AMES Australia's media team will continue their work in updating our readers on the latest developments regarding COVID-19 and what it means to you, if you're looking for the most current update, please click: COVID19 Daily Update
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The following is our archive from March until June 2020:
COVID 19 Update – June 30 (PM)
Latest News
Dozens of suburbs across Melbourne’s west and north have been locked down again to stop rising cases of community transmission of COVID-19
People living in the areas will have to adhere to Stage 3 restrictions and people will have to stay home except for work and school that people must attend, care or care giving, daily exercise or purchasing food or essential items.
The restrictions come into effect tomorrow at midnight and will last for four weeks.
The ten post codes affected are: 3012, 3021, 3032, 3038, 3042, 3046, 3047, 3055, 3060 and 3064.
They include the suburbs of Broadmeadows, Fawkner Craigieburn, Brooklyn, Kingsville, Kings Park, St Albans, Ascot Vale, Travancore, Maribyrnong, Airport West, Glenroy, Hadfield, Oak Park and Hadfield.
Businesses in these areas will also have to close in line with Stage 3 restrictions.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the outbreaks were largely due to breaches of protocols in security at hotel quarantine sites. He announced an inquiry into how the breaches had occurred.
93,000 COVID-19 tests have been carried out during the government’s suburban testing blitz.
COVID-19 Update – June 30 (AM)
Latest News
Victoria recorded 64 new cases of COVID-19 overnight, but the net increase is 60 due to four cases being removed.
Of these, 13 new cases are linked to known outbreaks, 20 have been identified through routine testing and 31 cases are under investigation
A total of 281 cases are from community transmission, up by ten on yesterday.
Yesterday, Victoria recorded 75 new COVID-19.
Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said she was concerned at the upward trend in numbers.
New saliva tests for COVID-19 developed by Melbourne’s Doherty Institute have started being used.
There were 90 new case of COVID-19 over the weekend.
The pandemic is spreading faster around the globe with 200,000 new cases every day. There are now 10 million cases across the globe and more than 500,000 have died, according to John Hopkins University.
Queensland's borders will reopen in July but the state will remain closed to Victorians, who will have to self-quarantine for a fortnight at their own expense if they enter the state.
COVID-19 Update – June 29
Latest News
Victoria recorded 75 new COVID-19 cases overnight.
One case was a returned traveller in hotel quarantine, 14 were linked to existing outbreaks, 37 were detected though routine testing and 23 are under investigation.
There were six cases of community transmission with nine people currently in hospital and one in intensive care.
Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said she was concerned at the upward trend in numbers.
New saliva tests for COVID-19 developed by Melbourne’s Doherty Institute have started being used.
There were 90 new case of COVID-19 over the weekend.
The pandemic is spreading faster around the globe with 200,000 new cases every day. There are now 10 million cases across the globe and more than 500,000 have died, according to John Hopkins University.
COVID-19 Update – June 25
Latest News
A COVID-19 testing blitz has been unleashed in ten suburbs across Melbourne deemed to be virus hotspots.
Fifty per cent of the residents of Broadmeadows, Keilor Downs, Maidstone, Albanvale, Sunshine West, Hallam, Brunswick West, Fawkner, Reservoir and Pakenham will be tested over the coming weeks.
The move comes as 33 new COVID-19 cases were detected in Victoria overnight, the biggest increase in new coronavirus cases in Victoria in more than two months. But the number of community transmissions is down one on yesterday.
Qantas says it will cut 6000 jobs and stand down 15,000 workers as part of its recovery plan from the pandemic.
A primary school in Sydney, has been temporarily closed after a year 2 student tested positive for coronavirus.
More than a thousand ADF troops are being sent to help the state fight the growing coronavirus problem. The state will also get assistance from NSW, South Australia, Tasmania and Queensland to process virus tests.
COVID-19 Update – June 24
Latest News
A total of 20 new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Victoria overnight.
It is the eighth straight day that the number of new cases has been in double digits.
A man in his 80s died overnight in Victoria from COVID-19 related infection, the first in many weeks, which brings the total number of deaths in the state to 20.
Among the new cases was one overseas traveller in quarantine.
Three new cases were linked to an existing outbreak among a Keilor Downs family, all close contacts of existing cases bringing that cluster to 15
Another positive case has been detected in a close social contact of a St Monica's College, Epping, case - which brings that outbreak number to two.
An early learning centre in Essendon is also closed today after a child tested positive.
Three staff members from Hampstead Dental clinic in Maidstone have tested positive to COVID-19, and have been linked to the H&M Northland positive case. The H&M cluster originated from a staffer who attended the Black Lives Matter protest in Melbourne on June 6.
COVID-19 Update – June 23
Latest News
Victoria has recorded 17 new cases of coronavirus today, marking a full week of double-digit growth in case numbers, Premier Daniel Andrews has revealed.
There is one case in hotel quarantine, two that are associated with known outbreaks, three that are the subject of routine testing, and 11 that are still under investigation.
“If you're sick, you can't go out. If you've got even mild symptoms - you have to come forward and get tested. And if you're asked to quarantine - you need to do as you are asked. Not just for you, because it's not just about individuals. This is about all of us," Mr Andrews said.
He said people needed to follow these rules:
Not going anywhere other than to get tested, if you are unwell.
Keeping your distance. Not shaking hands.
Not greeting people with hugs and kisses.
“This not about pretending, essentially, that this is gone - because it isn't," Mr Andrews said.
“It is here, and whilst I'm confident that our public health team is doing everything they possibly can, they simply won't achieve the outcome that we want if people don't support them," he said.
Health officials have begun to target hotspot areas, knocking on doors.
COVID-19 Update – June 22
Latest News
Victoria recorded 16 new cases of COVID-19 overnight with. Six are linked to existing outbreaks, four are people in hotel quarantine, five detected from routine testing and one under investigation.
The Victorian government has announced new restrictions, including the partial lockdown of local government areas where there have been spikes in COVID-19 cases.
The council areas of Hume, Darebin, Brimbank, Moreland, Cardinia and Casey are subject to the new restrictions.
NSW recorded two cases overnight, one is a traveller returning from overseas and the other a community transmission in which the source is unclear.
COVID-19 Update – June 19
Latest News
There were 13 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in Victoria overnight.
Four were linked to the Stamford Hotel outbreak and one was a traveller returning from overseas and is in hotel quarantine.
But seven were a result of routine testing and one is under further investigation.
Health officials have warned that the easing of restrictions may be delayed if new cases in Victoria continue to rise. There were 18 yesterday and 21 on Wednesday.
Gyms, cinemas, indoor sports centres and concert venues are due to reopen on Monday for the first time since March, along with electronic gaming areas at pubs and Crown casino.
Capacity limits are due to be further increased from Monday for social events, ceremonies, community services, sport and exercise. The limit on visitors to bars, cafes and restaurants will increase from 20 to 50.
There are currently 91 active cases in Victoria with five people in hospital, two of them in intensive care.
Almost 635,900 tests have been carried out so far.
COVID-19 Update – June 18
Latest News
There have been 18 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in Victoria overnight.
Two Melbourne child care centres have been temporarily shut down after a child and worker at separate facilities tested positive to coronavirus in the past day.
The child and childcare worker are among 18 new cases of COVID-19 recorded overnight.
A third person who attended the Black Lives Matter rally on June 6 also tested positive to the virus, but Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said it was unlikely they were infectious during the protest.
Six more returned travellers being kept in quarantine have also returned positive tests, while a further eight people have been detected through routine testing. The number of cases of community transmission has risen by three.
Another case has been linked to the outbreak at Croydon Family Practice in Melbourne's east.
The new cases bring the Victorian total to 1780. There are currently 81 active cases of coronavirus across the state.
COVID-19 Update – June 17
Latest News
Twenty-one new COVID-19 cases have been recorded in Victoria in the past day including an elderly resident at an aged care home and a contract worker at a hotel quarantining returned travellers.
The Rosstown, a 53 bed residential aged care home in Murrumbeena, run by Glen Eira City Council, is in lock-down, with residents confined to their rooms while testing and deep cleaning is undertaken.
Fifteen of the new cases are returned travellers. The number of cases of community transmission has risen by six, Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said.
Ms Mikakos said many of the new cases were returned travellers from the subcontinent, including countries like India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, which are experiencing exponential growth in COVID-19 cases.
Almost 600,000 tests have now been carried out in Victoria. There are currently six cases in hospital, two of them in intensive care. 1664 people in Victoria have recovered from COVID-19.
South Australia’s borders with WA, NT and Tasmania opened today.
COVID-19 Update – June 16
Latest News
There were nine new cases of COVID-19 recorded in Victoria overnight with one case leading to the closure of the Strathmore Primary School, in Melbourne’s north.
A grade five student at the school tested positive. There were two more cases linked to previously diagnosed cases, one new case was part of family cluster based around Coburg which has so far produced 12 cases.
Two cases were returned travellers who are in hotel quarantine and three more cases are being investigated.
There are now 51 active cases in Victoria with six in hospital and one in intensive care.
Twelve new cases were reported in Victoria yesterday.
There have now been 7.9 million cases of COVID-19 across the globe with 433,000 deaths. More than 3.7 million people have recovered.
COVID-19 Update – June 12
Latest News
There have been small numbers of COVID-19 cases recorded across Australia with four in Victoria, three in NSW and one each in Queensland and WA. The majority of these are returned travellers in hotel quarantine.
A Sydney primary school has been closed after a ‘probable’ case was recorded in an after school care worker.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced changes to stage three of the national cabinet’s plan to reopen the economy, with gatherings capped at 100 in the plan instead to be governed by the four-square-metre rule.
It may be impossible to trace all of the close contacts of a protester who tested positive to COVID-19 in Melbourne, Victoria's top health official says.
In Sydney, the NSW Supreme Court has ruled a refugee rally planned for Saturday afternoon is prohibited, , which could open up attendees to prosecution.
A woman in her 20s who suffered severe lung damage from COVID-19 has received a double lung transplant in the US.
The global death toll from coronavirus has passed 420,000 and there are more than 7.4 million known cases of infection, according to Johns Hopkins University
COVID-19 Update – June 11
Latest News
There were eight new cases of COVID-19 in recorded in Victoria overnight.
Five of the cases are likely to be community transmitted. One case, a man in his 30s, attended the Black Lives Matter protest but health officials say it is unlikely the person contracted it at the march.
Other cases case are a toddler at a childcare centre in Parkville, a staff member at an aged care facility and a close contact of a person already infected. Two other cases are being investigated and the remaining ones are returning travellers.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison will urge all states and territories to open their borders in July when the national cabinet meets on Friday.
NSW Police will return to the Supreme Court today to challenge an application to hold a protest in Sydney on Saturday, as the Deputy Chief Medical Officer says such events present a significant risk of transmission
Twenty people will be allowed to gather and food courts are allowed to reopen in NSW from Saturday.
A second wave of COVID-19 infections would wipe out four years of Australian economic growth and expose highly indebted mortgage holders to possible mass defaults, the OECD has warned.
The AFL season restarts tonight, with Collingwood taking on Richmond at the MCG.
The global death toll from coronavirus has passed 413,000 and there are more than 7.3 million known cases of infection, according to Johns Hopkins University.
COVID-19 Update – June 10
Latest News
Yesterday Australia recorded no new community transmitted cases of COVID-19 for the first time since the pandemic began, according to health officials.
There were four new cases of COVID-19 in Victoria today from community transmission; and three detected in travellers returning from overseas in NSW.
The global death toll from coronavirus has passed 407,000 and there are more than 7.1 million known cases of infection, according to Johns Hopkins University.
The future of the JobKeeper wage subsidy will be a hot topic as Parliament resumes for the first of two back-to-back sitting weeks today.
A top WHO expert has tried to clear up "misunderstandings" about comments she made that were widely understood to suggest that people without COVID-19 symptoms rarely transmit the coronavirus.
China has issued a warning for students travelling to Australia claiming an inadequate COVID-19 response, delivering another blow to a key Australian export industry.
Community sport has been given the go-ahead for all ages in NSW from July 1.
GWS have received permission from the NSW government to have a crowd of up to 350 people at their AFL clash with North Melbourne on Sunday.
COVID-19 Update – June 9
Latest News
No new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Victoria overnight, the second time in four days the state has recorded zero additional cases.
The total number of people who have been infected since the outbreak began is 1687 and there are 64 people who currently have the virus.
The global death toll from coronavirus has passed 403,000 and there are more than 7 million known cases of infection, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Remaining year levels have returned to classrooms in in Victoria and Tasmania today, bringing an end to pandemic-justified remote learning in Australia
Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan has said ending fee-free childcare on July 12 will not cause a drop in demand, as some sector stakeholders slam the change.
A growing body of evidence suggests that coronavirus could affect the brain and the nervous system – with as yet unknown long-term consequences.
The US economy ended its longest expansion in history in February and has entered recession as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, officials say. Meanwhile the World Bank has forecast the worst global recession in eight decades.
COVID-19 Update – June 5
Latest News
A primary school in Melbourne’s north has closed after a student tested positive for COVID-19. Newbury Primary School at Craigieburn is closed today with contact tracing under way after some students returned for face-to-face learning at the school on May 26.
There were two other COVID-19 cases in Victoria recorded overnight. They were returned travellers in hotel quarantine.
Victoria's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton has issued a statement warning protesters that ‘now is not the time’ to put people's health at risk by attending a mass gathering during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 1000 Steps in the Dandenong Ranges, just outside Melbourne, and Redwood Forest in Warburton will be closed from today until June 22 because physical distancing was not being observed when the sites opened last weekend.
The global death toll from coronavirus has passed 388,000 and there are more than 6.58 million cases of infection, according to Johns Hopkins University
New Zealand finally has a date for when it will achieve its lofty goal of elimination of COVID-19: June 15
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson hosted a global vaccine summit attended by 35 heads of state, urging nations to pledge funding for vaccinations against infectious diseases to help the poorest countries tackle the crises including COVID-19.
Another 1.9 million people applied for US unemployment benefits last week
Passengers on England's buses, subways and trains will have to wear face coverings from June 15 when most shops reopen.
COVID-19 Update – June 4
Latest News
Victoria has recorded eight more cases of COVID-19 overnight, with the bulk of those positive tests coming from returning overseas travellers in quarantine.
Premier Daniel Andrews said that six of the new cases were people currently in hotel quarantine.
One new positive COVID-19 result was a close contact of a confirmed case, while another person was found to have the virus after community testing.
Mr Andrews said around 536,000 tests had been completed in Victoria, which was a “stunning effort”.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has described Australia's first recession in 29 years as a heartache for the country.
The economy shrank 0.3 per cent in the March quarter due to the bushfires and early stages of coronavirus lockdowns, and a much larger fall is expected in the current June quarter.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said 25,000-30,000 homes or renovations are expected to be completed by the end of this year as part of the $688 million HomeBuilder program.
A 53-year-old man who died late on Tuesday night may be the first Australian to perish of coronavirus in Indonesia.
The global death toll from coronavirus has passed 380,000 and there are more than 6.4 million known cases of infection, according to Johns Hopkins University
COVID-19 Update – June 3
Latest News
Victoria recorded an additional seven COVID-19 cases overnight, but none are linked to the state's identified clusters.
Health Minister Jenny Mikakos told a press conference that six of the new cases were from those in hotel quarantine, while another case was under investigation. The new cases bring Victoria's total cases to 1670.
Universities will be expected to help pay for the quarantine of international students if the states, Commonwealth and tertiary sector can agree on a plan for their return to Australia in the wake of the COVID-19 shutdown.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said he was hopeful of getting "international education back on its feet soon", but that it would have to be subject to some form of quarantine for overseas students.
A major packaging company has stood down more than 100 workers from its Port Melbourne facility after a worker returned a positive COVID-19 test on Sunday.
A spokesman for Amcor Flexibles said the factory was not operating when the company was notified of the positive result, but it had followed "strict measures" by completely locking-down the site and undertaking deep-cleaning of the building.
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian has defended the state government's attempt to freeze public sector wages, saying it was a decision that had to be made against a backdrop of looming unemployment.
The governor of Tokyo has issued a coronavirus alert for the Japanese capital amid worries of a resurgence of infections.
COVID-19 Update – June 2
Latest News
At least 12 kindergarten children and eight staff are in self-isolation after a kinder teacher tested positive for coronavirus. Macleod Preschool in Melbourne's north-east is the latest educational facility in Victoria to be affected by a positive COVID-19 case.
And a Melbourne nursing home is also in lockdown after a staff member tested positive. They are among 10 new cases confirmed in Victoria.
The Queensland man thought to be Australia's youngest COVID-19 victim has tested negative for the virus after his death.
New Australian research suggests coronavirus could become a seasonal disease, with people at greater risk of contracting it during winter, as the humidity drops.
The Reserve Bank will meet today to discuss the progress of Australia's economic recovery from the pandemic and is expected to keep rates on hold at a record-low 0.25 per cent.
The global death toll from coronavirus has passed 373,000 and there are more than 6.2 million known cases of infection. More than 2.6 million people have recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University.
COVID-19 Update – June 1
Latest News
Cafes, restaurants and pubs in Victoria are reopening to dine-in customers for the first time today.
Victoria confirmed six new COVID-19 cases on Sunday - a net total of four after two others were revised - while NSW recorded another three. That brings the total cases in Australia to 7192, and the death toll remains at 103.
Queensland has lifted its ban on travel within the state, but its borders remain closed.
Victorian authorities are trying to track the source of a COVID-19 outbreak that has infected 13 people from two households in Melbourne's north-west. More than 100 students and teachers in Melbourne are in self-isolation after children at two schools contracted COVID-19 last week.
More than 6 million people have now been infected with COVID-19, and the global death toll has passed 369,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally.
Fears are growing that the massive Black Lives Matter protests sweeping the United States amid this pandemic will lead to a surge in new cases and more deaths in the country, which is already by far the worst hit.
COVID-19 Update – May 29
Latest News
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has reinforced the 'work-from-home' message to keep people out of office buildings and off public transport in a bid to avoid a second wave of COVID-19 infections.
Victoria has recorded seven new cases of COVID-19, including a student at Keilor Downs College, in Melbourne's north-west, which has now been closed.
The Keilor Downs College student is linked to a family cluster and was infectious while at school this week. Other students are now in quarantine.
Victorians will be allowed gatherings of up to 20 people, while pubs, cafes and restaurants can reopen to 20 patrons from Monday, June 1.
The global death toll from coronavirus has surpassed 357,000 and there are more than 5.9 million known cases of infection, according to Johns Hopkins University. More than 2.3 million people have recovered from the virus.
COVID-19 Update – May 28
Latest News
Victoria recorded six new cases of COVID-19 overnight, all of them household contacts of existing cases. This means there are 61 active cases in Victoria, three people in intensive care and a total of eight in hospital.
Victorians have been fined for breaking coronavirus rules at almost triple the rate of any other state or territory, with almost 6000 people each receiving a $1652 penalty.
About 300 staff at Cedar Meats, the western Melbourne meatworks at the centre of Victoria's biggest COVID-19 outbreak, returned to the abattoir for work this morning.
Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe has warned of a post-coronavirus shadow over the economy while predicting further job losses across the country. But he said the number of working hours lost to the economy would be less than the earlier predicted 20 per cent.
The US death toll from COVID-19 has passed 100,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally.
There have been 100,047 deaths from the virus in the country. Nearly 1.7 million Americans have been infected. Only half of Americans say they would be willing to get vaccinated.
The global death toll from coronavirus has passed 353,000 and there are more than 5.6 million known cases of infection, according to Johns Hopkins University
The European Union has proposed a €750 billion recovery fund to help countries weather a painful recession triggered by the coronavirus
COVID-19 Update – May 27
Latest News
A 30-year-old man has died from the COVID-19 virus in Queensland becoming Australia’s youngest victim. The man is believed to have been unwell for some time without being tested.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced there were eight new cases in Victoria and repeated his insistence that people who can work from home should keep doing so through June.
Two cases were connected to an aged care facility, one was from hotel quarantine, four from routine testing and one under investigation.
WA Premier Mark McGowan's attempt to apportion blame to the federal government over a COVID-19 infected livestock ship has backfired, with Agriculture Minister David Littleproud releasing emails proving the state government was told crew on board were sick.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has renewed his push for changes to workplace laws to try and speed the nation's economic recovery.
The number of confirmed cases worldwide has reached more than 5.5 million. The global death toll has passed 347,000 and more than 2.23 million people have recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University.
The World Health Organisation has issued a stark warning saying COVID-19 is “actually on the way up”.
COVID-19 Update – May 26
Latest News
Human trials of a COVID-19 vaccine have started in Melbourne - the first in the southern hemisphere. The trial vaccine has been developed by US biotech company Novavax.
Five new cases were reported in Victoria overnight and thousands of schoolkids are heading back to classrooms in Victoria today.
Just one day after reopening to all students, Waverley College in Sydney's eastern suburbs is sending students home this morning after one pupil tested positive for COVID-19.
The ACT, South Australia, Northern Territory and Tasmania have not reported a new case for more than a week. Australia is approaching just 500 active coronavirus cases, and 25,000 tests are being done each day.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison will today outline his plan for the post-COVID-19 economic reset. The PM’s plan involves overhauling skills training and a new approach to industrial relations.
The World Health Organisation has suspended testing the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19 patients due to safety concerns.
COVID-19 Update – May 25
Latest News
Another two people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in Victoria. Both people with the virus are returned travellers in hotel quarantine.
The ACT, South Australia, Northern Territory, Western Australia and Tasmania have not reported a new case of COVID-19 for more than a week.
Yesterday the Victorian Government announced the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
From June 1, Victorians will be able to have gatherings of up to 20 people in their homes and pubs, restaurants and cafes can reopen to 20 persons.
Overnight stays will allowed in private homes, hotels and camp grounds.
Weddings will be able to host up to 20 guests and funerals van increase to 50 people. Religious services can increase to up to 20 people, plus those conducting the service.
Gyms may be allowed to reopen from June 22, as well as Victoria's ski fields.
COVID-19 Update – May 22
Latest News
There are now 93 active cases of the COVID-19 virus in Victoria after the tally rose by 12 overnight, with more cases linked to Cedar Meats cluster.
Australia's death toll now stands at 101 after an 80-year-old woman died in NSW. There are no active cases in the Northern Territory, ACT or South Australia.
Myer will reopen all of its stores by next Wednesday.
The number of Americans thrown out of work since coronavirus shutdowns began has reached 38 million.
The UK's death toll has passed 36,000 with an antibody study suggesting 17 per cent of Londoners have been infected with coronavirus.
Wesfarmers will shut up to 75 Target stores and convert 92 to K Marts in a massive restructure of the struggling discount department chain.
COVID-19 Update – May 21
Latest News
A war of words has broken out between Queensland and NSW over the closure of state borders because of the COVID-19 crisis with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian saying they should open for economic reasons.
Queensland has reported no new cases of the COVID-19 virus overnight and NSW one new case.
In Victoria there was a net increase of just one case overnight, taking the total number of people confirmed to have had it to 1581.
Four people were diagnosed yesterday, including three household contacts linked to the Cedar Meats cluster which is now connected to 106 cases.
Three cases were re-classified, however, and taken off the state database. The fourth new case is under investigation.
The global number of new infections of COVID-19 reached has reached a new daily high of 106,000 cases.
The global death toll from coronavirus has passed 325,000. There are more than 5 million known cases of infection but more than 1.7 million people have recovered, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally
In Australia, the death toll stands at 100 and there are over 7000 cases, with 1580 in Victoria.
Russia has recorded more than 300,000 COVID-19 infections.
US President Donald Trump says he is considering rescheduling the June meeting of the G7 so it can be held in person.
Greece will open its borders to tourists from abroad from July.
COVID-19 Update – May 20
Latest News
There have been 11 new cases of coronavirus in Australia over the past 24 hours, taking the total to 7071 cases. Seven of the cases were in Victoria, with one patient in hotel quarantine after returning from overseas. Another four cases are returned travellers in NSW.
The Australian death toll reached 100 yesterday, after the death of Alice Bacon, a 93-year-old resident of Newmarch House aged care in Sydney.
There was one new case of coronavirus recorded in Queensland in the past 24 hours, after a record day of testing. And four in NSW who were all returning overseas travellers.
The number of passengers on Metro trains in Melbourne has bottomed out at just 14 per cent of the usual figures.
The number of cases around the world has hit 4.87 million, while 321,590 people have died and another 1.66 million have recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University data.
The World Health Assembly has passed a resolution for an inquiry into the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic with no objections.
COVID-19 Update – May 19
Latest News
Another Melbourne nursing home has been locked down after a resident tested positive to the COVID-19 virus.
The number of active COVID-19 cases in Australia has dropped below 600.
The Victorian Government has announced a $460 million support package for universities.
Australia's push for an independent inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic has been supported widely, including by China.
COVID-19 Update – May 14
Latest News
There were nine new COVID-19 cases in Victoria overnight with five linked known clusters - two from the McDonald's at Fawkner and three from Cedar Meats.
There were no deaths overnight and Victoria's toll remains at eight. There are nine people in hospital, six of them in intensive care.
Currently 1385 Victorians have recovered from the virus and there are 119 active cases.
Globally, the number of deaths from COVID-19 has passed 294,000.
COVID-19 Update – May 13
Latest News
Victoria saw seven new cases of the COVID-19 virus overnight. Two of the cases were transfers from interstate, meaning a net increase of 5.
There were no new cases linked to Cedar Meats but three previous cases have been linked to the plant.
The number of deaths in Victoria remains at 18 but there was a further death in NSW.
Victoria's minister for tourism, sport and major events Martin Pakula announced $150 million in support for tourism, sport and culture.
There is $40 million to support community sports clubs, $16 million for national and professional sports bodies, $32 million for cultural institutions and $40 million for the racing industry.
COVID-19 Update – May 12
Latest News
Premier Daniel Andrews has announced prep, grade one and two, year 11 and 12 will go back to school on May 26. Years three to 10 will return on June 9.
There will be staggered drop-offs, there will be staggered breaks for play and lunch; and there will be a massive boost to the cleaning of our schools.
The workforce will be socially distanced with parental visits will be minimised and no water fountains in use.
Staff over 65 with a medical condition, any staff with compromised immunity, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff aged over 50 also have an exception and can work from home.
In Victoria, there were 17 new cases overnight. Eight were linked to the Cedar Meats processing plant and the others are under investigation.
Meanwhile, the global death toll from COVID-19 has passed 282,000. There are more than 4.1 million known cases of infection but more than 1.4 million people have recovered, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally.
A new surge in coronavirus cases took Russia's tally past those in Italy and Britain on Monday, making it the third highest in the world.
Liberal MPs are calling for cuts to the huge job assistance programs that are supporting more than 5 million workers as the COVID-19 virus crisis pushes Commonwealth debt beyond $600 billion.
India reported its biggest daily increase in cases on Monday as it prepares to gradually resume train services while easing its virus lockdown.
COVID-19 Update – May 11
Latest News
Victorians will be able to visit family or friends in groups of up to five under the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
Premier Daniel Andrews also announced today that people could gather in groups of up to ten for outdoor activities while still observing social distancing and hygiene protocols.
Funeral, wedding and religious gathering restrictions have also been eased as well as some community services such as counselling.
Premier Andrews said that plans were being finalised to allow a gradual, staged return to face to face teaching in schools before the end of Term 2; and he said professional sports teams will be able to resume training.
The new arrangements come into existence from 11.59pm on Tuesday.
Another seven people have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, including one connected to the Cedar Meats outbreak.
Four of the cases are returned travellers from overseas, and two of the cases are still being investigated.
Premier Daniel Andrews said it was a "mighty effort" from the Victorian community after 161,000 people came forward for the testing blitz.
Of those tests, 141,000 results have come back. That includes 30 diagnoses that would not have been identified without the blitz, Mr Andrews said.
The global death toll from coronavirus has passed 279,000. There are more than 4 million known cases of infection but more than 1.3 million people have recovered, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally
In Australia, the death toll stands at 97 and there are 6941 confirmed cases
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has dropped the country's Stay at Home warning ahead of a national address
Canada has backed recognising Taiwan at the World Health Organisation.
COVID-19 Update – May 8 (PM)
Latest News
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has outlined the three stages of returning Australia to a normal life after a national cabinet meeting today.
Restaurants and cafes will reopen under stage one of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions being lifted.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced Australians will be allowed to have five visitors at home and 10 in businesses and public places.
National cabinet will review progress on the restrictions and the coronavirus caseload every three weeks to decide when to move to stage two and three.
It will be up to the states and territories to implement the rules in their own time.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is expected to outline the easing of restrictions in Victoria on Monday.
Step 1: Involves allowing five visitors in private homes and 10 visitors in businesses and public places. Restaurants, cafes and retail will open, as will libraries, community centres, playgrounds and exercise boot camps. Travel within states for non-essential reasons will also be allowed.
Step 2: Will allow gatherings of up to 20 people, and include the opening of gyms, beauty shops, cinemas, galleries and amusement parks, as well as caravan parks and camping grounds. Some interstate travel will also be allowed.
Step 3: Would include gatherings of up to 100 people, the opening of nightclubs, food courts and saunas, and all interstate travel as well as the possibility of travel to New Zealand.
COVID-19 Update - May 8, 2020 (AM)
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There has been one new COVID-19 case recorded in Western Australia and four in NSW.
A student from Marcellin College in Melbourne is the latest COVID-10 case linked to the Cedar Meats cluster in Victoria.
In Australia, the death toll stands at 97 and there are 6895 confirmed cases.
The national cabinet will meet today and is expected to loosen restrictions.
The federal government's superannuation early access scheme will be frozen until Monday after it was revealed on Thursday federal police was investigating claims more than $100,000 was stolen from up to 150 super accounts by sophisticated criminals.
The global death toll from coronavirus has passed 267,000. There are more than 3.8 million known cases of infection but at least 1.2 million people have recovered, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally.
COVID-19 Update May 7
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Another 14 people have been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus in Victoria, 13 of which are connected to the Cedar Meats cluster.
Premier Daniel Andrews said seven of the new cluster cases were staff at Cedar Meats, while six were close contacts.
There have been a total of 1454 cases in Victoria, with 105 active cases.
There were 18,200 tested yesterday alone, with 106,000 tests in the last week and a half.
Two Victorian nursing home shave been locked down and 321 Australians have returned from India on a charter flight.
Some states have eased restrictions to allow families to gather on Mother’s Day.
The global death toll from coronavirus has passed 260,000. There are more than 3.7 million known cases of infection but more than 1.2 million people have recovered, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally.
In Australia, the death toll stands at 97 and there are 6875 confirmed cases.
COVID-19 Update April 6, 2020
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Another 17 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 virus in Victoria, including four people connected to the Cedar Meats cluster.
Seven of the new patients are overseas travellers who are being quarantined in hotels, and six cases remain under investigation. The total number of cases in the state is now at 1440.
Treasurer Tim Pallas has announced a ‘jobkeeper-type‘ package for 3000 public sector casual workers in Victoria.
The global death toll from COVID-19 virus is more than 255,000 people. There have been 3.6 million confirmed cases and more than 1.1 million people have recovered, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally.
Scott Morrison has written to G20 leaders to ramp up his calls for an independent review into the origins of the virus.
The COVIDSafe app has now been downloaded nearly 5 million times.
COVID-19 Update May 5, 2020
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The global death toll from the COVID-19 virus has passed 250,000. There have been 3.6 million cases and 1.1 million recoveries, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally.
Seventeen new cases were reported in Victoria overnight, most linked to a cluster at a western suburbs meat processing plant bringing the state’s total to 1423. The Australian death toll stands at 96.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg will deliver a speech today saying the Australian economy is set to shrink by 10 per cent in the June quarter. The COVID-19 crisis is costing Australia’s economy $4 billion a week.
NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will join Australia's national cabinet meeting today to discuss a potential lifting of flight restrictions between NZ and Australia.
Australia has pledged $350 million to a global fund that is seeking a vaccine to the COVID-19 virus.
COVID-19 Update – May 4, 2020
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Victoria has seen a spike in coronavirus cases. Another 22 cases have been confirmed, including 19 linked to the COVID-19 cluster at a Melbourne meatworks.
In Australia, the death toll stands at 95 and there are 6801 confirmed cases.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Brendan Murphy says Australia is 'in a much better position' than most other countries, but we still need to remain careful 'as the country heads back towards normality' over the next few months.
The global death toll from coronavirus has passed 244,000. There are more than 3.4 million known cases of infection but more than 1.1 million people have recovered, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally.
COVID-19 Update – May 1, 2020
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The national cabinet has agreed to bring forward a decision to relax restrictions to next Friday, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison citing the good work of citizens so far.
“Australians have earned an early mark through the work that they have done,” he said.
He also reiterated that unemployment could “rise to 10 per cent or beyond”, according to Treasury estimates.
Mr Morrison said there are currently 1.5 million people on Jobseeker, with 900,000 claims processed in the past six weeks.
Providers across the country will get a $900 per bed support payment, or $1350 for facilities in residential areas, aged care minister has Richard Colbeck announced.
Another three people have been diagnosed with the coronavirus in Victoria, taking the total number of cases to 1364.
Sixteen people are in hospital in the state, including seven in intensive care. The state's death total remains at 18.
In Australia, the death toll stands at 93 after another death at the Newmarch residential home.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the COVID-19 response was still “very, very fragile".
A free streaming service offering comedy, live music and other forms entertainment for Victorians in lockdown will be launched by the state government.
The online portal called Victoria Together will feature multi-platform entertainment including TV and music.
The global death toll from coronavirus has passed 230,000. There are more than 3.2 million known cases of infection but nearly 1 million people have recovered, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally.
A total of 30 million Americans have been thrown out of work in six weeks.
COVID-19 Update – April 30, 2020
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In Australia, the death toll has risen to 91 after a woman died in Tasmania. A newly released report has found that the outbreak in north-west Tasmania was linked to the Ruby Princess cruise ship.
Seven new coronavirus cases were recorded in Victoria over the past 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 1361.
Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton said a new cluster had emerged at a Victorian aged care facility and others were related to the Sunshine Hospital outbreak.
Three million Australians have downloaded the COVIDSafe app in just three days
Meanwhile, Independent and Catholic school principals have largely rejected the federal government's $3.25 billion offer to reopen private schools by June, contradicting the Victorian government's position.
The global death toll from coronavirus has passed 224,000. There are more than 3.1 million known cases of infection but more than 958,000 people have recovered, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally.
The UK has registered the world's third-highest death toll with more than 26,000, after nursing home deaths were included in the count for the first time.
COVID-19 Update – April 29, 2020
The global death toll from COVID-19 virus has passed 211,000. There are more than three million known cases of infection but more than 896,000 people have recovered, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally.
In the US, there are now one million infections – a third of all global infections - with 58,000 deaths
In Australia, the death toll stands at 89 after the deaths of four more residents at the Newmarch House nursing home in western Sydney and the death of an elderly women in hospital in Victoria.
Private schools have been offered $3 billion by the Federal Government to open their doors to students by June 1. This is at odds with the position of the state government.
Britain is on track to record one of the worst COVID-19 death tolls in Europe after new data showed fatalities topped 24,000 nine days ago.
Australia's top researchers and science leaders have formed a strike force to help the federal government navigate the COVID-19 crisis. Meanwhile, Queensland University vaccine tests have shown promise and the Royal Melbourne Show has been cancelled.
The Victorian Government will give $1000 each to international students left in dire financial straits by the COVID-19 lockdown.
Some resources to help you better understand the COVID-19 crisis
https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
https://www.afro.who.int/news/who-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-resources-and-information
https://www.thelancet.com/coronavirus
https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/supporting-children-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/
COVID-19 Update – April 28, 2020
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Premier Daniel Andrews has defended his hard line stance on stage three lockdown restrictions in Victoria this morning saying school students should remain at home if possible while a massive testing program is rolled out. But he flagged that schools could reopen to all students this term.
Victorian workplaces will soon be offering coronavirus testing, as well as mobile vans, to facilitate the Andrews government's target of carrying out 100,000 tests in the next fortnight.
Forty-five testing centres have been set up in Victorian suburbs and towns and mobile testing vans are set to hit the streets today.
Overnight, two new cases have been detected in Victoria with 11 people in intensive care.
Australia's death toll has increased to 84 after the death of a nursing home resident in NSW due to a cluster of cases.
More than 2 million Australians have the COVIDSafe tracing app on their mobile phones.
The global death toll from coronavirus has passed 206,000. There are more than 3 million known cases of infection but more than 867,000 people have recovered, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally.
British health officials warn that a potential new coronavirus-related syndrome is emerging in children, prompting an urgent alert to doctors across the country.
New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says there is no longer any undetected community transmission of COVID-19 in her country.
Oxford University scientists say a COVID-19 vaccine could be available in September, if testing is successful.
COVID-19 Update – April 27, 2020
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Premier Daniel Andrews has flagged easing some social distancing measures on May 11 but he has warned not all restrictions will be removed. WA and Queensland are easing their lockdowns this week.
Just one new case of the COVID-19 virus was recorded in Victoria overnight. The death toll in the state remains at 17 with 68 active cases in the state, 23 people in hospital and 11 in intensive care. 1265 people have recovered.
Premier Andrews announced that 100,000 COVID-19 tests will be carried out over the next two weeks.
The better data we have, the better information, the more people who follow the rules and get tested, the better options we have,” Mr Andrews said.
Meanwhile, more than 1.13 million Australians have downloaded the COVIDsafe tracing app.
The UK, New York State, France and Spain have all reported their lowest daily death tolls of the month.
COVID-19 Update – April 24, 2020
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Sunlight, heat and humidity are highly effective at stopping the spread of the coronavirus, according to new scientific findings released by the White House.
The findings were based on preliminary tests conducted in the US Department of Homeland Security's bio-defence laboratories.
Meanwhile, Victoria now has 1343 cases with six new cases overnight, including three at a private Melbourne psychiatric facility where a cluster has emerged. The Australian death toll is now 77 after a women died in north-west Tasmania.
Victoria Police fined more than 50 people over the past 24 hours for breaching lockdown restrictions, including penalties for people attending a birthday party.
Global public health experts fear Africa may soon be badly affected by the virus due to its low testing capacity.
The number of Americans who have applied for unemployment benefits reached 26 million.
COVID-19 Update – April 23, 2020
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The number of new COVID-19 cases has plummeted nationally, raising hopes that the virus can be eradicated within Australia.
A man in his 60s died in Victoria overnight, taking the state's death toll to 16 and the national toll to 75. Only one new case was recorded in Victoria overnight, while Australia recorded four new cases.
The global death toll passed 182,000. There are more than 2.6 million known cases and more than 706,000 people have recovered, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally.
Attorney-General Christian Porter said police will not have access data from the contact tracing app.
The Senate inquiry into the Australian government's pandemic response begins today and will eventually examine who is “Missing out” on support and also how infected passenger from the Ruby Princess cruise ship were allowed to disembark.
In other news, Australia is leading a push to give the WHO search powers to detect sources of pandemics and Woolworths resumed deliveries to all customers.
COVID-19 Update – April 22
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Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has revealed data that shows unemployment will rise to a peak of 11 per cent in September with 270,000 jobs lost across the state.
The Victorian economy will shrink by $30 billion in the first six months of the year and housing prices will dip 9 per cent.
More than 2,600 deaths from the COVID-19 virus were reported in the US overnight bringing the total number of deaths to more than 42,000.
Across Australia there were 22 new cases, two in Victoria, across the country overnight and two deaths in NSW taking the national toll to 74.
There are now 2.5 million cases of COVID-19 across the world with 170.400 deaths but 652,982 people have recovered.
Meanwhile, a coronavirus vaccine being developed by Oxford University will enter human trials as early as this Thursday, according to the UK’s health secretary.
COVID-19 Update – April 21
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The number of global cases now exceeds 2.4 million, with more than 165,000 deaths
In Australia, the death toll remains at 71 after no deaths were recorded on Monday
Meanwhile, the head of the World Health Organisation has warned that “the worst is yet ahead of us” reviving the alarm just as many countries ease restrictive measures aimed at reducing its spread.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has previously expressed concern about the likely future spread of the illness through Africa, where health systems are far less developed.
COVID-19 Update – April 20
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Victoria saw just one new case of the COVID-19 virus in the past 24 hours with NSW recording just six and Queensland none.
The numbers back a firming optimism among governments and health authorities that the pandemic is coming under control.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the numbers were validation that the social distancing strategy is working and provides options for relaxing restrictions in the future.
Meanwhile, new modelling shows Victoria has so-far averted a worse-case scenario.
The state's Chief Health Officer, Brett Sutton, says without social distancing, 58,000 Victorians could have contracted coronavirus in a single day, and 7000 ICU beds would have been needed.
But the World Health Authority says it is deeply concerned the COVID-19 virus is "gathering pace" in countries outside the G20 which do not have the capacity to cope with it.
COVID-19 Update – April 17
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Social distancing restrictions could start to be eased as soon as in four weeks as Australia new cases continue to decline. But the Prime Minister has warned that it could be a year until government advice on staying 1.5 metres away from others changes.
The number of new cases of COVID-19 diagnosed per day peaked at 460 on March 28 and has since fallen steeply. Just 38 new cases were diagnosed nationally on Wednesday.
In Victoria 2700 test were performed over the past 24 hours with just one new case.
The Victorian Government is seeking $24.5 billion in loans to shore up the economy over the next two years. And it announced $261 in funding for TAFE and training.
COVID-19 Update – April 16
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The Federal Government has made available to the Red Cross funds to provide emergency relief to some migrants on temporary visas experiencing significant vulnerability.
The support is not yet available and will amount to emergency relief payments, not income support. Red Cross, at least initially, can only provide one-off, very limited amounts to help people with essential needs like food and medicine. Payment will be provided remotely, consistent with public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID19.
For more information, go to: Home Affairs COVID-19 and the Border/ Staying in Australia webpage
Meanwhile, only 3 per cent of all Victorian school students went to school in person for day one of term two yesterday.
Education Minister James Merlino said that meant the community had understood the message to keep school children at home where possible.
Reports today say schools could start to reopen within four to six weeks.
Also, it is possible Victoria will not have to go into stage four lockdown, according to the state's Chief Health Officer Dr Brett Sutton.
The global death toll from coronavirus has passed 130,000. There are more than 2 million known cases of infection but more than 504,000 people have recovered, according to the Johns Hopkins University tally
In Australia, the death toll stands at 63 and there are 6447 confirmed cases.
COVID-19 Update April 15
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Fewer than 160 people in Victoria are known to be infected with COVID-19, the lowest caseload in three weeks.
Schools are back today. Premier Daniel Andrews said children who can learn from home should do so but schools remain open for children who cannot learn remotely.
The premier also said today the government would make a $500 million package available to stop evictions of residential and commercial tenants.
COVID-19 Update – April 9, 2020
Latest news
The numbers of new COVID-10 cases continues to slow with 6063 confirmed across Australia and 1212 in Victoria. There have now been 51 deaths across the nation.
As Easter approaches, councils have closed beaches to deter tourists. Boat ramps, piers and jetties have also been shut. Governments are advising people to stay home this Easter.
The global death toll from COVID-19 has passed 86,000. There are more than 1.4 million known cases but more than 315,000 people have recovered according to the John Hopkins University tally.
Last night the Australian Parliament passed the $130 billion JobKeeper wage subsidy scheme.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is reported to be in a stable condition after spending his second night in intensive care.
COVID-19 Update – April 8, 2020
Latest news
Another person has died from the COVID-19 virus in Victoria, taking the state's death toll to 12. The victim was a woman in her 80s.
Twenty-one new patients have been diagnosed in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of patients in the state to 1212. Across Australia there are now almost 6000 cases. But, happily, the downward trend of new cases is continuing.
However, health authorities have warned that Australia is at risk from an “explosive resurgence” of COVID-19 cases is social controls are relaxed.
In the US, New York State recorded 731 new coronavirus deaths on Tuesday, marking the biggest one-day jump during the coronavirus crisis. The state's death toll since the beginning of the outbreak is now 5489.
COVID-19 Update – April 7, 2020
Latest news
Term Two of the school year in Victoria will begin on Tuesday, the Premier Daniel Andrews has announced. But children who can learn from home are being asked to do so. Children of essential services workers will be able to attend school. The Premier said Year 12 students will complete their studies this year but may not sit exams.
The death toll from the COVID-19 virus has risen to 44 from around 5,800 cases nationally. In Victoria there are 1191 cases and there have now been 11 deaths. But the number of new cases reported each day continues to decline with around just 100 reported yesterday, compared with more than 450 on March 27.
The federal government expects to pass its ‘Jobkeeper’ legislation through Parliament tomorrow which will see a $130 billion dollars earmarked for $1500 a fortnight payments to six million workers.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is in intensive care with coronavirus after his condition worsened, 24 hours after he was first admitted to a London hospital.
And US health officials say they believe the country has entered its "peak death week", with forecasts showing 3000 people will soon be dying each day from the virus in the US.
COVID-19 Update – April 6, 2020
Latest news
More workers will gain access to the federal government’s $130 billion wage subsidy. The government will expand the definition of who qualifies for the $1500 a fortnight ‘Jobkeeper’ payment to casual workers who have worked for multiple employers over the past year.
Victorian schools are expected to open for term two after Easter but mainly to accommodate the children of essential workers and vulnerable pupils. Most students will study remotely.
Meanwhile, a new poll shows Australians support the government’s wage subsidy plan even as anxiety rises over the economic fallout from the pandemic.
COVID-19 Update – April 3, 2020
Latest news
About a million families have been given free child care in a $3bn package that will keep essential workers on the job and protect the jobs 13,000 early childhood workers.
An Australian advisor to the World Health organisation has called on the federal government to publish the COVID-19 recovery numbers, saying the tally is just as important as the infection toll.
Global coronavirus cases topped 1 million on Thursday as the pandemic explodes in the United States and the death toll continues to climb in Italy and Spain. The virus has killed over 51,000 globally with the largest number of deaths in Italy, followed by Spain and the United States.
In Australia, the number of infections stands at 5134, with 24 deaths. Victoria has 1036 cases but the numbers of new cases each day continues to fall.
A new survey shows Australians are feeling more confident that the COVId-19 crisis is being brought under control with 56 per cent of people saying Australia is responding appropriately, up from 47 per cent a week ago.
COVID-19 Update – April 2, 2020
Latest news
The Victoria Government is preparing to open an extra 4000 intensive care beds in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $1.3 billion capacity expansion will also see the return of thousands of doctors, nurses and other health professionals no longer practising return to work.
The money will also go towards ventilators and other machinery, personal protective equipment, infrastructure and training. Victoria’s COVID-19 cases rose to 968 overnight and nationally there are now 4826.
Meanwhile, a group of ex-judges has called for Parliament to set up a bipartisan committee to scrutinise the government’s pandemic response as Parliament faces one of the longest shutdowns in history.
The CSIRO has begun to trial two potential COVID-19 vaccines in Geelong, where they are testing on ferrets before hopefully moving to human trials a few months later.
COVID-19 Update – April 1, 2020
Latest news
The number of COVID-19 cases has reached 917 in Victoria and 4557 across Australia. And although there was jump in new cases yesterday the numbers of new cases still seem to be in a general downward trend.
The government’s rescue package will see public debt rise to $1.5 trillion – a level not seen since the post WWII years. The debt levels will put at risk promised tax cuts due later in the year.
In a new move by health authorities, women who give birth in public hospitals will be discharged as little as four hours later to protect new mothers and babies from COVID-19.
Stage three restrictions
Victorians now face on-the-spot fines of more than $1,600 if they breached coronavirus restrictions that limit gatherings to just two people.
From midnight Monday, Victorians also face fines if they leave the house for "non-essential reasons". That is, unless they leaving to get food and supplies, medical care, exercise or for work or education.
Shopping tips
The major supermarkets have released advice on how to shop safely and speedily during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Plan you shop. Use the store app or some paper to make a list. Think about alternatives if what you want is not there.
- Check the limits or product restrictions before you shop.
- Shop alone where possible, practicing social distancing.
- Sanitise your hands and touch only what you are going to buy
- At the checkout there are marked signs to help you keep a safe distance away from others. Try to use a card when paying.
Health authorities say the risk of contracting COVID-19 from food is very low.
COVID-19 Update - March 31, 2020
Jobs rescued
Up to six million workers will be paid $1500 a fortnight under the federal government’s ‘JobKeeper’ initiative. Full time, part time and casual workers who have been employed for 12 months are eligible.
How does it work?
The Australian Tax Office will reimburse businesses who continue to pay their staff the $1500 a fortnight.
The scheme applies to businesses and sole traders who have suffered a decline of 30 per cent or more in their turnover since March 1. It also applies to businesses with $1bn-plus turnover who have suffered a 50 per cent decline.
To find out more visit: Australian Taxation Office - Jobkeeper payment
If you have already lost your job, find out what you are eligible for: Centrelink - Jobkeeper payment
Latest pandemic news
The daily rate of new COVID-19 infections in Australia has dropped in the past two days with medical authorities cautiously saying we may be starting to flatten the curve of rising infection. On March 28, 460 new cases were reported, on the 29th the number fell to 334 and yesterday to 236.
Stage three restrictions
Victorians now face on-the-spot fines of more than $1,600 if they breached coronavirus restrictions that limit gatherings to just two people.
From midnight Monday, Victorians also face fines if they leave the house for "non-essential reasons". That is, unless they leaving to get food and supplies, medical care, exercise or for work or education.
What can I do under the two-person rule?
Take the kids to see their grandparents — No
Have a tradie come to your house — Yes
Two friends with babies go for a walk — No
Drive with more than two people for work — No
Useful links: