Weekly COVID news at a glance

1   Vaccination is free

The federal health department is investigating whether doctors are illegally charging patients for COVID-19 vaccines, after claims some people were asked to pay.

Some GPs have reportedly asked Australian pensioners to pay between $70 to $90 dollars for a ‘pre-vaccination consultation’.

But under the new COVID-19 Medicare Benefits Schedule, the Vaccine Suitability Assessment, the cost of the vaccine and vaccine delivery are fully covered for patients.

This includes free vaccines for all temporary and bridging visa holders, refugees and asylum seekers.

The entire vaccine process in Australia is free to ensure there are no barriers for people wishing to receive the jab. Health department officials say they will take action against any doctors if they charge any fees.

2  No options for vaccines

/  Chief Executive Andrew Way

Healthcare workers are being reminded they can’t choose the COVID-19 vaccine they are given, amid claims from the Alfred Hospital that staff were attempting to do so.

In a letter sent out to hospital staff last week, Chief Executive Andrew Way said it was ‘disappointing’ to hear staff requesting to have the Pfizer vaccine, instead of AstraZeneca.

He said while anxiety around vaccinations is understandable, demands for one vaccine over another would not be tolerated, and no one in Australia has a choice over which vaccine would be administered.

Meanwhile, elderly Australians and the general public in Victoria are being reminded to go to a local GP to receive their vaccinations.

People from the general public have reportedly been arriving at mass vaccination sites to receive their shots.

But health officials are reminding people that these sites are specifically for healthcare staff and other critical workers to receive vaccinations.

3  Virus found in wastewater 

People living in Melbourne’s western suburbs are being urged to monitor their COVID-19 symptoms, after traces of the virus were found in wastewater in up to 18 suburbs across the region.

The viral fragments were detected in wastewater from Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit, Truganina and Werribee, between March 22 and 29. Residents in those areas, or people who passed through, showing any symptoms of the virus, are being asked to get tested and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.

It is the second wastewater alert to be issued over the past week after fragments were also found in samples from Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs between March 21 and 25.

Meanwhile, the Victorian Government is conducting compliance checks over the next three weeks to ensure businesses are using COVID-safe practices.

This includes correct social distancing protocols and checking if businesses are using QR code check-in and record keeping of all customers.

4  False vaccine supplier attention

COVID-19 vaccine supplier AstraZeneca is urging Australians to avoid buying COVID-19 vaccine doses from suppliers claiming to sell directly to the public.

International law enforcement agency Interpol is warning consumers after South African authorities arrested people over alleged distribution of fake vaccinations.

There are now fears the counterfeit doses are headed to Australia. AstraZeneca is only delivering its COVID vaccines to the government for direct distribution to health providers.

Registered providers will then administer the vaccines directly to eligible patients. There are currently no vaccines available through private suppliers in Australia. Anyone who hasn’t received the vaccine from government suppliers has likely received a false dose.

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5  VIC to QLD border remains closed

Victorian authorities say it is likely the border closure to Greater Brisbane will remain, even if the city’s three-day lockdown ends. The news came after eight new community cases of COVID-19 were reported on 30th March.

Brisbane’s latest cluster of cases has grown to 15, as the city enters its final day of the current lockdown. Six of the cases are close contacts of confirmed cases and two are under investigation.

Victoria declared the Greater Brisbane area a red zone under the state’s travel permit system on Monday. Travellers returning to Victoria must now enter 14-days of mandatory quarantining. So far around 30 passengers who have arrived in Melbourne from Brisbane are in hotel quarantine.

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6  VIC gov grant for against racism 

The Victorian Government is calling for community initiatives that tackle racism and discrimination across the state.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence announced that applications are now open for the Local Anti-Racism Initiatives Grants Program 2021 until Friday, 16 April.

Grants between 50-thousand and 500-thousand dollars are available for projects promoting understanding, inclusion, and social cohesion.

The program aims to help local communities to report racism incidents, promote awareness and understanding of their rights, support those affected by racism and promote community harmony.