Australia: Authorities extend states of emergency and disaster in Victoria until October 11 /update 48

Event

Victoria premier Daniel Andrews announced on Sunday, September 13, that the provincial state of emergency and state of disaster have been extended by four weeks until October 11 due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The decision to extend the emergency measures comes following a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in the state.

Authorities in Melbourne previously extended a lockdown in the city until September 28, in an effort to limit the further spread of COVID-19. The majority of stage four restrictions (the highest level implemented so far) remain in place, although the nightly curfew has been amended to 21:00 to 05:00 (local time), and public gatherings of two people, or a household, will be permitted outdoors for up to two hours daily. A measure limiting travel to within 5km (3mi) will also be lifted. Stage three restrictions will remain in place in rural Victoria. A full list of measures in place can be found here.

As of Sunday, September 13, authorities in Victoria have reported 19,835 COVID-19 cases, with 716 fatalities. In Australia, 26,651 cases have been reported, along with 810 deaths. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). 

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover the mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the virus.