Tag Archives: oceania

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South Australia clarifies vaccination 'anomaly' for Sydney and Melbourne

Vaccinated people from most parts of NSW and all of Victoria will no longer be locked out of South Australia due to vaccination figures the state's premier confirmed were an "anomaly".

As reported by 9News, some areas such as City of Sydney and City of Melbourne, had not officially reached the 80 per cent threshold needed to enter South Australia when the borders open on Tuesday without quarantine, according to Federal government figures.

However, both NSW and Victorian health authorities questioned the numbers, which were based on population estimates drastically affected by a lack of international students.

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Adelaide, Australia

Sydney MP Jenny Leung, whose family is in South Australia joined with colleagues to campaign on the matter.

However, SA Premier, Steven Marshall announced the "anomaly in the statistics" had been "reconciled".

Residents from the Byron Bay area of NSW will remain subject to seven days quarantine if they enter the state – until it reaches 80 per cent vaccinated. It is currently at 78.7 per cent.

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"The good news is all of Victoria is above 80 per cent. And all of New South Wales apart from one LGA is also above that 80 per cent rate- only the Byron Bay remains just below that 80 percent," Mr Marshall said.

"We know this has caused enormous frustration for people who haven't been sure regarding whether they can come in from next Tuesday or not, the good news is that's all been clarified.

"It's because there were some LGAs, like Sydney, like Melbourne, like Randwick where they had a high student population which was included in that denominator, all of that has been worked through now.

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"I know this will be a huge relief for people in Sydney and in Melbourne who have been anxious about whether this anomaly in the statistics could be reconciled. It has.

"There will be no requirement for quarantine for fully vaccinated people coming in from Sydney and Melbourne."

Byron Bay and surrounding areas will join other parts of NSW in lockdown.

The official data on vaccination rates by LGA has not been updated.

As well as being vaccinated, people who go to South Australia from areas under 90 per cent vaccinated need a COVID-19 test three days before travelling and on arrival – but don't need to isolate, Mr Marshall said.

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"We're looking forward to welcoming people back into South Australia," Mr Marshall, said.

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Sydney set for serious Sunday soaking

Sydney is set to cop a weekend drenching, with the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) warning of a possible thunderstorm.

Up to 50mm of rain could soak the New South Wales capital on Sunday, with the city's west set to cop the brunt of the rain.

There is also a high chance of rain on Saturday, but falls will be lighter, with BoM predicting an average of three to 10mm.

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Light rain is possible today, with the chance of a thunderstorm this afternoon.

BoM NSW Hazard Preparedness Response Manager Jane Golding said Sydney should expect heavy rain over the weekend.

"The heaviest rain day looks like it will be Sunday into Monday," she said.

"We are expecting to have at least the first part of the weekend to be wet."

The heavy rain also means a renewed flood risk for parts of the state.

Areas of Central West NSW that are still experiencing flooding are likely to see more wet weather over the next week.

"There is potential for enough rain to cause renewed river level rises and further flooding," Ben Domensino, from Weatherzone, said.

https://twitter.com/BOM_NSW/status/1461212591934644229

The BoM has said there could be further warnings issued across NSW, with rain likely this weekend anywhere from the Western Slopes region eastward, intensifying towards the coast.

The south coast, including Bateman's Bay and Bega, could also see up to 50mm of rain, particularly on Saturday night and Sunday.

"Widespread falls of 20-40mm are forecast in NSW on Sunday, while some areas could see 50-100mm, particularly with thunderstorms," Mr Domensino said.

Dam levels remain high across the state, while the Forbes region in the Central West waits for floodwaters to recede.

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Flood warnings downgraded in NSW Central West but more rain expected this weekend.

Major flooding is expected at Jemalong today.

Melbourne too is set for a potentially rainy weekend, though with smaller falls on Saturday and Sunday.

There is a chance of a shower today, with the city to hit a top of 18C.

Brisbane is set to stay sunny and warm, reaching a top of 29C today before making 31C on the weekend.

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Perth will wake to cloudy skies and a top of 24C.

Light showers are set for Adelaide and Hobart, which will reach tops of 22C and 17C respectively.

Canberra will top out at 20C, with showers increasing.

And there is a chance of a storm in Darwin, which will reach 35C.