What's That Rash? - TopPodcast.com

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The official modelling is out! Now what?! Aug 04, 2021

Show notes

If you thought we’ve suddenly been awash with modelling on the best way forward for Australia's response to coronavirus and how to reach so-called herd immunity you’d be right.

But yesterday we got the report we’ve all been waiting for: the assumptions and details behind the Doherty Institute’s modelling.

The Doherty Institute is one of the best in the country and it's the organisation that’s been advising the Commonwealth on how to get a soft landing in this pandemic when we eventually reopen to the world.

So on today’s Coronacast, what can we take away from the report and might we soon see a vaccine rollout shakeup?

What is it like inside Sydney's ICU wards? Aug 03, 2021

Show notes

As the number of COVID-19 cases in Sydney continues to grow, so do the numbers of people in hospital and intensive care.

Currently, there are 232 COVID-19 cases in hospital in NSW. 54 of them are in intensive care and 25 require ventilation.

So what's it like inside Sydney's ICU wards? And how does it differ from last year?

Also on today's show:

* Why are kids under 16 left out of the national roadmap?

* Are we throwing under 16's or under 12's under a bus by not including them in the roll out for the vaccine?

* Why do we still have vaccine eligibility? Wouldn't it be better to set up a hub and let anyone who wants it come and get it?

Is 70 per cent fully vaccinated enough? Aug 02, 2021

Show notes

Australia is planning on taking the next big steps in its response to the global coronavirus pandemic.

The Federal Government last week released a four-stage plan on how we'll manage virus outbreaks as more and more of us are vaccinated.

In it, the first trigger point comes when 70 per cent of the eligible population - that's 16 years or older - are fully vaccinated.

On today's Coronacast, why that number might be a bit easier to reach than you'd think and why it might not be enough to see the end of restrictions.

Also on today's show:

* What is the reasoning behind NSW Government's decision to prioritise vaccinating year 12 students?

The magic number to end lockdowns forever Jul 30, 2021

Show notes

Do you like the sound of no more lockdowns? What about minimal to no restrictions on day-to-day life?

We constantly hear vaccination is our way out of this bloody pandemic, but just how many of us need to get vaccinated before it can end?

Well, the experts over at the Grattan Institute have tackled this very problem and say the figure is 80 per cent of Australians.

So on today's Coronacast, since only 32 per cent of us have at least one dose, it seems like there's a road to travel. But how long might it take?

GUEST:Professor Stephen Duckett, Director, Health Program at Grattan Institute

Another four weeks. Will it change things? Jul 29, 2021

Show notes

Sydneysiders face another four weeks in lockdown, as health authorities desperately try to bend the curve of coronavirus infections.

While there has been some tightening of restrictions, epidemiologists remain skeptical it'll achieve a decline in caseloads anytime soon.

Restrictions are tighter in eight of Sydney's local government areas, which were expanded to include Parramatta, Campbelltown and Georges River where people can't leave unless for very specific work.

So on today's Coronacast, will four more weeks be enough? Or in a month, could we be in the same place we are now?

What next for Sydney's lockdown? Jul 28, 2021

Show notes

As lockdowns lift in Victoria and South Australia overnight, big problems remain in New South Wales.

A week ago, NSW had posted 110 locally acquired cases.

Yesterday, it recorded 172 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases, the highest daily number since the outbreak began in June.

So on today's Coronacast, as Sydneysiders wait to hear about the future of the lockdown, what might the NSW Government be considering?

Also on today's show:

* What is the latest on natural immunity? How long does it last?

* There was talk in Victoria with some cases testing positive on day 13 in isolation. Doesn't Delta have a quicker onset than other strains?

Is Delta deadlier for younger people? Jul 27, 2021

Show notes

As new coronavirus variants come onto the scene, it forces us to revisit what we know about COVID-19 and how to deal with it.

We already know the Delta variant is more infectious, but is it more deadly?

Early data from overseas, and from Australia on ICU admissions imply that it is - but knowing for sure may take a bit longer to know.

Also on today's show:

* Say you got the vaccine and then 30 seconds later, a shark bit off your arm. Would the vaccine still be effective, or does enough of the vaccine stuff happen in your arm itself that you'd need another dose?

Why are 40% of Australians in their 60s not vaccinated yet? Jul 26, 2021

Show notes

While millions of young people wait for enough vaccine to arrive in the country, there are still large numbers of people who are eligible today that haven't yet gotten a shot.

According to Commonwealth data, roughly 40 per cent of Australians in their 60s have not yet been vaccinated.

It's vital that as many people are vaccinated as possible, and for the Delta variant currently circulating in the country's largest states, a person needs two shots for the best protection.

On today's Coronacast, if people in their 60s are waiting for Pfizer, they might be waiting for a while.

Also on today's show:

* If Delta is more contagious, are masks less effective?

What if NSW can't get it under control? Jul 23, 2021

Show notes

A lot is riding on NSW being able to get its hand around its COVID-19 outbreak and bring it all back under control, but there's no guarantee that it'll be able to do it.

And there are huge implications for the rest of the country.

What will happen to hotel quarantine? Will other states give up vaccine allocations to the state most in need? And how will people travel in and out of NSW?

Also on today's show:

* Comparative effectiveness of COVID vaccines against Delta

* Aaaaand Quick Fire Friday

References:

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2108891

What can we learn from the UK's Freedom Day? Jul 22, 2021

Show notes

Ever since the pandemic begun, we've all be looking forward to the day it's finally over.

As Australia grapples with Delta outbreaks in three capital cities, other places in the world - like the UK - are throwing the doors open and hoping for the best.

The UK's experience can give a guide on how many people need to be fully vaccinated before big moves are made, but with surging infections it also may provide a warning.

So on today's Coronacast, what can we learn from the UK's Freedom Day?

Also on today's show:

* What does Delta mean for 1.5 meter separation and 15 minute exposure windows?

* What if NSW can't get on top of the Delta outbreak?

* More stories on testing times