What we learned today, Saturday 19 February
We’re going to wrap things up for the day. Here are today’s key events:
- NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania recorded a total of 45 Covid-related deaths.
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Western Australia recorded its highest number of daily Covid-19 cases for the pandemic, with 257 local infections.
- The former Australian of the year Grace Tame has written an open letter regarding the publication this week of an old photo of her near a bong. Tame wrote that publication of the photo let her down as an individual but even more so as an advocate for survivors of child sexual abuse.
- The NSW government announced a jobs package to support workers affected by the closure of coal-fired power stations in the state. The state’s treasurer, Matt Kean, says the investment in clean industries will create 3,700 jobs.
Thanks for joining us and we’ll see you again tomorrow.
Updated
Victorians aged 18 and over will be able to access the Covid-19 vaccine Novavax through selected state-run centres as well as GPs and pharmacies from Monday, the state’s health minister, Martin Foley, says.
The vaccine will be available through more than 400 general practices and community pharmacies across the state, as well as the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, Sandown racecourse in Springvale, Sunshine hospital in St Albans, the former Ford factory in Geelong and the McIntosh Centre in Shepparton.
Pop-up vaccination clinics will offer the vaccine over coming weeks in parts of Melbourne where there has been strong interest in Novavax.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommends the Novavax vaccine be given in two doses at least three weeks apart.
Novavax is not currently approved for use as a third dose or for children. It can be used with another approved Covid-19 vaccine as either a first or second dose.
Updated
