Key Points
- States and territories divided over reducing the isolation period
- Health Services Union demands scrapping of isolation period entirely
- Victoria, NSW to each set up 25 urgent care service centres
On Tuesday, Australia reported at least 77 COVID-19 deaths, including 37 in New South Wales and 18 each in Victoria and Queensland.
States and territories appear to be divided over the reduction of isolation period from seven to five days ahead of the national cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
Victorian, Queensland, Tasmanian and the ACT could support the move if recommended by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.
Health Services Union national president Gerard Hayes told ABC RN Breakfast that the mandatory COVID-19 isolation should be scrapped entirely. He said COVID should be treated like the flu.
Victoria and NSW will each establish 25 urgent care service centres to ease demand on emergency departments from COVID-19.
The GP-partnered services will provide free treatment for conditions such as mild infections, fractures and burns.
The National Mental Health Commission examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's mental health and wellbeing. The survey gathered responses from children aged nine to 17 in early 2022.
About 41 per cent of children reported a negative impact on their wellbeing.
The survey noted a lack of social engagement and contact with extended family were the key concerns for children.
Many children reported struggling with remote learning because of boredom, lack of learning support and inaccessibility to digital technologies.
However, some children shared positive experiences such as a lack of distractions at home, higher productivity and increased flexibility.
The survey showed children and their families need better support from schools and mental health services.
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