29 minutes ago, daisycutter said:

she never got into that detail. really, you are just looking for reason to be picky

(not highlighting you) there is just too much finger pointing, blame gaming, interstate slanging off and blatant political point scoring. the country as a whole is really doing a pretty good job compared to almost any other country in the whole world. this whole covid thing is just such uncharted waters where there is no single best way to solve everything. sure things could have been done better some mistakes avoided and preferably less idiots amongst ourselves. every state has had a different mix of problems and advantages.   I think all the goverments, state and federal, have done a reasonably good job to keep our statistics so low on an international comparison.

a liitle bit more of a positive overall perspective and less obsessiveness over the nitpicky details would benefit us all

sorry to rant, but the point scoring is really [censored] me off

Leaving aside the starting point I agree daisy.

I was just saying to a mate yesterday that state v state angst had been awful.

8 minutes ago, binman said:

Leaving aside the starting point I agree daisy.

I was just saying to a mate yesterday that state v state angst had been awful.

It's what happens when you have someone in Canberra that seems to think division is the way to lead.

4 hours ago, bing181 said:

Not if you're one of the 100 who gets seriously ill, suffers long-term effects, or dies.

I worded that very poorly. I was referring to the risk of community transmission, as in if you happen to have a day of 100 cases it is obviously better if they’re all isolating as opposed to being out in the community, risking further infections. That’s what I was getting at, I’m sorry if people took it that way in terms of me thinking that dying from this is okay, because that’s not what I was referring to at all. 

12 hours ago, rjay said:

It's what happens when you have someone in Canberra that seems to think division is the way to lead.

Or when a country has a Federation where much of the power lies with States who can't even agree with each other, have media spats and are hell bent on doing their own thing.  Our Federation is unique and it significantly determines how policy is made and implemented.

rjay, You may well be aware of how our Federation and Federal/State constitutional power division affect policy making and implementation but I suspect many on here (and in the media) do not.

It sickens and saddens me that in our country, a democracy, we have Australian troops at state borders and curfews during peacetime.  How many countries in the world stop its own citizens moving freely within its own boundaries let alone use troops to enforce them?  

I back up @daisycutterthe blame game and bickering is counterproductive be it on this forum, the media or in politics.  

We are eating our own.

Edited August 19, 20213 yr by Lucifer's Hero

I had a glimmer of hope yesterday.

Today - 25/55 only in isolation. 6 Mystery cases.

How can the ratio of infected people in full isolation go from 73% to 45% in the space of a day?

Just call the GF in Perth now and put everyone (except for people living in Perth) our of their misery.

20 minutes ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

Or when a country has a Federation where much of the power lies with States who can't even agree with each other and are hell bent on doing their own thing.  Our Federation is unique and it significantly determines how policy is made and implemented.

rjay, You may well be aware of how our Federation and Federal/State constitutional power division affect policy making and implementation but I suspect many on here (and in the media) do not.

It sickens and saddens me that in our country, a democracy, we have troops at state borders and curfews during peacetime.  I back up @daisycutterthe blame game and bickering is counterproductive be it on this forum, the media or in politics.  

We are eating our own.

Ok, I understand the point re federation.

The big issue for me at the start of this whole thing was that when a national cabinet was formed, virtually a war cabinet if you like Morrison didn't invite the opposition to be a part of it.

It would have been a show of true leadership but instead the politics got in the way.

It is not unusual in times of crisis to have both sides of politics working together to find solutions. Unfortunately in these times partisanship has won the fight over communities working together. Just look at all the selfishness out there, yes and look at how the politics and point scoring has been a part of this pandemic from the start. Going all the way back to that DH in the US.

The politics of division...

Scomo and Albo...FFS is that as good as we've got. They say we get what we deserve, I'm not sure we deserve this. Maybe we, do, we've all been asleep at the wheel as our democracy withers on the vine.

Curfews and state border protection don't bother me anywhere near as much as this.

39 minutes ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

I had a glimmer of hope yesterday.

Today - 25/55 only in isolation. 6 Mystery cases.

How can the ratio of infected people in full isolation go from 73% to 45% in the space of a day?

Just call the GF in Perth now and put everyone (except for people living in Perth) our of their misery.

The writing is on the wall in Perth, 50 refugees arrived overnight having travelled through Dubai and are quarantining in a hotel in the Perth CBD.

I can see where that will end, given our previous issues with hotel quarantine 

36 minutes ago, rjay said:

Ok, I understand the point re federation.

The big issue for me at the start of this whole thing was that when a national cabinet was formed, virtually a war cabinet if you like Morrison didn't invite the opposition to be a part of it.

It would have been a show of true leadership but instead the politics got in the way.

It is not unusual in times of crisis to have both sides of politics working together to find solutions. Unfortunately in these times partisanship has won the fight over communities working together. Just look at all the selfishness out there, yes and look at how the politics and point scoring has been a part of this pandemic from the start. Going all the way back to that DH in the US.

The politics of division...

Scomo and Albo...FFS is that as good as we've got. They say we get what we deserve, I'm not sure we deserve this. Maybe we, do, we've all been asleep at the wheel as our democracy withers on the vine.

Curfews and state border protection don't bother me anywhere near as much as this.

Fair points rjay.

Would it have mattered who was on the National Cabinet as the State Premiers went there own separate ways almost immediately.  Premiers from the same side couldn't/can't even agree with each other or adopt similar policies.  It is every man/woman for themselves.  If there was ever any goodwill it is long gone and I suspect having the Leader of the Federal Opposition in the National Cabinet would have made little difference.  He is hardly someone that engenders confidence and leadership, either.

Like you, it worries me that our choices are Albanese or Morrison.  But if we had a good system of governance, in times of crisis it shouldn't matter.  As it is, with States having the Constitutional power to go their own independent way, any PM of any side of politics is somewhat of a 'lame duck' at the mercy of Premiers and their much relied upon CHO.

Edited August 20, 20213 yr by Lucifer's Hero

1 minute ago, Pennant St Dee said:

The writing is on the wall in Perth, 50 refugees arrived overnight having travelled through Dubai and are quarantining in a hotel in the Perth CBD.

I can see where that will end, given our previous issues with hotel quarantine 

Certainly that makes the risk of snap lockout of crowds at Optus much higher.

Wouldn't it be ironic if all states banned crowds and the GF had to be played at an empty MCG!!

47 minutes ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

I had a glimmer of hope yesterday.

Today - 25/55 only in isolation. 6 Mystery cases.

How can the ratio of infected people in full isolation go from 73% to 45% in the space of a day?

Just call the GF in Perth now and put everyone (except for people living in Perth) our of their misery.

Yep. I’ve gone from “it’s not too bad” to “the world is ending I’m going back to bed” 

Today is bad. As bad as it’s been all year in Victoria. 

5 minutes ago, Lucifer's Hero said:

Fair points rjay.

Would it have mattered who was on the National Cabinet as the State Premiers went there own separate ways almost immediately.  Premiers from the same side couldn't/can't even agree with each other or adopt similar policies.  It is every man/woman for themselves.  If there was ever any goodwill it is long gone and I suspect having the Leader of the Federal Opposition in the National Cabinet would have made little difference.  He is hardly someone that engenders confidence and leadership, either.

Like you, it worries me that our choices are Albanese or Morrison.  But if we had a good system of governance, in times of crisis it shouldn't matter.  As it is with States having the Constitutional power to go their own independent way, any PM of any side of politics is somewhat of a 'lame duck' at the mercy of Premiers and their much relied upon CHO.

Somewhat ironically, for a politician who is recognised more for his political nous than his policy skills, Morrison missed an opportunity. If he had agreed to include the Opposition Leader in his National Cabinet, it would have silenced Albanese as once inside that Cabinet, he would be bound to agree with every decision made. That would have strengthened Morrison's position as he would have had no Federal Opposition public commentary to worry about on this issue. 

I keep banging on about this, but anyone waiting for Pfizer instead of AZ should think again. Firstly, read this story which raises the issue of Pfizer's efficacy waning more quickly than AZ. Now, go get whatever's available and don't worry about which one it is. Just get vaccinated!

24 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

Somewhat ironically, for a politician who is recognised more for his political nous than his policy skills, Morrison missed an opportunity. If he had agreed to include the Opposition Leader in his National Cabinet, it would have silenced Albanese as once inside that Cabinet, he would be bound to agree with every decision made. That would have strengthened Morrison's position as he would have had no Federal Opposition public commentary to worry about on this issue. 

The old 'keep your friends close, but enemies closer' motto, eh!

7 minutes ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

I keep banging on about this, but anyone waiting for Pfizer instead of AZ should think again. Firstly, read this story which raises the issue of Pfizer's efficacy waning more quickly than AZ. Now, go get whatever's available and don't worry about which one it is. Just get vaccinated!

Can’t agree more. If AZ is available to you, speak to your doctor and get yourself jabbed. To be fair though I think that’s the general feeling now amongst people, isn’t it interesting that as COVID cases have gone up and and up (particularly in NSW) and so has AZ vaccinations, that we aren’t hearing much about any blood clot issues? Could it be that suddenly the media/government aren’t as interested in reporting it so closely?

Edited August 20, 20213 yr by Pates

1 hour ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

I had a glimmer of hope yesterday.

Today - 25/55 only in isolation. 6 Mystery cases.

How can the ratio of infected people in full isolation go from 73% to 45% in the space of a day?

Just call the GF in Perth now and put everyone (except for people living in Perth) our of their misery.

I share your feelings, 5-6 months ago (when my planning started) I started the process to get myself and my fiancée to Australia so that we could get married here as it appeared it would provide us the best opportunity at a ceremony that matched what we would like. Now I’m 3 weeks out from the date we’re meant to be getting hitched and it seems like so much of our hard work, planning, and stresses will be all undone. We will get married, and we’ll be happy with whatever happens but it just seems like a sick joke that we’ve left the UK and they’re open for business while here there just seems to be no real end in sight. 

That’s not even mentioning the frustration that I won’t be able to see my team play live in the finals (possibly the big dance). 

10 minutes ago, Pates said:

I share your feelings, 5-6 months ago (when my planning started) I started the process to get myself and my fiancée to Australia so that we could get married here as it appeared it would provide us the best opportunity at a ceremony that matched what we would like. Now I’m 3 weeks out from the date we’re meant to be getting hitched and it seems like so much of our hard work, planning, and stresses will be all undone. We will get married, and we’ll be happy with whatever happens but it just seems like a sick joke that we’ve left the UK and they’re open for business while here there just seems to be no real end in sight. 

That’s not even mentioning the frustration that I won’t be able to see my team play live in the finals (possibly the big dance). 

Well first of all - Congrats! I hope the wedding day is fun, and you snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and enjoy it as much as you can.

But I think the bigger question here is did you doubt the Demons finals capabilities by planning for a September wedding, or are you going for a ‘month of glory’ concept? 

26 minutes ago, Pates said:

I share your feelings, 5-6 months ago (when my planning started) I started the process to get myself and my fiancée to Australia so that we could get married here as it appeared it would provide us the best opportunity at a ceremony that matched what we would like. Now I’m 3 weeks out from the date we’re meant to be getting hitched and it seems like so much of our hard work, planning, and stresses will be all undone. We will get married, and we’ll be happy with whatever happens but it just seems like a sick joke that we’ve left the UK and they’re open for business while here there just seems to be no real end in sight. 

That’s not even mentioning the frustration that I won’t be able to see my team play live in the finals (possibly the big dance). 

Mate, that is terrible luck. How extremely disappointing for you both.

Who would've thought that the night we all went to the Anzac eve game (85% capacity) that 5 months later footy would flee Victoria and we'd be watching the finals in lockdown once again....

43 minutes ago, The heart beats true said:

Well first of all - Congrats! I hope the wedding day is fun, and you snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and enjoy it as much as you can.

But I think the bigger question here is did you doubt the Demons finals capabilities by planning for a September wedding, or are you going for a ‘month of glory’ concept? 

Not sure it was month of glory idea, it just kind of turned out that way!

Regional Vic to be Locked down from 8pm tonight 

29 minutes ago, SPC said:

Regional Vic to be Locked down from 8pm tonight 

Not according to Dan. He said just now no changes in rules right now but things will change. 

3 hours ago, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

I keep banging on about this, but anyone waiting for Pfizer instead of AZ should think again. Firstly, read this story which raises the issue of Pfizer's efficacy waning more quickly than AZ. Now, go get whatever's available and don't worry about which one it is. Just get vaccinated!

Thank you LDVC! I sent this link to my (25yo) son who’s been holding out for Pfizer. He just messaged me that he’s booked in for an AZ tomorrow morning. 

3 hours ago, Pates said:

Can’t agree more. If AZ is available to you, speak to your doctor and get yourself jabbed. To be fair though I think that’s the general feeling now amongst people, isn’t it interesting that as COVID cases have gone up and and up (particularly in NSW) and so has AZ vaccinations, that we aren’t hearing much about any blood clot issues? Could it be that suddenly the media/government aren’t as interested in reporting it so closely?

https://www.tga.gov.au/periodic/covid-19-vaccine-weekly-safety-report-12-08-2021
 

the data is there
 

6 hours ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

I had a glimmer of hope yesterday.

Today - 25/55 only in isolation. 6 Mystery cases.

How can the ratio of infected people in full isolation go from 73% to 45% in the space of a day?

Just call the GF in Perth now and put everyone (except for people living in Perth) our of their misery.

As did I BBP.

It seems clear that yesterday’s numbers were largely a result of 13 day tests of those that went into isolation at the beginning of this current outbreak.  
 

But today’s numbers are driven by a new cycle of infections.
 

I suspect Melburnians went into last weekend thinking the city was getting on top it. And if you were looking at the numbers and the iso % late last week, you can understand why. See the highlighted section in this graph on the 11-13 August. 

That prompted a spike in population movement as shown in this graph, a trend in behaviour that is common across all lockdowns, i.e. movement begins to pick up towards the end of lockdown. 

Thus these are new infections that have been out and about this week, seeding a new cycle of infections that will take at least two weeks to bring under control. 

Sadly I think this means finals in Melbourne are unlikely 🙁

 

12 cases now in Shepparton and an exposure site in Bendigo all of vic will be locked down tonight 

16 minutes ago, brendan said:

12 cases now in Shepparton and an exposure site in Bendigo all of vic will be locked down tonight 

I feel for regional Victoria but honestly they never should have been opened up without a proper ring of steel. People can’t be trusted.