While Australians may be focused on the havoc the Delta variant is wreaking on our shores, Delta is in fact driving waves of COVID infections all around the world.
With the World Health Organization (WHO) warning Delta will rapidly become the dominant strain, let’s take a look at this variant in a global context.
The rise and rise of Delta
The Delta variant (B.1.617.2) emerged quietly in the Indian state of Maharashtra in October 2020. It barely caused a ripple at a time when India was reporting around 40,000 to 80,000 cases a day, most being the Alpha variant (B.1.1.7) first found in the United Kingdom.
That changed in April when India experienced a massive wave of infections peaking at close to 400,000 daily cases in mid-May. The Delta variant rapidly emerged as the dominant strain in India.
The WHO designated Delta as a variant of concern on May 11, making it the fourth such variant.
The Delta variant rapidly spread around the world and has been identified in at least 98 countries to date. It’s now the dominant strain in countries as diverse as the UK, Russia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Australia and Fiji. And it’s on the rise.
In the United States, Delta made up one in five COVID cases in the two weeks up to June 19, compared to just 2.8% in the two weeks up to May 22.
Meanwhile, the most recent Public Health England weekly update reported an increase of 35,204 Delta cases since the previous week. More than 90% of sequenced cases were the Delta variant.
In just two months, Delta has replaced Alpha as the dominant strain of SARS-CoV-2 in the UK. The increase is primarily in younger age groups, a large proportion of whom are unvaccinated.
2 key mutations
Scientists have identified more than 20 mutations in the Delta variant, but two may be crucial in helping it transmit more effectively than earlier strains. This is why early reports from India called it a “double mutant”.
The first is the L452R mutation, which is also found in the Epsilon variant, designated by the WHO as a variant of interest. This mutation increases the spike protein’s ability to bind to human cells, thereby increasing its infectiousness.
Preliminary studies also suggest this mutation may aid the virus in evading the neutralising antibodies produced by both vaccines and previous infection.
Evidence shows the Delta variant is more infectious. We can understand why by looking at its mutations.
The second is a novel T478K mutation. This mutation is located in the region of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein which interacts with the human ACE2 receptor, which facilitates viral entry into lung cells.
One good thing about the Delta variant is the fact researchers can rapidly track it because its genome contains a marker the previously dominant Alpha variant lacks.
This marker — known as the “S gene target” — can be seen in the results of PCR tests used to detect COVID-19. So researchers can use positive S-target hits as a proxy to quickly map the spread of Delta, without needing to sequence samples fully.
Why is Delta a worry?
The most feared consequences of any variant of concern relate to infectiousness, severity of disease, and immunity conferred by previous infection and vaccines.
WHO estimates Delta is 55% more transmissible than the Alpha variant, which was itself around 50% more transmissible than the original Wuhan virus.
That translates to Delta’s effective reproductive rate (the number of people on average a person with the virus will infect, in the absence of controls such as vaccination) being five or higher. This compares to two to three for the original strain.
There has been some speculation the Delta variant reduces the so-called “serial interval”; the period of time between an index case being infected and their household contacts testing positive. However, in a pre-print study (a study which hasn’t yet been peer-reviewed), researchers in Singapore found the serial interval of household transmission was no shorter for Delta than for previous strains.
One study from Scotland, where the Delta variant is predominating, found Delta cases led to 85% higher hospital admissions than other strains. Most of these cases, however, were unvaccinated.
The same study found two doses of Pfizer offered 92% protection against symptomatic infection for Alpha and 79% for Delta. Protection from the AstraZeneca vaccine was substantial but reduced: 73% for Alpha versus 60% for Delta.
A study by Public Health England found a single dose of either vaccine was only 33% effective against symptomatic disease compared to 50% against the Alpha variant. So having a second dose is extremely important.
In a pre-print article, Moderna revealed their mRNA vaccine protected against Delta infection, although the antibody response was reduced compared to the original strain. This may affect how long immunity lasts.
The Delta variant is more transmissible, probably causes more severe disease, and current vaccines don’t work as well against it.
WHO warns low-income countries are most vulnerable to Delta as their vaccination rates are so low. New cases in Africa increased by 33% over the week to June 29, with COVID-19 deaths jumping 42%.
There has never been a time when accelerating the vaccine rollout across the world has been as urgent as it is now.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus has warned that in addition to vaccination, public health measures such as strong surveillance, isolation and clinical care remain key. Further, tackling the Delta variant will require continued mask use, physical distancing and keeping indoor areas well ventilated.
Joe Biden: Today — today we celebrate America — our freedom, our liberty, our independence. The Fourth of July is a sacred day in our country — a day of history, of hope, remembrance and resolve, of promise and possibilities.
Before me stands monuments of the greatest and the goodness of our nation — monuments of light and liberty. There’s a towering memorial to George Washington — the general who led our Revolution and the President who set our nation on its course..embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }
There’s a memorial to Thomas Jefferson, whose words about liberty and equality literally changed the world.
And across the Tidal Basin from the Jefferson Memorial, there stands Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. — his arms crossed, his eyes fixed ahead toward the promised land where equality is not only an aspiration, but a reality. (Applause.)
They helped define who we are, guide what we do, remind us of the work that history has given us in our own time.
This year, the Fourth of July is a day of special celebration, for we are emerging from the darkness of years; a year of pandemic and isolation; a year of pain, fear, and heartbreaking loss.
Just think back to where this nation was a year ago. Think back to where you were a year ago. And think about how far we’ve come.
From silent streets — (applause) — from silent streets to crowded parade routes lined with people waving American flags; from empty stadiums and arenas to fans back to their seats cheering together again; from families pressing hands against a window to grandparents hugging their grandchildren once again.
We’re back traveling again. We’re back seeing one another again. Businesses are opening and hiring again. We’re seeing record job creation and record economic growth — the best in four decades and, I might add, the best in the world. (Applause.)
Today, all across this nation, we can say with confidence: America is coming back together. (Applause.)
Two hundred and forty-five years ago, we declared our independence from a distant king. Today, we’re closer than ever to declaring our independence from a deadly virus. That’s not to say the battle against COVID-19 is over. We’ve got a lot more work to do.
But just as our Declaration in 1776 was not a call to action — was a call to action, not a reason for complacency or a claim of victory — it was a call to action — the same is true today.
Back then, we had the power of an idea on our side. Today, we have the power of science. (Applause.) Thanks to our heroic vaccine effort, we’ve gained the upper hand against this virus. We can live our lives, our kids can go back to school, our economy is roaring back.
Don’t get me wrong, COVID-19 is — has not been vanquished. We all know powerful variants have emerged, like the Delta variant, but the best defense against these variants is to get vaccinated. (Applause.)
My fellow Americans, it’s the most patriotic thing you can do. So, please, if you haven’t gotten vaccinated, do it — do it now for yourself, for your loved ones, for your community, and for your country.
You know, that’s how we’re going to stay ahead of these variants and protect the hard-won progress we’ve made. We never again want to be where we were a year ago today. (Applause.)
So, today, while the virus hasn’t been vanquished, we know this: It no longer controls our lives. It no longer paralyzes our nation. And it’s within our power to make sure it never does again. And for that, we can thank the scientists and researchers, the educators, and all the other frontline and essential workers, like many of you here today — (applause) —
who became the light to see us through the darkness.
I hope you know that you, the American people, have been part of one of the most remarkable achievements in American history. But in this moment of joy, we know that this day falls hard on all those who’ve lost a loved one.
So I’ve told you before: Each day, I carry a card in my pocket with my schedule on it. In the back of that schedule, on that card, are the number of Americans who’ve lost their lives to COVID — the precise number.
As of tonight, that number is 603,018 people who have lost their lives. They’re husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, grandparents, friends, neighbors, coworkers.
And we also remember all those who lost this year — that we lost and families lost to other causes — other causes of death and cruel twists of fate. They, too, left behind loved ones unable to grieve or mourn or find closure. Each of them meant the world to someone they left behind. And those of you who’ve been through all this know that to heal, you have to remember. We have to remember them, and we will. We’ll commit to always remember them. That’s what we’ll do.
I’ve long said that America is unique. Unlike every other nation on Earth, we were founded based on an idea. We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all people are created equal, endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights — among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
And while we’ve never fully lived up to those words, we have never given up on them. They continue to animate us, and they remind us what, at our best, we as Americans believe: We, Americans — we believe in honesty and decency, in treating everyone with dignity and respect, giving everyone a fair shot, demonizing no one, giving hate no safe harbour, and leaving no one behind.
We lead by the power of our example, not the example of our power. And we’re part of som- — something so much bigger than ourselves. We stand as a beacon to the world.
It’s a code. It’s a code — uniquely American code. It’s who we are.
To all the service members and your families who are here tonight, today, all of you serving around the world: It’s the greatest honour to serve as your Commander-in-Chief.
Joe and Jill Biden 4 July Fireworks
Jill and I — (applause) — Jill and I, and our entire family, thank you for your service and sacrifice. Like so many military families thinking of your loved ones who served, we think of our son Beau today.
You’re all part of a long chain of patriots who pledged their lives and their sacred honor in defense of this nation and democracy around the world; for freedom and fair play; for peace and security and opportunity; for the cause of justice; for the soul of America itself.
But the defense of all that we love doesn’t fall on your shoulders alone. It falls on all — all of us — every one of us — every American.
Each day, we’re reminded there’s nothing guaranteed about our democracy, nothing guaranteed about our way of life. We have to fight for it, defend it, earn it.
Folks, it’s up to all of us to protect the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; the right to equal justice under the law; the right to vote and have that vote counted; the right — (applause) — the right to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and know that our children and grandchildren will be safe on this planet for generations to come — (applause); the right to rise in the world as far as your God-given calent [talent] can take you, unlimited by barriers of privilege or power.
One of the great gifts of the spirit of independence — and think about this: One of the great gifts is our capacity to see ourselves whole and see ourselves honestly — what we’ve gotten right, what we’ve gotten wrong. It’s a measure of the greatness of America, and we are a great nation. We don’t seek to bury the wrongs. We face it. We work to make it right.
You know, history tells us that when we stand together, when we unite in common cause, when we see ourselves not as Republicans or Democrats, but as Americans, then there’s simply no limit to what we can achieve. (Applause.) None.
And today we see the results of the unity of purpose — the unity of purpose in — forging in our nati- — we’re forging in our nation, for together we’re beating the virus. Together, we’re breathing life into our economy. Together, we will rescue our people from division and despair. But together we must do it.
Over the past year, we’ve lived through some of our darkest days. Now I truly believe — I give you my word as a Biden — I truly believe we’re about to see our brightest future. (Applause.)
Folks, this is a special nation, a great nation. And there is a timeless truth about America. The most powerful idea in the history of the world [beats] in the hearts of the people of this country. It beats in all our hearts no matter your race or ethnicity; no matter your gender identity or sexual orientation — (applause); no matter your disability; no matter your faith. It beats in the hearts of rich and poor alike.
It unites America whether your ancestors were native to this land or brought here forcibly and enslaved; whether you were immigrants from generations back — like my family that came from Ireland — or you’re coming here today looking to build a better life for your family, like our fellow Americans I just swore in, in the White House, two days ago. (Applause.)
The American creed — we use that phrase, “the American creed” — is we’re all equal, created equal. It was written a long time ago. But the genius is that every generation of Americans has expanded it wider and wider to include those who were exc- — excluded before. That’s why it’s never gathered dust in our history books. It’s still alive today — alive in our hearts; alive in the work of our hands; alive not only in the history we read, but in the history we’re making.
My fellow Americans, now we’re the guardians of that very idea of America. It’s up to us to save it, to preserve it, to build on it, and I know we will. (Applause.)
On this sacred day, I look out to those monuments on our National Mall and beyond them, into the hearts of our people across the land, and I know this: It’s never, ever been a good bet to bet against America — never. (Applause.)
We just have to remember who we are: We are the United States of America, and there’s nothing — nothing we can’t do if we do it together. (Applause.)
Folks, happy Fourth of July, America. (Applause.) God bless you all. And may God protect our troops. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
The Andrews Labor Government is helping LGBTIQ+ Victorians and their families get the support and care they need with a new state-wide counselling service called Qspace.
Minister for Mental Health James Merlino and Minister for Equality Martin Foley today announced Drummond Street Services and its community partners across Victoria will receive $2.5 million government funding to run the new service.
Qspace will provide specialist family counselling, assistance, online resources and information for LGBTIQ+ Victorians and their families to help foster support and understanding. The aim of the program is to keep families together and make sure LGBTIQ+ Victorians feel safe and valued.
The service will leverage from Queerspace − Drummond Street Services’ existing Melbourne-based LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing support service which provides counselling, peer support and professional development.
Qspace will also be available through a network of regional and rural community partners including Anglicare Victoria (Gippsland and Kyneton), Mallee Family Care (Mildura), Upper Murray Family Care (Wodonga) and Drummond Street Service – Queerspace (Geelong).
LGBTIQ+ Victorians are a diverse community and they continue to face stigma and discrimination. As a result, they are more likely than the broader community to experience poor mental health, suicidal thoughts, homelessness, substance abuse and intimate partner and family violence. The COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated challenges being faced by some LGBTIQ+ Victorians.
The first Qspace counselling services are expected to commence in the coming months.
Founded in 1887, Drummond Street Services is one of the longest-serving welfare organisations in Australia and has run counselling and groups for LGBTIQ+ people since the 1960s.
Ensuring LGBTIQ+ Victorians and their families have access to services when they need them is part of the Labor Government’s continued efforts to achieve equality for LGBTIQ+ communities.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health James Merlino
“This new service will ensure that all LGBTIQ+ Victorians and their families, no matter where they live, can access safe and inclusive counselling to support their mental health.
“Having worked with and alongside LGBTIQ+ Victorians for many years, Drummond Street Services and their expansive network is perfectly placed to lead this important work.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Equality Martin Foley
“We won’t rest until equality is achieved for our LGBTIQ+ communities. This service brings us another step closer to LGBTIQ+ Victorians having the same opportunities to achieve good mental health as anyone else.”
Biden: Well, my name is Joe Biden. I’m Jill Biden’s husband.
Ashton, thank you. You seemed awfully comfortable up here. You were awfully comfortable up here. I don’t know. I — I’m not sure I’ll be around, but, you know — (laughter) — if you’re here, just don’t pretend you don’t know me. Okay?
Your story, your leadership, and your mom is an inspiration. (Applause.) Your mom. If my mother were here, she’d look at you and say, “Honey, God love you, dear.” God love you — what you do, what you did, what you continue to do.
I want to thank Secretary — well, first of all, I want to say to Chasten: Belated happy birthday, Chasten. (Applause.) If you could hear us inside, we were singing happy birthday to him. We got a bunch of cupcakes, but not enough for everybody. (Laughter.) But — and, Mr. Secretary, thank you. You are — you’re the best, man.
Look, our presence here this afternoon makes a simple, strong statement: Pride is back at the White House. (Applause.)
For this community and for our nation and for the world, Pride Month represents so much. It stands for courage — the courage of all those in previous generations and today who proudly live their truth.
It stands for justice: both the steps we’ve taken and the steps we need to take.
And above all, Pride Month stands for love — you know, being able to love yourself, love whomever you love, and love this country enough to make it more fair and more free and more just..embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }
You know, during the campaign, Tim Gill and Scott Miller — and Tim — one of them is here today, I don’t want to embarrass him; he always gets mad when I do that — (laughter) — brought me and Jill to visit the Stonewall Inn. I wanted to go, and they wanted — they offered to take me. We wanted to pay tribute to that hallowed ground that represents the the fight to ensure that all people are treated with dignity and respect.
Just a few minutes ago, surrounded by the survivors of family members who were — we’ve lost, I signed a bill consecrating another piece of hallowed ground: the Pulse nightclub. And I want to thank all of the members of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate for standing up and making sure that will never be forgotten. Never be forgotten. The site of the deadliest attack affecting the LBT- — LGBTQ+ community in American history. It’s now a national memorial.
This month, on the way to the office, I walk through — from my — from the Residence to the Oval Office every morning — I walk through a hallway lit with rainbow colors of Pride, which you’ll have a chance to see in just a few minutes. You’ll see a candle carried during the AIDS vigil in the early ’90s by a pair — and a pair of sandals belonging to Matthew Shepard.
They’re reminders of how much this community has suffered and lost. But they’re also reminders of this community’s incredible resiliency, the incredible contributions, the incred- — including, we just saw, the National Football League and the National Women’s Soccer League.
All of you here — Henry Muñoz and Kyle — good to see you, man — (laughter). I had the — I had the opportunity to officiate at their wedding. (Laughter and applause.)
And Representative Malcolm Kenyatta — where are you, Malcolm? You’re around here some — (applause) — good to see you, man. And Dr. Matt Miller — they stole the show at the Democratic Convention. (Laughter.)
And my friend, Sarah McBride — where is Sarah? (Applause.) Sarah? Sarah worked closely with my son, Beau, when he was Attorney General of the State of Delaware; and is now serving Delaware, as well, as one of the first openly transgender state legislators in history. Senator. (Applause.)
You just heard from our history-making Secretary of Transportation.
And we have today the first openly transgender person ever confirmed to the U.S. Senate — you just met her — Dr. Levine. (Applause.)
Representation matters. Recognition matters. But there’s something else that matters: Results. Results.
I am proud to lead the most pro-LGBTQ equality administration in U.S. history. And even on the very — my very first day in office, the first executive order I signed was to change the whole of the federal government to commit to work aggressively to root out discrimination against LBT- — LGBTQ+ people and their families. That was the first executive order.
I ordered our agencies — every agency — to rapidly implement the Supreme Court’s ruling in Bostock, which affirmed that civil rights protections on the basis of sex apply to sexual orientation and gender identity.
And as a result of that executive order, the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs [Development] announced that it would be — take steps to protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in housing, and ensured critical protections for transgender Americans experiencing homelessness.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced it would work to combat discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in credit and lending. The Department of Health and Human Services announced it would protect against discrimination in healthcare services.
And just last week, the Department of Education made clear that Title IX protections apply to sexual orientation and gender identity — (applause) — and prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ students in our nation’s schools.
And a moment ago, I signed an executive order to advance diversity, equality, and inclusion, and accessibility across the entire federal workforce. The order directs the entire federal government to eliminate barriers so people from every background and walk of life have an equal opportunity to serve our nation, including LGBTQ+ folks and all employees in underserved communities.
Look, I also was proud to rescind the discriminatory and un-American ban on openly transgender servicemembers. Today, we’re joined by Lieutenant Colonel Bree Fram. Bree, Colonel — (applause) — thank you. One of the highest-ranking openly transgender servicemembers in the United States Military. Lieutenant Colonel Fram, thank you for your service to our nation. We owe you. Thank you. (Applause.)
And everyone who has served — everyone deserves the absolute high quality of healthcare. That’s why I was so pleased that, last week, Secretary McDonough announced the Department of Veterans Affairs is beginning the process to provide more comprehensive gender-affirming care to our nation’s transgen- — for our nation’s transgender veterans.
We’re also making equality the centerpiece of our diplomacy around the world. We believe LGBTQ+ rights are human rights.
In February, I signed a presidential memorandum establishing that it’s the policy of the United States to pursue an end to violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
This month, Pride flags are flying — as some of my friends in our last admin- — in the Obama-Biden administration who are openly gay — they are flying in more than — over 130 U.S. embassies around the world. (Applause.) A powerful — a powerful symbol of our commitment to safety, dignity, and opportunity for all.
And today, I’m proud to announce that Jessica Stern, who many of you know as an LGBT special — -Q+ special envoy at the State Department.
And yes, we’re also making progress, but I know we still have a long way to go, a lot of work to do. But we must protect the gains we’ve made and fend off the cruel and unconscionable attacks we’re seeing now to ensure that everyone enjoys the full promise of equality and dignity and protection.
When I was Vice President, I was proud — although, some — it won’t surprise some people in the administration at the moment — (laughter) — and, by the way, I did tell the President that I would not go out and proselytize, but if I was asked, I would not remain quiet. (Laughter.) The President — I was proud to have called for marriage equality, along with Barack Obama, because, at the time, I said, “Love is love, period.”
Six year ago, tomorrow, when the Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality, we’re all reminded of the White House lit up in rainbow colors. Shortly thereafter, I went to New York to celebrate with my friend Evan Wolfson and a team from — at Freedom to Marry. The joy was palpable.
But we knew then, as we know now, that our work is unfinished. When a same-sex couple can be married in the morning but denied a lease in the afternoon for being gay, something is still wrong.
Over half of our states — in over half of our states, LGBTQ+ Americans still lack explicit state-level civil rights protections to shield them from discrimination.
As I said as a presidential candidate and in my first joint address to Congress, it’s time for the United States Senate to pass the Equality Act and put the legislation on my desk. (Applause.) Put it on my desk.
Harvey Milk was right when he said, quote, “It takes no compromise to give people their rights.” It takes no compromise to give people their rights.
And, by the way, this bill doesn’t just protect LGBTQ+ people. It’s also going to strengthen existing civil rights protections for people of faith, people of color, people with disabilities, women — in public accommodations, like doctors’ offices, parks, and gyms.
I want to thank the leaders of the Congressional Equity [Equality] Caucus for their continued work to make it happen.
The Equality Act will also help protect against the disturbing proliferation of anti-LGBTQ bills we’re seeing in state legislatures.
So far this year, hundreds of anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced in state legislatures. More than a dozen of them have already passed — more than a dozen of them. These are some of the ugliest, most un-American laws I’ve seen, and I’ve been here awhile. Many of them target transgender children, seeking to prevent them from receiving the appropriate medical care; for using the bathroom at high schools while they’re — the one where they’ll be most safe; even preventing them from joining sports teams with their classmates.
Let’s be clear: This is nothing more than bullying disguised as legislation. (Applause.)
As I’ve said before, many times, transgender kids are some of the bravest people in the world. I mean it sincerely. You just saw it with Ashton, and you’ll see it with several other young people here. It takes courage to be true to your authentic self and to face — in the face of the — these kinds of discrimination you know exist. It takes a toll.
We know more than half of transgender youth seriously considered suicide just in the past year. These young people aren’t hurting anyone, but these laws are hurting them. And they’ve got to stop.
Our deceased son, Beau — when he was Delaware’s Attorney General — was one of the first AGs in the country to call for legislation to establish legal protections on the basis of gender identity to protect — to protect trans people — trans people.
And now, the Department of Justice has filed statements of interest in cases challenging two of these — those bills that got passed — explaining why they’re so unconstitutional.
So, we have to work. We have to work to do so much in these areas to support seniors, aging in isolation without support; to confront disproportionate levels of homelessness and poverty and unemployment in the LGBTQ community; to address the — the epidemic level of violence against transgender people, especially transgender women — it’s been mentioned before — women of color — in the coming days, my administration is going to have more to say about that; and to finally eradicate the AIDS epidemic. (Applause.)
I’m not sure I’m allowed to talk about this — (laughter) — but our son, Beau, who was a decorated war veteran and attorney general of the United — of the state of Delaware and should be standing here instead of me, came home from war after a year in Iraq and, before that, six months in Kosovo. And what he did — he decided he was going to set up a foundation for LGBTQ youth, but primarily focusing on transgender youth.
And he took all the money left from the campaign — he was going to run for governor — and put it in and a lot more. Because in his working with everyone from YMCAs to all the — all the — all the areas where young people can find some solace — his buddy Chris Coons and my buddy Senator Coons knows what he’s done.
The point is: A lot of transgender youth — those who commit suicide — based on the studies his foundation has done, do it because their mom doesn’t understand, because mom or dad says, “You can’t be here anymore” — are rejected.
So, folks, we got a lot of work to do. A lot of it’s basically public education.
Let me close with this: When you go downstairs, you’ll see some of the Smithsonian exhibit. You get a sense of the long, long journey — and how long it’s been, and how far we’ve come — have you come. But how much further we have to go.
So, this afternoon, we celebrate. But tomorrow, we go back to work. Progress won’t come easily; it never has. But we’re going to stand strong, stand together. And I promise you, we will succeed. I promise you.
I said to folks earlier, you know things are — why — why — I always get asked by the press, “Why are you so optimistic, Biden?” Well, as my neurosurgeon once said, I’m probably a congenital optimist. But beyond that — (laughter) — it’s a simple proposition.
Look at the young people: straight and gay, doesn’t matter. They’re the least prejudiced — this generation — the most open, the most giving, and the best-educated generation in history. It’s a fact. In all of history.
And look where they are. Look how it’s changing. It’s changing in ways that — in my generation, 270 years ago — (laughter) — you’d get beat up for defending somebody.
But really and truly, there’s a great reason for hope. And so much talent — so much talent can be unleashed by embracing the LGBT+ community — -Q+ community.
So I want to thank you and say: Happy Pride.
May God bless you all. And may God protect our troops. Thank you.
Sydney Circular Quay Holiday Destination Photo by Blow the Truth
The NSW Government announced major grants packages and changes to the Dine & Discover program to help tens of thousands of small businesses and people across NSW impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions.
The package includes grants of between $5000 and $10,000 for small businesses, payroll tax deferrals for all employers, an extension of the Dine & Discover program to 31 August and the ability for people to use Dine & Discover vouchers for takeaway delivered directly to their home by the venue itself.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the centrepiece of the package was the small business support grants which will help businesses by alleviating cashflow constraints while trading is restricted. This can be used for business expenses such as rent, utilities and wages, for which no other government support is available.
“We always said we will do whatever it takes to support businesses and keep people in jobs during the pandemic and that is exactly what we are doing,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The current restrictions are in place to protect people and keep the community safe, unfortunately businesses continue to incur costs such as rent, power and lost produce, and this will go some way to lessening that financial pain.”
Three different grant amounts will be available for small businesses depending on the decline in turnover experienced during the restrictions – $10,000 for a 70 per cent decline, $7000 for a 50 per cent decline and $5000 for a 30 per cent decline.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the new grants would be available across NSW.
“This latest outbreak has coincided with school holidays when a lot of regional areas were counting on more visitors to help boost local economies,” Mr Barilaro said.
“These grants will help many get through the winter, and just like after the bushfires, the floods and the first wave of COVID-19, the regions will lead NSW out the other side.”
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the small business grants would be available for sole traders and non-for-profit organisations, with expanded criteria to assist most hospitality and tourism operators hit hard by the restrictions during school holidays.
“The NSW economy rebounded strongly from the challenges of 2020 and we’re taking action to ensure we keep that going. We are deploying our fiscal firepower when it matters, by helping small businesses stay in business and keep people in jobs,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Once again we are delivering timely and targeted support to keep businesses in business and people in jobs as we work together to overcome this latest challenge.”
Businesses will be able to apply for the grants through Service NSW from later in July and will need to show a decline in turnover across a minimum two-week period after the commencement of major restrictions on June 26.
The grants will be divided into two streams:
1. Small Business COVID-19 Support Grant. Available to businesses and sole traders with a turnover of more than $75,000 per annum but below the NSW Government 2020 21 payroll tax threshold of $1,200,000 as at 1 July 2020.
These businesses must have fewer than 20 full time equivalent employees and an Australian Business Number (ABN) registered in New South Wales or be able to demonstrate they are physically located and primarily operating in New South Wales. (Full criteria will be available in coming days on the Service NSW website).
2. Hospitality and Tourism COVID-19 Support Grant. Available to tourism or hospitality businesses that have a turnover of more than $75,000 and an annual Australian wages bill of below $10 million, as at 1 July 2020.
These businesses must have an Australian Business Number (ABN) registered in New South Wales or be able to demonstrate they are physically located and primarily operating in New South Wales. (Full criteria will be available in the coming days on the Service NSW website).
Other key elements of the package announced today include:
Dine & Discover vouchers will be able to be used for takeaway from eligible and registered Dine businesses during the restriction period. Delivery direct to the home by the restaurant or café is recommended. Food may be picked up from venue but check in with QR code is required. Dine & Discover vouchers cannot be redeemed for takeaway using third party delivery platforms.
A further one-month extension of Dine & Discover vouchers until 31 August 2021 to allow people more time to use them.
More than $11 million for increased support for people at risk of homelessness plus assistance to vulnerable temporary visa holders, asylum seekers and refugees.
An optional deferral of payroll tax payments due in July 2021 and the deferral of hotel June quarter gaming machine tax, with the Chief Commissioner of State Revenue able to provide for appropriate repayment arrangements on a case by case basis.
More information on the small business support grants and changes to the Dine & Discover program will be available shortly on the Service NSW website.
The Palaszczuk Government is providing more than $207,000 to help fund arts and cultural projects in nine First Nations communities.
In announcing the latest round of funding for the Indigenous Regional Arts Development Fund (IRADF) 2020-2021, Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said funded projects were helping to share stories and culture through various arts forms, including visual arts, music and dance.
“These nine projects will make a significant contribution in preserving and sharing the knowledge and cultures of Traditional Owners in Queensland and support employment opportunities for First Nations artists and arts workers,” Minister Enoch said.
“Supporting jobs is a key priority as we deliver our plan for economic recovery, and these projects are ensuring vibrant arts and cultural experiences, which are vital in truth-telling of our nation’s history, are shared in all areas of Queensland.”
Some funded projects include Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council’s Doomadgee’s Deadly Sounds program, which is bringing together local youth to learn and play modern and traditional cultural musical instruments, and encourage people to compose their own music.
Legacies Living On, a large-scale exhibition of collaborative paintings created by local Lardil and Kaidildt artists, will honour the legacies of Mornington Island artists Goobalathaldin Dick Roughsey and Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori, and will be presented by NorthSite Contemporary Arts at Bulmba-ja in Cairns to coincide with Cairns Indigenous Art Fair later this year.
Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council will deliver From the Ground Up to help pass on traditional pottery practices and showcase the evolution of Yarrabah Pottery from the early 1970s to now.
Minister Enoch said funding would also support the local Palm Island and Pormpuraaw communities’ participation in key annual Indigenous events.
“Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council will lead NAIDOC Week and Leadership Group Workshops during NAIDOC Week 2021, to enable knowledge exchange between community elders and younger generations, while Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council will support a local group of more than 30 traditional dancers and singers to attend the Laura Quinkan Dance Festival in July 2021.”
John Armstrong, Art Centre Manager at Mirndiyan Gununa Aboriginal Corporation, said the IRADF funding would be an important professional development opportunity for the artists involved.
“For artists working in very remote art centres it’s often difficult for them to see their works when they are presented in exhibitions,” Mr Armstrong said.
“The eight artists in this major exhibition at NorthSite will be able to engage with viewers and other artists. These conversations will be a really important professional development opportunity.
“This will add to their understanding of the arts sector and their important place within it as visual storytellers who are making marvellous contemporary artworks grounded in age old Traditions.”
Aurkun Shire Council – $25,000 for a women’s painting legacy program. Intensive workshops will be delivered by Gina Allain, an art therapy and arts development specialist, to strengthen women painters’ professional and artistic capabilities.
Cherbourg Historical Precinct Group Inc – $25,000 for the Building Barambah Pottery initiative to provide ongoing technical skills training and mentoring for a core artist potter group as well as opportunities for youth and other community members to engage with pottery.
Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council – $25,000 for Doomadgee Deadly Sounds. Local youth will create music and songs by learning to play a variety of musical instruments, including drums and guitar, combined with traditional cultural sounds and instruments.
Mirndiyan Gununa Aboriginal Corporation – $35,600 for Legacies Living On, an exhibition of large scale collaborative paintings by Lardil artists and Kaidildt artists honouring Goobalathaldin Dick Roughsey and Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori. The project includes a catalogue and video documentation as well as artist panel discussions and other events.
Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council – $25,000 for the Napranum Arts Blitz, a two-week intensive community capacity building program with industry professionals. The funding will also assist Napranum Shire Council to develop a business cases for a future Indigenous Art Centre.
Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council – $21,200 for NAIDOC Week and Leadership Group Workshops which will deliver performances, workshops and a community dinner during NAIDOC week in July 2021.
Pormpuraaw Art & Culture Centre Inc – $9,650 for more than 30 traditional dancers and singers to attend the Laura Dance Festival in July 2021. Community elders will organise dancers from different clan groups, selecting song-lines to sing and demonstrating moves.
Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council – $25,000 for six workshops in cultural dancing, canvas art and wooden artefacts. Each of the workshops will be hosted by a local artist and will include a targeted workshop for youth and a targeted workshop for Elders and community members
Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council – $16,043 for From the Ground Up to showcase the evolution of Yarrabah Pottery from the early 1970s to the present, and pass on traditional knowledge.
Source: Minister for Communities and Housing, Minister for Digital Economy and Minister for the Arts
The Queensland Government has taken steps to ensure supermarket shelves remain stocked.
Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Steven Miles said there was no need for panic buying following yesterday’s announcement of a lockdown in parts of Queensland.
“The Queensland Government is taking measures to address planning conditions that restrict operating hours of loading docks and distribution centres supplying supermarkets,” Mr Miles said.
“This will ensure drivers and retailers can work around the clock to deliver essentials to Queenslanders.
“We are not running out of products, but need to get products to supermarket shelves as quickly as possible.
“I want to thank our retailers and delivery drivers ensuring we can all get our hands on essentials.
“I also want to urge Queenslanders not to panic buy.
“We’ve done this before, we have been through lockdowns and restrictions and together we can get through this again.”
Mr Miles said the measures were temporary to respond to consumer demand.
“This provides temporary relief from approval conditions for declared businesses, such as supermarkets and chemists, to restock 24 hours per day, seven days a week,” he said.
“This does not impact retail trading hours.
“Our government is responsive and we’ve listened to industry’s concerns.”
Attribution: Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning
Joe Biden: Love you back. (Applause.) Well, look, that old — I — you’re — by the way, you’re in the midst of the — you’re in the presence of a — one hell of an individual. I want you all to know about. Not me. (Laughter.) He’s always there when people need help, and he particularly focuses on people who are left behind: Reverend Barber. (Applause.) Thanks for all you do, Rev.
I’ve, I thank you for that introduction, you know, and for everything you’re doing.
You know, I — I think — I thank you everyone here at the Green Road Community Center for hosting us.
Governor Cooper, my good friend. A great governor. But the most important thing: He’s a man of enormous integrity, and — no, he really is. (Applause.) You’re doing an incredible job; I’m lucky to have you as a partner, Gov. And as we — as we move along here.
Look, you know, the main thing I want to do is start off with the way you should never start off.
Are they — do you have chairs out there? (Laughter.) Well, if you have a chair, sit. Don’t stand for me. (Laughter.) I was getting the — I was getting to feel really guilty, man. (Laughter.)
I said that a while ago, as the press will tell you. About a year ago, I said, “Why don’t everybody sit down?” And somebody in the front said, “I don’t have a damn seat. That’s why.” (Laughter.) I want to get in trouble.
Thank you. I thought you didn’t have any seats there. I was going to really feel guilty.
Folks, look, it’s great to be Mayor Baldwin of Raleigh and Mayor — Mayor Schewel of Durham.
And joined by a proud native son of North Carolina: the Administrator of the EPA in Washington, D.C., Michael Regan. (Applause.) Where are you, Michael? I’m always worried — (applause) — I’m always worried when I come back to North Carolina and Michael is with me that the governor is going to take him back. (Laughter.) But I need him.
Look, folks, he’s doing one heck of a job at EPA. And if you want to talk about health, think about the environment. Think about what’s happen — being done — what we’re changing at EPA. And the — it makes a big deal.
It’s also — it’s also out there, across the state, encouraging people to get vaccinated as well.
I wanted to come to Raleigh to thank everyone in this room for everything you’re doing to get your community vaccinated. It matters. It matters. You’re saving lives. That’s not hyperbole.
Let me remind everybody: We lost 600,000 dead in America in about a year. That’s more than every life lost in World War One, World War Two, the Vietnam War, Iraq, Iran, across the board — Afghanistan. More lives lost in a year than every major war in the 20th century and the 21st century. And guess what, folks? There’ve been lives lost all around the world.
And, America, I might say — this is not — I didn’t plan on saying this, but I’m going anyway: We have an obligation in the United States of America to live up to who we are. America is the only — is a unique nation. We’re the only nation formed based on an idea — an idea, not an ethnicity, not an ideology, not a — idea: We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men and women are created equal, et cetera.
Well, here’s the deal. Here’s the deal. There are over 100 countries in the world that have no capacity to help themselves right now. None.
And that’s why — I got somewhat criticized, but that’s why I’ve worked so darn hard — after being able to nail down, in the first 100 days, over 60 [600] million doses of vaccine for Americans, I went to Europe to meet what they call the “G7” and then with NATO and then with the EU. And I promised that the United States, in the remainder of this year and the first half of next year, is going to provide a billion doses to the rest of the world. (Applause.) A billion doses.
Half a billion of those will be done between now and January and the first half of next year.
The point being: I wanted the nation to reflect what you all reflect. Everyone in this room, there’s everything — you — I want to thank you for all you’re doing. But the rest of the world is in trouble as well. We have to look out for one another. We really do.
And what you’re doing here — going back to the United States — nonprofits directing folks to where to go; houses of worship opening on-site vaccination for congregants; my friend Reverend Barber is here, as I said, and countless faith leaders who are truly doing God’s work; college students providing rides for seniors.
So, what’s happening in America is what America is all about. That’s what the rest of world is looking at: Are we what we advertise ourselves to be? It’s because of people like you, here in Raleigh and in communities across America, that we’re going to win this fight.
Look at the progress we made so far. Today, 66 percent of all American adults have gotten at least one shot. That includes 87 percent of all seniors of all colors; 75 percent of adults ages 40 and up have gotten a shot; and 70 percent of those age 30 and up.
Nationwide, we’re seeing the lowest number of daily cases and deaths since the first day of the pandemic. And we’ve built equity into the heart of the vaccination program. I put together a vaccination team, headed by a really bright guy, and we put together a group of 23 doctors. And what they did was we had one doc who does nothing but deal with equity — access for people.
There’s a reason why it’s been harder to get African Americans, initially, to get vaccinated: because they’re used to be experimented on — the Tuskegee Airmen and others. People have memories. People have long memories.
It’s awful hard, as well, to get Latinx vaccinated as well. Why? They’re worried that they’ll be vaccinated and deported.
So, look, from day one, something that Governor Cooper has been totally focused on is making sure we get as many people vaccinated, particularly people who don’t have access to healthcare usually; who don’t have ordinary — don’t have doctors or family physicians, et cetera.
Seventy three percent of the shots administered at community health centers through the federal program we have and more than 58 percent of the shots administered in federally-run vaccination sites have gone to people of color. It makes a gigantic difference.
And across the nation, people of color have accounted for more than half of all the vaccinations in the last month. The more we close the racial gap in vaccination rates, the more lives we can save. And if I can — (applause).
And if I can pause for one second: That’s why I’ve called for spending billions of dollars at NIH focusing on new ways to deal with obesity, diabetes, Alzheimers, and cancer. Focused just on those diseases — money that private drug companies don’t have the money to invest in or the inclination to. Because guess what? In most Black communities across America and Hispanic communities, how many stores have fresh vegetables? How many stores have a — I’ll go down the list. It matters. The health condition a person enters this fight over makes a big difference as to what, in fact, is going to be able to be done.
Here in North Carolina, my administration provided $105 million from the emergency man- — Federal Emergency Management Agency — FEMA — to help get people vaccinated. Working with the governor and the mayors and county officials across the state, there are 240 personnel in the Tar Heel State just to put the needle in somebody’s arm.
This has been a gigantic — a gigantic logistical challenge not just in North Carolina, but all across America. More than 660 National Guard members have supported the COVID-19 response here in North Carolina. Over in Greensboro, we stood up the federal vaccination site that alone has administered 135,000 shots.
The governor and I visited one of the mobile units you’re deploying to meet people where they live. And as a result of these efforts statewide, case deaths are down over 90 percent in the last five months.
All of this is great news. But here’s the deal: For all the progress we’ve made as a country, hospitalizations and deaths are down drastically in places where people are getting vaccinated. The data couldn’t be clearer: If you’re vaccinated — if you’re vaccinated, you’re safe. You are still at risk of getting seriously ill or dying if you, in fact, have not been vaccinated. That’s just a fact.
And this new, dangerous variant that continues to emerge — it’s now the most common variant in America and here. And unvaccinated people are incredibly vulnerable. This is a serious concern with what experts call the “Delta” variant. It is not only — according to the CDC, between 10 to 20 percent of all cases in the last two weeks have been the Delta variant.
Dr. Fauci has made it clear — he and my wife have been traveling the country to make this case — that it’s more easily transmittable, this Delta variant, potentially deadlier, and especially dangerous for young people — for young people. He says its the greatest threat to our fight to beat COVID-19.
But the good news is, we have a solution. The science is clear. The best way to protect yourself against the virus and its variants is to be fully vaccinated. It works. It’s free. It’s safe. It’s easy. It’s convenient.
Over 150 million Americans have gotten fully vaccinated and they’re safe and protected now, including against the Delta variant. They’re getting back to living their lives and spending time with their loved ones. But we need more people to get fully vaccinated to finish the job. That’s why I’m here.
I called for June to be the “Month of Action” to get folks vaccinated so we can all enjoy a Fourth of July with our independence from the virus — from the virus. (Applause.)
If you’re already vaccinated, make sure your family and friends are vaccinated. Help them make a plan to get vaccinated.
If you’ve gotten your first shot, make sure you get your second one to be fully protected. (Applause.) It’s a big deal.
And if you’re not vaccinated, don’t put it off any longer. Just do it. Just do it. (Applause.) And it’s never been easier. It’s never been easier to do it.
Text your Zip Code to 438829 — 438829. And, immediately, it will pop to find the vaccination sites closest to you. And hardly anyone is beyond five miles from a potential site.
Get a free ride to and from your vaccination sites. I want to publicly thank — when I asked for help, both Lyft or Uber said between the time — this last month to July 4th, they’ll provide a ride free to and from. They’ll wait and take you back home. (Applause.)
Thousands of pharmacies are offering no-appointment, walk-in vaccinations. More than 1,400 pharmacies are in North Carolina that do that. They’ve already administered over 2.2 million shots — these pharmacies. Many of them are open 24 hours on Fridays.
So, go tomorrow if you’ve not gotten it done. Or when you’re going out, knocking on doors, tell them, “Tomorrow, 24 hours, a majority of these drugstores are open.” Get it done. Get it done. And they get it done at their convenience.
And if you still have questions, that’s okay. Talk to people who you know who have gotten the shot. That’s what you guys are out there — going to be doing, knocking on doors. Talk to your doctor or your health provider. If you don’t have one, physicians know it’s the right choice to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their patients, and their communities.
And listen to North Carolina’s own Dr. Kizzy Corbett, you know, from Hurdle Mills, just about an hour north from here. She’s a scientist at NIH that I met several weeks ago who helped develop the COVID-19 vaccine — (applause) — a vaccine that was developed after decades of research under Republican and Democratic administrations.
As I said, I met her earlier this year during a tour of the NIH Vaccine Research Center where this all happened. She’s incredible.
Folks, there is no reason to leave yourself vulnerable to the deadly virus for one single day more. And as they say in my church, I’m preaching to the choir, I know. (Laughter.) But the television is recording this. (Laughter.)
Make the case. Let people know getting vaccinated is not only maybe going to save their lives, but save their mother, their father, their child, their son, their daughter, their coworker.
So, please, please get vaccinated. And let’s everyone do our part. Let’s everyone do it.
This weekend, we will be hosting another nationwide canvassing event where volunteers like you are going to knock on doors and talk to their friends and neighbors and help finish the job of getting America vaccinated.
This weekend, we’ll be hosting another nationwide canvassing event where volunteers like you are going to knock on doors and talk to friends and neighbors to help finish the job of getting America vaccinated.
To join that effort, I say to the people watching this –because these people have already joined the effort: To join that effort, please visit WeCanDoThis.HHS.governor [sic] — .gov, excuse me — WeCanDoThis.HHS.gov. Sign up. Get involved.
We can do this. We really can do this.
Let me close where I began. To all of you here today who are about to head out and canvass your communities: Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I genuinely mean it.
But just listen, again, to Ive — graduated from Apex Friendship High, just finished her first year in school. She’s been spending her summer doing door-to-door — going door to help get people vaccinated to stay safe.
And I’ll bet what she had to say, when asked, is what a lot of you think as well. She said, quote — I hope you don’t mind my repeating this, Ive — but she said, quote, “Reaching out and giving back to the community is everything. I like to say…I don’t dream of having a dream job or a dream career, but I dream of truly helping people in the best way I can…that’s my life goal.”
This can be among one of the most important things you do. I really mean it. And again, remember — I think you’re probably the least ones that have to remember — remember: 600,000-plus Americans have died. Six hundred thousand-plus Americans have died.
This Delta variant — you know there’s going to be others as well. You know what’s going to happen. We’ve got to get our young people vaccinated.
So, talk to those moms when you knock on the door. Tell them about — tell them about why it’s so important to get their children.
You may remember, I got widely criticized when I suggested we keep dropping the age of people eligible for vaccinations. It’s been based on the science. I didn’t do anything based on a whim. The science, the tests show that.
And what’s going to happen here, I predict, as soon as we go from temporary approval to permanent approval — which just takes time; it’s not that its (inaudible) is there — it’s going to increase the number of people willing to move as well.
So, Ive, thank you for representing the best of us. Thank all of you for representing the best of us. You’ve all got the whole world in front of you. And, you know, it’s because of — it’s because of people like Ive and all of you why I have so much faith in the future.
I’m not being — you know, if you notice, I’ve been unfairly criticized for being optimistic. I’ve been fairly criticized because I think we can actually pull people together. I ran — when I ran for President, I ran for three reasons. I said, one, is restore the soul of America — just basic decency, looking out for one another. (Applause.)
And, two, because we had to rebuild the backbone of this country that had been so damaged, which is the middle class — (applause) — working-class folks and middle-class folks. It was about time to build the economy from the middle up and out and from the middle class up. That’s what we have to do.
Folks, let’s really let this be the summer of joy and freedom. Let it really happen. Let’s celebrate the Fourth of July with the independence from the virus. We can get this done. We — no, we really can get this done, and we really can do it.
But you know what? I said the third reason I was running was to unify the country. (Applause.) Well, folks, it’s never been as divided as it is today — never been as divided as it is today, since the Civil War.
And, folks, it’s such a waste of talent, such a waste of time. And the rest of the world is looking at us. The rest of the world is wondering whether or not can we really lead the world again. The last four years have been devastating to our leadership around the world. (Applause.) I’m not making — but it’s true.
But here’s the way we lead: Like you always lead — those who lead better than I and others — you lead by example, and the example is twofold. And I’ll end with this. One is making sure we do everything in our power to walk that extra mile, to knock on that door, to pick up the phone, to actually pull up in your own vehicle and take someone who needs to get to a vaccination site. Convince them. Let them know why it’s so important. Let them know. Because people — people respond to individual relationships, even new ones. “I got it. My brother got it. My sister got it. I took my daughter, and she got it,” et cetera.
And secondly, let the world know that when it comes down to lifesaving initiatives, no matter where they are — but they come from us — we should share them with the world — the whole world. We’re even giving some of these vaccines to nations that are not our friends because the people are not the ones who are not our friends — the leadership.
So, folks, there’s a lot we can do. As I said, I have faith in your generation. The reason I’m so optimistic is because you’re the most incredible generation in American history. I’m not being solicitous. Number one, you’re the least prejudiced generation in history, number one. (Applause.)
Number two, you volunteer than most — any other generation, including my vaulted generation of the ’60s. (Laughter.) You — no, I mean it. We are proud of what we did, but you volunteer.
Number three, you’re the best-educated generation in the history of America. (Applause.)
And I believe our dealing with equity is only the beginning as it relates to vaccine. The first executive order I signed was insisting that every one of my Cabinet members focus on racial equity — (applause) — because we have a — we have a chance — we have a chance to make significant change in this country, and it’s going to come from what you guys do. I really mean it. I can’t thank you enough.
Sorry to take so much of your time, but God bless you all. And may God protect our troops. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you. (Applause.)
Media coverage of the first few days of the COVID-19 Delta variant outbreak in New South Wales has been markedly different from that of the most recent lockdown in Victoria.
The most noticeable difference is that the media focus in New South Wales has been primarily informational: the growth and spread of cases; the lockdown rules. The political element has been secondary: should the lockdown have been imposed sooner and harder?
By contrast, when Victoria entered its fourth lockdown a month ago, the media focus was primarily political: what is wrong with Victoria that it always seems to be where lockdowns happen? Information took second place.
Some of the reasons for this difference are obvious. There was understandable exasperation among Victorians that they always seemed to be on the receiving end of lockdowns.
Also, the media conferences in Victoria had already become increasingly politicised over the course of the long lockdown in 2020, exemplified by the appearances there of the Sky News night-time commentator Peta Credlin.
When the daily briefings resumed last month, the media took up where they had left off.
But there also appear to be other, more subtle, factors at work.
One is that a media stereotype has developed about Victoria’s COVID response. The stereotype is that the government is incompetent in the way it handles the pandemic. Initial failures in hotel quarantine and contact-tracing have tainted perceptions of the entire government response, regardless of the improvements that have since been made. The fact the most recent outbreak occurred as a result of a hotel quarantine breach in South Australia was conveniently ignored by some media outlets.
The aggressive questioning of the Victorian government during the extended second lockdown was exemplified by the presence of Sky News commentator Peta Credlin.
Media stereotypes are generally founded on fact, and initially there were plenty of facts to support this one, as the hotel quarantine inquiry report showed.
But media stereotypes have a more insidious effect. They create what becomes the story we all know. And as every reporter will tell you, a new story reinforcing the stereotype always finds readier acceptance by the news desk than a story contradicting the stereotype.
Audiences too are more receptive to a story that is really an old story with new data. It reinforces a familiar worldview and makes fewer demands on the brain.
The American journalist and political sage Walter Lippmann wrote a hundred years ago:
There is nothing so obdurate to education or to criticism as the stereotype. It stamps itself upon the evidence in the very act of securing the evidence.
Another subtlety lies in the trajectory of media attitudes. The early briefings in Victoria last year were similar in tone and content to what was seen in New South Wales over the past few days: a focus on the growth in cases and on lockdown rules.
It will be interesting to observe whether this changes in New South Wales as time goes by if, as Premier Gladys Berejiklian says, the outbreak will get worse before it gets better and a prolonged lockdown ensues.
The political arguments in New South Wales do not concern government competence. In fact, the stereotype is that New South Wales has a superior contact-tracing system, allowing the state to avoid big lockdowns.
The politics in Sydney are about the impact on the government of it having to abandon its anti-lockdown position and sacrifice the state’s economic well-being in the interests of public health.
That earned it a reproachful editorial from The Weekend Australian, although the reasoned tone was in sharp contrast to the beating over the head dished out to Daniel Andrews by the Murdoch press during Victoria’s lockdowns.
Moreover, the Liberal-National government in New South Wales is not being politically targeted by its confreres in Canberra as the Labor government in Victoria was.
This raises another factor affecting the media dynamics of COVID coverage.
COVID politics are acquiring an ever-sharper edge. James Merlino, who was acting premier of Victoria during its most recent lockdown, took plenty of opportunities to sheet home responsibility for it to the federal government’s failures in quarantine and vaccination.
Even Berejiklian could not hide her frustration with the federal government over these failures as she fronted up on Monday to announce another 18 new cases in her state.
The intensification of the political differences is being accompanied by intensified polarisation in mainstream media coverage.
A vivid example of this was the reaction to a column in The Age on Saturday by Jon Faine. He was a long-time presenter of the mornings program on ABC Radio Melbourne and, having retired from that job, is writing for The Age.
In his column, he wrestles with his conscience over his response to the COVID outbreak in Sydney. It is a tug-of-war between two characters, “Good Jon” and “Bad Jon”.
Concerning the media, “Good Jon” thinks:
I am so impressed with the decorum with which the Sydney media pack conduct their press conferences with their Premier. They show respect, listen carefully, interrupt rarely if at all and we are all the wiser for it. And doesn’t the Premier show grace under pressure?“
But then “Bad Jon” thinks:
What an unbelievable double standard. The reptiles in Melbourne, weaponised by the Murdoch tabloids and Sky News, ripped into Dan Andrews and Brett Sutton every bloody day for weeks on end, repeated the same questions a gazillion times hoping to trip them up, shouted at them, harangued and argued, stopped asking legitimate questions and instead made unfounded assertions and then demanded that mere rumours be proven untrue. How dare they?
The Murdoch press hasn’t taken this lying down. On Monday, it published a response based on a one-sided presentation of the Faine article and claiming it had aroused “fury” in Sydney.
And that brings us to the final factor in the differences between the media coverage in the two states: the frankly rabid bias of the Murdoch tabloids.
The page-one headline in Sydney’s Sunday Telegraph on June 27 was a public-relations triumph for the Coalition governments in Sydney and Canberra: “Smart strain slips the net”. Such a clever virus. Nothing there about the failure to vaccinate airport drivers or make them wear masks.
Contrast that with the Herald Sun’s front page when one of Victoria’s lockdowns was announced: “State of disaster”. “6-week extreme lockdown to crush COVID”.
A three-day lockdown will come into force from 6pm Tuesday 29 June, covering 11 local government areas (LGAs) in South East Queensland in addition to the Townsville LGA, including Magnetic Island and Palm Island.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the lockdown was necessary to tackle emerging COVID-19 community transmission in Queensland.
“With the new Delta strain now in the Queensland community, we can’t afford to take any chances,” the Premier said.
“This highly infectious strain means that a three-day lockdown in South East Queensland, Townsville and Palm Island is our only choice.
“I’m asking all Queenslanders and all visitors to these affected areas to abide by the lockdown – this is absolutely vital to keep us all safe.
“We’ve shown that we can do this before, and we can do it again.
“Community spread is being seen across Australia, with returning residents and visitors bringing the Delta strain to our shores.
“I’m calling on the Federal Government to immediately massively reduce overseas arrivals into Australia until a large proportion of the Australian public is vaccinated.”
During the lockdown period, you can only leave your residence, which includes temporary accommodation such as a holiday rental, for limited permitted purposes such as:
obtaining essentials such as groceries or medications
exercise in your local area
work or study if you can’t do either from home, and childcare, and
health care, including vaccination, or to provide help, care or support to vulnerable people.
The affected LGAs are:
Brisbane City Council
Logan City Council
Moreton Bay Regional Council
Ipswich City Council
Redland City Council
Sunshine Coast Regional Council
Gold Coast City Council
Noosa Shire Council
Somerset Regional Council
Lockyer Valley Regional Council
Scenic Rim Regional Council
Townsville City Council, including Magnetic Island, and
Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council
Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the three-day lockdown would be reviewed on Friday and allow Queensland Health to carry out vital contact tracing.
“This Delta strain is highly infectious and we’re going hard and going early to avoid a longer lockdown,” she said.
“Our contact tracers are amongst the best in the world and they’re working around the clock to keep us all safe.
“We need all people in the affected areas to stay home unless it’s absolutely essential to leave home for one of the permitted reasons.
“Above all, keep wearing your mask and if you have any symptoms, get tested and self-isolate until you get your result.
“Remember to keep up the social distancing and practice good hand hygiene.
“Getting vaccinated is also crucial, so if you have an appointment make sure you keep that appointment.
“Queensland Health currently has 66 vaccination sites operating and we’re encouraging those eligible to go online and book their vaccination.”
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said the three-day lockdown would limit community spread of COVID-19.
“With community transmission and many venues of concern throughout South East Queensland, and an emerging risk in Townsville this lockdown is essential to protect the community,” Dr Young said.
“We need this time to allow our contact tracers to get in touch with close contacts, identify any at risk locations and alert the community.
“It’s really important people follow the restrictions. I know it’s difficult, but we don’t implement these measures lightly – we want to keep Queenslanders safe.”
Also from 1am Wednesday 30 June, Perth and the Peel LGAs in Western Australia, and Darwin, Palmerston, Litchfield LGAs and Wagait and Belyuen Shires in the Northern Territory will be declared hotspots.
Visitors from these areas will require an exemption to enter Queensland and returning residents will have to do 14 days hotel quarantine at their own expense.
From 6pm, Tuesday 29 June 2021 to 6pm, Friday 2 July 2021, people in South East Queensland, Townsville (including Magnetic Island) and Palm Island will be required to stay at home except for essential reasons.
You can only leave your residence (which includes temporary accommodation such as a holiday rental) for limited permitted purposes such as:
obtaining essential goods or services, including healthcare (including vaccinations)
exercise
attending essential work or childcare, and
assisting vulnerable persons
You should stay in your local area wherever possible. You can only have two visitors to your residence (excluding volunteers and workers).
You can exercise away from your home with your household group and/or one other person not from your household.
You must wear a face mask at all times when you leave home, including outdoors, unless you have a lawful reason not to. You must wear a mask in indoor spaces, such as:
shopping centres and supermarkets
hospitals and aged care facilities, if permitted to visit
indoor workplaces (where safe to wear a mask and you can’t physically distance)
public transport, taxis and rideshare, and waiting places or queues for this transport, and
airports and travelling on planes.
Masks do not need to be worn in some circumstances, including children under 12 years, where people have certain medical conditions, and in workplaces where it is not safe to do so. Masks may be removed when sitting down to eat and drink, undertaking strenuous exercise and for employment purposes.
Non-essential businesses are not allowed to operate. Cinemas, entertainment and recreation venues, hairdressers, beauty and personal care services, gyms and places of worship will all close. Childcare centres will remain open.
Restaurants and cafes can provide take away or home delivery services only.
Funerals will be limited to 20 people, and weddings will be limited to 10 people, including the celebrant and the couple.
Restrictions on aged care, hospitals, disability care and correctional facilities apply with no personal visitors allowed. Anyone attending these facilities in South East Queensland, Townsville or Palm Island, including staff, must wear a mask. People will still be able to visit their loved ones who are at end of life.
Anyone who was in South East Queensland, Townsville or Palm Island from 6pm, Tuesday 29 June 2021 is required to follow the same lockdown rules even if they are no longer in those areas.
