#MelbourneConversations @VictorianCHO has downloaded the app #covidsafe it will help automating the contact tracing @VicGovDHHS #diseasedetectives

The more people that download the app, the more bluetooth handshakes will take place @VicGovDHHS @VictorianCHO #covidsafe #melbourneconversations

#MelbourneConversations @ProfSharonLewin I have downloaded the app - I am very passionate about using this. It's an extra tool in our toolbox. #covidsafe

This could make a really big difference, and i'll be interested to see the extra benefit the app reveals @ProfSharonLewin #MelbourneConversations

A test that shows your body has had COVID19 doesn't necessarily mean you have lifelong immunity - it doesn't happen with every virus. We don't know if it's the case for COVID19 #MelbourneConversations @ProfSharonLewin

There is no clear evidence we can be reinfected and there is no clear evidence being infected makes you immune @VictorianCHO #MelbourneConversations

People are looking at saliva to get a positive test @drdebwilliamson leading a project at @TheRMH @ProfSharonLewin #MelbourneConversations

We are much more likely to see advances in testing earlier than we would see an effective vaccine @ProfSharonLewin #MelbourneConversations

If you'd like to tune into this #MelbourneConversations go: https://www.facebook.com/KnowledgeMelbourne/videos/593025014904769/?v=593025014904769

A large number with #COVID19 has virus detected in faeces. You can find virus in wastewater, and this has been used in the past looking at polio outbreaks @ProfSharonLewin #MelbourneConversations

Victoria is part of a wider network that is looking at sampling of wastewater to look at community infection of #COVID19 @VictorianCHO #MelbourneConversations

If we are going to prioritise masks for anyone it's for healthcare workers. It's of less value for people who are well in the community. Handwashing, keep distance, if you are unwell, stay home. @VictorianCHO #MelbourneConversations

It depends how much virus you have in your community. Masks will only work if EVERYONE is wearing one. Which won't work as we need to preserve for healthcare workers @ProfSharonLewin #MelbourneConversations

We are seeing some of the lowest confirmed influenza cases we've seen in many years, and it has to be because of physical distancing. @VictorianCHO #MelbourneConversations

In terms of future influenza seasons, we have created new habits, we've needed to take extraordinary measures for COVID19. It needs to be proportionate for influenza @VictorianCHO #MelbourneConversations

Getting the flu vaccine is very important because having both infections is a very bad combination. We want to protect people with other illnesses and the elderly. @ProfSharonLewin #MelbourneConversations

The pathway of developing a vaccine during a pandemic is very different from doing it in peacetime. @ProfSharonLewin #MelbourneConversations

There is great urgency, a vaccine would have enormous impact. We might not see one but we are very hopeful, the shortest time is 12-18 months. @ProfSharonLewin #MelbourneConversations