Good morning, it's Monday, January 24. Here's what you need to get going today.
One thing to know right now: The RATs are free (for some of us) but you'll have to find one...
Here's the lowdown:
- More than 6 million Australians will have access to free rapid antigen tests from today, but pharmacists fear widespread supply shortages mean they will struggle to meet the demand.
- Who can get a free one? Pensioners, veterans and low-income earners are among those allowed up to 10 free tests in a three-month period.
- But the RATs are selling out as soon as they show up. And Chris Freeman, president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, says stores are putting on extra staff just to take the calls:
"The demand is extreme and pharmacists are being pushed to the limit with this at the moment."
One thing you’ll be hearing about today: There's a meat shortage for Australia Day
- You'll have seen it already (or not seen it) — the supermarket meat aisles are pretty bare right now, as Omicron infections hit meat processing.
- But in this piece for The Conversation, labour market experts argue the crisis was "entirely predictable."
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So what are "these conditions"? A couple of things:
- Low temperatures and low humidity inside these facilities increases viral transmission;
- Poor air quality increases the prevalence of respiratory disorders;
- Hectic and physically demanding work (while being close together);
- Few workers are employed as permanent employees (affecting sick leave benefits).
- They say it's not too late for Australia to make some changes — like paying sub-contractors and casual workers the same wages as direct staff.
News while you snoozed
Let's get you up to speed.
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The back-to-school plans are in for NSW and Victoria (including two tests for students and teachers each week for the first month of term, plus masks) but schools *won’t* be closing when cases arise — NSW’s Education Minister says teachers who are close contacts won't be forced back into the classroom (and we’re expecting to hear from Queensland and the ACT today on their back-to school plans).
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A nightclub fire in Cameroon has killed 17 and injured eight, after explosions were set off by cooking gas. It comes as the nation hosts the month-long African Football Cup of Nations tournament, which has attracted thousands of fans and tourists.
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says it's too soon to impose sanctions on Russia, amid concerns Moscow may invade Ukraine. Talks have failed so far to prevent thousands of Russian troops massing on its neighbour's border
The news Australia is searching for
- Ash Barty: She's through to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open for the fourth straight year, after disposing of 20-year-old American Anna Anisimova in straight sets 6-4, 6-3. Next up? that's 21st seed American Jessica Pegula.
- Dylan Alcott: He's started his farewell appearance at the Open, with a come-from-behind performance against Dutch rival Niels Vink. Alcott won 6-7 (1-7), 6-4, 6-2 in the quarterfinal match. But the post-match interview (where he shows a bit of love for the fans) is worth a watch:
One more thing: Grace Tame is engaged
Yep, the Australian of the Year is getting married to partner Max Heerey (she joked after this: "we'll wear helmets at the wedding too don't worry"):
And as Ms Tame's 12 months in the role comes to a close this week, Sexual Assault Support Service in her hometown of Hobart says they saw a massive spike in referrals this year, as a result of her advocacy.
So far this financial year, the service is averaging 84 new referrals each month. In 2020/21, referrals rose from 553 to 832 — a more than 50 per cent increase.
Here's Jill Maxwell, their CEO:
"We had a lot of people saying that as a result of Grace speaking out they felt like it was OK to reach out to a service like ours and seek some support."
That's it for now
We'll be back later on with more of the good stuff.
ABC/wires
