Articles by Grant McArthur
Covid Victoria: Premier sets ambitious vaccination targets
Victoria has recorded 21 new coronavirus cases in the pass 24 hours. All are linked to existing outbreaks and 11 were in isolation throughout their infectious period. No new cases were acquired overseas. In total, 33,675 tests were carried out and 29,490 Covid jabs administered. A Richmond apartment block is an exposure site after an infected person spent 11 days at the complex.
Covid Victoria update: 0 new cases, hopes grow for more freedom, footy fans could return
Expectations are building that Victoria’s Covid restrictions will ease soon enough to allow crowds to return for the next round of AFL matches in Melbourne. While the chances are strong that positive cases could emerge among those already isolating as close contacts of existing clusters, Victoria’s health officials on Saturday were confident gathering limits and other restrictions could be further wound back later this week.
Anti-vaxxers are targeting NDIS users through non-vaccinated support workers
Vulnerable NDIS clients are being targeted by anti-vaxxers, with activists trying to set up a network of non-Covid vaccinated disability support workers to provide services under the taxpayer-funded scheme. The prominent conspiracy theorist behind the non-vaccinated NDIS scheme, Michael Simms, has also bragged about forging his own digital Covid-19 vaccination certificate, raising concerns from Federal authorities.
Covid Victoria: 2 new local cases, Melbourne lockdown set to end on Friday
• This coronavirus article is unlocked and free to read in the interest of community health and safety. Click here for full digital access to trusted news from the Herald Sun and Leader for just $1 a week for the first 12 weeks. Melbourne is set for a lockdown reprieve on Friday, with just two new local cases recorded on Tuesday. Both cases are linked to existing outbreaks and there is also one new case in hotel quarantine.
Covid Victoria: 4 new cases, with 2 linked to Arcare Maidstone aged care
• This coronavirus article is unlocked and free to read in the interest of community health and safety. Click here for full digital access to trusted news from the Herald Sun and Leader for just $1 a week for the first 12 week. A handful of exposure sites has been announced, including a busy construction site in Melbourne CBD. A Probuild work site was added on Sunday afternoon after a cleaner tested positive for Covid-19.
Victorian exposure sites revealed after Melbourne man tests positive to COVID-19
Hundreds of footy fans have been urged to get tested and immediately isolate, as fears grow they may have been exposed to the virus. The strict direction comes as the Health Department listed a Craigieburn-bound train from Flinders Street as a Tier-2 exposure site. The exposure site times coincided with the end of the blockbuster clash between Richmond and Geelong on Friday May 7.
Positive case free to roam after result flaw
Dozens of people exposed to coronavirus were allowed out in public after it took investigators a week to confirm a “weak positive” test result. As details of the latest cases raised concerns of a gap in the containment ring around the Holiday Inn outbreak, Health Minister Martin Foley said it was too soon to know whether Victoria’s five-day lockdown would be extended. The Queen Victoria Market and two tram routes added to the list of exposure sites were late on Sunday.
Two schools shut, bakery and bottle shop join exposure sites as Holiday Inn risk widens
Two schools in Melbourne’s northwest have been closed after seven venues in Sunbury were added to the list of coronavirus public exposure sites. It comes as Victorian chief health officer Brett Sutton flagged a “root and branch” review of the program, handled by Australia’s medical expert panel, would look at how the nation’s quarantine programs could deal with more transmissible variants.
Health authorities believe they are on top of the latest coronavirus cluster
Victoria’s latest COVID cluster continues to spread and test sites are buckling under huge demand, but authorities say they are on top of the outbreak. As the number of COVID-19 cases connected to the Black Rock cluster grew to 18 on Saturday, genetic sequencing confirmed the virus had leaked out of NSW.
Rolling coverage: Victorians told to brace for more cases
Experts fear COVID-19 was secretly spreading in the community for more than 11 days, with the race to find the exact source of Victoria’s cases intensifying. Ten cases have now been linked to a Black Rock Thai restaurant in just 48 hours since Victoria’s 60-day coronavirus-free run ended.
Christmas 2020: Children leaving hospital to spend time with family
Having just spent his third birthday in intensive care after a tumour was removed, the chance to spend Christmas at home will mean more to Oli Plueckhahan and his family than most people could ever appreciate. Oli is expected to leave the Royal Children’s Hospital today to enjoy a sacred Christmas with a new little sister he has barely had a chance to know.
Rush to beat border closure as Sydney ‘hot zone’ cluster grows
Airport staff and police on the state’s border are bracing for a rush of Victorians after they were advised to leave NSW — or risk a stint in hotel quarantine. Meanwhile, Victoria has recorded one new case of coronavirus in a returned traveller. Nearly 13,700 Victorians were tested on Sunday. As the NSW coronavirus cluster continues to grow, Victorian residents in NSW “red zones” — which now include the Central Coast north of Sydney — have been given until 11.59pm Monday to return.
Walk for Woronka Boys: Travis McCarty to walk 100km in 24 hours for twins with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
In just a few years brothers Cooper, Riley and Logan Woronka will rely on wheelchairs — so complete stranger Travis McCarty is stepping up to walk the long road on their behalf. The first impacts of Duchenne muscular dystrophy are already being felt by seven-year-old twins Cooper and Riley, while Logan, 2, is expected to begin a heartbreaking decline after his fourth birthday.
Coronavirus live updates: Victorians ready to flash a smile as rules ease further
This coronavirus article is unlocked and free to read in the interest of community health and safety. Save and refresh this article page for updates all day. Get full digital access to trusted news from the Herald Sun and Leader for just $1 a week for the first 12 weeks. Victorians can finally flash a smile to each other today in celebration of the fact they no longer have to wear masks outdoors.
Rolling coverage: 11th ‘double doughnut’ day in a row; free kindergarten announced
Victoria has recorded its 11th consecutive day with no new coronavirus cases or deaths, with just four active cases across the state. Victoria has recorded its 11th consecutive day with no new coronavirus cases or deaths. There are four active cases in Victoria and two people in hospital. Premier Daniel Andrews said testing numbers were still strong and urged anyone with symptoms to get tested. “There is now just one mystery case.
Coronavirus Melbourne: Embattled Victorian businesses ‘betrayed’ after reopening pushback
This coronavirus article is unlocked and free to read in the interest of community health and safety. Save and refresh this article page for the stream and updates all day. Plus all new restrictions FAQ, analysis and have your say. Get full digital access to trusted news from the Herald Sun and Leader for just $1 a week for the first 12 weeks.
Coronavirus Melbourne: Treasurer, Premier in bitter spat on easing restrictions
A war of words has erupted between Daniel Andrews and Josh Frydenberg after the Victorian government was accused of “callous indifference” to the economic cost of the lockdown. Amid increased tensions from frustrated business groups over the slow pace of Victoria’s easing of restrictions, the federal Treasurer said the Premier’s stubbornness was “unforgivable”.
Rolling coverage: Virus spread reveals best and worst of pandemic response
Camera IconMelburnians are waiting to see if restrictions change on October 19. Credit: News Corp Australia, Daniel Pockett/NCA NewsWire. Melburnians are waiting anxiously to see which restrictions will be lifted on October 19 as the city’s virus numbers plateau. While stubborn case numbers persist, it’s not all doom and gloom.
Hope Melbourne will reach threshold to end stage four lockdown fades
Victoria has recorded 11 new cases of coronavirus but no new deaths overnight. It comes as authorities scramble to contain an outbreak at Box Hill Hospital, while hopes are fading that Melbourne can reach the threshold to meet the next step out of stage four lockdown on October 19. Victoria has recorded 11 new coronavirus cases with no new deaths overnight.
Rolling coverage: Five cases, three deaths; Melbourne to reopen in time for Grand Final
Camera IconCredit: News Corp Australia The focus has shifted back to detecting coronavirus after testing figures dipped over the weekend, with the health department describing each COVID-19 test as “gold”. It comes as Melbourne reached a mighty milestone, recording just five new cases of coronavirus overnight. Watch the press conference live now. Just five new cases of coronavirus cases have been recorded in Victoria overnight. But three more deaths were recorded, taking the death toll to 787.
Coronavirus Victoria: St Vincent’s Hospital calls for doctors and nurses to join COVID-19 fight
One of Melbourne’s biggest hospitals has issued an urgent call to other states and even to New Zealand for more doctors and nurses to help fight COVID-19. Fitzroy’s St Vincent’s hospital has felt the full force of surging coronavirus admissions, as well as having staff absent through contracting it. It has issued the SOS for healthcare workers who can spare a couple of months working in Melbourne.
Coronavirus Melbourne: Victoria records 179 COVID-19 cases, 9 new deaths
Victoria has recorded 179 new coronavirus cases - the lowest daily increase since July 13. Another nine Victorians have died from the virus in the past 24 hours. It comes as the Department of Health and Human Services has made an extraordinary bid to control how the media reports certain evidence presented to the COVID-19 hotel quarantine inquiry overseen by former judge Jennifer Coate.
Up to 17 deaths, more than 650 cases expected
Up to 17 coronavirus deaths and more than 650 cases are expected on yet another tough day for Victoria, as the state stares down the barrel of further restrictions. Up to 17 more Victorians are believed to have died from COVID-19 over the past 24 hours in a major escalation in the impacts of Victoria’s second wave.
Coronavirus Melbourne: New clue Victoria’s set for harsher lockdown
Victorians are bracing for more economic pain with tighter restrictions and even a full lockdown on the horizon. Premier Daniel Andrews has set a deadline of Sunday, at which data being crunched by health authorities could result in tougher rules or an extension of the six-week stage three period. The potential for further restrictions has raised concerns among business figures. Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief Paul Guerra warned more jobs could be lost under a tougher regime.
Coronavirus Melbourne: Victoria records 384 COVID-19 cases, 6 new deaths
Another six Victorians have died and 384 new cases have been added to the state’s spiralling coronavirus tally. Victoria’s death toll now stands at 83, which is one less than the 84 COVID-19 deaths recorded across the rest of Australia. Among the six deaths were two people in their 90s, three in their 80s, one in their 70s - four of the deaths have been linked to aged care. There are 4774 active cases in the state and 414 of those are health workers.
Baby fighting for life at Royal Children’s Hospital contracts coronavirus amid record Victorian COVID-19 tally
Victoria records 532 COVID-19 cases Victoria has recorded their highest single day increase of COVID-19 with 532 cases and 6 deaths. A baby fighting for its life in hospital is among the latest tally of COVID-19 patients in Victoria. A cluster has emerged connected to the Royal Children’s Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit – where the state’s most fragile and premature babies receive lifesaving care.
Ventilators rushed in as nervous intensive care staff watch surge
Camera IconNurses Annette Dlugogorski and Geraldine Spizzimi with newly arrived ventilators at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. Credit: News Corp Australia, Alex Coppel As critical cases of coronavirus build and hospital admissions mount, new stocks of ventilators have arrived in Melbourne to help save the most critical COVID-19 patients as the state’s health system faces growing pressure.
Warning issued as 3 women die, 374 new cases in latest virus spike
Three more Victorians have died of coronavirus in the past 24 hours, as the state records 374 new cases. The spike marks one of the biggest daily surges since the pandemic began and brings Victoria’s total to 6289. Of the three most recent deaths, all were women aged in their 100s, 90s and 80s. The new figures are a blow to more than 5 million Victorians already in lockdown and now facing tougher stay at home restrictions.
Retailers limit sale of masks as new rules spark panic buying
Camera IconOwner of Nobody Denim John Condilis is now manufacturing face masks. Credit: News Corp Australia, Jake Nowakowski As mandatory mask wearing gets set to come into effect at midnight on Wednesday, authorities have warned opportunistic businesses against price gouging, while retailers are slapping limits on how many customers can buy. Melbourne shops are slapping limits on how many masks customers can buy, as authorities put opportunistic businesses on notice over price gouging.
Victoria records 363 new cases and three deaths, face masks to become mandatory in locked down areas
Victorians living in locked down areas will be made to wear face masks when in public, while three more Victorians have died of coronavirus and 363 new cases have been recorded. Watch live as Daniel Andrews fronts the media from 11am. Three more Victorians have died from coronavirus, with 363 new cases recorded, while residents of locked down areas will soon face fines if they don’t wear a face mask in public.
Coronavirus Melbourne: Frontline workers’ new plea to Victorians
The heroes forming Victoria’s last line of defence against coronavirus say they have our backs — but now we need to have theirs. Amid rising demand for their skills and increasing COVID-19 cases among their workforce, the state’s healthcare workers have united to issue a plea to support their selfless efforts. More than 120 coronavirus patients are being treated in Victoria’s hospitals — up from just four a month ago — and the number is expected to spiral in the coming days.
Coronavirus Melbourne: Victoria records 428 new COVID-19 cases
Victoria has recorded 428 new coronavirus cases on Friday, with three Victorians dying of coronavirus overnight. A man in his 80s, a woman in her 80s and a man in his 70s are the latest fatalities, bringing the total number of deaths to 32. There are 122 Victorians in hospital, including 31 in intensive care. Of the new cases, 57 are linked to known outbreaks, one is in hotel quarantine and 370 under investigation. “We are in the fight for our lives,” health minister Jenny Mikakos said.
Google tracking used to help guide Victoria’s lockdown decisions
The state’s Chief Health Officer says Victorians easing up on physical distancing were not responsible for triggering the second COVID-19 wave, but could have helped fuel its expansion. Confidential movement data shows Victorians became more relaxed about social distancing and steadily returned to offices, shopping centres and parks from mid-June. But the “lockdown fatigue” before the second wave of cases did not trigger it, Brett Sutton said.
Virus outbreak at Al-Taqwa College linked to COVID-19 crisis at public housing towers
Camera IconCredit: Herald Sun Less than a fortnight since COVID-19 was first detected at Al-Taqwa College in Truganina, the outbreak has become the biggest in the state and has now been linked to the public housing towers. It comes as ski resorts at Mount Hotham and Falls Creek have been forced to close due to the partial lockdown of Victoria.
Victoria records highest daily cases as border with NSW closes
Premier Daniel Andrews will provide a coronavirus update from 10.45am. The Victorian-NSW border will be closed following crisis talks between the premiers of each state and Prime Minister Scott Morrison. The border closures will be in place from 11.59pm tomorrow night, but Premier Daniel Andrews said a permit system will be established to assist those with unavoidable travel. “I apologise for any inconvenience that will cause people who have unavoidable travel to New South Wales,” he said.
Anger in suburbs over ‘hot spot’ tag, troops called to front line
Camera IconSticks and stones Cafe manager Amy Middleton with her children and Norman and Pamela Middleton on the main street of Emerald, a ‘hot spot’ with no cases. Credit: News Corp Australia, Wayne Taylor As furious Victorians in local government area hot spots slam conflicting advice from state and federal authorities about whether they can travel, the Andrews Government is getting set to narrow its hot spot definition.
Restrictions to ease despite worrying spike
Camera IconJosh Davies and Sammi Coutts enjoy a drink at the Auburn Hotel. Credit: News Corp Australia, David Caird Victoria has seen a concerning increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, but restrictions are still set to ease on Monday despite authorities expecting the spike to continue in coming days. Double-digit cases of coronavirus could be set to continue in Victoria, although the recent rise in cases will not impact a further easing of restrictions on Monday.
Fears that rising COVID-19 cases could be signalling Victoria’s second wave
Camera IconVictorian health authorities are closely monitoring rising infection numbers to determine if the state is in the early stages of a much feared second wave of coronavirus. Credit: AAP Victoria has had 81 new COVID-19 cases in the past week, compared to just 21 in the previous seven days. Now health authorities fear it might be signalling the early stages of a second wave — and it could see the state go into a second lockdown.
Victoria may remain outside nation’s safe travel bubble
Camera IconVictoria could be excluded from a travel bubble allowing some Australians to crisscross the country free of coronavirus quarantine restrictions. Credit: News Corp Australia, Jason Edwards Victoria may be excluded from a proposed travel bubble due to ongoing coronavirus outbreaks while South Australia gets set to open its borders to residents of select states. The move comes as as Victoria was forced to close its third school this week after a student became infected.
Former conjoined twins Nima and Dawa approach third birthday
They’re come a long way since Melbourne surgeons helped separate conjoined twins Niuma and Dawa. Back home in Bhutan, the pair are soon to turn three – but still remain inseparable. Still side-by-side in almost everything they do, the sisters are in perfect health 16 months after returning to Bhutan following their separation by Royal Children’s Hospital surgeons.
Coronavirus Melbourne: Keilor Downs College records positive case
Victorians who have been working from home will be banned from returning to work in a bid to keep people away from gathering in large numbers. From Monday employers will face fines if they ask employees to end their working from home arrangements. Until now the state government had advised Victorians to work from home if possible. But that advice will be made an order under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act from Monday.
Keilor Downs College student tests positive as Victoria pays for quarantine burden
Students at three schools in Melbourne’s northwest have been quarantined after coming in contact with a student who tested positive for coronavirus. It follows concerns Victoria is unfairly bearing the cost of quarantining residents from other jurisdictions. Students at three schools in Melbourne’s northwest have been quarantined after coming in contact with a student who tested positive for coronavirus.
South Australia red-faced as Victoria pays for quarantine burden
Coronavirus state of origin showdown is looming over concerns Victoria is unfairly bearing the cost and fallout of quarantining residents from other jurisdictions. The Herald Sun can reveal 25 residents from other states have tested positive for coronavirus while housed in Melbourne hotels since overseas travellers were forced into a 14-day quarantine on arrival. A technicality means they are counted in Victoria’s COVID-19 tally.
Coronavirus Melbourne: Online COVID-19 training program not available to staff until day pubs can reopen
The State Government has created an online COVID-19 training program to ensure businesses can reopen safely, however the online course will not be available for employers and employees to access until June 1 — the same day pubs can reopen. AHA Victorian chief executive Paddy O’Sullivan said staff should be given earlier access to the training. Meanwhile, pubgoers can toast the end of shutdown with discounted beers under a Carlton & United Breweries scheme giving away 2000 kegs.
Why delays may loom for cheap beers at the pub
Camera IconJono Brown rides on the Carlton & United Breweries truck. Credit: News Corp Australia, Alex Coppel Pubgoers hoping to return to their local on June 1 may be forced to wait as the government’s online COVID-19 training program is unavailable to staff until the same day pubs can reopen. It comes as Carlton & United Breweries pledged to donate $2 million worth of booze to bars and clubs.
Victorian students to start returning to school in two weeks
Camera IconPeople are slowly getting out again as restrictions begin to ease. Credit: News Corp Australia, Ian Currie Victoria’s prep, grade 1, 2 and senior students will go back to school on May 26 while the remainder will have to wait until after the Queen’s Birthday long weekend for an end to remote learning. Full details of what the staggered return to school means for your family. Victorian students will head back to school in a staggered approach.
Charity enters debate in plea to reopen schools
Victorian classrooms may begin to return to normal before the end of term, as leading charity World Vision Australia calls for schools to be reopened. In what could be a lightning rod to push states to open schools more widely, the charity’s acting CEO Graham Strong said a continued shutdown would widen the gap between disadvantaged children and their peers. “Some disadvantaged children will be lost to the education system completely,” Mr Strong warned.
Prime Minister renews pressure to get Victorian kids back to school
Camera IconHealth experts warn a full return to normal life is impossible without a vaccine. Credit: News Corp Australia, Tim Carrafa As the National Cabinet plans to ease some coronavirus restrictions in three weeks, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says his first priority is “to get kids back to school”, while the Chief Medical Officer says large-scale gatherings will not be contemplated anytime soon.
Lifesavers and volunteer ambos to form medical reserve force to combat coronavirus if crisis worsens
Camera IconLifesavers will form a medical reserve in case Victoria’s coronavirus cases worsen. Credit: News Corp Australia, Susan Windmiller Volunteer paramedics and lifesavers could form a medical reserve force if Victoria’s coronavirus cases spike again. It comes as 17 cases were confirmed on Saturday after a week of single digit figures. Beach lifesavers and St John’s volunteers would drive ambulances, help in hospitals and assist paid paramedics if Victoria is overrun with coronavirus.
Victorian super spreader linked to dozens of virus infections
This coronavirus article is unlocked and free to read in the interest of community health and safety. For full access to trusted news from the Herald Sun and Leader, get a free four week digital subscription here. Health Health authorities are racing to try to stop 52 separate COVID-19 clusters now spreading through Victoria. At least four of the clusters have been linked to a super spreader identified and tracked down by the state’s pandemic detectives.
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