gatherings limited to 5 people, public gatherings limited to 30 people, limits on visitors to hospitals and aged care reinstated, Melbourne residents were allowed to travel out of the city but had to observe restrictions as if they were still in Melbourne. No changes were made to the number of people allowed in workplaces, shops, bars, or beauty services. Relaxation of "density caps" in hospitality venues had been planned, but was put on hold. Cultural and sports event were still allowed, but the AFL "paused" ticket sales for Victorian-based games.[321]
By 27 May the Victorian outbreak had risen to 26 cases. There were over 150 exposure sites across Melbourne, and 11,000 contacts had been linked through contact tracing to the outbreak. As a result of the growing outbreak Victoria entered its fourth lockdown, statewide, as of 11:59 pm on 27 May, initially for seven days until 11:59pm on Thursday 3 June,[322] but the lockdown was later extended another 7 days.[323] Due to the outbreak, all Australian states imposed a range of restrictions on travellers from Victoria, either banning entry, only allowing state residents back in, requiring home isolation for 7 days under Victorias' rules, 14 days hotel quarantine, or other measures. New Zealand paused the travel bubble with Victoria from 7:59pm on 25 May.[324] On 10 June, at 11:59 pm, the lockdown ended though some restrictions, such as travel limits (though expanded to 25 km), remained in force.[325]
On 28 May there were anti-lockdown protests in Melbourne.[326]
June 2021[edit]
By 1 June the number of cases in the Victorian outbreak had reached 60.[323] The same day, it was found that a now confirmed COVID-19 case from Melbourne had travelled to New South Wales, before the 27 May lockdown, while possibly infectious. Possible exposure sites included venues in Goulburn, Jervis Bay, Hyams Beach and Vincentia.[327]
On 2 June the 7 day Victorian lockdown was extended for another 7 days. Some restrictions were eased, the 5km limit was extended to 10km, school attendance allowed for years 11 and 12, authorised work included some outdoors work. Use of the Service Victoria QR code check-in required across Victoria for places like supermarkets and shops.[323]
On 3 June the Federal Government announced that people who lose work as a result of lockdowns, of at least 7 days length, may be eligible for a A$325 or A$500 per week Temporary COVID Disaster Payment.[328]
Also on 3 June, the Victorian outbreak rose to 63 cases, all in Greater Melbourne. From 11:59pm that day some lockdown restrictions in regional Victoria were eased, movement in regional areas was unrestricted.[329] The same day the stay-at-home order from NSW Health, for anyone who has been in Victoria since May 27, was extended by a week.[330]
By 6 June, over 5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine had been administered across the Australia. Approximately 4.45 million were first doses, and nearly 570 thousand were second doses.[331][332]
By June 7, there were 81 active COVID cases in the Victorian outbreaks.[333] There were also 3 separate clusters with unknown sources in the state by then: 32 cases in Whittlesea; 9 at the Arcare aged care centre in Maidstone; and 14 at a cluster in West Melbourne. The West Melbourne cluster was found to be of the fast spreading Delta COVID variant, raising the possibility the fourth Victorian lockdown could be extended again.[334] Also on 7 June, the Victorian government announced A$30 million of financial support for residents "locked out of work" by COVID lockdowns. They also extended their emergency "hardship support payment" to October. This helps those on temporary or provisional visas who are not able get income from the Commonwealth.[335]
On 9 June, the New South Wales Dine & Discover NSW voucher scheme was extended by a month to 31 July 2021.[336] The same day in Canberra the expanded ChooseCBR voucher stimulus scheme was launched. The new scheme proved popular but its' website crashed after 2 days and the scheme was suspended a week to fix "technical issues".[319]
By 10 June a second Australian had died of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). The 52-year-old NSW woman had a blood clot in her brain, a cerebral venous sinus thrombosis before she died. There had been 3 more new cases of TTS in the preceding week.[337] Also on 10 June, at 11:59 pm, Victoria's fourth lockdown ended, with some restrictions remaining: no visitors in the home; people must wear a mask both indoors and outdoors; travel for Melbourne residents limited to 25 km (16 mi) radius of home.[325]
By mid-June COVID-19 digital vaccination certificates became available through Medicare linked myGov accounts, or the Express Plus Medicare smartphone app.[338] Also in mid-June, Labrador sniffer dogs were deployed by Australian Border Force on a trial basis at Adelaide Airport as part of a feasibility study into using the dogs to detect people with COVID-19 infections. Previous trials were carried out at Sydney Airport in March.[339]
From 16 June 2021, NSW residents aged over 50 were able to get an AstraZeneca vaccination from selected pharmacies. The NSW health department approved 1,250 pharmacies to administer the vaccine under strict regulations.[340]
On 17 June, on the advice of ATAGI, Health Minister Greg Hunt said the federal government would only recommend the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine be administered to people aged 60 years and over. Everyone under 60 will be offered the Pfizer vaccine. Hunt stated that about 815,000 Australians between ages 50 and 59 had received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.[341]
On 18 June in NSW, masks were again made mandatory on public transport in Greater Sydney from 4pm that day. A COVID-19 cluster in Sydneys' Eastern Suburbs had grown to 4 cases.[342]
By 22 June a cluster in Bondi had increased by 10 to 22 cases.[343]
Notes[edit]
- ^ "Greater Sydney, Central Coast and Wollongong", as defined by the NSW Government, includes the local government areas of
• Bayside, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Burwood, Camden, Campbelltown, Canada Bay, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Hawkesbury, The Hills Shire, Hornsby, Hunter's Hill, Inner West, Ku–ring–gai, Lane Cove, Liverpool, Mosman, North Sydney, Northern Beaches, Parramatta, Penrith, Randwick, Ryde, Strathfield, Sutherland Shire, Sydney, Waverley, Willoughby, Wollondilly, Woollahra
• Central Coast
• Wollongong - ^ "Greater Brisbane", as defined by the Queensland Government, includes the local government areas of • Brisbane City, Ipswich City, Logan City, Moreton Bay Regional, Redland City
See also[edit]
- Chart of COVID-19 cases in Australia (template)
- COVID-19 clusters in Australia
- COVID-19 pandemic in Australia
- COVID-19 pandemic in Australia (timeline)
- COVID-19 vaccination in Australia
- Chart of COVID-19 cases in Australia (template)
- COVID-19 pandemic by country
- COVID-19 pandemic in Oceania
- Biosecurity in Australia
- National Cabinet of Australia
- National COVID-19 Coordination Commission
- National Security Committee (Australia)
- Coronavirus Australia
- Xenophobia and racism related to the COVID-19 pandemic#Australia
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External links[edit]
- "COVID-19: a chronology of state and territory government announcements (up until 30 June 2020)". www.aph.gov.au. Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 3 March 2021.