Photo / George HeardA new purpose-built quarantine facility will be constructed in Victoria to house high-risk arrivals, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says. Speaking after meeting state and territory leaders at national cabinet today, Morrison said the Commonwealth would fund the construction of the facility, and Victoria would cover its operating costs. I want to thank our officials, and the Victorian officials, for working so quickly through to the agreement we've reached today," he said. "Our strong argument has been we must have a Howard Springs-like alternative, a purpose-built quarantine facility for our highest-risk individuals. Epidemiologist Nancy Baxter told Today the facility would allow the highest-risk travellers to be quarantined in a purpose-built facility, mitigating the threat of transmission in hotels.

Source: New Zealand Herald June 04, 2021 03:48 UTC