In the media

New deal secures potential COVID-19 vaccine for every Australian
Through an agreement between the Australian Government and UK-based drug company AstraZeneca, every single Australian will be able to receive the University of Oxford COVID-19 vaccine for free, should trials prove successful, safe and effective (19 August 2020). More...

Urgent risk assessment for all aged care homes
Urgent improvements in aged care and a coordinated response by Federal, State, and Territory governments are needed to prevent the pandemic outbreak in Victorian aged care homes spreading into residential aged care nationwide, the AMA warned (19 August 2020). More...

Pandemic guidelines leave women and babies at risk
An international researcher and qualified midwife from the University of South Australia warns that guidelines discouraging women from attending face-to-face antenatal visits in recent months could result in a spike in stillbirths. We need to urgently look at the COVID antenatal care guideline (18 August 2020). More...

Essential childhood immunisation reaches record new high
Australia's childhood immunisation rates have risen to record levels, with coverage for all five-year-olds now at 94.77 per cent (17 August 2020). More...

Inquiry told GPs should be 'essential' part of pandemic preparedness
The RACGP highlighted shortfalls in the Queensland Government's COVID-19 health response at a parliamentary hearing.
Doctor in PPE outside COVID clinic. The submission is calling for further recognition of the important role GPs play in pandemic preparedness and keeping the community safe. Te submission called for 'further action' and highlighted the following issues (19 August 2020). More...

Practice and Regulation

Border restrictions Direction (No. 12)
20 August 2020 - Direction from Chief Health Officer in accordance with emergency powers arising from the declared public health emergency. The public health emergency area specified in the Order is for 'all of Queensland'. Its duration has been extended by regulation to 2 October 2020 and may be further extended. This Public Health Direction replaces the Public Health Direction referred to as the Border Restrictions Direction (No. 11) given on 8 August 2020. More...

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