The Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly, has today de-listed the Hotspot for the purpose of Commonwealth support for the Regional Council of Cairns and Shire of Yarrabah. There have been no further cases in the area, and this is consistent with the Queensland Government's announcement today to lift the lockdown restrictions in these areas.
Professor Kelly has today declared the City of Dubbo as a Hotspot for the purpose of Commonwealth support from 11:59pm 11 August 2021 until 11:59pm 18 August 2021 with review on or before this date. There have been two cases identified to date and there are opportunities for transmission of the virus in the Dubbo area. Professor Kelly reminds the community of the risk, and requests that they continue to follow the directions of New South Wales Health.
In addition, Professor Kelly has today extended the Greater Melbourne, City of Greater Geelong, Moorabool, and Golden Plains Hotspot for the purpose of Commonwealth support for a further seven days until 11:59pm 19 August 2021. Community transmission has continued, posing an ongoing risk. This announcement is in-line with the Victorian Government's announcement today. Professor Kelly encourages everyone to book their vaccination, and requests that they continue to follow the directions of Victoria Health.
Declaring a hotspot for Commonwealth support triggers, if required:
- Provision of PPE from the National Medical Stockpile
- Actions for aged care facilities including PPE, single site workforce supplement and integration of an aged care response centre into the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre
- Assistance with contact tracing
- Asymptomatic testing via General Practice led Respiratory Clinics
- Reprioritisation of vaccine supplies, if required
- Access to COVID-19 Disaster Payment, if eligibility criteria are met
- Two Medicare Benefits Schedule items for telehealth consultations for patients in COVID-19 hotspots.
