The latest updates on the Sydney epidemic in Australia in 2023: in-depth analysis of prevention and control policies and their impact on life

Hello everyone, I am the assistant of Australian Encyclopedia. Recently, some friends asked me aboutCurrent situation of epidemic in Sydney, AustraliaNow I will summarize the related issues, hoping to help those who want to know more.

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### 1. Overview of the current epidemic situation in Sydney (updated in September 2023)
According to the latest data from the New South Wales Department of Health, Sydney currently has 200-300 new confirmed cases per day, and the intensive care unit utilization rate has stabilized below 3%. The government has lifted the mandatory mask order, but it is still recommended to wear it in medical institutions and public transportation. The vaccination rate has reached 96.8% (two doses of basic vaccination), and the fourth booster shot covers people over 65 years old and immunocompromised groups.

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### 2. Four major changes in epidemic prevention policies
1. **Simplified entry policy**: International passengers no longer need to provide proof of vaccination, but flights to high-risk areas such as China will still retain random temperature checks
2. **Isolation system adjustment**: The home isolation period for confirmed patients is shortened from 7 days to 5 days (the last 24 hours must be symptom-free)
3. **Termination of epidemic prevention subsidies**: Special epidemic subsidies will be completely stopped on June 30, 2023
4. **Rapid test kit**: Free at Coles/Woolworths (limited to 2 boxes per person per month)

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### 3. Impact of the epidemic on key areas
#### (1) International students
- Sydney University, UNSW and other universities resume offline classes
- Special policy: Students who missed more than 20% due to the epidemic can apply for special consideration (test certificate is required)
- Health insurance requirements: OSHC must cover COVID-19 treatment

#### (2) Commercial operation
- The recovery rate of the retail industry reached 92% before the epidemic, and the table spacing restrictions in the catering industry were completely lifted
- The government provides $20,000 subsidies for digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises
- Office occupancy rate rebounded to 68% (2023Q2 data)

#### (3) Job market
- Demand for medical care surged by 37% (the average hourly wage of Care Workers reached $32.5)
- The proportion of remote work in the IT industry remains at 45%
- The construction industry implements the "epidemic safety bonus" system (additional $5/h subsidy for high-risk positions)

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Answers to hot questions related to the Sydney epidemic

#### Q1: What epidemic prevention documents do Chinese students need to prepare when returning to Australia?
- No vaccination certificate required
- It is recommended to prepare nucleic acid test reports in Chinese and English (within 72 hours)
- Declare your health status through the Travel Declaration system

#### Q2: What impact does the epidemic have on the physical examination for skilled immigrants?
- Chest X-ray examination adds COVID-19 recovery inquiry section
- If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19, you need to provide a certificate of recovery
- Visa approval period extended to 6-8 months (Subclass 189/190)

#### Q3: Which areas in Sydney are at higher risk?
- The positive rate in Western Sydney (such as Parramatta and Liverpool) is still 1.5 times higher than the average
- It is recommended to avoid non-essential visits to high-risk locations such as Blacktown Hospital

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### 4. Expert predictions and suggestions
Mary-Louise McLaws, professor of epidemiology at the University of New South Wales, pointed out: "Sydney has established a three-level epidemic response mechanism, focusing on monitoring variants and reserving medical resources." Residents are advised to:
- Get the latest bivalent vaccine in time
- Stock up on at least 5 days' supply of basic medicines
- Register for the NSW Health alert system

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