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Andrews Melbourne’s cafes, restaurants, pubs, retail can open

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Andrews Melbourne’s cafes, restaurants, pubs, retail can open

Danial Andrews 10


Statement From The Premier: The last time Victoria had zero cases was 9 June, 139 days ago.

Even more incredibly, it’s zero cases off the back of a huge testing drive.

Over the course of this weekend, we asked Victorians living in our northern suburbs to get tested. They did just that.

In 24 hours, we have been able to process an additional 14,024 tests – 3196 of them from these communities. This morning we’ve processed an extra 1157.

And not a single new case has been found.

I want to thank everyone who did the right thing by their community and our state in getting tested. I also want to thank the nurses, lab technicians, collectors, couriers – everyone who has been working around the clock to process these tests.



Because of that effort, we’ve been able to get the results faster than we thought. These results give us confidence – confidence that even if we do identify positive cases in any further tests – we are firmly on top of this virus.



It’s why today I can confirm what we’ve long waited for: Melbourne will move out of lockdown and into the Third Step. Before we get to the bit that almost everyone will be waiting for, an ask:



As we take these steady steps towards reopening, the message remains the same: please, stay safe. And if you have symptoms, you must get tested.



Under the Third Step, and from 11:59pm on Tuesday, Melbourne will move from “stay home” to “stay safe”, with no more restrictions on the reasons to leave home.



The 25-kilometre limit though, will remain in place. I know it’s frustrating, but this is about making sure that even as we ease restrictions, we’re limiting the virus’s ability to travel. 



It’s why the border between regional Victoria and Melbourne will also remain in place – for just a bit longer.



Under the Third Step, Melbourne’s cafes, restaurants and pubs can reopen.  Outdoors with a limit of up to 50, indoors up to 20. Density limits, record keeping and COVIDSafe Plans also apply.



Remaining retail will also open. Beauty and personal care services can resume. And for those businesses who need to get ready for their reopening – staff will be able to attend onsite straight away. 



Outdoor contact sport for those aged 18 and under will also begin again – so too can non-contact sport for adults. PT, fitness and dance classes can also be held outdoors with up to ten people, and the number of people at outdoor pools can increase to 50, subject to density limits.



Libraries and community venues will be able to open for outdoor events. Outdoor entertainment venues can also begin hosting visitors.



And faith communities will be able to meet for outdoor religious ceremonies with up to 20 people, in addition to those required for the service. Indoor services can be held with up to 10.



Weddings will increase to ten people, and funerals up to 20.



Workplaces will no longer need to be on the permitted work list to open and the ability to work will change to “if you can work from home you must work from home”.



While the boundary is in place, work permits will still be required for workers from Melbourne travelling into regional Victoria – and vice versa.



I know the thing many people are missing is having people over to visit – but as we’ve seen, this virus is at its most dangerous when we’re indoors and relaxed and comfortable.



It’s why we’re going to take the next 24 hours to understand how we might be able to make this work – safely – and I’ll have more to say about this tomorrow.



From 8 November, and if we can continue driving case numbers down, the 25km limit will come off and Melbourne will be able to meet regional Victoria at the same level.



That means the same eased restrictions that apply to regional Victoria will also apply to Melbourne.



The capacity of pubs and restaurants will increase, with up to 40 inside and 70 outside.



Religious gatherings will expand with up 20 people and a faith leader indoors, and 50 outside.



Gyms and indoor fitness will be able to reopen – with some strict safety precautions in place.



And because Melburnians will have well and truly earnt a holiday, accommodation will also reopen.



The border between the city and the rest of our state will also fall away.



I know personally – deeply – just how much this will mean for thousands of Victorians who haven’t been able to see loved ones for far too long. 



It will mean families are whole again. Our state is whole again.



I understand there’ll be questions, “what about X?” or “when can I do Y?”. And I promise, we’ll also have an update on 8 November on the timelines and thresholds for taking the Last Step.



We want to reach COVID Normal by Christmas and right now, we’re on track to do that.



It’s why we’ve got to keep going – all of us. Understanding that even though restrictions may ease, our personal responsibility in all this doesn’t.



We have come so far and given so much.



Getting here – and staying here – relies on the efforts of every Victorian.



Keep going.



Statement From The Premier



© Copyright State Government of Victoria



201026 – Metro Melb Easing Restrictions.pdf



PDF 113.43 KB201026 – Statement From The Premier.pdfPDF 139.46 KB

Dan Andrew, There can be no changes to restrictions in Melbourne today.

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Dan Andrew, There can be no changes to restrictions in Melbourne today.

Dan Andrews0A 1


Dan Andrews: I know plenty of people were looking forward to some good news today. And soon, very soon, we’ll have some.

But for now, we need to do again what we’ve done throughout this pandemic: follow the advice of our public health experts. That means there can be no changes to restrictions in Melbourne today.

As we know, today 6 new cases have been identified in our northern suburbs, meaning there have so far been 39 cases spread across 11 households. Concerningly, while these cases have locations in common it is not yet clear how they link together. It means we may still have transmission happening where we can’t see it.

The local community, working alongside our public health team, are doing everything they can to stop this spread. 

In the last 24 hours, over 3,000 Victorians from our northern suburbs did a profoundly powerful thing and got tested. With thousands of tests comes thousands of results.

We have around 1,000 swabs currently being processed – and we’re expecting even more today.

We’ll use the next couple of days to review those results and understand exactly how this virus is travelling.



Put simply: this is a couple of extra days that might put us weeks ahead of this virus. To not only get on top of this outbreak – but to stamp it out.



I know everyone will be disappointed we’re not making that move today. I get that. I am too.



But I want to reassure you, this is not us taking a step back. This is us making sure we can take a step forward – and stay there.



We can’t let everything Victorians have sacrificed, everything we’ve given up, simply slip away.



Until then, we’ll continue to keep a careful eye on the numbers – and the all-important stories that sit behind them.



To anyone who might be considering it. Who’s got a scratchy throat, or a runny nose. Who’s connected to one of those school communities. Please, please get tested.



The more tests, the more data. The more data, the more certainty. 



And with more certainty, we can make more decisions about Melbourne’s transition to the Third Step.



While we can’t deliver that good news for Melbourne today, due to the continued low number of regional cases, we’re able to announce some additional changes for regional Victoria.



As part of the Third Step and from 11:59pm on Tuesday 27 October, indoor gyms and fitness spaces will be able to open for up to 20 people, with a maximum of ten per space and a density of one person per 8 square metres.



Indoor pools will open to 20. Indoor sport will begin for those 18 and under.



Food courts can open. Live music can resume as part of outdoor hospitality.



School graduations can be held within school communities.



And for religious celebrations, 20 people can gather together indoors with their faith leader – or 50 outdoors.



Thanks to the efforts of the local community, from 11:59pm Sunday night, Greater Shepparton will also come into alignment with the rest of regional Victoria and then progress under these changes.



Regional Victorians should be proud of this success. Everyone should be proud of this success. Because soon, it will belong to our whole state.



From hundreds of cases to single digits, we have driven this virus down.



And we are so close – so close – to beating this thing.



I’m asking each of you: keep going.



Dig deep. Stay strong.



Let’s win this fight, and let’s win it for good.



Source Premier Dan Andrews

President Trump and The First Lady Host Halloween at the White House

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President Trump and The First Lady Host Halloween at the White House

0A0A0ALIVE0A0APresident Trump and The First Lady Host Halloween at the White House 1

President Trump and The First Lady Host Halloween at the White House

More: Remarks by President Trump After Air Force One Arrival | Columbus, OH

Watch Video Below

THE PRESIDENT: So we have a tremendous crowd, as you know. That’s the governor. And we just had a little talk, and we have a tremendous crowd. And I’m watching the crowds that are being drawn by my opponent and his predecessor — the predecessor. I looked at the crowd that was — President Obama had. Not too big. Not too big. I don’t know if that’s an indication of anything, but there’s nobody there. And we have — the governor was just telling me we have tens of thousands of people. And we’ve had it everywhere.

Then we’re going to Wisconsin. I hear the crowds are very big up in Wisconsin. And we’re going to do — so we’re doing two more today, and then we’re doing a number tomorrow. And we’re going to take this right up until the end. And then I suspect I’ll rest for about two hours. But we’ll what happens.

But I think we’re doing very well. The numbers are coming in unbelievably well. I don’t believe the media is talking about them. I’m not sure the media knows exactly what’s happening yet. But in Florida, we’re doing very well. North Carolina, doing very well. Iowa, doing very well.

The governor was just telling me that, in Ohio, we’re doing great. I think they’ve pulled back — pulled out. Something happened. But they seem to have pulled out. And we’ll see what happens. We’ll see what happens.

Q What worries you the most from here on out? What worries you the most?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, we have 10 days. And, you know, nothing worries me. It’s — I think we’re doing just very well. If you look at the numbers in Florida, we’re way ahead where we were four years ago, right? Way ahead where we were four years ago. And I think I can say that everywhere else. In North Carolina, we’re way ahead where we were four year ago. I think it’s very good. I don’t know if it’s a hidden vote. I don’t know exactly what it is.

But we’ve had some polls come out — very strong polls in Trafalgar — he’s — he’s one — he called it very accurately last time — that we’re two points up in Michigan, in the Trafalgar poll, which has been a very accurate poll. And so we’ll be going up to Michigan very soon. But we’re leaving — as you know, from here, we’re going to Wisconsin. And tomorrow we have a full day.

Q Mr. President, what specific indicators are you looking at in Florida and North Carolina?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, if you look at the vote, the early vote, it’s not nearly what they thought it would be. It’s just not what they thought. We’re going to have a great red wave. It’s going to be a red wave like you’ve never seen before, because people are tired of looking at the anarchists and all of the things taking place in Portland, Chicago, New York, with crime. They’re tired of it.



But you’re going to have a red wave the likes of which you haven’t seen. And everybody knows it. And they — you know, I don’t think they’re doing very well. They have no enthusiasm.



Look, Obama shows up for a speech, and nobody shows. What did he have yesterday? Thirty-two people showed up? We’ve got 35-, 40,000 people half the time. What’s my smallest crowd been? Twenty thousand, twenty-two thousand people? Right, Steve? You know.



Q Mr. President, there are some coronavirus cases rising in Wisconsin.



THE PRESIDENT: You used the word “cases.” You know why there’s so many cases? Because we test. Because we test more than any country in the world. Nobody tests like us. “Cases.” Everybody uses the word “cases.” Mortality, way down. Way down. And a lot of those cases that you’re talking about are young people — very young people that get better 99.9. They get better almost immediately.



No, you use the word “case” because you’re trying to scare people. Don’t scare people. Don’t scare people.



The fact is that we’re doing very well. The vaccines are coming out. The therapeutics are coming out. But we have more testing than any country in the world. That includes India with 1.5 billion people. Nobody tests like us. We test more.



Now, the good news is we know where it may be. The bad news is, anytime you test, you’re going to come up with cases. But you just used the word; it’s “cases.”



Q Well, I just wanted to ask, sir, if there was any concern about bringing people together.



Q But you called testing “foolish.” Why would you call it —



THE PRESIDENT: Say it? Say it?



Q You called testing “foolish.” Why would you call it “foolish” while cases are spreading?



THE PRESIDENT: I don’t — I don’t — I can’t hear you with your mask on.



Thank you very much.



Q Did you vote for Laura Loomer today? Have you voted —



THE PRESIDENT: Did I vote?



Q Did you vote for Laura Loomer?



THE PRESIDENT: I voted straight Republican. Thank you.










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Victoria’s public health systems are either up to the task dealing outbreaks or they are not

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Victoria’s public health systems are either up to the task dealing outbreaks or they are not

Scomo 1


ScoMo: Victorians have made great progress in reducing the rate of COVID-19 infections from the second wave outbreak in Victoria. While the Commonwealth Government welcomes Victoria’s commitment to the national framework agreed at National Cabinet to have Australia open by Christmas, for many Victorian businesses and their workers today’s announcement will mean they will simply not be able to make it.

The new Framework to reopen by Christmas is a clear and transparent, three-step plan which provides the Australian community and businesses with a way forward where Australians can live and work in a COVID Normal Australia, ensuring that we maintain strong health protections and minimise job losses and mental health impacts.

Victorians are to be congratulated for meeting and beating the considerable benchmarks that were set by their State Government before restrictions could be eased. They have played their part and sacrificed much in the pursuit of reaching those targets in the belief restrictions would be eased.

Under the Victorian Stage 4 lockdown, Victoria has seen the devastation of more than 1,000 job losses per day. We have also agonisingly witnessed a 31 per cent increase in Medicare funded mental health presentations in Victoria during the lockdown and significant increases in other mental health services.

At some point, you have to move forward and put your public health systems to work in a bid to reclaim the jobs that have been lost, and rescue the livelihoods and peace of mind of so many Victorians who have been affected by the inability to contain the outbreak that led to the second Victorian wave.

Victoria’s public health systems are either up to the task of dealing with future outbreaks or they are not. The decision to keep businesses closed suggests that there is still not sufficient confidence within the Government that their systems can support reopening.

This is a profound disappointment. Of course, Victorians do not want to face another lockdown and of course they don’t want all of this to have been for nothing. That is why ensuring the State Government’s capability to deal with outbreaks through their public health response is so essential. This is what you need for Victoria to open up safely and stay safely open.

Borders and closures are not indicators of public health success. They are the opposite.

Victoria’s infection rate is now below the Victorian Government’s own target of a 14 day rolling average of fewer than 5 cases per day to further reduce restrictions. It is also well below the Commonwealth’s hot spot definition, based on the advice of the acting Chief Medical Officer, of a rolling average of fewer than 10 cases per day over 3 days.

During this time, the Victorian Government has greatly benefitted from the cooperation of the Victorian public and business community who have paid a significant price as a result of the prolonged lockdown measures.

The Commonwealth Government has also provided significant assistance from the ADF, medical and technical experts with the management of the lockdown and boosting Victoria’s contact tracing systems.



The Victorian Government has stated that they have now significantly improved their contact tracing capabilities to deal with any future outbreaks. Such capacity has been critical to enabling NSW to deal with numerous outbreaks, whilst staying open.



If this is the case, then we strongly encourage the Victorian Government to rapidly take the next steps to implement the National Framework and mirror the NSW COVID Safe restrictions for the sake of health, mental health and halting the loss of more than 1,000 jobs per day.



The Australian Government will continue to support Victorians through this crisis through our record economic and income supports. We will also continue to work with the Victorian Government to assist them to strengthen their public health and contact tracing capacity.



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Trump Brokers a Historic Peace Agreement Between Israel and Sudan

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Trump Brokers a Historic Peace Agreement Between Israel and Sudan

President Trump Delivers Remarks in the Oval Office 1


A future in which Arabs and Israelis, Muslims, Jews, and Christians can live together, pray together, and dream together, side by side, in harmony, community, and peace.

STRIKING ANOTHER HISTORIC AGREEMENT: President Donald J. Trump has brokered a peace agreement between Sudan and Israel – the third such agreement between Israel and an Arab-Muslim nation in less than three months. 


  • Today, Israel and Sudan have agreed to make peace and to normalize their relations in another landmark agreement brokered by President Trump.
  • In the coming weeks, the two countries will begin negotiations on cooperation agreements in agriculture, economy, trade, aviation, migration issues, and other areas of mutual benefit.
  • This historic peace agreement follows similar agreements between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Israel and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
    • The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Sudan are the first Arab nations to normalize relations with Israel in over 25 years.
  • The expansion of the Abraham Accords to include Sudan is a significant step that will further enhance Israel’s security and create opportunities for Sudan and Israel to deepen their economic ties and improve the lives of their people.


BEGINNING A NEW ERA FOR SUDAN: This agreement is a historic step forward for the people of Sudan and the new transitional government.

  • After decades living under a brutal Islamist dictatorship that supported terrorism, the people of Sudan are in charge and democracy is taking root.
  • The Sudanese transitional government has demonstrated tremendous courage and commitment to combating terrorism, building its democratic institutions, and improving its relations with its neighbors.
  • The United States welcomes this important progress and stands ready to support the people of Sudan as they work to build a better future for themselves and future generations.



CREATING THE CONDITIONS FOR PEACE: After decades of instability and crisis, nations across the Middle East and Africa are increasingly working together to build a more peaceful, prosperous future.

  • Since taking office, President Trump has worked to rebuild trust with our regional partners and identify their shared interests, moving them away from the conflicts of the past.
  • Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the Middle East and Africa are experiencing the most rapid geopolitical transformation in over a generation.
  • As more countries normalize relations with Israel, the region will become more stable, secure, and prosperous.
  • The United States will continue to stand with the people of the region as they work to build a brighter, more hopeful future.



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President Trump National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking

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President Trump National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking

Donald Trump 1


Trump Administration: This week, the White House released the first-ever comprehensive National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking.  The National Action Plan (NAP) represents the broad-based, multi-disciplinary, whole-of-government strategy of the United States to eradicate human trafficking.  This plan is built around the three pillars laid out in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000: Prevention, Protection, and Prosecution.  The NAP’s fourth pillar recognizes the invaluable benefit of implementing collaborative and cooperative efforts that crosscut all three pillars and involve a multitude of stakeholders and professionals from various disciplines and sectors.  Under the heading of each pillar, the NAP identifies foundational principles and associated priority action items.


Human trafficking is an intolerable blight on any society that values freedom, individual rights, human dignity, and the rule of law.  The Trump Administration is committed to leveraging every resource we have to confront this threat, support victims, and hold traffickers accountable.  To read the National Action Plan, please click here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/NAP-to-Combat-Human-Trafficking.pdf.  There is also an Executive Summary and One Page Brief that summarize the full plan.



Trump Plan 1



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Over 1 million mail-in ballots could be rejected in the US election — and the rules are changing by the day

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Over 1 million mail-in ballots could be rejected in the US election — and the rules are changing by the day

US Election Mail Ballot 1
THE CONVERSATION

Sarah John, Flinders University
In the US election next month, record-breaking numbers of voters will cast their ballots by mail for the first time. Millions of these ballots will be processed by local election administrations inexperienced with large numbers of mail-in votes.

In this environment, many ballots are likely to be rejected for technical reasons, such as non-matching signatures (the signature on the ballot doesn’t match the signature on voter registration forms), raising the risk of protracted court battles in key battleground states.

Already, lawsuits are being filed in many of these states to try to prevent or reduce ballot rejections, which, perversely, may only make the problem worse if voters can’t keep track of constantly changing rules.

Large numbers of ballot rejections could prove pivotal if the race is close in key states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan, which Donald Trump won by less than 80,000 votes in total in 2016 to claim victory over Hillary Clinton.

But there is also a longer-term risk to voters’ belief in the fundamentals of democracy itself if they cast a ballot that literally does not count.

How many ballots could be rejected?


According to the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), a federal agency created to help states modernise their voting systems after the “hanging chads” problem in the 2000 presidential election, less than 5% of voters in North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin voted by mail in 2016.

But 2020 will be different. In Pennsylvania, 2.5 million voters requested mail-in ballots — about eight times as many as 2016. And more than ten times as many North Carolinians requested mail-in ballots in 2020 than 2016.


A dramatic increase like this could very easily overwhelm county election administrators who are unfamiliar with the system and under-resourced to process masses of mail-in ballots.

In every election with mail-in voting, some ballots are not counted for reasons unrelated to the eligibility of the voter. Most commonly, these “rejected” ballots arrived too late, lacked the requisite signature or “secrecy” envelope or had some other technical problem.



Read more:
Mail-in voting’s potential problems only begin at the post office – an underfunded, underprepared decentralized system could be trouble

In the 2016 presidential election, the EAC found about 1% of the 33.4 million total absentee ballots were rejected — or about 319,000 overall.

However, in some counties, rates were much higher. Nassau County, an affluent county just outside New York City, reported rejecting 82% of its mail-in ballots (mostly because they missed the deadline). Greene County, Arkansas, reported rejecting 48% of its mail-in ballots (mostly because the voter did not write their address on the envelope, which is a requirement in Arkansas).

It is likely more ballots could be rejected in this year’s election — USA Today estimates more than 1 million, if half the nation votes by mail.

We got our first taste of the problem during the Republican and Democratic presidential primaries earlier this year. More than 550,000 ballots were rejected in these contests — nearly twice as many as the 2016 general election.

Mishmash of laws and court rulings


Even in normal times, voting by mail is complex. Technical requirements and formats vary greatly from state to state.

Some states, like Pennsylvania, require the ballot to be ensconced in a second “secrecy” envelope. Without this, the ballot will be rejected.

And six states, including the key battleground states of North Carolina and Wisconsin, require a witness to verify the voter’s signature. Without this, the ballot will be rejected.

Unsurprisingly, research reveals inexperienced voters, including younger voters, are more likely to have their mail-in ballots rejected.

And while there is no evidence mail-in voting leads to widespread voter fraud — as Trump has repeatedly claimed — rejected ballots do have the potential to determine election outcomes.


For this reason, rules about accepting and rejecting mail-in ballots are currently the subject of hundreds of court actions.

In the absence of a concerted national effort to reduce ballot rejection rates, citizen and activist groups and Democratic state party organisations have filed lawsuits seeking to remove technical requirements for mail-in ballots in numerous states.

Republican state party organisations, meanwhile, are appealing those decisions and challenging policy changes that loosen technical requirements.



Read more:
No mail-in votes, proof of citizenship: the long history of preventing minorities from voting in the US

Using the courts in this way creates uncertainty, and may even serve to increase the number of ballots that are rejected.

In some states, court rulings that have loosened requirements have been overturned only weeks later by higher courts. In early October, for example, the US Supreme Court reinstated the witness requirement for South Carolinian mail-in voters after a lower court had ordered it removed.

Consequently, South Carolina voters have received mail-in ballots with outdated instructions, increasing the risk their votes will be rejected.

Every day, there are new court rulings. For example, last week, a Michigan appeals court overturned a lower court ruling that prevented ballots from being rejected if they arrived late, so long as they were postmarked November 2 or earlier.

This week, the US Supreme Court ruled mail-in ballots could be counted for up to three days after election day in Pennsylvania, so long as they were postmarked by November 3.


This decision could prove critical in a tight race. Trump won Pennsylvania in 2016 by just 44,000 votes out of some 6 million cast.

And in Texas, which has the most restrictive voting rules of anywhere in the country, an appeals court overturned a lower court decision this week to allow election officials to reject ballots without matching signatures without giving voters a chance to challenge.


Will ballot rejections erode trust in democracy?


There are long-term risks to these battles over mail-in voting, as well.

Voters would understandably be disheartened to learn their ballots were rejected in the election — and their votes didn’t count — after they went to the effort of voting by mail. This risks a genuine disengagement with the electoral system.

Researchers in Scotland have found high rates of ballot rejections in the 2007 Scottish parliament elections caused many to question the fairness of the electoral system, possibly resulting in lower voter turnout rates in future elections.



Read more:
Mail-in voting is safe and reliable – 5 essential reads

Not much research has emerged in the US on the effects of ballot rejection on future political participation. But this will likely change after this election, particularly if ballot rejections are widespread.

We should expect to hear many angry partisan allegations about “naked” ballots (those missing special secrecy envelopes), postmarks and signatures in the weeks after the election.

But we should also spare a thought for the citizens who find out the ballots they diligently returned were rejected on a technicality. They may not be so inclined to vote again in the future.The Conversation

Sarah John, College of Business, Government and Law, Flinders University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Before China Virus, US Incomes Hit a Record High and Poverty Reached a Record Low in 2019

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Before China Virus, US Incomes Hit a Record High and Poverty Reached a Record Low in 2019

President Trump

Data released by the Census Bureau today show that 2019 was a historic year for raising Americans’ living standards. Real median household income reached a record high, and poverty reached a record low. Improvements in income and poverty were the largest in over 50 years. Minority groups—including black, Hispanic and Asian Americans—experienced the largest gains.

Median income reaches all-time high after largest one-year increase on record

Real median household income increased by $4,400 in 2019, reaching an all-time record high of $68,700. This represents a 6.8 percent one-year increase, which is the largest one-year increase in median income on record. Since 2016, real median household income has increased by 9.7 percent (after adjusting for a Census survey redesign in 2017).

Income gains in 2019 were largest for minority groups. Real median income grew by 7.9 percent for black Americans, 7.1 percent for Hispanic Americans, and 10.6 percent for Asian Americans (see Figure 1). These one-year increases were all record highs, and the new income levels reached in 2019 were all record highs, as well.


As incomes grew, income inequality fell for the second consecutive year. Between 2017 and 2019, the Gini index of income inequality fell from 0.489 to 0.484. Over the same two-year period, the share of income held by the top 20 percent fell by 0.4 percentage points.Real Median Income by Householder Race



The rise in income was driven by an increase in the number of workers, especially women. There were 2.2 million more people working at some point in 2019 compared with 2018, and 1.2 million more people working full-time year-round. The full 1.2 million increase in full-time year-round workers was attributable to women.

Poverty hits record low after largest decrease in over 50 years

Incomes grew across the distribution, and poverty plummeted as a result. The official poverty rate fell to an all-time record low of 10.5 percent in 2019. Over 4 million people were lifted out of poverty between 2018 and 2019 for a 1.3 percentage point decrease. This was the largest reduction in poverty in over 50 years.



Minority groups led the way in poverty alleviation. Compared to the overall poverty rate reduction of 1.3 percentage points, black poverty fell by 2.0 percentage points, Hispanic poverty fell by 1.8 percentage points, and Asian poverty fell by 2.8 percentage points (see Figure 2). The poverty rate fell to an all-time record low for every race and ethnic group in 2019. Notably, the black poverty rate fell below 20 percent for the first time in history.



Poverty Rates by Race and Hispanic Origin



Children fared even better than the overall population. Child poverty fell to a near 50-year low in 2019, falling by 1.8 percentage points to 14.4 percent. Since 2016, 2.8 million children have been lifted out of poverty, including over 1 million Hispanic children.



The reduction in poverty during the Trump Administration is unprecedented. Between 2016 and 2019, 6.6 million people were lifted out of poverty, the largest 3-year reduction to start any presidency since the initial drop that began the War on Poverty in 1964. The 1.2 million black Americans lifted out of poverty since 2016 is also the largest reduction on record—spanning over 50 years—for the first 3 years of any President’s administration.



Data collection issues due to COVID-19



It is important to note that data collection efforts for the income and poverty estimates were affected by COVID-19. The response rate fell by about 10 percentage points as households became more difficult to reach. Despite these issues, the data quality met usual Census Bureau standards. In addition, Census Bureau research suggests that even after accounting for potential issues with response rates, real median income still would have increased and poverty still would have decreased by large magnitudes.



Pro-Growth Policies Work



The Census Bureau’s income and poverty estimates for 2019 show what’s possible under the Trump Administration’s pro-growth policies. With over 2 million new workers in 2019—fueled by female full-time, year-round workers—incomes grew at the highest pace ever recorded. As incomes grew, poverty fell to an all-time low. The one-year poverty rate decrease was the largest in over 50 years. Minority groups experienced the largest improvements—and for the first time ever, fewer than one in every five black Americans suffers from poverty.



The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted this historic progress in 2020. But the strong recovery has vastly outperformed expectations, and almost half of the jobs lost by April had already returned by August. While the recovery is far from complete with millions of Americans still out of work, the Census Bureau’s latest income and poverty numbers have set a new standard: 2019 was the best year for household economic gains in half a century in America. Under the Trump Administration’s pro-growth policies, this standard can be achieved again



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Dan eases restrictions on travel, outdoor gatherings, sport,hairdressers and auctions.

Sam
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Dan eases restrictions on travel, outdoor gatherings, sport,hairdressers and auctions.

Dan Andrews 14


Dan Andrews: There’s been plenty said about how challenging 2020 has been.

And it’s true. This year has asked more of us – taken more from us – than any year, ever.

But 2020 has also proven, without doubt, the incredible courage of Victorians.

We have found it in ourselves to stay the course. And as a state – millions strong – we are defeating this virus.

Other places around the world have not been so successful.

Back in August and at our peak, we reported 725 daily cases. At the same time, the UK recorded 891.

Today, as Victoria records two new cases, the UK hit 16,171. And as we continue easing our restrictions – they are being forced to increase theirs.

We are seeing states and cities, not so different from our own, overwhelmed by their second wave.

Doctors and nurses being asked to decide which of their patients are most worthy of their care.



And communities – entire countries – confronting the reality that this will be “normal” until there is a vaccine.



We have escaped that awful eventuality. With modest acts of greatness and kindness, we have endured this – together.



Today, and on the strength of that success, we’ve been able to progress a number of changes.



I know these changes can’t be absolutely everything everyone wants. But they are the steps we can safely take that will make life a little bit easier.



From 11:59pm tonight, the five-kilometre limit for exercise and shopping will be extended to 25 kilometres. The two-hour time limit for exercise and socialising will also fall away.



Outdoor sports settings like tennis courts, golf courses and skateparks will be able to reopen.



All allied health professionals currently operating will be able to resume routine face-to-face care.



Outdoor real estate auctions will be able to take place with up to 10 people, plus the required staff.



And in good news for those sizing up the scissors or cautiously contemplating a buzzcut – hairdressers will be able to open, with strict safety protocols in place.



From tonight, groups of up to ten people from two households will also be able to gather in outdoor public places. That could be for exercise – or a picnic in the park.



I know some people will reasonably ask why it’s limited to two households – and not five or ten. But by limiting the number of households, we’re limiting any potential spread of the virus.



We’re also able to get thousands of more Victorians back to work – particularly those who work outside. That includes tradies undertaking outdoor maintenance and repair work, mobile pet groomers and photographers.



These are the changes we can safely make from tonight.



We need to wait just a bit longer – until 11:59pm on 1 November – to take the rest of the Third Step that will see retail, hospitality and personal care services open again.



This is a timeline that is based on the current advice of our public health team.



But if we continue to track well on the most important indicators – case averages, mystery cases, test numbers and the number of days people wait before they get tested – we may be in a position to move sooner.



These indicators help tell us the story that sits behind a case – and understand how we can safely make our next moves.



My commitment to Melburnians: we’ll review this data each and every day this week and when we get to next weekend, if we can move any earlier and do it safely, we will.



When we do reach the Third Step it will also mean we move from “stay home” to “stay safe” – with no restrictions on the reasons to leave home.



Under this step, all remaining retail will open. Restaurants, cafes and pubs will open. And personal and beauty services will be able to offer treatments to clients – as long as a face mask can be worn.



These businesses will be able to have staff onsite for a ‘dark opening’ from 28 October, giving them time to prepare to open their doors to the public.



We’ll also be able to go a bit further on home visits too – allowing households to have two people and their dependents visit their home once per day.



The other aspects of our roadmap – from accommodation to outdoor sport – will also be introduced.



I know there’ll be plenty of people who want to know when they can head to regional Victoria.



And unfortunately, for now, that’s off the cards. As we’ve seen this week, this virus is wildly infectious – and we all need to help protect the hard-won gains of our regional communities.



Because we are doing so well in regional Victoria, we’re able to make a few changes there too.



From tonight, regional libraries and toy libraries will be able to open to a maximum of 20 people indoors.



People will be able to hold outdoor religious gatherings with up to 20 people – and 50 from 1 November.



And in good news for our regional hospitality businesses, they’ll be able to host up to 40 customers indoors and up to 70 outdoors from 11:59pm tonight. 



Staying safe is more important than ever. So please, keep wearing a mask, keep maintaining your distance – and if you feel sick, get tested and stay home.



I understand that for some these changes won’t be enough. They’ll want more – and they’ll want it sooner.



But the whole way through this, we have been guided by our public health experts and their advice.



None of us ever want to do this again.



We have come too far – sacrificed too much – to give up now. We are so close.



These are the safe, steady steps that will see us out of this – and see us through to the other side.



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Download the table of changes for metro Melbourne PDF 150.96 KB

First Lady Melania Trump “My personal experience with COVID-19.”

Sam
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First Lady Melania Trump “My personal experience with COVID-19.”

Melania Trump 10


First Lady Melania Trump: It was two weeks ago when I received the diagnosis that so many Americans across our country and the world had already received—I tested positive for COVID-19. To make matters worse, my husband, and our nation’s Commander-in-Chief, received the same news.

Naturally, my mind went immediately to our son. To our great relief, he tested negative, but again, as so many parents have thought over the past several months, I couldn’t help but think “what about tomorrow or the next day?”. My fear came true when he was tested again and it came up positive. Luckily he is a strong teenager and exhibited no symptoms. In one way I was glad the three of us went through this at the same time so we could take care of one another and spend time together. He has since tested negative.

I was very fortunate as my diagnosis came with minimal symptoms, though they hit me all at once and it seemed to be a roller coaster of symptoms in the days after. I experienced body aches, a cough and headaches, and felt extremely tired most of the time. I chose to go a more natural route in terms of medicine, opting more for vitamins and healthy food. We had wonderful caretakers around us and we will be forever grateful for the medical care and professional discretion we received from Dr. Conley and his team. It was an unfamiliar feeling for me to be the patient instead of a person trying to encourage our nation to stay healthy and safe. It was me being taken care of now, and getting the first-hand experience with all that COVID-19 can do. As the patient, and the person benefitting from so much medical support, I found myself even more grateful and in awe of caretakers and first responders everywhere. To the medical staff and the residence staff who have been taking care of our family—thank you doesn’t say enough.


Recovering from an illness gives you a lot of time to reflect. When my husband was taken to Walter Reed as a precaution, I spent much of my time reflecting on my family. I also thought about the hundreds of thousands of people across our country who have been impacted by this illness that infects people with no discrimination. We are in unprecedented times—and with the election fast approaching, it has been easy to get caught up in so much negative energy.

It also cheered me to think of all the people I have met across our country and the world—and the goodness and compassion that exists if you seek it out. Our country has overcome many hardships and much adversity, and it is my hope COVID-19 will be another obstacle we will be able to tell future generations we overcame—and learned from in the process.

I encourage everyone to continue to live the healthiest life they can. A balanced diet, fresh air, and vitamins really are vital to keep our bodies healthy. For your complete well-being, compassion and humility are just as important in keeping our minds strong. For me personally, the most impactful part of my recovery was the opportunity to reflect on many things—family, friendships, my work, and staying true to who you are.



I am happy to report that I have tested negative and hope to resume my duties as soon as I can. Along with this good news, I want people to know that I understand just how fortunate my family is to have received the kind of care that we did. If you are sick, or if you have a loved one who is sick—I am thinking of you and will be thinking of you every day. I pray for our country and I pray for everyone who is grappling with COVID-19 and any other illnesses or challenges.



Thank you to everyone who reached out, and offered well wishes and prayers for our family. You remain in ours as well.



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