In the NSW State Archives summary of the “Spanish” Flu of 1919, the first government proclamation closed libraries, schools, churches, theatres, public halls and indoor places of entertainment. Two days later on 30 January, three proclamations were issued: Mandatory wearing of masks to cover nose and mouth. Public gatherings prohibited. No crossing the border fromContinue reading “Not Unprecedented”
Tag Archives: History
Postscript: Beyond Day 40
Post-Script to Social Isolation Journal: Afterthoughts following Day 40 I include my short form March records below to see how far we’ve come (records started 16th March, Journal from 22 March). At day 40 I forgot my final helpful advice for Donald Trump’s quest for a COVID-19 cure, to wit, take a dip in aContinue reading “Postscript: Beyond Day 40”
Day 40 Thursday 30th April
Graduated easing starts tomorrow in NSW and in other states and territories. For NSW, two people will be able to visit other people, including children, for social or care reasons. This is due to flattening of the curve. Remember, this shutdown started March 22 when state cases numbered over 500 with nearly 100 new onesContinue reading “Day 40 Thursday 30th April”
Day 39 Wednesday 29th April
Looking again at Michael Bradley’s piece in Crikey referred to yesterday, it occurred to me that, instead of JobKeeper excluding over a million vulnerable workers, this crisis was an opportunity to test a Universal Basic Income with this control group for the six months of lock-down. A universal wage subsidy, Bradley suggests, was too muchContinue reading “Day 39 Wednesday 29th April”
Day 38 Tuesday 28th April
Starting Mayday this weekend we have some easing of lockdown restrictions. In NSW we can begin to visit friends and family. Queensland and Western Australia have announced similar plans to ease social distancing rules but Victoria is digging in. On the negative side of the ledger is that now 20 staff and 34 residents ofContinue reading “Day 38 Tuesday 28th April”
Day 37 Monday 27th April
The newly released COVIDSafe App drew 1.13 million downloads in the first five hours, exceeding expectations, yet concerns remain over privacy and potential scope creep (code for distrust of government). Western Australia and Queensland announced “easings” of public health orders. Easing for NSW backfired with beachgoers not distancing. Now a scandal has broken over aContinue reading “Day 37 Monday 27th April”
Day 36 Sunday 26th April
Most prominent virus news today is the release of the Commonwealth Government’s app for detection and tracing. Medical and political leaders endorsed it and urged us to download it. It will be interesting to see what the take-up rate is. Global death tally has passed 200,000 from over 2.86 million cases. Australia has 83 deathsContinue reading “Day 36 Sunday 26th April”
Day 35 Saturday 25th April
Anzac Day. Lest we forget. Neighbours and their candles in front of homes at dawn. In remembrance. How do we remember and say thanks? What would those who sacrificed their lives have wished for if they had their lives to live? My reflection is that every time we behave badly towards one another we diminishContinue reading “Day 35 Saturday 25th April”
Day 34 Friday 24th April
National Cabinet met today as we ease into week two of a four week review period in which the road back is to be paved, emphasizing economic recovery. Restrictions are to be lifted on small gatherings and concessions made to community sport. It will be safe for all schools to resume in early June (youContinue reading “Day 34 Friday 24th April”
Day 33 Thursday 23rd April
The Ruby Princess left Port Kembla this afternoon with 500 crew members. 10% of all Australian COVID-19 cases were passengers on this ship. Along with this welcome departure inquiry season has begun: federal government response to the virus, the Ruby Princess saga, WHO capability to investigate disease outbreaks. These inquiries take the form of whatContinue reading “Day 33 Thursday 23rd April”
Awesomely Astute 