Coronavirus Australia news: Daniel Andrews tempers expectations ahead of changing restrictions, Victoria's Health Minister Jenny Mikakos fronts hotel quarantine inquiry
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says although daily coronavirus numbers are trending downwards, he won't be "throwing the doors open" in announcing the next step out of restrictions.
It comes as Health Minister Jenny Mikakos fronted Victoria's inquiry into the hotel quarantine scheme, saying she was "not part of any decision-making process to use private security contractors".
Meanwhile, Western Australia recorded three new cases of COVID-19 — two of them crew members on a ship off the coast.
Live updates
The blog is closing for another day, thanks for being with us
By Michael Doyle
Active cases in Victoria
By Michael Doyle
INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Investigation uncovers corruption in Kenyan COVID-19 medical supplies
By Michael Doyle
Medics say the alleged corruption has definitely led to deaths, and health professionals have complained before about a lack of adequate supplies.
At least a thousand doctors have been infected, ten of whom have died.
Bringing sick crew members to mainland could be an option, says WA Health Minister Roger Cook
By Michael Doyle
More from the WA Health Minister on the two cases from the ship
By Michael Doyle
"We were informed by the ship that they had a couple of unwell crew and we sent a helicopter with a couple of nurses to take samples in relation to the tests.
"The initial tests, based on the Gen X class of testing equipment produced an initial positive result for the two subjects and we are very confident they are positive but that will also be confirmed through further testing which will be processed this afternoon."
Three new WA COVID-19 cases, two from a ship off at sea
By Michael Doyle
the vessel," he said.
South Australia has officially recorded zero cases today
By Michael Doyle
Senior official who effectively extended Melbourne's lockdown says they had roughly 2000 pages of data
By Michael Doyle
Reporting by Danny Tran.
Broken Hill residents cut off from family, services celebrate as South Australia reopens border
By Michael Doyle
Adelaide is the town's closest capital city - about 500 kilometres away compared to Sydney, which is almost 1,200 kilometres east - and its residents rely on South Australia for their health and education needs, as well as tourism.
Casey Briggs' latest video posted below
By Michael Doyle
Some positive comments from our readers
By Michael Doyle
Hubby & I have been sheltering for most of the year as we both have health issues. Today has been a good day! Just had my 5th lockdown haircut & we’ve had quite an energetic walk for our exercise!!... A day closer, hopefully to being vaccinated!
-A good day today!
Oh very good! Thanks for the giggle!Thanks as well to the team for the many weeks that you have all helped keep Victorians informed! A blog with a big heart and wit!!
-Kerry
Watching the way covid has unfolded worldwide I have never been more fiercely proud to be Australian. For the majority of us, particularly my fellow Victorians, we continually make the choice to do what is hard and right rather than what is easy and not. In case you've any doubt you're all a bunch of bloody legends.
-We are one
Australia's just signed up for a shot at nine COVID-19 vaccines. Here's what to expect
By Michael Doyle
Want to know more about the state of play when it comes to vaccine's in Australia.
Click here to find out more from Adam Taylor with The Conversation.
Soothing sounds
By Michael Doyle
Good afternoon Mick, Your gif activated the "voice recordings" section of my brain that had my Mother's voice screaming 'BOOOONNNNNNNT!'. Got to give myself a good chuckle over that one.
-WOOF WOOF WOOF
Tiwi Islands restricted for the football grand final
By Michael Doyle
The islands were declared off limits to travel in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Township Leasing executive director Pennie Weedon says the measure has never been used before.
"I had to use the authority of my position which has never been done before and as you all know on the Tiwi Islands football is a religion and they asked me to use the powers of my position to prevent the public to access the Tiwi Islands on the Tiwi Islands grand final night," she said.
Cricket Australia is committed to a full domestic season
By Michael Doyle
Round one matches will begin on Saturday, October 10 with SA taking on Western Australia and Queensland facing Tasmania.
Victoria and New South Wales have agreed to postpone their round one game until Tuesday, November 17 due to the 14-day quarantine period for all Victorian arirvals into the state.
How will Sunday's announcement affect Melbourne?
By Michael Doyle
Hi, I’m confused about what’s happening on Sunday for Metro Melbourne. Are more restrictions being eased earlier than expected? Thanks for doing the blog!
-Confused
Dutton defends decision to pull ADF from Queensland border
By Michael Doyle
The Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has defended the federal government's decision to withdraw defence force troops from the Queensland's border checkpoints at the end of the month.
The Health Minister Steven Miles says the state requested further assistance from the ADF and suggested the Commonwealth was using troops as a 'bargaining chip'.
Defence will still support Queensland police at hotel quarantine operations beyond October 1.
How many pressers has Andrews done in a row?
By Michael Doyle
Will try again - how many consecutive pressers for Dan did today make?
-Sean
Thredbo restaurant closed for COVID-19 breaches
By Michael Doyle
Liquor and Gaming New South Wales has closed the restaurant at the River Inn Hotel from tomorrow for a week, after breaches on four separate occasions.
It includes patron numbers exceeding venue capacity, a lack of spacing between seated patrons and alcohol being consumed while standing.