Calm down about Omicron shares: Australian Finance Minister

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The Federal Treasury has warned the Australian state not to overreact to the new Omicron variant of COVID-19.

“Omicron variants are reminiscent of the challenges we face, but the state needs to stay calm and continue,” Josh Frydenberg told reporters Saturday.

Frydenberg said that as a positive sign of the economy, corporate investment has been the strongest since the mining boom 10 years ago.

The mid-term economic and financial outlook for next week shows that investment will increase by 16 percent.

Non-mining investment will reach a record high of $ 200 billion.

But the post-pandemic economic recovery depends on the state’s continued path to resumption, finance officials said.

The health effects of the new variant are not yet known, but Frydenberg said the early signs were reassuring.

“The virus is certainly contagious, but probably not as serious as the other variants,” he said.

He said high vaccination rates should allow the state to avoid extreme measures such as blockades and border closures.

The federal government is focusing on reopening the border to international students and other visa holders after delaying the move for two weeks.

In addition, COVID-19 biosecurity measures have been extended to control the control of persons who can enter and leave the country until February 17.

These allow for continued mandatory COVID-19 testing for those wishing to fly to Australia, as well as wearing masks on international flights.

The rule also covers restrictions on international arrivals from high-risk countries, unvaccinated Australians who want to go abroad, and the management of cruise ships.

Frydenberg’s comment comes after Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly advised the national cabinet that Australia is still in the early stages of understanding the Omicron variant.

Leaders agreed to continue to consider bordering in line with suppression strategies, as more evidence emerges about the severity and infectivity of Omicron and the effectiveness of the vaccine against it.

Meanwhile, the number of cases continues to increase in New South Wales. The state reported 560 new infections on Saturday. This is the best in 2 months. Three people have died.

Victoria announced 13 new virus deaths on Saturday, but seven occurred in November, and the report represents a revision of existing data. In 1193, the state’s infection count was the sixth in a row of more than 1000.

An additional 11 people were diagnosed with COVID-19 in ACT, bringing the total number of active cases there to 76.South

Australia reported six local cases, and Queensland and the Northern Territory each reported one.

NT Health Minister Natasha Fyles says new restrictions have been imposed on the small communities of Barunga and Beswick near Catherine after the virus was detected in wastewater.

In Gbarnga, a 72-hour mask man date is imposed. Lockout applies to people in Bezwick who have a low vaccination rate of 64%.

Residents of Alice Springs are also required to be vigilant after wastewater is detected.

Australia’s 16+ complete vaccination rate is 88.9 percent.

Starting January 10th, more than 2 million children between the ages of 5 and 11 will be eligible for Pfizer Shots.

The Australian Immune Advisory Board has approved the administration of Pfizer to young children at one-third the usual dose.

Jabs are placed every 8 weeks for children under the age of 12, and bookings will begin in late December.

Hannah Ryan and Georgie Moore

AAP

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