#epidemicsandpandemics — Public Fediverse posts

Is this our new normal? They come from all walks of life, and all parts of Australia. Six months on from the start of life in the shadow of COVID-19 they're asking themselves, will anything ever be the same again? https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-21/covid-19-coronavirus-australia-jobs-careers-family/12864550 #EpidemicsandPandemics #CommunityandSociety #Rural

Could COVID-19 snuff out New Year's Eve fireworks? Australia's fireworks industry has been hard hit by the cancellation of mass gatherings because of coronavirus and the need for social distancing. Now businesses are trying to find ways to make New Year's Eve displays COVID-safe. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-26/coronavirus-queensland-decimates-fireworks-new-years-eve/12702736 #InfectiousDiseases(Other) #EpidemicsandPandemics #TravelHealthandSafety #GovernmentandPolitics #COVID-19

Farmers and agribusinesses could join class action for compensation from Vic and SA governments Regional Victorian legal firm issues call-out to regional border communities for interest from agribusiness to join class action, citing freedom of trade across state borders as a 'very important guarantee in our federal constitution'. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-09-18/class-actions-against-vic-sa-state-govts-over-border-closures/12672408 #EpidemicsandPandemics #StatesandTerritories #Trade

Interstate seasonal workers likely to be in Tasmania for the berry harvest later this month After weeks of pushing for Tasmanians to fill the labour shortage on farms this year, the Government looks set to allow interstate and overseas seasonal workers into the state for the fruit harvest. https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2020-09-08/tasmania-gives-the-green-light-on-seasonal-workers/12639464 #Business,EconomicsandFinance #EpidemicsandPandemics #LifestyleandLeisure #AgriculturalCrops

'We'd just like to feel like we're not criminals': Failure to agree on Ag Worker Movement Code Farmers express frustration as National Cabinet fails to reach consensus on a code that would have allowed agricultural workers to move across all state borders relatively freely. https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2020-09-04/national-cabinet-fails-agree-ag-workers-code-covid-state-borders/12628600 #Quarantine-Agricultural #AgriculturalMachinery #EpidemicsandPandemics #StatesandTerritories #Rural

Australian Lamb Company abattoir hit with new coronavirus case in Colac The abattoir at the centre of one of regional Victoria's largest coronavirus clusters records a new case of COVID-19. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-25/new-covid-19-case-recorded-in-country-victorian-abattoir/12593946 #EpidemicsandPandemics #DiseasesandDisorders #Agribusiness #COVID-19

Beef jerky business chews through tough times From the farmhouse kitchen to the shelves of supermarkets, the Camerons are biting their way through the beef jerky market. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-25/augathella-beef-jerky-bites-back-after-covid19-downturn/12581508 #EpidemicsandPandemics #FoodandBeverage #FoodandCooking #FoodProcessing #Agribusiness #BeefCattle #COVID-19 #Retail

'We've been able to put staff back on': Regional tourists making up for missed season in north Queensland Magnetic Island and Charters Towers are seeing a surge in visitors as Townsville prepares for two major sporting events. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-24/north-queensland-regional-tourism-regaining-coronavirus-loss/12588752 #EpidemicsandPandemics #TravelandTourism #RuralTourism #MotorSports #COVID-19 #Tourism #Boxing

Wool market dips below 1,000c/kg and hits eight-year low The Australian wool price is now at its lowest level since 2012 after 59c/kg was swiped from the Australian Wool Exchange this week. https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2020-08-20/australian-wool-market-plummets-hits-eight-year-low/12574562 #AgriculturalMarketing #EpidemicsandPandemics #AgriculturalPrices #Agribusiness #Retail #Wool

Victorian meatworks asked staff back to work before they received COVID-19 test results under new rules A change in the rules for industries that have suffered coronavirus outbreaks sees a Victorian meatworks given permission to ask staff back to work before they had the results from precautionary COVID-19 tests. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-20/victorian-meatworks-asked-workers-to-come-back-coronavirus/12569394 #EpidemicsandPandemics #IndustrialRelations #FoodProcessing #FoodSafety

'It's unacceptable': Victoria-SA border farmers have mixed results getting permits Farmers living near the SA-Victoria border say they are already having issues applying for new border permits ahead of a tightening of the border on Friday. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-19/sa-vic-farmers-worried-about-border-closure/12553362 #EpidemicsandPandemics #Agriculture #FarmLabour #COVID-19 #Health #Rural

Brisbane's Ekka goes online as royal country shows look to coronavirus-proof their business As royal shows across the country are cancelled amid the global pandemic, organisers, suppliers and retailers are coming up with innovative ways for the show to go on. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-14/coronavirus-queensland-country-shows-go-digital-to-stay-alive/12551588 #EpidemicsandPandemics #DiseasesandDisorders #HealthAdministration #Federal-StateIssues #CommunityandSociety #HealthPolicy

Brisbane's Ekka goes online as royal country shows look to coronavirus-proof their business As royal shows across the country are cancelled amid the global pandemic, organisers, suppliers and retailers are coming up with innovative ways for the show to go on. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-14/coronavirus-queensland-country-shows-go-digital-to-stay-alive/12551588 #EpidemicsandPandemics #DiseasesandDisorders #HealthAdministration #Federal-StateIssues #CommunityandSociety #HealthPolicy

Cute, fluffy and useful: How alpacas are helping researchers in the fight against COVID-19 In the race to find a vaccine against COVID-19, researchers have turned to an animal known for its spitting and surly attitude — the alpaca. https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2020-08-13/alpacas-help-researchers-in-hunt-for-coronavirus-cure/12550702 #ScienceandResearchManagement #EpidemicsandPandemics #ScienceandTechnology #DiseasesandDisorders #MedicalResearch #Livestock #COVID-19 #Health #Rural

Coronavirus has separated us from our family pet and we don't know when she will come home There is a lot beyond our control as we navigate our way through the pandemic. But my family is now grappling with another problem: we don't know when we will see our dog again, writes Kate McQuestin. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-11/coronavirus-separated-family-pet-stranded-overseas/12531198 #Quarantine-ControlMethods #Quarantine-Agricultural #EpidemicsandPandemics #SocialDistancing #COVID-19

Sleepy hinterland gets green light to become hotspot for mountain bike tourism Shrouded by cool tropical rainforest and with a riding season that runs all year round, Eungella and Finch Hatton, in Mackay's hinterland, could become prime mountain biking destinations. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-10/mackay-hinterland-to-become-mountain-bike-mecca/12490176 #EpidemicsandPandemics #RegionalDevelopment #TravelandTourism #LocalGovernment #RuralTourism #Hospitality #Regional #COVID-19

With nowhere to go and gold prices soaring, West Australians turn their hands to prospecting Record high gold prices and closed borders spark a boom in gold prospecting in Western Australia's Goldfields region, and metal detectors are flying off shelves around the state. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-07/high-gold-price-leads-to-prospecting-boom-in-wa/12531754 #EpidemicsandPandemics #RegionalDevelopment #CommunityandSociety #SmallBusiness #RuralTourism #Regional #COVID-19 #Gold

Why city daytrippers are making country towns nervous about COVID-19 Regional New South Wales is teeming with temptations for tourists, but locals in country towns are getting wary of outsiders — with one saying ID checks are often met with a "huff and puff" of annoyance. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-05/regional-nsw-fears-covid-19-cases-from-city-visitors/12519132 #EpidemicsandPandemics #TravelandTourism #RuralTourism #COVID-19 #Regional #Tourism

Shoppers urged to be patient as Victorian coronavirus restrictions impact food supply Victorians are being urged not to buy more meat and vegetables than they need, as the rise of COVID-19 cases across the state forces food processors to reduce staff numbers. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-04/victorian-coronavirus-restrictions-impact-on-food-supply/12518136 #EpidemicsandPandemics #FoodandBeverage #FoodProcessing #Agribusiness #Agriculture #Industry #COVID-19

Queensland's border closes, leaving millions locked out after last-minute scramble Thousands of people dash for Queensland before the border officially closes to Greater Sydney, with dozens of extra flights arriving at Brisbane Airport and long traffic delays on the Gold Coast. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-01/coronavirus-queensland-border-closure-impact-millions-locked-out/12512266 #Business,EconomicsandFinance #InfectiousDiseases(Other) #EpidemicsandPandemics #Federal-StateIssues

Border communities say SA Health 'dropped the ball' as mandatory testing is introduced Victorian cross-border residents travelling to South Australia are struggling to find facilities to get mandatory COVID-19 testing, despite SA Health saying testing are facilities available. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-30/covid19-tests-leave-sa-vic-cross-border-communities-stranded/12506092 #DoctorsandMedicalProfessionals #EpidemicsandPandemics #StatesandTerritories #Federal-StateIssues #Police

Civil liberty campaigner says rights not being breached by face masks rule As Bendigo residents are urged to wear face masks, a civil liberties and human rights group says there is no "human right" being breached by being made to wear the covering. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-28/face-masks-and-civil-liberties-in-bendigo/12498298 #EpidemicsandPandemics #SocialDistancing #FoodProcessing #HealthPolicy #Epidemiology #HumanRights #COVID-19 #Regional #Rights #Work

COVID-19 cluster at Don KR Smallgoods sparks concern of central Victorian spread The cluster of cases linked to the Don KR Smallgoods meat processing plant in Castlemaine reaches six, heightening concerns coronavirus could be spreading in central Victoria. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-27/covid19-cluster-grows-at-don-kr-smallgoods-castlemaine/12494720 #InfectiousDiseases(Other) #EpidemicsandPandemics #FoodProcessing #COVID-19 #Health

The 'domino effect' in Victoria's meat industry pushing COVID case numbers higher You used to be able to smell Melbourne's meatworks before you could see them. Now, linked to almost 300 coronavirus cases, the abattoirs are on the nose once again. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-26/coronavirus-covid-19-meatworks-abattoirs-victoria/12490178 #EpidemicsandPandemics #DiseasesandDisorders #FoodandBeverage #FoodProcessing #Epidemiology #Livestock #COVID-19 #Health

From DJing to dirt: Former triple j host swaps music for organic farming With the coronavirus pandemic putting her and many others in the music industry out of work, a former triple j presenter has used the time to pursue her other passion: organic farming. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-25/djing-to-dirt-musician-pivots-to-permaculture/12489978 #SustainableandAlternativeFarming #EpidemicsandPandemics #WomenInAgriculture #MusicIndustry #Horticulture #FarmLabour #Volunteers #Gardening

Some residents now allowed to cross Victorian border as NSW varies restrictions NSW has signed off on an exemption to its Victorian border rules that will allow some people to travel interstate, but conditions apply. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-22/covid-19-border-travel-exemption-for-nsw-and-victorian-towns/12480666 #EpidemicsandPandemics #GovernmentandPolitics #COVID-19 #Regional #Health #Rural

Tiny Gulf town of Karumba now the Noosa of the north A remote fishing village north of Mount Isa is enjoying a tourist boom as Queenslanders from all over the state pay a visit. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-14/queensland-karumba-noosa-of-north-tourism-influx/12449208 #EpidemicsandPandemics #TravelHealthandSafety #HealthAdministration #LifestyleandLeisure #TravelandTourism #SocialDistancing #RuralTourism #HealthPolicy #COVID-19 #Health #Rural

Tiny Gulf town of Karumba now the Noosa of the north A remote fishing village north of Mount Isa is enjoying a tourist boom as Queenslanders from all over the state pay a visit. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-14/queensland-karumba-noosa-of-north-tourism-influx/12449208 #EpidemicsandPandemics #TravelHealthandSafety #HealthAdministration #LifestyleandLeisure #TravelandTourism #SocialDistancing #RuralTourism #HealthPolicy #COVID-19 #Health #Rural

Long waits predicted as border checks continue for travellers to get into Queensland A surge of arrivals to Queensland will likely face another lengthy wait at the border, a day after the state lifted coronavirus travel bans on most interstate visitors. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-11/coronavirus-queensland-border-crossings-interstate-travellers/12440518 #InfectiousDiseases(Other) #EpidemicsandPandemics #TravelHealthandSafety #GovernmentandPolitics #DiseasesandDisorders #COVID-19

Planning to cross the Queensland border? Here's what you need to know From midday today, Queensland's borders will reopen to travellers from all states and territories except Victoria. Here's what you need to know if you're planning a trip to the Sunshine State. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-10/coronavirus-queensland-border-reopen-except-to-victorians/12438210 #Business,EconomicsandFinance #InfectiousDiseases(Other) #EpidemicsandPandemics #TravelHealthandSafety #DiseasesandDisorders

Travel bubble between Mildura and SA suggested as borders tighten A Victorian politician and SA mayor are pushing for a travel bubble between their neighbouring towns, but restrictions are tightening. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-08/victoria-south-australia-push-regional-travel-bubble-covid19/12427784 #TravelHealthandSafety #EpidemicsandPandemics #CommunityandSociety #SocialDistancing #LocalGovernment #RuralTourism #Hospitality #Lockdown #COVID-19 #Regional #Surgery #Tourism

Don't worry Brisbane, you won't miss out on your Ekka sundae this year Four tonnes of strawberries and 10 tonnes of fresh ice-cream will be used to serve up 60,000 iconic Ekka strawberry sundaes at pop-up stalls throughout Brisbane, with DIY packs available for delivery to your workplace too. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-06/strawberry-sundaes-to-keep-the-ekka-spirit-alive/12425182 #CharitiesandCommunityOrganisations #EpidemicsandPandemics #AgriculturalShows #AgriculturalCrops

Five children hospitalised following salmonella outbreak linked to backyard chicken pens Queensland Health investigates 17 cases of salmonella after some children are hospitalised. The outbreak has been caused by the surge in backyard chicken pens during the COVID-19 lockdown. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-02/queensland-salmonella-outbreak-children-backyard-chickens/12415994 #PoultryandEggProduction #EpidemicsandPandemics #DiseasesandDisorders #FoodPoisoning #FoodSafety #Livestock

Pandemic exposes vulnerability of agricultural supply chain Australia's agricultural supply chains are widely regarded as being fine-tuned and efficient, but the pandemic has shown how quickly things can unravel. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-06-07/agricultural-supply-chains-during-pandemic/12319704 #InternationalAidandTrade #GovernmentandPolitics #EpidemicsandPandemics #AgriculturalMarketing #AgriculturalChemicals #AgriculturalMachinery #AgriculturalPolicy #AgriculturalCrops #COVID-19

Uncertain times for beef exports but domestic demand surges The beef industry is experiencing international export bans, increased freight costs and graziers are seeing a significant drop in demand from the overseas market, but there is a silver lining to the crisis. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-24/beef-industry-uncertain-times-as-coronavirus-impacts-sector/12279442 #InternationalAidandTrade #EpidemicsandPandemics #SocialDistancing #FoodProcessing #FoodandCooking #Hospitality

One of Australia's largest duck processors stands down over 60 staff Duck processor Luv-a-Duck has been forced to cut more than 60 jobs because of the impact of coronavirus on the food service industry. https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2020-05-14/luvaduck-nhill-meat-processor-cuts-jobs/12247094 #PoultryandEggProduction #EpidemicsandPandemics #SocialDistancing #FoodandBeverage #FoodProcessing #Unemployment #Hospitality #Livestock #COVID-19 #Work

Pandemic sees people seeking regional lifestyle, getting back to basics If COVID-19 has spawned in you a desire to grow veggies and raise chooks, you might be among a demographic cohort tipped to create a wave of post-pandemic migration. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-10/post-covid-19-pandemic-simpler-life-migration/12229082 #UrbanDevelopmentandPlanning #PopulationandDemographics #PoultryandEggProduction #EpidemicsandPandemics #EnvironmentalImpact #VegetableGardens #SocialDistancing

Dig for victory! What world war 'victory gardens' can teach us about growing food in crisis With plant nurseries and hardware stores reporting shortages of seedlings as backyard gardeners stock up, there's talk of a return to the vegie gardens of old. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-25/the-return-of-the-world-war-victory-garden/12085190 #InfectiousDiseases(Other) #EpidemicsandPandemics #CommunityandSociety #WomenInAgriculture #AgriculturalCrops #VegetableGardens #VegetableCrops #Rural

Doctors call for military help as travel bans, border closures bite The Government must mobilise the military to transport medical staff and patients around Australia as flight route cancellations and border closures create new challenges for already-stretched remote health services, rural doctors say. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-24/coronavirus-rural-doctors-call-for-military-move-medicos/12085078 #EpidemicsandPandemics #DiseasesandDisorders #HealthcareFacilities #DefenceForces

'$7 for lettuce is ridiculous': Fruit and veg prices skyrocket amid COVID-19 panic buying As the coronavirus continues to spread shoppers are reporting significant increases in supermarket prices. Retailers, meanwhile, say the cost of doing business has gone up "exponentially". https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-22/coronavirus-panic-buying-sees-fresh-produce-price-hikes/12078198 #EpidemicsandPandemics #AgriculturalCrops #FoodandBeverage #ConsumerFinance #Vegetables #COVID-19 #Fruits

'It's about limiting the damage': Concerns rural families will struggle if schools close A regional school principal says the pandemic highlights gaps in education opportunities as a quarter of his students might not be able to access the internet at home. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-17/coronavirus-pandemic-highlights-regional-city-students-gap/12063396 #InformationandCommunication #InfectiousDiseases(Other) #ComputersandTechnology #EpidemicsandPandemics #DiseasesandDisorders

Coronavirus sours pork price as restaurant bookings plunge People are abandoning restaurants amid the coronavirus crisis, causing pork prices to fall and cruelling the slow recovery for pig producers. https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2020-03-16/coronavirus-sours-pork-price-as-restaurant-bookings-drop/12059902 #InfectiousDiseases(Other) #EpidemicsandPandemics #DiseasesandDisorders #RespiratoryDiseases #FoodandCooking #PigProduction #HumanInterest #Hospitality #Livestock #Rural