New Victoria restrictions
Indeed VL.
Over the past 6 weeks we have flown into Lisbon airport with no checks walking out the doors, flown Lisbon to Milan, no checks at Milan (even though we were told to fill out paperwork for arrival) and driven across Italian/ Slovenian border with no checks.(2 blokes sitting on their arses watching traffic having a smoke).
After driving all over Portugal and Northern Italy, I can say this- everywhere people are doing their bit by wearing masks in shops, supermarkets, public transport, airports and on the planes and doing the hand sanitiser, restricted numbers in certain stores and social distancing thing.
People here have respect and respect the rules much more so than Aussies.
You can see it in the way they drive, their pride in their towns, villages, etc and how they handle their alcohol.
You just don't see the loutish, thuggish or dero behaviour all too common back home.
And crew are into responsible recycling and environment here too!
Comment from the Age this morning saying it .....
“In a couple of days, New Zealand will have passed another milestone: 100 days without community transmission, and they've enjoyed total economic and social freedom within their borders for almost all of that time, allowing their economy to rebound to mid-2019 levels. They achieved this by deciding very early on to eliminate the virus: they would get active cases to zero and then put all of their resources into securing an airtight border and quarantine.
Australia could have done this. Scomo was given the option of elimination but he shied away, not courageous enough to lead a coordinated national elimination response. Instead, he palmed off quarantine responsibilities on to the states, mocked people taking the virus seriously as cowards hiding under their doonas, and bungled the handling of aged care facilities, allowing the virus to spread.
We need to be honest and realistic. We do not have leadership at the national level in the way New Zealand does. Every state is on their own, and that has become painfully clear in the sniping and antagonism. It's all in keeping with conservative governing philosophy, too: why take responsibility for things when they could fail?
With that in mind, Victoria should press forward with their aggressive strategy and try to eliminate the virus within the state”.
Currently watching a handful of fuckwits via the Lorne Point Surf Cam, doing their best to have surfing shut down here on the Surf Coast. Stage 3 restrictions which drop here today. These kooks showing no regard whatsoever for social distancing. Absolutely taking the piss. WTF are you fuckwits thinking? Faaaark.
And another 753 new infections today. Crikey.
And another 753 new infections today. Crikey.
And another 753 new infections today. Crikey.
Totally agree Guy smiley , we blew a opportunity because of scumo decisions which he has said we’re always health advice from experts , if we had gone another 2-4 weeks we would have been close to eradication . Quarantine should have been moved to xmas island for any incoming passengers and continued in the future. It’s a mess now and the 70 billion that they saved from spending on job keeper could have been used to extend the original shutdown but scumo said we were hiding under the doona . Unbelievable
Each to their own I guess, but I think long term elimination is a fairy tale. Maybe possible, in smaller countries, but very risky in Aus.
The truth is we practically had elimination - Victoria was done to what like 40 active cases in a population of 6 million?
Elimination only works if there is a feasible way to eradicate the virus once community transmission starts kicking off. We're seeing now in Victoria that unless you're able to see into the future, and lock down prior to problems starting - you have no hope but to suppress. NZ is one quarantine mistake, one freight mix up, away from community transmission.
I'd be interested to see how the countries which are leading the world in terms of suppression track over the coming 12 months. If they can hold their line, or if they fall like most are.
To quote Bob Dylan!
Come gather 'round, people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You'll be drenched to the bone
If your time to you is worth savin'
And you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin'
I hope that NZ can stay dry!
This is extremely challenging to be caught up in now, on a number of levels. To those who have shown some empathy, kindness and support, thank you its extremely appreciated. And suppose those that haven't will have their reasons and they will justify them how ever they want so good luck to them. If you're not stuck here in metro Melb, enjoy what you have and be grateful. Because if you are stuck here, its fucked! Peace
stok, I'm going to put this out there and I know it will upset the usual suspects.
The Federal Government fucked up quarantine. Way too many people were let into the country and that increased the odds of an outbreak. If you were rich and well connected, hotel quarantine was not necessary. Just before mandatory hotel quarantine started a friend of mine walked through Sydney airport and out into the street without a single question about covid 19. He didn't even get his temperature checked.
Yes, Australians have the right to return, but that wasn't weighed up against the rights of people already in the country. There's been so many breaches of quarantine from international travellers, an outbreak was inevitable. Since it happened in Melbourne, the usual suspects had a political opponent to blame and piled on.
I will give you an example of how badly quarantine has been handled. North American racist, Lauren Southern, had absolutely no right to enter the country during a pandemic. She came from a highly infected region, but somehow managed to get a visa and fly to Australia. How the fuck is that even remotely acceptable? It's not like being a racist grifter is an essential service. This shit human being has been banned from entering multiple countries on character grounds, but somehow manages to get into Australia during a pandemic.
There's three main problems with the Andrews pile on. 1. It lets people off the hook and leaves them in positions where they are still making terrible decisions. 2. It excuses shit behaviour going forward, and 3. It solves fucking nothing.
Agreed VL - the core leadership was the issue (Nationally) with this. At the same time though, 20/20 hindsight shows that we were too accepting of returning travelers. At the time however suggesting otherwise would have been almost taboo.
I see the Victorian outbreak as effectively something which could have happened anywhere, and I'm still worried after we start doing more things 'right', something else will break down and another outbreak will occur.
Maybe, since over time there'll be less and less returned travelers, elimination may become more feasible.
But it's a long, dark game of snakes and ladders which may (possibly at any second) result in us sliding right back to where we started.
Lift your vision there VL.
Morrison has totally squibbed his legal responsibility for quarantine.
Remember early on when Morrison arranged for Chinese students were quarantined on Christmas Island and in remote ex mining towns at the same time letting jet loads of citizens and tourists in via the main airports and cruise ship terminals?
Its at the point he hand-balled his statutory quarantine responsibilities to the States.
He could have said "Im closing all international airports for 2 weeks until we can get remote quarantining off the ground but he didn't he let 1,000s of people into the country initially without any checks, then some checking and then he laid off the hospital hand-pass to the States and ran off the ground.
Border security = Federal (Morrison) LEGAL responsibility
Quarantine (in all its forms) = Federal (Morrison) LEGAL responsibility
Aged Care = Federal (Morrison) LEGAL responsibility
The States, and especially Victoria, have been suckered big time. The decision making here will be unpicked in the years and decades to come but in strict legal terms, who is responsible for what, Morrison and the Federal government were absent when the country needed the the most. By the way where is Dutton these days? locked away in witness protection like 3/4 of the Morrison's ministry.
GS, Have you ever noticed that Scumo is always front row centre when it comes to the easy stuff like announcing job keeper and industry support packages, but he goes MIA for anything that requires a bit of detail and sacrifice.
Whenever something gets a bit hard he fucks off on holiday or handballs the poison chalice onto someone else.
If scumo was a surfer, he'd be out when it was 3ft, offshore and sunny. You wouldn't see the fair weather cunt if it was 8-10ft with rogue bigger sets, and 4 degrees, pissing down, with howling winds.
FFS the serial whingers have now moved to this page.
Heres an update and reality check reminder
Maybe it might change in the future but for now this is it
I think the reality of losing close family members and friends to covid plus livelihoods and not being able to see family members is a better graph
Okay here's a better graph for that then
Any graphs on the current mental state of victorians ?
Indo, everyone is entitled to an opinion but facts cannot be overlooked or altered. It is a fact the Federal Government has legal responsibility for our borders and for quarantining in all its forms.
It is a fact quarantining in at least one Melbourne hotel was poor and it will be established whether or not it has caused the current outbreak of Covid19.
Equally, it is a fact that the Federal Government has not meet its legal obligations to the country in protecting our borders and quarantine. Had the Federal Government took full responsibility for what is their rightful role, like Jacinda Ardern did in NZ, we would be in a completely different place right now.
Our borders should have been closed weeks earlier and returning AU citizens quarantined remotely as guests of Border Force.
We’ll never know what or who caused the current outbreak. Some show symptoms, some don’t. What the point in blaming anyone. Or is so people can sue someone/ something...
yes our polies have made some ,in hindsight poor decisions but I can’t remember our last pandemic. Can you ?
Damned if they did, dammed if they didn’t...
IMO we’ll never be rid of it, get rid off restrictions, look after and pay particular attention to the elderly and let her rip....yes I could die, my parents could die.. that’s life.
@ Guy
Yep facts are the only thing that matter and as you can see from graphs above most states are close to covid free the only odd one out is Victoria.
But hey keep trying to blame it somehow on Scomo
Correction if it wasn't for the outbreak in Victoria "we would be in a completely different place right now"
I've gotta laugh at your idea of 'evidence' Indo. You post the stats and seem to think that justifies your 'look it's all evil Dans fault!!'. I guess the burden of evidence really is feather-light when you're shoring up your ideological barriers.
I was actually serious when asking about mental health graphs , in the first lockdown 100 people suicided in the first week in Victoria , some people with mental health issues like depression aren’t doing so good in these lockdowns . There are many tentacles to this covid invasion.
Supafreak just curious do you know what the numbers are for suicides per week during non-pandemic times? 100 is way too many.
That’s very sad
I will make some enquires , a mate that works in that field told me about the 100 in first week last lockdown, the federal government have thrown a lot of money towards mental health issues as they knew the repercussions of economic shutdowns
This is all sad. Suicide is sad. Pandemic... no pandemic.
I am a father of 3 boys. Ages 7,5 and 4. I work in radiology in a large hospital in melbourne. Covid patients at work. I see around 20-30 patients a day. Each and every one could be “the one” that hands me over that virus that’s doing all this. And then at the end of the day I go home, shower straight away, throw my shirt and pants in the washing machine and hug my boys. The shit part is my wife passed away suddenly in April. They don’t have a mum anymore. So I am it. I’m all they’ve got. And if people can just put it all in perspective, do the right thing, even if they don’t necessarily agree with all the lockdown stuff, just take advice from the experts and we’ll get through all this. Things will get back to normal. Not soon. But at some stage. It’s shit for everyone. But for the sake of people who have to go to work and see patients who have / may have Covid.... just sharpen the fuck up and don’t be a dick. If this gets worse, people like me will keep getting it at work. In hospitals. Just imagine if CFMMEU was representing doctors / hospital workers. Safe work place? Don’t fucking think so. I need to be there for my boys to teach them to surf as badly as I do.
A quick google and there’s been a 25% increase in suicide since covid started , there is a huge amount of information on the net goofyfoot , it’s a bit depressing reading about it . Many services are bracing themselves for the coming weeks ahead.
njcbourke.
thanks for the post. I'm going in for a scan in a week and am incredibly grateful to medical professionals like you. The way doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals have stepped up is just so admirable. I just want to say thanks.
Njcbourke that’s terrible. Hope you’ve got a good support network around you?
Vic Local and goofyfoot - Thankyou. Happy to be there to help but didn’t sign up to die.
Has been really nice recently with patients being appreciative like yourself Vic Local.
And yes goofyfoot I have a good support network, but it’s getting harder to see them by the week. Going ok though all things considered mate. But we are all in the same spot - uncertain and isolated. Would love a beer with a mate or a surf but it just can’t happen right now. But a phone call to a friend to talk a bit of shit can make all the difference. So keep doing it. Stay strong and we’ll be ok.
Tough gig you,ve got there NjcBourke, thanks for your service and best of luck through this thing. Hopefully you,ll be surfing with your boys and out of this shit show sooner rather than later mate.
Tourism is New Zealand's biggest export industry, contributing 20.4% of total exports. Tourism generates a direct annual contribution to GDP of $16.2 billion, or 5.8%, and a further indirect contribution of $11.2 billion, another 4% of New Zealand's total GDP.
I agree with Stok and Im with you Greyhound.
NjcBourke, really sorry to hear of your loss. And echoing the thoughts of others - thanks so much for everything you do.
Thanks Ben and Mikehunt207. There is no option but to get through. My situation, your situation, every bodies. We’ve all got shit to deal with. You’ve just gotta keep going and get through it. And dish us up a decent forecast for the end of stage 4 please Ben.
I echo the sentiments above, thanks for all your work and putting yourself on the front line, and also so sorry to hear about your wife. Stay strong.
njcbourke commentedWEDNESDAY, 5 AUG 2020 at 8:25PM
This is all sad. Suicide is sad. Pandemic... no pandemic..........
hello mate sounds like has thrown a lot of curve balls , so bummed to hear about your wife and I know what work is doing to you being under constant threat of catching Covid.......and the possible affects on your kids....
reading your posts , I feel you are fighting for your kids and to make sure your are there for them.
Try to think of what you still have ,with 3 young healthy kids , your own health is OK , you have a good job to provide....and your story has impacted all of us, to the point , where when we talk about the virus , you bring attention to the health care workers who are battling extraordinary circumstances , with their's and there family's at risk............I hope that everyone out there is wearing a mask, social distancing , as we here in Vicco , have to beat the virus before we can join the rest of Australia in resuming Covid free status....or stay in lockdown until we have it under control...
There is a lot of negativity out there , which are problems we feel we cannot control....but your stories highlights a man/father fighting for his familiy's future ,WE need to have your back, and behave accordingly.....respect mate!!!
x 2 from the bloke above.
njcBourke, I'm really sorry to have to read about your loss but thankyou for sharing.
Stay strong for yourself and for the sake of your boys. All the best to you.
Edit: I was reluctant to write this, but, and I mean this with the deepest deepest respect, and this is from a stranger who is no stranger to loss at the moment- I hope you find love again one day.
njcbourke - Mate that is heavy, so sorry for your loss, just wanna say you're an absolute legend to still be doing what you're doing, you're a better man than most, and your kids are in the best hands.
Anyone pissed they can't surf - if ever you needed a perspective check, there it is. Stay healthy and safe and do everything you can to fuck this prick of a virus off, regardless of how sick you think people do or don't get.
Can I echo above comments of support for you njcbourke. You and your colleagues are legends
There would be some crew who are frothing on this COVID. Live near the beach, maybe still with mum and dad, getting job keeper or seeker or sleeper or whatever the fuck. But surfing. Surfing quiet(er) breaks. Surfing daily. Surfing early. Surfing late. Nice for some.
Njcbourke,
I’m in awe. True strength mate. Vulnerable, compassionate, service to others. Keep your chin up. Keep smiling. Be there for your boys. Sorry to hear about your loss. Thank you for what you do.
Craig, Brutus, zenagain, dx3, GuySmiley... thank you. Really appreciate your kind words and support. It’s so cool to think I just threw in my 2 cents worth last night and have crew reaching out with support and appreciation. It’s sometimes just knowing that people care / appreciate or even identify with your situation that can make a difference and that shouldn’t be underestimated. Humans can be a terrible bunch of beings but we can be like a life raft at times. Weird how it takes heavy / sad situations to see it come out but that’s when we need it.
And zenagain - in regards to your “edit” - from a stranger to a stranger, you seem like you understand loss. No need for reluctance. They’re just good wishes mate and are appreciated.
Gee whiz. What a fucking good crew you find here when you just came to check the surf report and watch a couple of videos of guys getting waves you probably would struggle to make the drop on. Champs. Stay safe.
I cant argue any stats that might show that suicide has increased during Covid times..
Id say for myself and many others ive spoken to that its probably relaxed me a little, living a more simple life, less FOMO, working from home reducing stress etc has all made a positive impact for me. Myself and the people ive spoken to arent facing large scale financial loss though.
I dont live in Oz so the general effects here (Oslo) might be different but I think this is impacting people in many different ways... obviously some in negative ways, but some positive too.
.
We are in this mess because govt beauracrats, et all gross incompetance, 'yes minister" suck, suck, afraid to disagree because of being ostracised by colleaguues.
In 2009 a national pandemic plan was created by fed gov, all states health, police etc attended and has been reviewed every 3yrs.
It was not implemented,
Neither has any media outlet mentioned this FACT.
Njcbourke, I’m late to the party but still wanting to join the crowd supporting you and cheering on all the front line health workers. I’m stuck at home in Elwood not being able to surf or go to the gym but these aren’t life or death matters and time will pass and this will be over. Strength and good vibes to you Njcbourke. Keep going on and be there for your boys. I’ll gladly sit back and let you catch the next wave. You’ve earned it.
Another potential 12 months of state of emergency here in Vic. Can't say I'm in anyway supportive of such a lengthy time in which rules and laws can be sprouted out of no where.
I also can't ignore some of the farcical things going on - closed state borders, lack of freedom to leave Aus (without essentially begging)....and the curfew.
Sure the way things are framed at the moment it appears the lockdowns are working (in the same way burning your house down would help put a stop to a termite problem), but what happened to the outbreaks in Sydney? Is it just dumb luck they avoided another wave like Vicco?
Either way, we're inadvertently being played into Munchausen's syndrome at a statewide level. I'm not a conspiracy theorist - I believe the intentions of the Gov are good - but all I see is a frightened population* wanting more and more control over them to defeat this. And it doesn't sit well with me.
*My personal belief is we've been victims of our own demise here - we love clickbait, drama and fear. The number of deaths, infections etc. are what's reported on daily as frankly that's what gets the most media traction. There's no reporting of the number of recoveries, or the number of 'corrected deaths' where Covid was not actually the true cause.
I agree with you stok , and some blame the people for the predicament Victoria is in. The government has a ban on us leaving the country , of roughly 70,000 requests only again roughly 20,000 have been granted. I’ve said this in another thread that if we are willing to pay quarantine on return why can’t we leave now , I’ve heard international students start arriving again in September yet we can’t go anywhere until next year. One minute government says we can travel 1st January 2021 then qantas says probably first flights in July 2021 WTF is going on.
Stok and Co,
You/we have been right royally screwed.
The negative ramifications for ALL society, businesses, families and individuals will be/ are far worse than Covid itself unless you are the unlucky FEW.
is the wave pool open?
"Is the wave pool open?"
No.
Just watched the press release from Dan Andrews and I really feel for how victorians are going to once again pay for others stupidity. Not sure how they are going to police the 1 hour exercise policy but a trip down the coast for a surf could be costly. I understand these new restrictions are mainly Melbourne suburbs and I’m very grateful for where I live NSW Qld border. When we were in shutdown there was no time limit for our exercise thank god as a 3 hour surf kept me sane after losing my job.