COVID-19 Update: NSW students return to school as Victoria renews vaccination efforts

This is your update on the Coronavirus in Australia for 25 October 2021.

Students of Hunter School of the Performing Arts celebrate their return on campus in Sydney after months of lockdown.

Students of Hunter School of the Performing Arts celebrate their return on campus in Newcastle after months of lockdown. Source: Supplied by Hunter School of the Performing Arts

Booster dose to be available six months after second dose, subject to approval
Victoria renews efforts to increase Indigenous vaccination rates
All students in NSW return to school today

Victoria

The state has recorded 1,461 new locally acquired cases and seven deaths, including a woman in her 20s.

Health Minister Martin Foley announced renewed efforts to create vaccination awareness in Indigenous communities. A series of pop-up clinics were announced for communities with ‘low levels’ of vaccination.

Close to 80 per cent of the Aboriginal community of over-12 years of age in the state has received its first dose of vaccination. The state-wide number for the same age group is over 90 per cent.

From Friday, October 29, restrictions will ease further, including the scrapping of outdoor masks and the return of regional travel across state.

Click to book your vaccine appointment today.

New South Wales

New South Wales recorded 294 new locally acquired cases and four deaths.

All school students have returned to class today. However, not all teachers could return to work owing to the mandatory full vaccination rules.

“Over 95 per cent of our teachers have been vaccinated and that enabled us to open our schools safely. It is an extraordinary effort,” said Premier Dominic Perrottet.

Non-urgent elective surgery will also resume at public and private hospitals within Greater Sydney after being cancelled in August.

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Queensland

Queensland has recorded no new cases today.

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Last 24 hours around Australia

ACT has recorded 9 new coronavirus cases.
NT will begin a four-week pilot program of 14-day home quarantine from tomorrow.
Commander Defence of COVID-19 Taskforce, Lt. General John Frewen has announced that booster doses should be available after six months of the second dose, subject to ATAGI’s approval.

Quarantine, travel, testing clinics and pandemic disaster payment

Quarantine and testing requirements are managed and enforced by state and territory governments:

NSW Travel & transport and Quarantine

VIC Travel permit, Overseas travellers and Quarantine

ACT Transport and Quarantine

NT Travel and Quarantine

QLD Travel and Quarantine

SA Travel and Quarantine

TAS Travel and Quarantine

WA Travel and Quarantine

If you want to travel overseas, you may be able to apply online for an exemption. Click here for more information about the conditions to leave Australia. There are temporary measures for international flights that are regularly reviewed by the government and updated on the Smart Traveller website.