This morning it is 24 March 2020, I have lost my weekend job as a sports photographer with the local newspaper. Yesterday was not only my younger sister's birthday, but my son lost his job as an apprentice chef at a local hotel. All Bars, Clubs, and Hotels have closed as of Noon on 23 March for a period of at least 6 months. My daughter still has her casual job for the time being, and my youngest son who has been looking for meaningful work will now find it harder to find work. another son still has his job. My eldest daughter is working from home in Adelaide.
I am not scared of that virus, for all intents and purposes it is a mild illness, but it is the spread of it, that is a concern. The Elderly and the immune-compromised people in this world are most at risk.
I am not going to get into the Politics of China, except to say THANKYOU for infecting the world with your germs. I don't care if it comes from a Bat that some sick human has eaten or a lab China needs to be held to account for what they have done. The conspiracy theorist in me tells me it is all deliberate. I do not trust China.
What can Australia learn from this pandemic? We have all the resources in Australia to be self-sufficient. as a nation. Bugger the rest of the world. Australia must take back their ports, we must take back our manufacturing, and farmers must produce food for Australians FIRST. I am in favour of the restrictions placed on me as an Australian, and the closure of our borders, what a shame that didn't happen earlier. This is one hell of a rollercoaster ride, I am grateful that I have a roof over my head, food in my stomach, clean water to drink and social isolation will enable me to get some things done around the house. I do not even have to get out of my pyjamas to do that either.
I have to go with the flow, not stress out too much. This will be character building.
UPDATE 30 March 2020
Well, Australia's economy is now in the toilet, after all this is over and done with I will #boycottChina All that I have read online, seen in the media, I still am not scared of this virus. However, it is very concerning what has happened in the last couple of weeks that could have seen Australia spared the loss of 18 people so far, countless others returning positive results. We cannot change the past or the stupid decisions that have been made, which has put Australians at risk of contracting this virus. We are not on total lockdown, but borders are closed. What a shame borders weren't closed weeks ago. I can only hope that our government has our back. I know how bias the media is when it is trying to push an agenda. Whose Agenda though? I simply do not trust any politician. The past 35 years as an adult I have seen Australia sold out, Manufacturing went from our shores, Unions pricing business out of workers. So-called foreign investment in Australia. Humans do not like sudden change, but change is what has been needed to make people wake up and take notice. Australia used to make everything we needed. Linen, Whitegoods, Clothing, footwear, furniture. I am prepared to "follow the rules" for the moment, but I will not follow if they become permanent. I do not think most Australians will either. Just stay safe, wash hands, keep up good hygiene and isolate as much as you can. Most of all do not let this crisis become a social norm. If it does the government better prepare for rebellion.
UPDATE 4 April 2020
South Australian borders are closed, Australian Borders are closed for all except necessary travel, and an agreement of 14 days Mandatory isolation to combat the spread of the virus.
I am grateful to live in Australia, and even South Australia for that matter, at this point in time.
When I look at the statistics for this virus South Australia is fairing well so far, compared to the eastern states of Australia. That may be due to having a considerably smaller population.
https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/health+topics/health+topics+a+-+z/COVID+2019
some information sourced from the SA Health Website 3 April 2020
http://emergencydepartments.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/about+us/news+and+media/all+media+releases/covid-19+update+3+april+2020
Eleven people in South Australia have today tested positive for COVID-19. There have now been a total of 396 confirmed cases in South Australia.
Today’s cases range in age from people in their 20s through to people in their 60s.
To date, 46 people have been confirmed cleared of COVID-19 however we expect this number to increase as our data is updated.
Investigations are ongoing into the cluster of cases identified at Adelaide Airport. Two additional cases are linked to close contacts of the baggage handlers, bringing the total cluster to 19.
Anyone who is sick with symptoms of COVID-19 and has been at the Adelaide Airport, including in the terminal or car park, since Tuesday 17 March should present for testing.
As of today, there are 84 cases linked to the Ruby Princess cruise ship, which is the biggest cluster in cases. There have been 116 cases in total linked to cruise ships.
All other confirmed cases have recently returned from overseas, interstate, or are a close contact of a previously confirmed case.
All other confirmed cases have recently returned from overseas, interstate, or are a close contact of a previously confirmed case.
SA Pathology has undertaken more than 30,000 tests so far.
For more information the general public should call SA COVID-19 Information Line on 1800 253 787 or go to www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVID2019.
Information on travel restrictions to South Australia
Travel Restrictions in South Australia - COVID-19
Interstate Travel Restrictions
The State Government has taken unprecedented action in response to the coronavirus pandemic requiring all people entering South Australia to isolate for 14-days from their arrival.
This will apply immediately to South Australians, other Australians and other travellers, and will be supported by border control and will become an enforceable obligation from Tuesday 24 March at 4pm.
This will apply immediately to South Australians, other Australians and other travellers, and will be supported by border control and will become an enforceable obligation from Tuesday 24 March at 4pm.
The measure, which was recommended by Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier, includes exemptions for essential travel to maintain health, the food supply chain, and the State’s economic needs.
The move will help delay community transmission of the disease which is happening in other parts of Australia, in particular the eastern states.
Exemptions
Exemptions will apply for essential transport including:
- National and state security and governance
- Health services
- Essential medical treatment
- Transport and freight services
- Skills critical to maintaining key industries or businesses
- Emergency Services workers
- Cross border community members
- Passing through (travellers will need to make their own enquiries about entry into their final state destination)
- Compassionate grounds
Visit the Emergency Direction released for cross border travel into South Australia(opens in a new window) for more information about restrictions, exemptions and enforcement.
International Travel Restrictions
For the latest international travel advice, visit the Smartraveller website(opens in a new window).
- * Note that under National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System reporting requirements, cases are reported based on their Australian jurisdiction of residence rather than where they were detected. For example, a case reported previously in the NT in a NSW resident is counted in the national figures as a NSW case.
- ** Includes Diamond Princess repatriation cases: Qld (3), SA (1), Vic (4), WA (2, including 1 death)
When you consider the rest of the world Australia is fairing well. Proof we are the Lucky Country
Just remember to keep your hygiene standards, wash your hands, don't touch your face and above all respect social distancing
The Prime Minister has activated the Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
To find out how the Australian Government is managing COVID-19, go to Government response to the outbreak.
Across the world there have been more than 1,076,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 58,000 deaths.
Find out how COVID-19 is affecting other countries on the World Health Organisation (WHO) website. View the:
If you’re planning to go overseas, keep up to date with the latest advice for travellers.
