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Coronavirus Australia live news: Queensland agrees to NRL's plan for 28 May restart – latest updates Coronavirus Australia live news: Queensland agrees to NRL's plan for 28 May restart – as it happened
(32 minutes later)
Sydney aged care home reports 13th coronavirus-related death as three more residents test positive. Follow liveSydney aged care home reports 13th coronavirus-related death as three more residents test positive. Follow live
We’ll conclude our Australian rolling coverage of Covid-19 developments here. Thank you for your company and correspondence, commendations and criticisms, all of it a welcome and vital part of our community’s discussion.We’ll conclude our Australian rolling coverage of Covid-19 developments here. Thank you for your company and correspondence, commendations and criticisms, all of it a welcome and vital part of our community’s discussion.
Be well, and stay safe.Be well, and stay safe.
Tonight in Australia:Tonight in Australia:
6767 cases have been recorded in Australia after 14 new cases in the past 24 hours. 6,767 cases have been recorded in Australia after 14 new cases in the past 24 hours.
1022 are still active cases, 83 people are in hospital with 28 in intensive care. 1,022 are still active cases, 83 people are in hospital, with 28 in intensive care.
South Australia has had no new cases for nine days, Queensland for five.South Australia has had no new cases for nine days, Queensland for five.
The death toll is 93 - NSW 43, Victoria 18, Tasmania 13, WA eight, Queensland four, SA four, ACT three. The death toll is 93 – NSW 43, Victoria 18, Tasmania 13, WA eight, Queensland four, SA four, ACT three.
Twenty-one of the deaths were among passengers of the Ruby Princess cruise ship, four were on the Artania in WA and 13 were residents at the Newmarch House aged care home in Sydney.Twenty-one of the deaths were among passengers of the Ruby Princess cruise ship, four were on the Artania in WA and 13 were residents at the Newmarch House aged care home in Sydney.
More than 3.5 million people have registered with the federal government’s tracking app COVIDSafe since Sunday. More than 3.5 million people have registered with the federal government’s tracking app Covidsafe since Sunday.
On restrictions, closures and suppression measures:On restrictions, closures and suppression measures:
National cabinet will decide on relaxing some social and economic clamps next Friday, a week earlier than expected.National cabinet will decide on relaxing some social and economic clamps next Friday, a week earlier than expected.
Australia’s borders won’t reopen for at least three months, the federal government says.Australia’s borders won’t reopen for at least three months, the federal government says.
More than 340,000 businesses have received a cashflow boost worth over $6 billion More than 340,000 businesses have received a cashflow boost worth over $6bn
Aged care providers will get $205 million to help keep homes open to visitors through extra screening staff and protective equipment.Aged care providers will get $205 million to help keep homes open to visitors through extra screening staff and protective equipment.
More than 1.5 million people are on JobSeeker, with 900,000 claims processed in the past six weeks More than 1.5 million people are on jobseeker, with 900,000 claims processed in the past six weeks.
In NSW from midnight Friday, households will be allowed two adult visitors, and their children, under an initial easing of self-isolation measures. Most beaches are open for exercise, swimming and surfing only.In NSW from midnight Friday, households will be allowed two adult visitors, and their children, under an initial easing of self-isolation measures. Most beaches are open for exercise, swimming and surfing only.
In WA, up to 10 people are able to gather for non-contact recreational activities and outdoor personal training, while open homes and display villages will also be permitted.In WA, up to 10 people are able to gather for non-contact recreational activities and outdoor personal training, while open homes and display villages will also be permitted.
In Queensland, some stay-at-home restrictions will be eased on Saturday, allowing people to travel 50km from their residence to visit parks, have picnics and jet ski. Shopping for non-essential items will also be permitted.In Queensland, some stay-at-home restrictions will be eased on Saturday, allowing people to travel 50km from their residence to visit parks, have picnics and jet ski. Shopping for non-essential items will also be permitted.
The Northern Territory is implementing a three-stage easing of restrictions starting with reopening parks and allowing people to golf, fish and swim with others from May 1 before restaurants and bars reopen with a two-hour limit on May 15. Bans on entertainment venues will be lifted in the third stage.The Northern Territory is implementing a three-stage easing of restrictions starting with reopening parks and allowing people to golf, fish and swim with others from May 1 before restaurants and bars reopen with a two-hour limit on May 15. Bans on entertainment venues will be lifted in the third stage.
Tasmania will on Monday ease restrictions in the state’s northwest which forced retailers and schools to stay closed.Tasmania will on Monday ease restrictions in the state’s northwest which forced retailers and schools to stay closed.
Victoria has no plans to lift restrictions until May 11 at the earliest.Victoria has no plans to lift restrictions until May 11 at the earliest.
Victoria will launch a website showcasing live music and comedy performances on Sunday with creators given access to $2.35 million in grants.Victoria will launch a website showcasing live music and comedy performances on Sunday with creators given access to $2.35 million in grants.
NSW students will attend school one day a week starting from May 11. Queensland will on May 15 review keeping children at home. No change has been flagged in Victoria. Western Australia hopes all students will return to classes by May 11 while 63 per cent of students have gone back in SA.NSW students will attend school one day a week starting from May 11. Queensland will on May 15 review keeping children at home. No change has been flagged in Victoria. Western Australia hopes all students will return to classes by May 11 while 63 per cent of students have gone back in SA.
Still open: supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, public transport, some schools, hairdressers, petrol stations, postal and freight services, bottle shops, newsagents, retail shops. Restaurants restricted to takeaway and delivery in most states.Still open: supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, public transport, some schools, hairdressers, petrol stations, postal and freight services, bottle shops, newsagents, retail shops. Restaurants restricted to takeaway and delivery in most states.
In other developments:In other developments:
Five Australian hospitals will receive the experimental drug remdesivir from US pharmaceutical company Gilead.Five Australian hospitals will receive the experimental drug remdesivir from US pharmaceutical company Gilead.
Five defence force officers have been flown home after contracting the virus in the Middle East.Five defence force officers have been flown home after contracting the virus in the Middle East.
23 aged care facilities have had an outbreak, 15 have cleared it.23 aged care facilities have had an outbreak, 15 have cleared it.
The Guardian’s international liveblog continues here:The Guardian’s international liveblog continues here:
And to the Northern Territory:And to the Northern Territory:
The Northern Territory government insists its health system is prepared for a potential second wave of coronavirus cases, as four defence force members with Covid-19 arrived from overseas.The Northern Territory government insists its health system is prepared for a potential second wave of coronavirus cases, as four defence force members with Covid-19 arrived from overseas.
The four returned from the Middle East on a routine Australian Defence Force flight that landed in Darwin early on Friday morning.The four returned from the Middle East on a routine Australian Defence Force flight that landed in Darwin early on Friday morning.
It occurred a day after Chief Minister Michael Gunner laid out his road map for winding back coronavirus restrictions in three stages over five weeks, with all businesses including restaurants, bars, cafes and gyms to reopen.It occurred a day after Chief Minister Michael Gunner laid out his road map for winding back coronavirus restrictions in three stages over five weeks, with all businesses including restaurants, bars, cafes and gyms to reopen.
The NT had recorded no new cases of coronavirus since April 6, with only three of 28 people to test positive still recovering.The NT had recorded no new cases of coronavirus since April 6, with only three of 28 people to test positive still recovering.
There have been no deaths or community transmission, with all cases related to travel, but a second wave of the virus is considered a high risk, especially if restrictions are removed too quickly.There have been no deaths or community transmission, with all cases related to travel, but a second wave of the virus is considered a high risk, especially if restrictions are removed too quickly.
The Australian Defence Force says it decided to test personnel “after being notified that a number of locally engaged contractors had tested positive” but did not say where the officers became infected..The Australian Defence Force says it decided to test personnel “after being notified that a number of locally engaged contractors had tested positive” but did not say where the officers became infected..
The four were asymptomatic and taken to Royal Darwin hospital for assessment and placed in isolation.The four were asymptomatic and taken to Royal Darwin hospital for assessment and placed in isolation.
A number of other people on that flight went into mandatory quarantine, NT Chief Health Officer Dr Hugh Heggie said.A number of other people on that flight went into mandatory quarantine, NT Chief Health Officer Dr Hugh Heggie said.
A fifth ADF member who tested positive recently completed their deployment and returned to Australia and is currently in mandatory quarantine in Brisbane.A fifth ADF member who tested positive recently completed their deployment and returned to Australia and is currently in mandatory quarantine in Brisbane.
“Defence will take all necessary measures in consultation with our coalition partners, relevant host nations and Australian federal, state and territory governments to ensure ADF personnel receive the treatment and care required,” the ADF said in a statement.“Defence will take all necessary measures in consultation with our coalition partners, relevant host nations and Australian federal, state and territory governments to ensure ADF personnel receive the treatment and care required,” the ADF said in a statement.
The public were safe because everyone on that plane that landed on the Friday morning plane was in quarantine and not “walking the streets or in shopping centres”, NT Health Minister Natasha Fyles said.The public were safe because everyone on that plane that landed on the Friday morning plane was in quarantine and not “walking the streets or in shopping centres”, NT Health Minister Natasha Fyles said.
Fyles said the health department had done acute care scenario testing to prepare for an outbreak of COVID-19, it had a pandemic plan, and a lot had been learnt when repatriated Australians from China and a cruise ship were quarantined in Darwin earlier this year.Fyles said the health department had done acute care scenario testing to prepare for an outbreak of COVID-19, it had a pandemic plan, and a lot had been learnt when repatriated Australians from China and a cruise ship were quarantined in Darwin earlier this year.
NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker said Territorians had been wonderful in their compliance with restrictions so far and urged them to remain vigilant and maintain measures, such as physical distancing, with parks starting to open this long weekend.NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker said Territorians had been wonderful in their compliance with restrictions so far and urged them to remain vigilant and maintain measures, such as physical distancing, with parks starting to open this long weekend.
South Australia has enjoyed nine days of zero new Covid-19 cases. But the premier has warned against complacency, and lifting restrictions too early.South Australia has enjoyed nine days of zero new Covid-19 cases. But the premier has warned against complacency, and lifting restrictions too early.
From AAP:From AAP:
Talks of lifting South Australian coronavirus restrictions will begin in a week’s time but if done too early, could be a blow to the economy, the premier says.Talks of lifting South Australian coronavirus restrictions will begin in a week’s time but if done too early, could be a blow to the economy, the premier says.
Steven Marshall said restaurants, cafes and pubs could open to a bookings-only system where social distancing and good hygiene would remain in place when restrictions lifted.Steven Marshall said restaurants, cafes and pubs could open to a bookings-only system where social distancing and good hygiene would remain in place when restrictions lifted.
“We may need to go back to the proprietor of that restaurant to find out who was dining there on a certain night if we find out someone had been infected and was present there, so there will be modifications,” the premier said on Friday.“We may need to go back to the proprietor of that restaurant to find out who was dining there on a certain night if we find out someone had been infected and was present there, so there will be modifications,” the premier said on Friday.
He encouraged South Australians to participate in non-contact sports, such as tennis, golf and lawn bowls, so long as they coincided with current restrictions.He encouraged South Australians to participate in non-contact sports, such as tennis, golf and lawn bowls, so long as they coincided with current restrictions.
“As long as you’re not using the change rooms and facilities and keep the numbers under 10, we’re encouraging people to get out and play.”“As long as you’re not using the change rooms and facilities and keep the numbers under 10, we’re encouraging people to get out and play.”
Marshall said more clarity around contact community and recreational sports could also be given from next Friday, now it’s been confirmed that decisions will be made by individual states or territories.Marshall said more clarity around contact community and recreational sports could also be given from next Friday, now it’s been confirmed that decisions will be made by individual states or territories.
Decisions on elite sports that require crossing jurisdictions will be made at the national level.Decisions on elite sports that require crossing jurisdictions will be made at the national level.
“We know sport is part of our psyche here in Australia but we’ve got to do it in a way which is safe,” Marshall said.“We know sport is part of our psyche here in Australia but we’ve got to do it in a way which is safe,” Marshall said.
“We have to recognise that different jurisdictions are at different points along the curve in terms of the pandemic.”“We have to recognise that different jurisdictions are at different points along the curve in terms of the pandemic.”
He said the cabinet will meet twice next week to further discuss the right way to incrementally lift restrictions.He said the cabinet will meet twice next week to further discuss the right way to incrementally lift restrictions.
“We’ve got one shot to get this right here in SA.“We’ve got one shot to get this right here in SA.
“We didn’t want to have this in-and-out orientation, releasing them and then putting them back in place a few weeks later.“We didn’t want to have this in-and-out orientation, releasing them and then putting them back in place a few weeks later.
“It would have an enormous cost to the economy.”“It would have an enormous cost to the economy.”
It comes as the state reported its ninth consecutive day of zero Covid-19 cases.It comes as the state reported its ninth consecutive day of zero Covid-19 cases.
The state’s total remains at 438 with 97 per cent considered recovered.The state’s total remains at 438 with 97 per cent considered recovered.
There are no longer any patients in intensive care but three people remain hospitalised.There are no longer any patients in intensive care but three people remain hospitalised.
SA Pathology has conducted more than 58,000 tests since February and although the two-week blitz has finished, the testing remains open to anyone who has minor symptoms.SA Pathology has conducted more than 58,000 tests since February and although the two-week blitz has finished, the testing remains open to anyone who has minor symptoms.
The Australian Digital and Data Council (you didn’t know we had one, did you) met today by phone: a meeting of the state, territory and federal ministers, as well as NZ’s minister for broadcasting, communications and digital media.The Australian Digital and Data Council (you didn’t know we had one, did you) met today by phone: a meeting of the state, territory and federal ministers, as well as NZ’s minister for broadcasting, communications and digital media.
The major topic was, of course, Covid-19, “the largest disruptive event the world has seen in many years”.The major topic was, of course, Covid-19, “the largest disruptive event the world has seen in many years”.
The meeting reported that 3.5 million people in Australia have downloaded the Covidsafe app.The meeting reported that 3.5 million people in Australia have downloaded the Covidsafe app.
“Ministers acknowledged privacy concerns are still front and centre for many people when deciding whether to download the app and were an important consideration in the app’s design.”“Ministers acknowledged privacy concerns are still front and centre for many people when deciding whether to download the app and were an important consideration in the app’s design.”
The NSW government has released a statewide Covid-19 ‘heat map’, showing pandemic information by postcode. The map details the number of active cases, testing rates, and number of recovered cases in each local community.The NSW government has released a statewide Covid-19 ‘heat map’, showing pandemic information by postcode. The map details the number of active cases, testing rates, and number of recovered cases in each local community.
“This new way of showing NSW Health data will help communities understand the numbers of people being tested, and encourage more people with symptoms to come forward for testing when they see the impact COVID-19 is having on their local area,” NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian said.“This new way of showing NSW Health data will help communities understand the numbers of people being tested, and encourage more people with symptoms to come forward for testing when they see the impact COVID-19 is having on their local area,” NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian said.
“It also provides encouraging data showing how people are bouncing back from the virus.”“It also provides encouraging data showing how people are bouncing back from the virus.”
It’s accessible here.It’s accessible here.
Cholera has largely been beaten in the west, but it still kills tens of thousands of people in poorer countries every year. As we search for a cure for coronavirus, we have to make sure it will be available to everyone, not just to those in wealthy nations.Cholera has largely been beaten in the west, but it still kills tens of thousands of people in poorer countries every year. As we search for a cure for coronavirus, we have to make sure it will be available to everyone, not just to those in wealthy nations.
This is a fine piece by Dr Neil Singh.This is a fine piece by Dr Neil Singh.
For coronavirus is not the only pandemic the world faces. There is another one raging right now. Since cholera first spread across the globe, two centuries ago, it has killed about 50 million people. In the time it takes you to read this article, another five people will have died from it. It is now mostly ignored in the west, but in other parts of the world, it has never gone away.For coronavirus is not the only pandemic the world faces. There is another one raging right now. Since cholera first spread across the globe, two centuries ago, it has killed about 50 million people. In the time it takes you to read this article, another five people will have died from it. It is now mostly ignored in the west, but in other parts of the world, it has never gone away.
The chief of Australia’s Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, has written to the families of ADF members, thanking them “for the continuous sacrifices that you and your family make in supporting us”.The chief of Australia’s Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, has written to the families of ADF members, thanking them “for the continuous sacrifices that you and your family make in supporting us”.
He said the role of Defence in Australia’s Covid-19 response was critical, “and I thank every Australian Defence Force member, their parents, partners and children for the patience, resilience, understanding and support they continue to provide so that we can continue to serve”.He said the role of Defence in Australia’s Covid-19 response was critical, “and I thank every Australian Defence Force member, their parents, partners and children for the patience, resilience, understanding and support they continue to provide so that we can continue to serve”.
The ADF has established Operation Covid Assist, deploying military personnel within Australia to assist state and territory governments with contact tracing, planning and logistics, and working alongside police to enforce mandatory quarantine arrangements for international arrivals.The ADF has established Operation Covid Assist, deploying military personnel within Australia to assist state and territory governments with contact tracing, planning and logistics, and working alongside police to enforce mandatory quarantine arrangements for international arrivals.
Five members of the Australian Defence Force have caught Covid-19 while serving in the Middle East.Five members of the Australian Defence Force have caught Covid-19 while serving in the Middle East.
On that note I am going to hand over to Ben Doherty.On that note I am going to hand over to Ben Doherty.
Stay safe, stay warm, and if you have any respiratory symptoms or a fever, however mild, please do get a Covid-19 test. My nephew (a reliable source) had one today and says they “tickle”. So I imagine adults can manage it.Stay safe, stay warm, and if you have any respiratory symptoms or a fever, however mild, please do get a Covid-19 test. My nephew (a reliable source) had one today and says they “tickle”. So I imagine adults can manage it.
A reminder:A reminder:
In other news, if you, like me, are in Melbourne, you may have noticed that it is quite cold. Almost record-breakingly cold for the first of May, in fact, although the dial did just inch above 12C this afternoon.In other news, if you, like me, are in Melbourne, you may have noticed that it is quite cold. Almost record-breakingly cold for the first of May, in fact, although the dial did just inch above 12C this afternoon.
There has been significant snowfall across the alpine resorts, which just a few months ago were on fire or close to it. The ski season doesn’t officially start until next month so it’s possible coronavirus restrictions could by then be eased to allow some skiing.There has been significant snowfall across the alpine resorts, which just a few months ago were on fire or close to it. The ski season doesn’t officially start until next month so it’s possible coronavirus restrictions could by then be eased to allow some skiing.
In the mean time, check out these beautiful photos.In the mean time, check out these beautiful photos.
Here are a few more details on that study on the potential spread of the coronavirus in schools, which the WA government announced earlier in partnership with the Telethon Kids Institute.Here are a few more details on that study on the potential spread of the coronavirus in schools, which the WA government announced earlier in partnership with the Telethon Kids Institute.
It will be conducted across 80 public schools, education support centres and residential colleges across WA, covering a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds.It will be conducted across 80 public schools, education support centres and residential colleges across WA, covering a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds.
Participation in the study is voluntary, and requires the consent of both teachers and the parents of all children involved. That doesn’t mean you have to give consent if your child attends one of the 80 schools, only if they specifically are part of the study.Participation in the study is voluntary, and requires the consent of both teachers and the parents of all children involved. That doesn’t mean you have to give consent if your child attends one of the 80 schools, only if they specifically are part of the study.
The first part of the study involves surveillance testing of a sample of staff and students across 40 schools over three months, potentially longer depending on the number of cases detected. Parents will be advised of the outcome of tests and the tests used will be different to those at a Covid clinic. It’ll be a less invasive swab.The first part of the study involves surveillance testing of a sample of staff and students across 40 schools over three months, potentially longer depending on the number of cases detected. Parents will be advised of the outcome of tests and the tests used will be different to those at a Covid clinic. It’ll be a less invasive swab.
That will start next week.That will start next week.
Any positive tests will be subject to contact tracing, and any close contacts identified will “undergo multiple tests for Covid-19 at intervals over two weeks, irrespective of whether they show symptoms”, a WA government statement said.Any positive tests will be subject to contact tracing, and any close contacts identified will “undergo multiple tests for Covid-19 at intervals over two weeks, irrespective of whether they show symptoms”, a WA government statement said.
Close contacts will also be required to keep a diary during that period. This is intended to identify any onward transmission and “provide a greater understanding of the role schools play in the transmissibility of Covid-19 between students and staff, and the wider community via household members and other non-school contacts”.Close contacts will also be required to keep a diary during that period. This is intended to identify any onward transmission and “provide a greater understanding of the role schools play in the transmissibility of Covid-19 between students and staff, and the wider community via household members and other non-school contacts”.
The third part of the study is about the psychosocial impacts of the pandemic.The third part of the study is about the psychosocial impacts of the pandemic.
Also below the line folks, we will be switching comments off soon as our hardworking moderator is about to clock off.Also below the line folks, we will be switching comments off soon as our hardworking moderator is about to clock off.
While we’re talking about sport, Mark McGowan was just asked about the prospect of AFL returning (they aren’t interested in rugby league in Western Australia).While we’re talking about sport, Mark McGowan was just asked about the prospect of AFL returning (they aren’t interested in rugby league in Western Australia).
He said players would be subject to a 14-day mandatory quarantine, just like everyone else entering the state.He said players would be subject to a 14-day mandatory quarantine, just like everyone else entering the state.
The difference in the NRL seems to be that they plan to keep players permanently quarantined, apart from games. That’s why Queensland has granted them a free pass through the border.The difference in the NRL seems to be that they plan to keep players permanently quarantined, apart from games. That’s why Queensland has granted them a free pass through the border.
The Queensland premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, says she had a phone conference following national cabinet with the NRL chairman, Peter V’Landys, and the CEOs of the Broncos, Cowboys and Titans, and told them they could resume training for the season reopener on 28 May.The Queensland premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, says she had a phone conference following national cabinet with the NRL chairman, Peter V’Landys, and the CEOs of the Broncos, Cowboys and Titans, and told them they could resume training for the season reopener on 28 May.
In a statement, Palaszczuk said:In a statement, Palaszczuk said:
She also demanded assurances that the NRL will enforce home quarantine, after reports of some players breaking restrictions this week.She also demanded assurances that the NRL will enforce home quarantine, after reports of some players breaking restrictions this week.
The decision means players have permission to travel across the Queensland border to play, effectively making them essential workers.The decision means players have permission to travel across the Queensland border to play, effectively making them essential workers.
South Australia has recorded no new cases of Covid-19 for the ninth day in a row. That’s no new cases since 22 April.South Australia has recorded no new cases of Covid-19 for the ninth day in a row. That’s no new cases since 22 April.