Lismore’s Bounty Motel was in the spotlight last weekend when it was announced that it had been used to as a venue to accommodate 26 people in Covid-19 isolation.

Northern NSW Local Health District chief executive Wayne Jones today said the 26 people had now completed their 14 days of isolation in the accommodation. 

“The 26 people were identified as being at venues of concern in Byron Bay at the same time as COVID-19 cases from Brisbane,” Mr Jones said. 

“The accommodation was arranged by NSW Health with the assistance of NSW Police and the North Coast Public Health Unit so that those in temporary accommodation that was unsuitable for self-isolation or could not be extended, would be able to isolate properly. 

“These additional isolation arrangements provided a secure and supportive environment for these patrons. 

“All patrons underwent the required testing during isolation, returning negative results, and have now been released from isolation. 

“We thank them for their cooperation.”

New modelling analyses Covid vaccine rollout delay and predicts more lockdowns

A new-modelling research study conducted by the McKell Institute has analysed the cost of the government's delay in rolling out the Covid-19 vaccine – and predicts more lockdowns could be on the way.

McKell Institute's executive director, Michael Buckland, said the cost blowout 

to the Australian population is likely to exceed $1.4 billion.

“The Morrison Government's initial COVID-19 Vaccine Roadmap plan would have reached the earliest possible measure of herd immunity (65% vaccination rate) by August 2021,” he said. 

“But delays have now blown this date out, increasing the chances of further lockouts and restrictions.”

According to the new report, 'Counting the cost of Australia’s delayed vaccine roll-out,' even if Australia instantly picks up it vaccination rollout rate to that of the UK – currently the second-best performer in the world – it would delay herd immunity by 116 days from the Morrison Government's original projection. 

“On this projection, Australia could except 11.1 days of lockdown in the extra period, costing the economy some $1.368 billion,” Mr Buckland said.

“By comparison, if Australia were to instantly increase the pace of vaccination to mimic the rate of Germany, the delay would be 353 days with a projected economic cost of $4.164 billion.”

More lockdowns?

"These delays will increase the chance of lockdowns and the economic costs that come with them," Mr Buckland said.

"It's vital we are clear sighted about the cost and impact of a government's action or inaction.

"Just as it was correct for the government to measure the economic impact of state lockdowns, so too should the government embrace the publication of clear information about the economic impact of its vaccination roll-out program.

"Australia’s vaccination program has failed to meet its targets and it's incomprehensible that we will catch up. Our leaders need to accept the additional risks of delay and act.

"Additional support measures for vulnerable people and businesses must be considered in response to the delay."

The McKell Institute is a progressive research institute dedicated to providing practical and innovative solutions to contemporary policy challenges.