Australia: Authorities ease restrictions in Victoria state October 19 /update 54

Event

Officials in Victoria state have eased restrictions in place to control the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from Monday, October 19. The state has been under strict measures since July, with even more stringent measures in place for the city of Melbourne. From Monday, in Melbourne people can travel up to 25 km (15 mi) from their home for exercise or shopping and hairdressers, tennis courts, golf courses, and skate parks can reopen. Gatherings of up to ten people from two different households will be permitted and there will be no more time limits on outdoor socializing and exercise. In regional Victoria two adults and two children will now be allowed to visit another person's home and hospitality venues will be allowed to accommodate up to 70 patrons outside and 40 inside. However, other restrictions still remain in place, with many businesses still unable to resume operating. Authorities are planning to ease restrictions further on November 2, providing infection rates stay under control. Full details of the changes to restrictions can be found here.

As of October 19, Victorian health authorities have confirmed 20,315 COVID-19 cases, with 816 associated deaths. Nationwide Australia has recorded 27,391 cases and 904 deaths. Further international spread of the virus is to be expected over 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 the 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.