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Model 'humiliated' after flight attendant tells her to 'cover up'

Jetstar has apologised after a woman said she was left humiliated after being told to "cover up" onboard a flight from Gold Coast to Melbourne last night.

Instagram and OnlyFans model Isabelle Eleanore was wearing a black crop top and jeans when she was stopped as she boarded by a flight attendant, who believed her clothes were inappropriate for flying.

"She looked at the ticket and then looked up and said 'oh, do you have a jumper you can wear?' and then here's me thinking she must be concerned I'm going to get cold on the flight, it's going to be cold in Melbourne or something," Ms Eleanore told 9News.

"She kept going and she was like 'well, you can't fly with what you're wearing, you can't wear a bikini. And I'm like 'look – it's not a bikini, it's a top.'"

Speaking to 9News, Ms Eleanore said she felt "victimised and degraded" with the flight attendant calling the rest of the crew in search of more attire for her to wear.

She also asked Ms Eleanore's husband, Jeremy Szwarcbord, if he had clothes he could give his wife or if they had any spare in their carry-on luggage.

When the pair said they did not have other clothes, the flight attendant returned with a hi-vis vest for Ms Eleanore to wear.

Ms Eleanore then had to walk down the aisle to her seat, describing it as "embarrassing".

"She made us stand aside while she called the rest of the flight deck and the captains at the front looking for something to cover me up with so that I could fly," she said.

READ MORE: Emirates to resume UK flights after 'indefinite' suspension

"She brought out a hi-vis vest for me to put on in front of everyone, and then I had to walk down to my seat wearing this hi-vis vest.

"I was humiliated, it was so embarrassing – everyone was looking.

"I didn't think I'd have to deal with something like that – it's 2021, I should be able to wear what I want to wear."

Ms Eleanore vented on Instagram about the ordeal and captured the flight attendant handing her the vest on video.

"Apparently my top is too small and I couldn't fly without 'covering up'," she posted.

"They forced me to put on hi-vis vest. Am I lost… is it 1921 not 2021?"

She agreed to wear the hi-vis vest out of fear she would be kicked off the plane if she refused.

"I was in shock at the time," she said.

"I didn't know how to deal with it and I didn't want to get kicked off the flight so I was like I'm just going to do what she says."

Ms Eleanore said she spoke to about eight other Jetstar staff prior to boarding the flight and not one of them mentioned her clothing was inappropriate.

READ MORE: New rules in force for international arrivals to Australia

The Jetstar website does not specify any dress requirements for flying, other than wearing "offensive material".

"Please refrain from wearing any clothing or carrying personal items that display words, images, symbols or slogans that may reasonably be deemed offensive (e.g. a t-shirt with slurs or swear words on it," the website states.

"Where this occurs, our crew will ask you to cover up the offensive material."

Mr Szwarcbord said his wife's clothing did not go against any rules or guidelines.

"I guess that was the most disheartening thing – the communication breakdown between the staff, their policies were incorrect and incomplete," he said.

Ms Eleanore does not believe her clothing was revealing, claiming if she was a man, she may have been treated differently.

A Jetstar spokesperson said they have apologised to Ms Eleanore over the incident.

"We've contacted Isabelle about her recent experience and have apologised for the way the situation was handled," they said.

"There was a misunderstanding of what our policy was, and we have reminded our crew of our dress requirements.

"While we do have basic dress requirements on our flights (ie. shoes), we do not have any policy regarding crop tops."

Security guard dropped medication to quarantine guest with UK strain

Western Australia has recorded no new COVID-19 cases but the state government is taking an "ultra cautious" approach over the hotel worker infected with the virulent UK virus strain who triggered a five-day lockdown, Premier Mark McGowan said.

A record 16,490 tests were conducted, more than double the number of tests a day after the Northern Beaches outbreak in Sydney.

But Mr McGowan said a historic case has been detected in a man who travelled from Mexico via Sydney.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about WA's lockdown, plus full list of potential exposure sites

SELF QUARANTINE FOR HOTEL GUESTS

Anybody who has spent time in the hotel where a security guard tested positive to the UK strain in the past week will be placed back into self-quarantine.

"Anyone who has been recently released from this facility going back to the 25th of January is being contacted directly by our health teams to instruct them to remain in self quarantine until they receive a further negative test result," Premier Mark McGowan said.

READ MORE: Reports authorities waited 11 hours to reveal positive WA COVID-19 case

"No further overseas arrivals will be going into this quarantine facility at present."

Genome sequencing has connected the infected security guard to a UK variant carried by two recently returned hotel travellers.

"One of those recent arrivals was accommodated on the same floor as the security guard was working," Mr McGowan said.

"We are advised that the guards did deliver medication to the door of this particular quarantine guest."

READ MORE: Investigations launched into Perth COVID-19 case

EXTENSIVE CONTACT TRACING

Mr McGowan said extensive testing and tracing of the hotel guard's contacts continues.

"In total, 151 close contacts have now been identified. In addition, 68 casual contacts have also been identified. Each of these contacts are being tested and so far 104 have returned negative results."

Mr McGowan said that further genomic testing had revealed that the hotel security guard, who tested positive on Saturday, had the same strain of the UK variant as two travellers in the Sheraton Four Points hotel in Perth, where he was worked on January 25 and January 26.

"One of those recent arrivals was accommodated on the same floor as the security guard was working. We are advised that the guard did deliver medication ot the door of this quarantine guest."

Mr McGowan vowed to take "every extra precaution" in reiterating the lockdown restrictions.

But he announced one loosening of restrictions.

"Last night we adjusted the rules around exercise with family members," he said.

"We understand this caused some confusion for families, and on public health grounds the rules have been amended to allow a maximum two adults from the same household and their children to exercise in the neighbourhood up to a maximum of five people for one hour each day."

He described the change as "common sense".

Health Minister Roger Cook said an extensive investigation into the case of the infected hotel worker was continuing.

"The hotel security guard used the Safe WA app to check in at various places. His data has been incredibly useful. Time is of the essence in these situations. His use of the app allowed the contact tracing team to identify locations and potential close contacts.

"The contact tracing teams were able to reach people quickly, to get them tested and to get them isolated to reduce the risk of transmission in the community. So, even though we are spending more time in our homes, when you do go out for essential supplies, make sure you use the app. It will help everyone."

Mr Cook could not say if the security guard who tested positive to coronavirus was wearing PPE when he interacted with an infected hotel quarantine guest.

"Security guards or any personnel in a hotel quarantine don't need to wear masks at every point of that building and at every point to carry out their duties," he said.

"There are particular circumstances in which they are required to wear PPE."

Guards don't necessarily need to be wearing their masks if they are "simply monitoring that corridor", Mr Cook said.

The guard began feeling unwell on January 28 and went to a GP the next day. He then contacted the security firm at 5.30am on January 30 to inform them he was unwell.

Mr Cook said the guard is cooperating with the contact tracing team.

He said WA's coronavirus containment in hotel quarantine had been "pretty impressive".

"This system has been in operation for almost a year, operating 24/7 and processing over 35,000 guests at those hotels," Mr Cook said.

"Over the weekend, we had one incident which is potentially – to the best of our knowledge is the first."

Mr Cook said the number of registered individuals on the Safe WA app is 1,138,120 with 45,617 registered businesses. The total number of check-ins is now over 27.5 million.

Mr Cook also said testing facilities across Perth were being expanded, including 16 drive-in clinics.

He said priority for testing was being given to older people and those with disabilities.

'FOLLOW THE RULES'

Mr McGowan has implored West Australians to follow the rules of the lockdown.

"Western Australians have responded remarkably well on the advice from WA Police is that systems have worked well," he said.

"These are challenging times, no doubt about that.

"In times like these, Western Australians step up."

WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said a 41-year-old Ellenbrook man was arrested for refusing to wear a mask, even when offered one.

"I have watched the body worn vision of that particular arrest and I commend the officers involved for their patience in dealing with what we are alleging is a belligerent breach of the rules," he said.

"But that is now for the courts to deal with."

Commissioner Dawson said anybody feeling unwell must stay home, isolate and be tested as soon as possible.

'STRICT LOCKDOWN NECESSARY'

Mr McGowan has defended the strict lockdown restrictions in response to just one local case.

"We said we're going to be very harsh and tough if we had a case, and that's what we've done," he said.

"This is very unfortunate, but it's not unusual."

He said he intended on being "very cautious".

"I do not want to be in situation of Britain or the United States or Melbourne," he said.

"If we can crush it and kill it now, we can get back onto a good pathway in the future."

Mr McGowan said he expects the lockdown to go the full five days as planned.

"I just don't want to see a recurrence," he said.

"Britain kept coming out of lockdown too early.

"The more rational solution is you crush it. That allows you with confidence to come out of lockdown."

He said he expects schools to go back next week.

"Again, as we know, this is a very uncertain environment," he said.

Why did the military stage Myanmar coup?

A coup in Myanmar has left the military in control under a one-year state of emergency, while the country's de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other senior politicians have been detained. Here’s a look at what could be behind the military’s actions.

WHY NOW?

Monday was supposed to be the first day of a new session of Parliament following November elections that Ms Suu Kyi’s party won in a landslide – and that the military-backed party did poorly in. The military has claimed widespread irregularities on voter lists could have led to fraud in that vote, though the election commission said there was no evidence to support those claims.

READ MORE: Military announces takeover in Myanmar

But the announcement on military-owned Myawaddy TV of the takeover cited the government's failure to act on the allegations as part of the reason for the move. It also said the government's failure to postpone the elections despite the coronavirus pandemic was behind it.

The military maintains its actions are legally justified, and the announcement cited an article in the constitution that allows the military to take over in times of emergency, though Ms Suu Kyi's party's spokesman and many outsiders have said it's effectively a coup.

Some experts expressed puzzlement that the military would move to upset the status quo – in which the generals continue to hold tremendous power despite progress toward democracy in recent years.

READ MORE: Biden threatens Myanmar with extra sanctions

But some noted the looming retirement of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who has been commander of the armed forces since 2011 and who was put in charge on Monday.

“There’s internal military politics around that, which is very opaque,” said Kim Jolliffe, a researcher on Myanmar civilian and military relations. “This might be reflecting those dynamics and might be somewhat of a coup internally and his way of maintaining power within the military.”

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN MYANMAR?

Television signals were cut across the country, as was phone and internet access in Naypyitaw, the capital, while passenger flights were grounded. Phone service in other parts of the country was also reported down, though people were still able to use the internet in many areas.

Barbed wire road blocks were set up across Yangon, the largest city, and military units began to appear outside government buildings such as City Hall.

Residents flocked to ATMs and food stalls, while some shops and homes removed the symbols of Ms Suu Kyi’s party, the National League for Democracy, that typically adorn the streets and walls of the city.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR SUU KYI?

Ms Suu Kyi spent years under house arrest and received the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to bring democracy to Myanmar. But her reputation outside of the country soured after she went on the international stage to defend a crackdown on Rohingya Muslims – a campaign the US and others have labelled genocide.

Former US diplomat Bill Richardson questioned Ms Suu Kyi’s ability to lead given that defence.

https://twitter.com/GovRichardson/status/1356061365849313285?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

“Because of Suu Kyi’s failure to promote democratic values as Myanmar’s de facto leader, she should step aside and let other Myanmar democratic leaders take the reins with international backing and support,” Mr Richardson said in a statement.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Governments and international organisations condemned the takeover, saying it sets back the limited democratic reforms Myanmar has made.

“This is an extremely crushing blow to efforts to present Myanmar as a democracy,” said Linda Lakhdhir, a legal adviser at Human Rights Watch. "Its creditability on the world stage has taken a massive hit.”

Watchdog groups fear a further crackdown on human rights defenders, journalists, and activists is coming. Even before the current military takeover critics of the military often faced legal action.

The coup will also be a test for the international community, which had isolated Myanmar during the decades it was under strict military rule but then enthusiastically embraced it as it moved toward democracy in recent years.

In a statement condemning the military's actions, US President Joe Biden threatened to impose new sanctions on Myanmar – a possibility others have raised.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne said the Federal Government was concerned about the military's actions and was monitoring the situation.

"Australia is a long-standing supporter of Myanmar and its democratic transition," she said.

"We call on the military to respect the rule of law, to resolve disputes through lawful mechanisms and to release immediately all civilian leaders and others who have been detained unlawfully."

Myanmar’s military leaders “must immediately free the democratic leaders of Myanmar and remove themselves from government,” said Democratic Senator Bob Menendez, the incoming chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“If not, the United States and other countries should impose strict economic sanctions, as well as other measures” against the military and its leaders, he said.

US astronauts finish four-year effort to modernise space station

A pair of spacewalking astronauts completed a four-year effort to modernise the International Space Station's power grid on Monday, installing one last battery.

Over the weekend, flight controllers in Houston used the space station's big robot arm to replace the last pair of old-style batteries with a single better-quality one.

READ MORE: SpaceX launches 143 satellites into space in record-breaking mission

NASA's Mike Hopkins and Victor Glover put the finishing touches on this newest lithium-ion battery to complete a series of spacewalks that began in 2017.

Although the spacewalk got started late, Mr Hopkins and Mr Glover hustled through the battery work in under an hour.

They also made quick work of camera installations and squeezed in some extra chores.

The astronauts gazed down at Earth and soaked in one last sunset before reentering the space station.

"Yeah, enjoy the view. You guys did a great job today. You guys rocked it," Mission Control said as the five-hour spacewalk concluded well ahead of schedule.

READ MORE: Asteroid belt 'megasatellite' could house humans in space

The space station is now equipped with 24 lithium-ion batteries to store power collected by the solar panels.

The big, boxy batteries, surpassing 180 kilograms each, provide electricity for the orbiting lab when it's on the night side of Earth.

They're so powerful that only half as many are needed as the old nickel-hydrogen batteries they replaced.

The upgrade took longer than expected after one of the new batteries failed after it was installed two years ago and had to be replaced.

In all, 14 spacewalks were needed to complete the battery work.

READ MORE: South Australia to launch own satellite into space

NASA expects these batteries to last the rest of the space station's operating life.

Besides battery work, Mr Hopkins and Mr Glover installed a new camera on the US Destiny lab and replaced parts in the camera system outside the station's Japanese lab, named Kibo, or Hope in English.

During a spacewalk last Wednesday, the two astronauts made improvements to the European lab, Columbus.

Two more spacewalks will be conducted in about a month to get ready for additional solar panels set for delivery later this year.

Seven astronauts currently live on the space station: four Americans, two Russians and one Japanese.

Antoine reappointed ECCB Monetary Council Governor

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — The Monetary Council of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank has approved the reappointment of Timothy N. J. Antoine as Governor.

The new five-year term commences on February 1.

In conveying the Monetary Council’s decision, Chairman of the Monetary Council Dr The Honourable Timothy Harris remarked:

“The Council commends the Governor for his stewardship over the past five years and especially over the past year. Governor Antoine has led the Bank with vision, empathy and with a keen eye for innovations that have helped to lift the people of our region.”

In commenting on the Monetary Council’s decision, Governor Antoine thanked the Monetary Council for its support throughout his first term and its confidence reposed in him to continue to lead the Bank.

“It is my distinct privilege to serve the governments and people of our Currency Union. I look forward, with the support of the Council, Board and our team, to the implementation of the Programme of Action for Recovery, Resilience and Transformation and the rollout of the Bank’s new strategic plan. Our pursuit of socio-economic transformation continues.”

OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules applauded the reappointment of Governor Timothy Antoine, pointing to the many innovations that he has spearheaded at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank:

“Governor Antoine’s tenure has been characterized by a highly collaborative approach to the shaping of the Eastern Caribbean Economic Union. He has been a passionate champion of financial inclusion and under his watch, the ECCB is the first central bank in the world to have issued a digital version of its currency.

“While being agile and innovative, he has nevertheless maintained the delicate balance between the boldness of vision and deliberation in action that has helped to maintain the viability of the EC Dollar in a period of unprecedented uncertainty and volatility. The OECS Commission looks forward to the deepening of collaboration with him as he embarks on his renewed mandate.”

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Federation celebrates Social Security Board’s 43rd anniversary

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — Hon. Eugene Hamilton, Minister of Social Security, has commemorated the 43rd anniversary of the St. Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board with the following statement.

“Fellow citizens, and residents, as Minister of Social Security, I am honoured to greet you on the occasion of the 43rd anniversary of the St Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board, observed on February 1,” said Hon. Hamilton. “It was Act No 13 of 1977, and all of its attendant and related Regulations, which provided the legal framework through which the policies and operations of the Board, give life to its mission, “to provide the best possible benefits to all eligible persons, guaranteed by sound financial management and efficient administration.

“Since February 1, 1978, Social Security has remained true to its mission to serve all citizens and residents of our Federation, by providing its varied complement of benefits, as well as through its far-reaching corporate social responsibility programs.

“In 2020, Social Security played a vital role in sustaining the economy of St. Kitts and Nevis, during the crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, with its rollout of the COVID-19 Relief initiative.

“Over 8,500 persons were provided with the COVID-19 fund grants, which served as stimulus payments in respect of the period, April to June 2020 in the first instance, and again in September 2020. This was a significant complement to the overall stimulus regime, orchestrated by our Team Unity government, as its initial early response, to the financial challenges facing so many of our people, when international and local commerce and industry, began to buckle, under the weight of the pandemic.

“This support, (unmatched by any other institution), was instrumental in keeping our economy afloat and provided much-needed support to the insured populace.

“To date, a total of $22 739 441.94 has been disbursed to registered insured employees and the self-employed.

“This level of support is unprecedented, and I am advised, that it has been the only one of its kind across the region.

“It underscores the importance of Social Security as a crucial social safety net and fundamental economic pillar of our society.

“Indeed, it also bears out our mantra that Social Security touches lives ‘from the cradle to the grave.’

“Despite the many challenges that we face as a country, as a region and globally, we are resolute nonetheless in our quest, to ensure that our Social Security Fund, which has been cited as being the strongest in the OECS, continues to stand firmly and reliably in the gap, as it assures guaranteed protection for our people, as well as being a source of economic resilience for our country, as a whole.

“You should all be well aware, that our Social Security Fund holds a reserve of $1.6 billion dollars.

“It remains a strong and resilient safety net for the thousands of workers who contribute to the fund weekly, and monthly, as the case may be, in preparation for timely responses to their various contingencies, and very importantly, for the assurance of a secure source of income in their retirement years.

“As a mature fund now 43-years-old and serving the entire nation through the provision of pecuniary payments for short term benefits such as sickness, maternity and funeral grant; the long-term branch comprising of age, invalidity and survivors pensions; and the employment injury branch; we are mindful that the time is now upon us, to effect those changes that will support the Fund’s long term viability.

“There is a common-sense obligation upon us, to look at the best model of benefits and contributions, the best model of investment and the best model of administration; to implement reformed models of contributing to the fund base and of providing benefits.

“Needless to say, this will entail continuing consultation with all stakeholders (as we have been doing over the past years)….with the various sectors among our people….with experts in the field, and of course with our hard-working practitioners.

“The goal is to develop and implement the best model: ….one that will serve the people who benefit now and one that will serve those who will be relying on Social Security for future benefits.

“As the year progresses, Social Security will ramp up its discussions on matters pertaining to reform.

“The year 2021 is also the 25th anniversary of the introduction of Self-Employed Coverage. On July 1st, 1996, Social Security extended its coverage to the self-employed: a sector that continues to grow despite the economic downturn. I take this opportunity to commend you who are self-employed and implore you to not only register but to remain compliant at all times. Your failure to do so could result in hardships later on in life.

“I commend also those self-employed persons who remained vigilant and diligent throughout the years, and who can now boast of a pension earned solely from self-employed contributions.

“The example of your deserving qualification for pensions should serve as an inspiration and motivation for others to do likewise and to put themselves in a position to proudly extend their hands for their own just rewards.

“As we move towards the future, it is important to reflect on the past and to take account of a few key indicators of our progress.

“Allow me to highlight the following:
• Number of Contributors in the first year of operation….12,119 —
• Number of Contributors in 2019……….. 30,437
• Contributions collected in the first year of operation .. $3.3 million
• Contributions collected in 2019………… $99.6 million
• The number of Pensioners has grown to 6,620 persons
• Benefits paid in the first year of operation was $174,000
• Benefits paid in 2019……. $101.4 million
• Between 1978 to 2019, Social Security has paid a combined total exceeding $1.0 Billion dollars in benefits.

“The figures I have outlined magnify the scope of work of Social Security and represent support to the insured in times of need.

“In short order, we will be publishing the 2018 and 2019 financial statements on the website of the Social Security Board.

“This increased level of access and transparency will provide all with a first-hand look at the operations of Social Security over the past couple of years and into the future

“As a socially responsible corporate citizen, Social Security continues to make its mark in Education, Housing, Healthcare and National Security.

“This level of national investment has rewarded us bountifully and can be seen in the increased number of trained professionals, improvement in our housing stock, greater efficiencies in healthcare, and reduction in the level of crimes.

“We are confident also, that this support has in fact trickled back into social security, as contributions from employers and the self-employed, and has added great value to our overall performance as an institution.

“As we say goodbye to our 43rd year of operation and embark upon our 44th, we applaud the work of the forefathers of Social Security, former Ministers, Boards, Directors, Staff and Contributors…and all presently serving in their various capacities…. all who have played and those who are continuing to play a role in securing Social Security.

“In that regard, (by way of reflection) I make special mention of the late Messers Richard Llewellyn Caines (former Chairman of the Board)…..Douglas Washington Richardson (the last surviving member of the first Board of Directors in 1978) who transitioned to glory during the past year 2020. Their services are remembered along with the services of all others.

“Throughout this anniversary observance, we welcome you to support the activities of the Board including:

Corporate Worship
Sunday, February 7, Shiloh Baptist Church on Nevis, (9.00 am)

Employers Forum
Monday, February 15

Panel Discussion – The Road Ahead: Social Security Reform
Wednesday, February 24, (live ZIZ TV and NTV 8 PM

“These activities are meant to provide the opportunity to give God thanks for his continued mercies and to engage the public in our ongoing consultative dialogue. I entreat the general public to pay keen attention to social security matters not only in St Kitts Nevis but around the region and the world.

“Indeed, we can learn much from the experiences of others even as we share our own with them.
I speak of such institutions and entities as:
• The International Social Security Association (ISSA);
• the International Labour Organization (ILO);
• The Inter-American Conference on Social Security;
• The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) ;
• The CARICOM Heads of Social Security Organisations; and
• The World Bank, among others.

“We, should all be aware, that these institutions and partners are well-positioned, to lend valuable support to our efforts at making our Social Security more meaningful and purposefully.

“This has great significance, especially at this constantly evolving period in our development, when we, are at the cusp of implementing other very important social safety nets for the protection and enhancement of the lives of our people.

“As we step into what can be considered to be a new chapter in the annals of our institution, we look forward to 43 more years of yeomen service to the people of this great nation,” concluded Hon. Hamilton. “I wish us all an enjoyable and productive observance…. and I pray God’s continued blessings on Social Security and upon us all.”

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