How long should people with COVID-19 isolate for?

In Australia, people with COVID-19 must self-isolate for at least seven days from the date they test positive.

There are now calls for this period to be reduced across the nation, with New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet planning to raise a time change from seven to five days at the next national cabinet meeting.

Research shows that around 50 per cent of people with COVID-19 are still infectious after five days but after 10 days, the majority are not.

According to Burnet Institute’s Professor Toole, there is no reason why Australia should take the risk of shortening the current mandated isolation period.

However, Deakin University’s Professor Catherine Bennett, has said it is vital that the impact isolation is currently having on transmission rates isn’t overstated.

Professor Bennett said that concerns need to be balanced with recognising that home isolation for a week could dissuade some people from getting tested for COVID-19.

Victoria handing out free N95 masks 

Free N95 masks are currently being handed out to Victorian public transport users.

Premier Daniel Andrews announced earlier this month that the masks would be distributed at both railway stations and COVID testing sites.

Three and a half million masks are being handed out at popular railway station locations, including by V/Line conductors and authorised officers.

Anyone visiting a state run COVID testing site will be able to get a box of ten masks for the next two to four weeks.

Health Message: Importance of FLU and COVID vaccines

The importance of staying up-to-date with flu and COVID-19 vaccinations remains vital.

More travel and socialising means that both flu as well as COVID-19 viruses are circulating in the community.

The best way to protect family and the community with the virus still circulating, and to boost individual immunity, is to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 as soon as possible.

Flu vaccinations are available from GPs or pharmacies.

Victorian Numbers

Across Victoria over 69 percent of people aged 12 years and older are now up to date with three COVID-19 vaccination doses, while almost 95 percent have received two doses.

In addition, almost 57 percent of children aged five to 11 years in the state have now received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine.

Victoria has recorded just under 3,000 (2,935) new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 with 25 lives lost

CBD workers spend just 16 hours in the city

Melbourne’s CBD workers are spending on average, 16 hours a week in the city with only one in eight workers going into the office every day.

These figures come from a new RMIT University report which surveyed more than 2000 greater Melbourne residents.

Report author, Dr Alexia Maddox said the work-from-home trend and hybrid work arrangements from the pandemic look set to continue.

(News compiled by NEMBC Multilingual News Service, Victoria)

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