A raft of restrictions are being eased weeks ahead of schedule in NSW thanks to continued low case numbers and soaring vaccination rates. From November 8, there will be no limit on home visitors, no rules for outdoor gatherings less than 1000, business capacity limits will double, nightclubs will reopen dance floors, and caps will be removed for all settings except gyms and dance classes. However, these freedoms will only be enjoyed by fully vaccinated people in the state.
Australia has now formally recognised two more vaccines – the BBIBP-CorV vaccine from China and the Covaxin vaccine from India. This has opened up the way for people vaccinated with either to establish their vaccination status when travelling to Australia. Both vaccines provide protection against COVID-19, and potentially reduce the likelihood of people transmitting the virus to others.
Israel – the first to vaccinate, first to reopen, first to offer booster shots. Now, just 6 weeks after a dangerous COVID-19 wave due to the Delta variant, Israel is returning to life close to normal. Deaths and infections have plummeted – largely thanks to booster shots and vaccine passports.
All people should use CPAP - here’s why
Research shows that living an active lifestyle can lower the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) - a common sleep disorder where the upper airways collapse during sleep resulting in airflow blockage.
A new study published in Lancet Global Health has shown that a cheap antidepressant, called fluvoxamine, could be used to treat COVID-19. The drug is known to reduce inflammation, and a new study has shown it can reduce the risk of hospitalisation and mortality in COVID-19 patients. In the latest trial, fluvoxamine was shown to reduce the relative risk of hospitalisation or extended emergency care by 32% and the mortality risk by more than 90%.
A third dose of the Pfizer vaccine has been provisionally approved for Australians as a booster 6 months after their first 2 COVID-19 shots. The booster can be used regardless of whether the person had Pfizer for their first 2 doses. Health Minister Greg Hunt is hopeful that the booster program will be launched on November 8. By January, 1.6 million will be due for their booster.
Both Singapore and South Australia have announced their borders are reopening for fully vaccinated travelers. Singapore is extending its quarantine-free vaccinated travel lane scheme to Australian citizens and residents from November 8. From November 23, fully vaccinated domestic travelers in Australia will also be able to visit South Australia.
In the last 18 months, Australia has shifted from a COVID-19 elimination strategy to accepting the virus as part of our lives. And whilst vaccines offer powerful protection, if the virus is allowed to spread unchecked it is inevitable that more lives will be lost or completely changed by long COVID. So what are 6 ways we can keep COVID-19 cases low even as we reopen?
