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FEATURED AUSTRALIA NDIS REVIEW REPORT: The Moment of Change Has Come You Can’t Go Back. Here’s What We Know

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AceNewsDesk – ‘Can’t go back’ to no NDIS: Disability advocates respond to landmark report on scheme’s future — as it happened

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Ace Press News From Cutting Room Floor: Published: Dec.08: 2023: ABC Health & Disability News: TELEGRAM Ace Daily News Link https://t.me/+PuI36tlDsM7GpOJe

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The NDIS review says ‘the moment has come’ for change. Here’s what to expect

Bill Shorten talks through the NDIS review’s recommendations at the National Press Club.

It’s finally in.

The latest review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has had many participants and their families on edge.

And today NDIS Minister Bill Shorten provided more details about the review’s findings and what they mean for participants.

The review’s final report, made public on Thursday, has made 26 recommendations and detailed close to 140 “actions” it says need to happen to transform the NDIS over the next five years.

Read on to learn about the biggest takeaways.

Nothing is changing overnight

Many participants have been worried about the review, and what it could mean for the scheme that has transformed their lives and helped many people with disability access basic support for the first time.

So let’s get this out of the way first — change is not happening right away.

Mr Shorten told the National Press Club the government’s full response to the review will be released next year, and conversations with the disability community will continue over the coming months.

While there is a lot that remains unclear at the moment, it’s expected any reforms will happen gradually, over the next five years.

Whatever happens, disability advocates want to be at the heart of the review’s implementation and are clear the scheme needs to stay.

“We know what it was like to live without the NDIS,” said Nicole Lee, president of People with Disability Australia.

“We can’t go back to the way we lived before.”

Watch an interview: Advocate says investing in support outside of the NDIS will benefit everyone.

Moving away from access through diagnosis

The report has recommended a big shift in the way the NDIS is accessed.

Under the suggested changes, Australians would no longer have automatic access to the NDIS scheme based purely on their medical diagnosis.

Instead, access to the scheme would depend on how much a person’s disability affects their daily lives, what’s known as “functional impairment”.

“Access to the NDIS should be based first and foremost on significant functional impairment and need — and only secondly on medical diagnosis,” the report says.

“A focus on functional impairment will enable multiple disabilities to be considered — which when taken together, result in significant functional impairment.”

As part of this shift, the report recommends making the process of applying for the NDIS clearer and simpler, and clarifying the definitions of key eligibility criteria such as what’s deemed “reasonable and necessary” support.

This recommendation, along with others, hinges on others being followed through and there needs to be a rapid expansion in services outside the NDIS for it to work (we’ll talk about that later).

More support for children

Another big change flagged in the report is providing more support to families of children with developmental delays or disability, outside of the NDIS.

More children have entered the scheme than anticipated, the review’s interim report released in June said, which was partly due to a lack of support for those children outside the NDIS.The NDIS review had been running for more than a year.(ABC News: Emma Machan)

More than 150,000 NDIS participants – that’s roughly a quarter of all participants – are under nine.

Children have also been the fastest-growing category of NDIS participant. Data released in May revealed 11 per cent of all five- to seven-year-old boys were on the scheme.

The report has recommended better screening to pick up developmental concerns as early as possible, and introduce better early intervention for those who need help.

“Approximately 20 per cent of children experience learning difficulties, developmental concerns, developmental delay, or are found to have disability,” the report says.

“In other words, learning difficulties and disability are mainstream issues.

“We want children and their families to have every opportunity to lead ordinary lives, included in their local communities.”

New ‘foundational supports’

To fill in some of the gaps around the NDIS, the Commonwealth and states have agreed to set up “foundational supports” – services for those with less severe disabilities, delivered through the likes of health services, early childhood education and schools.

A broader ecosystem of support would mean that if someone did not meet NDIS criteria, they’d still be able to access some services, instead of missing out altogether.The report has recommended making NDIS planning an easier process for participants.(Shutterstock: UfaBizPhoto)

Examples of foundational supports could include help cleaning and cooking, personal assistance, early supports for children and teenagers and peer support.

It was confirmed after national cabinet on Wednesday, these supports would be phased in over time, with federal legislation to be introduced in the first half of 2024.

The funding of these new supports would be split 50-50 between the Commonwealth and states and territories, who would also have their costs capped by the feds.

“Governments have come to rely on the NDIS as the dominant, and in some cases only, source of supports for people with disability,” the report says.

“This has resulted in an unbalanced disability support system that relies too heavily on the NDIS at the expense of an inclusive, accessible and thriving broader disability support ecosystem of mainstream and foundational supports.”

All providers will need to be registered

All NDIS support providers should be regulated in the future, the report says.

This is a huge change: for context, last financial year there were 16,000 registered NDIS providers in the market but 154,000 unregistered providers getting work.

Participants can prefer using unregistered providers for a number of reasons, some want to continue working with practitioners or support workers who know their needs.From September: The NDIS review chief tells the ABC about the need for changes(Laura Tingle)none

However, the review has found not requiring providers to be regulated means some workers don’t have the skills and knowledge they need to deliver high-quality support.

Dr George Taleporos, chair of advocacy group Every Australian Counts, said the proposal betrayed a key value of the NDIS: allowing participants greater choice and control over their lives.

“This will impact on our rights to decide who comes into our homes and who provides our support,” he said.

People in regional and remote Australia, many of whom currently have little or no access to registered providers, stand to be impacted the most, he added.

However, the government has flagged making the registration process more accessible, to address concerns about people being cut off from services they’ve had for a long time.

It’ll also take place over several years, to allow providers time to register.

The states have been asked to step up

The report makes it clear that all levels of government need to pitch in to provide disability support services in the community.

“In trying to correct for the underfunded, inconsistent and unfair arrangements that existed prior to the NDIS, governments have come to rely on the NDIS as the dominant, and in some cases only, source of supports for people with disability — the oasis in the desert,” the report says.

NDIS funding has been a major source of contention between the states and Commonwealth over the last few weeks.

While the initial funding agreement was for the states and Commonwealth to split costs 50-50, the federal government’s share has ballooned to about two-thirds.

The feds say the states need to chip in more to fund the growing scheme. While the states want to see a robust NDIS, they’re worried about their own budgets.Ten years after scheme’s launch, the review’s chairs say “the moment has come to renew the promise of the NDIS”.(Pixabay: Klimkin)

Since the scheme’s launch, support outside the NDIS has dried up significantly – meaning if you’re not on the scheme, finding support can be tough.

The report also calls for federal, state and territory governments to collaborate on other parts of the reforms, including:

  • Share the cost of helping people with disability outside the scheme navigate other supports
  • Jointly invest in a “capacity building program” to help carers of children with developmental concerns and disability
  • Allocating more funding to psychosocial support outside of the NDIS, to help people with mental illness who are struggling to get help

Commonwealth and state and territory governments confirmed on Wednesday they had reached an agreement to set up and fund the new category of support, but details still need to be worked out. 

What else is in there?

The report also recommends some changes to how housing is funded for participants who need around-the-clock care, including:

  • Giving participants the flexibility to choose a living arrangement that works for them, and the ability to trial facilities before committing to them
  • Calling on all Australian governments to boost social housing stock that can accommodate people with disability

Another change the report calls for is improving the issue that attracted the most complaints during the review process: planning and access to the scheme.

As Mr Shorten told reporters:

“People say that dealing with the planning process is like a second full-time job and preparing for a planning meeting sometimes feels like they’re going to war. People are tired of having to prove every year that they’re still blind or in a wheelchair or have Down’s syndrome.”

To help NDIS participants navigate these changes, the report also recommends that government fund workers whose only job is doing just that.

These workers will be called “navigators” and they will also help people with disability find support outside of the NDIS.

The report also recommends taking steps to attract and retain more desperately-needed disability workers, as well as creating an independent pricing mechanism to ensure that participants aren’t overcharged for services.

Ten years after launch, the review’s chairs say “the moment has come to renew the promise of the NDIS”.

“Our recommendations, if implemented as a package, will secure the future sustainability of the NDIS as well as delivering better supports for people with disability and a better experience for those in the NDIS,” they wrote.

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BREAKING NEWS

BREAKING INDIA HEALTH UPDATE NEWS: Probe Into Apollo Hospital Delhi’s Alleged Links to ‘ Cash For Kidneys’ Scandal

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India’s health ministry has ordered a probe into Apollo Hospital Delhi, part of largest private hospital chain Apollo Hospitals (APLH.NS), after media reports linked it to the illegal sale by Myanmar nationals of their kidneys for organ transplants.

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The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), which falls under the health ministry, has asked Delhi Health Secretary S B Deepak Kumar to “get the matter examined, take appropriate action … and furnish an action-taken report within a week”, according to a letter seen by Reuters.

A committee was being formed to probe the matter and details of donors and patients have been sought from the hospital, Kumar told local media. Reuters was unable to reach Kumar.

Apollo Hospitals did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Indraprastha Medical Corp (IMCL.NS), an associate of Apollo which manages its two hospitals in the capital region of Delhi, said it had initiated an inquiry into the matter and called the allegations against it “absolutely false, ill-informed and misleading”.

A report in Britain’s Telegraph accused Apollo of being embroiled in a “cash for kidneys” scandal in which young villagers from Myanmar were being flown to its Delhi hospital and enticed to sell their kidneys to rich Burmese patients.

The Myanmar government did not respond to Reuters request for comment.

Chennai-based chain Apollo, which runs over 70 hospitals across India, performed 1,641 solid organ transplants in 2022, according to company data. The hospital also treats foreign patients who fly into India.

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World News | Latest Top Stories | Reuters.Com Reporting by Aditya Kalra and Rishika Sadam; editing by Miral Fahmy

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BREAKING NEWS

BREAKING HEALTH NEWS: What do we know about China’s respiratory illness surge?

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A request by the World Health Organization for more information on a surge in respiratory illnesses and clusters of pneumonia in children in China has attracted global attention.

Health authorities have not detected any unusual or novel pathogens, the WHO later said, and doctors and public health researchers say there is no evidence for international alarm.

Authorities in Taiwan, however, this week advised the elderly, very young and those with poor immunity to avoid travel to China.

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Read More: https://t.me/Reuters/1110: Reuters: World, [Dec 2, 2023 at 08:25]

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Australian News

BREAKING AUSTRALIA HEALTH REPORT: Eighth COVID-19 wave here’s the latest from each state and territory

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AceHealthDesk says here’s that latest Covid19 health figures from state to territory provided with Kindness & Love XX A&M

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Ace Press News From Cutting Room Floor: Published: Dec.01: 2023: ABC Health News: TELEGRAM Ace Daily News Link https://t.me/+PuI36tlDsM7GpOJe

Close-up of woman's face and hands putting on a mask during the coronavirus pandemic in Australia.
It appears Australia’s eighth COVID-19 wave has peaked. (ABC: Matt Bamford)none

You should not visit high-risk settings like hospitals and aged and disability care settings:

  • for at least 7 days or until symptoms have gone
  • unless seeking immediate medical care.

To help protect those around you, we recommend:

  • avoiding contact with people who are at higher risk of severe disease
  • wearing a mask outside the home
  • working from home where possible
  • avoiding going to school, public areas, or travel on public transport, in taxis or ride-share services
  • practising good hygiene
  • following your local health department’s advice when leaving home.

If you have any appointments you cannot miss (visit to a doctor, family violence service or police), let them know in advance that you have COVID-19.

Call the COVID-19 helpline on 1800 020 080 if you need support or information. The hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

ACT

What’s the COVID-19 situation? Cases have been increasing since September but hospitalisations, ICU cases and deaths are “remaining stable”. 

What’s the advice?

  • State up-to-date with vaccines
  • Stay at home if you have symptoms — even if you test negative for COVID-19
  • Wear a mask in public indoor settings
  • Practise good hand hygiene 

How does the ACT report its numbers? The ACT publishes weekly updates on COVID-19 statistics online every Friday. 

What’s the full statement?

Here’s what an ACT spokesperson said in an email to the ABC:

“Rises and falls in COVID-19 transmission are to be expected in the community.

“A recent increase in COVID-19 notifications in the ACT has been observed since late September.

“There is no indication of more severe disease related to the increasing COVID-19 cases, with hospitalisations, ICU admissions, and deaths currently remaining stable.

“Community transmission of COVID-19 is likely to persist and continue to fluctuate throughout the year in response to emerging variants, waning immunity and social behaviour.

“There has been no change to the ACT’s COVID-19 advice, we will continue to monitor and assess the situation and will adapt our response as required.

“We are encouraging the community to continue to stay COVID Smart.

“This will help protect you from COVID-19 and other infectious diseases like the flu.

“Staying COVID Smart involves things like:

  • Staying up-to-date with your vaccinations. Vaccination remains the best protection from serious illness and hospitalisation.
  • Staying home if you’re unwell and test for COVID-19 if you have symptoms. Even if the test is negative, remain at home until you’re feeling better.
  • Considering wearing a mask when entering public indoor settings or where it is difficult to maintain physical distancing.
  • Practising good hand hygiene.

“For all the latest COVID-19 advice from ACT Health, including latest figures and advice, visit: https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/

Last update November 8

New South Wales

What’s the COVID-19 situation? NSW Health says case numbers were up by about 20 per cent in the last reporting fortnight (which ended two weeks ago on November 18). Case numbers now are stable at “moderate to high levels”. 

What’s the advice?

  • Use masks in high-risk settings
  • Stay at home if you’ve got cold or flu symptoms 
  • If you’ve got symptoms, wear a mask when you go out and avoid high-risk places like hospitals 
  • Everyone aged 65 and older or those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should get a booster if it’s been more than six months since their last dose
  • People at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should talk to their doctors about antiviral treatment

How does New South Wales report its numbers? COVID-19 numbers are published fortnightly through the NSW Respiratory Surveillance report

What’s the full statement?

A NSW Health spokesperson said the following in an email to the ABC:

“Community transmission of COVID-19 in NSW has increased across the state and is now stable at moderate-to-high levels.

“The latest fortnightly NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report indicates total emergency department presentations for COVID-19 were higher in the fortnight ending 18 November compared with the previous fortnight.

“There was also a 20.6 per cent increase in COVID-19 notifications.

“NSW Health increased its messaging to the community on COVID-19 safe behaviours in late October when community transmission of COVID-19 reached a moderate level, including urging people to keep up to date with recommended COVID-19 vaccinations and to stay at home when unwell.

“Messaging has continued to be strengthened including advice on the use of masks in high-risk settings.

“We want to remind the community if they are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, they should stay at home to protect others. If they need to go out, they should wear a mask.

They should also avoid visiting high-risk settings like hospitals, aged and disability care facilities or people who are at higher risk of severe illness.

“People should talk with their doctor if they are at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses.

“Their doctor may recommend a PCR test if they get sick and they may be eligible for antivirals.

“Everyone aged 65 years and over, and everyone aged 18 years and over at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should have at least one COVID-19 vaccination in 2023.

“An additional booster dose should be considered if it has been more than six months since the last dose.

“A booster is recommended for all people aged 75 years and over if it has been more than six months since their last dose.

“A COVID-19 booster vaccination helps to protect against serious illness, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19. More detailed information about who is recommended to have an additional 2023 COVID-19 vaccine dose (booster) is available here.

“NSW Health continues to closely monitor and assess the way we respond to acute respiratory infections, including COVID-19, to keep patients, staff and visitors to our health facilities safe.

“Local Health Districts and Specialty Health Networks can undertake risk assessments to determine if further local prevention and control measures are required for their health facilities.

“People may be required to wear a mask in NSW when visiting high-risk settings such as aged and disability care.

“Masks may also be required in general practices, medical centres and pharmacies.

“More information on staying COVID-safe is available on the NSW government website.”

Last update from November 29

Northern Territory

What’s the COVID-19 situation? Case numbers have increased in the past month. Hospitalisations are down from last week, but still higher than last month. 

What’s the advice?

  • Stay at home if you have even mild symptoms and don’t visit at-risk people and avoid high-risk settings like hospitals 
  • Step up hand-washing and hand sanitiser 
  • Keep 1.5 metres from people where you can
  • Wear a mask indoors or if you can’t be distant from people outside

How does the Northern Territory report its numbers? It doesn’t anymore. As of November, the NT stats website has directed people to the federal government’s reporting site

What’s the full statement?

Here’s what an NT Health spokesperson said in an email to the ABC:

“There has been an increase in the number of confirmed cases (PCR positive) of COVID-19 in the Northern Territory (NT) over the past 4 weeks.

“Between 27 October 2023 to 23 November 2023, 496 cases were recorded, compared to 194 cases during the previous 4 week period. Positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations have reduced over the past week but remain higher compared to the previous month.

“COVID-19 infection is still circulating across Australia and internationally.

“It remains important for all people to stay home when unwell to limit the spread of infection and protect the community.

“This applies not just to COVID-19 but all illnesses.

“Some people who test positive for COVID-19 are more at risk of becoming seriously ill.

“Anti-viral treatments are available for those at moderate to high risk, but timing is critical. Treatments are most effective when taken within five days of symptoms first starting.

“Territorians should talk to their GP or other hospital specialist to discuss care options and work out which risk group they are in.

“NT Health reminds the community to continue to take precautions to stay safe and protect those most vulnerable to COVID-19.

To help stop the spread of COVID-19, all Territorians should continue to:

  • Stay home if unwell, even if your symptoms are mild
  • Practise personal hygiene including hand washing or using hand sanitiser
  • Maintain a distance of 1.5 metres away from others where possible
  • Consider wearing a mask indoors and outdoors when social distancing is not possible
  • Stay up to date with your vaccinations
  • Avoid visiting people at high risk of severe illness, people in hospital, aged care or disability facility when unwell

It is no longer necessary to report a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) positive result. However, it is important to follow COVID information for your health and the health of the community.

For COVID-19 information and updates visit health.nt.gov.au/covid-19.

Last update from November 26

Queensland

What’s the COVID-19 situation?  New cases have slowed over the past fortnight, with the hospitalisations being “fairly static” at a plateau of about 200 to 230 inpatients. 

What’s the advice?

  • Older Queenslanders or those at increased risk of severe illness are strongly advised to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster if they haven’t had one this year

How does Queensland report its COVID-19 case numbers? COVID-19 case numbers are reported online weekly alongside the state’s other notifiable diseases.

What’s the full statement?

Queensland’s chief health officer John Gerrard gave an update about the COVID situation on Tuesday. 

“COVID case numbers have slowed over the last two weeks.

“The number of patients in hospital with COVID has remained fairly static plateaued again over the same period — over the last two weeks — between about 200 and 230 cases in hospital.

“We expect the number of patients in hospital to decline in the coming days.

“The COVID waves are clearly becoming milder.

“In 2022 we had four waves — the largest waves in January and July peaked at around 1,000 inpatients, with waves in April and December peaking at about half that number.

“So this peak where we are now, this plateau of around 200 to 230 is less than half of that again.

“The waves are becoming much less distinct — in fact, they’re more like aftershocks than waves.

“This is clearly indicative of building immunity in the community and, unless something changes with this virus, unless there is some significant mutation, we expect this process to continue and waves will again become milder and milder and less distinct.

“But we still strongly advise anyone over the age of 65 who has not received a booster this year or had natural infection to go out and get a booster now, because it’s still around.

“It’s still there, it will still keep coming back.

“And we know that is is your biggest risk for serious disease.”

And here’s what Queensland’s health department said in an email to the ABC on Thursday:

“Despite the COVID-19 public health emergency coming to an end, we have always known that the virus will continue to circulate and cause waves of infection in the future.

“These waves are not a cause for alarm.

“They are a normal part of how a virus interacts with a community over time.

“We urge Queensland residents who are older or have underlying medical conditions that increase their risk of severe illness should receive a booster vaccine dose if they haven’t already done so in 2023.

“Vaccination remains our most effective defence against COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

Last update November 2

South Australia

What’s the COVID-19 situation? South Australia Health says there have been an increase in cases.

What’s the advice?

  • Consider doing a rapid antigen test (RAT) “if you have even mild symptoms”
  • Wear a mask if you leave the house while symptomatic or in high-risk settings
  • Regardless of whether you test COVID-19 positive or not, if you are sick, stay home, don’t go to work or crowded places until you are completely well
  • At-risk should be people to be up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccine boosters
  • At-risk people should to talk to their doctors ahead of time about getting speedy access to antiviral treatment in case they do catch the virus

How does South Australia report its COVID-19 case numbers? The state’s statistics come via a COVID-19 dashboard

What’s the full statement?

An SA Health spokesperson said the following in an email to the ABC:

“There has been an increase in COVID-19 cases across South Australia in recent weeks.

“This is an expected part of the ongoing evolution of the virus in the community, as immunity wanes over time.

“The increase serves as a timely reminder for all South Australians to make sure they meet the COVID-19 vaccination booster advice, and to take appropriate action to lower their risk of catching or spreading COVID-19.

“Older people and those more vulnerable to severe illness are strongly recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster as soon as possible if they haven’t had a dose or COVID infection in the last six months, particularly as cases are increasing again.

“Having a booster enhances your pre-existing immunity.

“If you are currently due for a booster, the best vaccine is the one that is available now.

“Access to COVID-19 antivirals have recently been significantly expanded and eligible patients at increased risk for severe COVID-19 are encouraged to plan with their GP to access antiviral treatments if they catch COVID-19.

“Antivirals are most effective when started as soon as possible and within five days of the onset of symptoms.

“While there is not yet a full understanding of the effectiveness of previous and current COVID-19 vaccines to new and emerging variants, previous experience shows that vaccination continues to reduce the risk of severe disease, hospitalisation and death.”

Last update November 3

Tasmania

What’s the COVID-19 situation? There’s been an increase in case numbers, which has plateaued in recent weeks. 

What’s the advice?

  • Stay up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccinations 
  • Don’t go to work or school if you have cold or flu symptoms
  • Don’t visit high-risk settings like aged care homes or hospitals

How does Tasmania report its COVID-19 case numbers?  Tasmania publishes weekly COVID-19 data every Friday

What’s the full statement?

Here’s what Tasmania’s director of public health Mark Veitch said in an email to the ABC:

“While Tasmania has seen an increase in COVID-19 activity, case numbers have plateaued in recent weeks.

“The current wave follows months of low community transmission and current case numbers are still much lower than during the waves of 2022 and early 2023.

“The ongoing circulation of COVID-19 in our community is a reminder to ensure you and those around you are up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations.

“For most adults, this means having a 2023 booster, and for older Tasmanians, or those with additional risk factors, it means having a second booster if it has been six months since infection or your last vaccine.

“Immunity against COVID-19 wanes over time and boosters maintain protection against severe illness.

“It is also a reminder for anyone with cold or flu like symptoms to protect others by not going to work or school, and not visiting residents of high-risk settings like aged care facilities or hospitals.”

Victoria 

What’s the COVID-19 situation? Cases are higher than they have been in recent months, but lower than the peak earlier this year. Case numbers appear to have stabilised compared to last week. 

Here’s what the latest data from the state’s weekly surveillance report says:

“The number of people in hospital with COVID-19 remained relatively stable this week with a daily average of 326, up from 325 last week.

“The current average is high compared to recent months, but remains below the most recent peak in May/June.

“The 7-day average of ICU patients declined this week (16 to 15).”

“Deaths in the most recent 28-day period have continued to increase, with a current 28-day total of 144.”

“A mix of Omicron recombinant XBB sublineages continue to dominate in Victoria.

“There is currently no evidence of increased severity for XBB subvariants.”

What’s the advice?

  • Check if you’re eligible for COVID medicines and make a plan with your doctor to get these quickly if you test positive
  • Wear a mask if you have symptoms or you’re in high-risk settings like aged care homes and hospitals
  • Stay up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccinations
  • Meet up with people outside or, if you’re indoors, open a window
  • Take a rapid antigen test (RAT) if you have symptoms 
  • If you test positive or have symptoms, stay home for at least five days and until you don’t have symptoms anymore

How does Victoria report its COVID-19 case numbers? COVID-19 statistics, including death, hospitalisations and ICU cases, are documented via a weekly surveillance report

What’s the full statement?

Victoria’s department of health directed the ABC to the state’s COVID-19 surveillance report and health advice site, Better Health.

Information about protecting against COVID-19 is available at www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/covid-19-victoria.

Here’s the advice posted on social media yesterday by the state’s Chief Health Officer Clare Looker:

Western Australia

What’s the COVID-19 situation? New case numbers were increasing, but the wave appears to have reached a peak. 

What’s the advice?

  • Stay at home if you have cold or flu symptoms and don’t visit high-risk settings like aged care facilities or hospitals 
  • Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings or where physical distancing isn’t possible 
  • Get your COVID-19 booster — especially if you have complex health issues or are 65 or older 

How does Western Australia report its COVID-19 case numbers? WA still publishes a COVID-19 weekly surveillance report online, which you can find here. The state also maintains a wastewater surveillance dashboard

What’s the full statement?

Here’s what a WA Health spokesperson said in an email to the ABC:

“The Department undertakes a range of surveillance activities to track the virus.

“The rate at which COVID-19 infections were increasing in Western Australia has started to slow, which tells us we may be approaching the current peak. That said, we can never be complacent, and we continue to monitor COVID-19 in our community.

“In WA, key surveillance indicators for COVID-19 include PCR test results, hospitalisations related to the virus and the Department’s wastewater surveillance program, which measures the concentration of virus particles in our wastewater.

“The latest COVID-19 trend data is uploaded to our website weekly and can be found in the COVID-19 weekly surveillance report and the COVID-19 wastewater surveillance dashboard.

“Our public health advice remains the same — stay home if you are sick and do not visit high-risk settings such as aged care facilities and hospitals if you have cold or flu symptoms.

“Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings or where physical distancing is not possible and get a booster COVID-19 vaccination — particularly if you have complex health issues or are over 65.”

Last story Tuesday, November 21

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Categories
Australian News

AUSTRALIA ACCC REPORT: MOO Premium Foods gives undertaking after ACCC investigates ‘ocean plastic’ claims

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AceBreakingNews – The ACCC has accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from yoghurt manufacturer MOO Premium Foods Pty Ltd (MOO) following an investigation into MOO’s ‘100% ocean plastic’ representations on its yoghurt packaging, website, and social media pages.

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Ace Press News From Cutting Room Floor: Published: Nov.30: 2023: ACCC News: Published: 28 November 2023: TELEGRAM Ace Daily News Link https://t.me/+PuI36tlDsM7GpOJe

Packaging of MOO's yoghurt containers showing the words 'ocean plastic' recycled tubs
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Between at least November 2021 and the date of the undertaking, MOO claimed that its yoghurt tubs were made from ‘100% ocean plastic’, which the ACCC was concerned gave the impression they were made from plastic waste collected directly from the ocean, when this was not the case.

While MOO included disclaimers on the top and back of the packaging, the ACCC considered they were insufficient to overcome the headline representation of ‘100% ocean plastic’.

MOO has admitted in the undertaking it has given the ACCC that the ‘100% ocean plastic’ representations likely contravened the Australian Consumer Law, which prohibits false or misleading representations.

“Our investigation revealed that the plastic resin used in the manufacture of MOO’s yoghurt packaging was collected from coastal areas in Malaysia, and not directly from the ocean,” ACCC Commissioner Liza Carver said.

“Making false statements about a product’s environmental or sustainability qualities can mislead consumers, as well as putting the businesses making genuine claims at a competitive disadvantage.”

“It is important that environmental and sustainability claims by businesses are correct as they are a key influence on consumer choices and what people spend their money on,” Ms Carver said.

MOO co-operated with the ACCC’s investigation to promptly resolve the matter and has undertaken to remove the ‘ocean plastic’ representations from its yoghurt packaging, social media platforms, and website. MOO has also committed to publishing corrective notices on its website and social media platforms.

In the court-enforceable undertaking provided to the ACCC, MOO has committed to conducting internal audits of the ‘ocean bound plastic’ resin used in their packaging, as well as implementing an Australian Consumer Law compliance program.

As part of its 2023-24 compliance and enforcement priorities, the ACCC is prioritising consumer, product safety, fair trading and competition concerns in relation to environmental and sustainability claims.

On 14 July 2023, the ACCC released its draft guidance to improve the integrity of environmental claims made by businesses.

“Businesses must ensure any environmental claims made are accurate and truthful, and this includes taking reasonable steps to verify supporting information provided to businesses by suppliers,” Ms Carver said.

“This enforcement outcome against MOO is a reminder of the importance for businesses to regularly review any environmental or sustainability claims about their products to ensure they are correct and up to date.”

A copy of the undertaking is available at MOO Premium Foods Pty Ltd.

Background

MOO manufactures and supplies yoghurt products which are sold in supermarkets and in convenience stores to consumers in Australia.

Example of the packaging with ‘100% ocean plastic’ representations 

Example of the updated packaging

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MOO's updated yoghurt packaging with the words 'ocean bound plastic' replacing 'ocean plastic'
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