Teachers among latest COVID-19 cases in NSW.
Two Sydney school teachers and an employee at a prison hospital are among recent coronavirus cases in NSW, as the state’s number of confirmed infections reaches 1791.
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard on Sunday said 24 people were in intensive care, but no new deaths had been reported, with the state toll remaining at eight.
Cases without a known source of transmission had on Sunday reached 207.
New cases include two teachers and a student from Normanhurst West Public School and a staff member at the hospital inside Long Bay prison.
The number of Australian cases from the Ruby Princess cruise ship has spiked to 215 – with 189 of those cases diagnosed in NSW – after passengers disembarked in Sydney without adequate checks.
Victorians criticised for Bondi Beach-type behaviour.
It was only a week ago that beach-goers were criticised for filling the sand on Bondi Beach to enjoy the Autumn sun amid social distancing rules.
This weekend, it was Victoria’s turn, as the same thing happened along the state’s coast, resulting in closures and bans on beaches.
Victoria's Health Minister Jenny Mikakos called out Victorians for their "stupid behaviour".
"If you can stay at home, you must stay at home," Ms Mikakos said. "This is the only way we are going to defeat COVID-19. It is the only way we are going to slow down the spread."
Similar crowds were seen on Bondi, Coogee and Cronulla promenades over the weekend again in Sydney - even with beach closures in place.
The Prime Minister's Sunday night announcements.
Last night, Prime Minister Scott Morrison addressed the nation with more updates on restrictions headed into the new week. Here's a brief summary of what you need to know. You can read in full here.
- All public gatherings reduced to two persons. But this new rule doesn't include the members of your home.
- Outdoor bootcamps reduced to two persons.
- Public playgrounds, outside gyms and skate parks are closed.
- Only four reasons to leave home: Doctor, work, exercise and grocery shopping.
- Over 70s ordered to stay home as much as is practical.
- No evictions rule brought in for tenants unable to pay their rent.
- 16 people have now died in Australia from coronavirus; eight in New South Wales, four in Victoria, two in WA and two in QLD.
- Confirmed cases are nearly 4000, up 355 from Saturday - with New South Wales the worst hit state.
The current COVID-19 figures.
- Our rate of infection however seems to be slowing, down at nine percent compared to 25 percent last week.
- Globally coronavirus has now killed close to 31,000 people.
Queensland introduces fines.
Queensland police will also now have the power to issue on the spot fines for breaches of COVID-19 directives.
They can now hand out fines of up to $13,345 for individuals and $66,672 for businesses.
NSW, South Australia and WA Police can give out fines of $1000 for individuals and $5,000 for businesses and in Victoria individuals can face fines of up to $1,652 for gathering in groups and businesses can be handed penalties of $9,913.
Canberrans face fines of up to $8000 and businesses $40,500.
Baby dies in the US.
A baby has died in Illinois, with an investigation underway as to whether the infant - who wasn't yet one - had any other health issues.
"If you haven’t been paying attention, maybe this is your wake-up call," said Dr Ngozi Ezike, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, reports The Guardian.
Recorded illness among children has been low, with the risk generally in older adults and people with other health problems. Research in the New England Journal of Medicine noted that less than six percent of children infected had fallen seriously ill.
A 10-month-old with bowel blockage and organ failure died from COVID-19 in China.
Tokyo Olympics set for July-August 2021.
The postponed Tokyo Olympics look set to have the same time slot in 2021 as originally planned for this year, according to reports.
Japanese broadcaster NHK and the New York Times reported that the preferred option is to open the Games on July 23, with the closing ceremony on August 8, citing sources familiar with the matter.
The Olympics were originally set for July 24-August 9 this year before being pushed back in an unprecedented move by the International Olympic Committee and local organisers.
The Paralympics are also to keep their slot, expected to be held August 24-September 5, 2021, according to NHK.
IOC president Thomas Bach said last week a final decision should be made within the next three weeks.
Keeping the July-August slot makes it easier to accommodate the Games in a full sports calendar and should also be the preferred scenario for American broadcaster NBC who have paid more that $US12 billion ($A19 billion) for the rights 2014-2032.
Several world championships, including in the Olympic showcase sports of swimming and athletics, will have to be rescheduled to fit in the Games next year.
Feature image: Scott Barbour/AAP.
- With AAP.
To protect yourself and the community from COVID-19, keep at least 1.5 metres away from other people, regularly wash your hands and avoid touching your face.
If you are sick and believe you have symptoms of COVID-19, call your GP ahead of time to book an appointment. Or call the national Coronavirus Health Information Line for advice on 1800 020 080. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
To keep up to date with the latest information, please visit the Department of Health website.
Top Comments
Where are all the people now who defended those on the beach last weekend. Then it was the governments fault for not making serious enough announcements. What’s the excuse now?