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Coronavirus live news Australia: evacuation flights for stranded citizens in India as some states ease Covid-19 restrictions – latest update Coronavirus live news Australia: evacuation flights for stranded citizens in India as some states ease Covid-19 restrictions – latest update
(32 minutes later)
The Australian government has arranged four additional Qantas flights to Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai in the coming fortnight. Follow all the news, liveThe Australian government has arranged four additional Qantas flights to Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai in the coming fortnight. Follow all the news, live
To recap, on Saturday afternoon there were 6,929 Covid-19 cases in Australia, with the death toll at 97. To recap, this afternoon there were 6,929 Covid-19 cases in Australia, with the death toll at 97.
There had been 16 new cases in the last 24 hours, four of which were related to the Cedar Meats cluster in Victoria.There had been 16 new cases in the last 24 hours, four of which were related to the Cedar Meats cluster in Victoria.
That concludes our coverage for the day. Thanks for reading. Stay safe. The deputy chief medical officer, Paul Kelly, pleaded with Australians to resist any urges “to cuddle our mums” ahead of Mother’s Day on Sunday, urging people to be cautious as coronavirus restrictions begin to be eased.
Here’s our summary of today’s major developments.
That concludes our coverage for the day. We’ll be back tomorrow, but in the meantime follow the Guardian’s global live coverage here. Thanks for reading and stay safe.
There are just two people in South Australia considered to be active cases of Covid-19.There are just two people in South Australia considered to be active cases of Covid-19.
No further cases were recorded when the state health department released updated statistics on Saturday, with South Australia’s total tally remaining at 439.No further cases were recorded when the state health department released updated statistics on Saturday, with South Australia’s total tally remaining at 439.
It comes as the state is set to loosen restrictions from Monday, with leaders keen to encourage South Australians to travel within their state.It comes as the state is set to loosen restrictions from Monday, with leaders keen to encourage South Australians to travel within their state.
The premier, Steven Marshall, has reassured South Australians regional travel is safe because the state is “one of the safest places in the world at the moment”.The premier, Steven Marshall, has reassured South Australians regional travel is safe because the state is “one of the safest places in the world at the moment”.
AAP reports that from Monday, all country accommodation can reopen, including caravan parks, hotels, motels and Airbnb services.AAP reports that from Monday, all country accommodation can reopen, including caravan parks, hotels, motels and Airbnb services.
Other restrictions to be lifted in SA include the return of alcohol-free outdoor dining at cafes and restaurants and the resumption of outdoor sports training.Other restrictions to be lifted in SA include the return of alcohol-free outdoor dining at cafes and restaurants and the resumption of outdoor sports training.
Universities and Tafe colleges will be allowed to resume face-to-face learning, public swimming pools, places of worship and libraries can reopen, and open house inspections and home auctions will be permitted.Universities and Tafe colleges will be allowed to resume face-to-face learning, public swimming pools, places of worship and libraries can reopen, and open house inspections and home auctions will be permitted.
In almost all cases, numbers will be limited to 10 people at a time and all social distancing provisions will still apply.In almost all cases, numbers will be limited to 10 people at a time and all social distancing provisions will still apply.
However, SA will allow up to 20 people to attend a funeral indoors and up to 30 people outdoors.However, SA will allow up to 20 people to attend a funeral indoors and up to 30 people outdoors.
AAP is reporting that the Cronulla captain, Wade Graham, has called on those NRL players who are refusing to get a flu shot to remember they have chosen to compete in a team sport.AAP is reporting that the Cronulla captain, Wade Graham, has called on those NRL players who are refusing to get a flu shot to remember they have chosen to compete in a team sport.
The NRL’s restart on 28 May has hit a hiccup with around 20 players refusing to be vaccinated for various reasons, including past adverse reactions to the flu shot and religious reasons.The NRL’s restart on 28 May has hit a hiccup with around 20 players refusing to be vaccinated for various reasons, including past adverse reactions to the flu shot and religious reasons.
However, speaking on Triple M on Saturday, Graham said getting the flu shot was a “no brainer”, and refusing to do so based on just personal preference goes against a team-first mentality.However, speaking on Triple M on Saturday, Graham said getting the flu shot was a “no brainer”, and refusing to do so based on just personal preference goes against a team-first mentality.
On Friday, the Gold Coast Titans confirmed Bryce Cartwright and Brian Kelly were both stood down for refusing the vaccination after an intervention by the Queensland government. Fellow Titan Nathan Peats and Manly’s Marty Taupau both hesitated to get the shot due to past adverse reactions, but eventually had the injection.On Friday, the Gold Coast Titans confirmed Bryce Cartwright and Brian Kelly were both stood down for refusing the vaccination after an intervention by the Queensland government. Fellow Titan Nathan Peats and Manly’s Marty Taupau both hesitated to get the shot due to past adverse reactions, but eventually had the injection.
As of Saturday afternoon, the Titans were still awaiting confirmation from Cartwright and Kelly over whether they would agree to be immunised and resume training.As of Saturday afternoon, the Titans were still awaiting confirmation from Cartwright and Kelly over whether they would agree to be immunised and resume training.
It’s understood Dylan Walker, Addin Fonua-Blake, Josh Papalii, Joseph Tapine, Iosia Soliola and Canterbury’s Sione Katoa all signed a waiver to remain compliant under the NRL’s guidelines and continue training.It’s understood Dylan Walker, Addin Fonua-Blake, Josh Papalii, Joseph Tapine, Iosia Soliola and Canterbury’s Sione Katoa all signed a waiver to remain compliant under the NRL’s guidelines and continue training.
It has sparked confusion over how different states and territories will enforce the NRL’s return to training protocols, and casts doubt over whether unimmunised players will be allowed to play in Queensland.It has sparked confusion over how different states and territories will enforce the NRL’s return to training protocols, and casts doubt over whether unimmunised players will be allowed to play in Queensland.
Graham, who sits on the RLPA’s board of directors, said the confusion was always a risk as the game rushed to resume training. He believes players and clubs could have sacrificed another week of training as a team to ensure these loose ends in the biosecurity guidelines were tied up.Graham, who sits on the RLPA’s board of directors, said the confusion was always a risk as the game rushed to resume training. He believes players and clubs could have sacrificed another week of training as a team to ensure these loose ends in the biosecurity guidelines were tied up.
Should the NRL decide to bow to government pressure and enact a ‘no jab, no play’ policy, Graham says players will need to consider the strength of their convictions against their livelihoods.Should the NRL decide to bow to government pressure and enact a ‘no jab, no play’ policy, Graham says players will need to consider the strength of their convictions against their livelihoods.
The deputy chief medical officer, Paul Kelly, has also doubt on the chances of fans attending finals footy this year – another rubbing of salt into an already heavily seasoned wound.The deputy chief medical officer, Paul Kelly, has also doubt on the chances of fans attending finals footy this year – another rubbing of salt into an already heavily seasoned wound.
The deputy chief medical officer, Paul Kelly, has also pleaded with Australians to resist any urges “to cuddle our mums” ahead of Mother’s Day on Sunday.The deputy chief medical officer, Paul Kelly, has also pleaded with Australians to resist any urges “to cuddle our mums” ahead of Mother’s Day on Sunday.
He also reiterated that Australians over 70 should be more cautious about rushing back into normal life as lockdowns are eased in some states.He also reiterated that Australians over 70 should be more cautious about rushing back into normal life as lockdowns are eased in some states.
The deputy chief medical officer, Paul Kelly, has defended the government’s roadmap out of Covid-19 restrictions unveiled by Scott Morrison on Friday, as NSW and Victoria indicate they will keep current restrictions in place for the time being.The deputy chief medical officer, Paul Kelly, has defended the government’s roadmap out of Covid-19 restrictions unveiled by Scott Morrison on Friday, as NSW and Victoria indicate they will keep current restrictions in place for the time being.
Kelly also revealed there are 6,929 cases in Australia as of Saturday afternoon, with the death toll at 97. There have been 16 new cases in the last 24 hours, four of which are related to the Cedar Meats cluster in Victoria.Kelly also revealed there are 6,929 cases in Australia as of Saturday afternoon, with the death toll at 97. There have been 16 new cases in the last 24 hours, four of which are related to the Cedar Meats cluster in Victoria.
He also said the testing positivity rate is now under 1%, and said of the 900 Australians who are sick with Covid-19, 51 are currently being treated in hospital, with 19 of them in intensive care and 15 of those cases relying on ventilators.He also said the testing positivity rate is now under 1%, and said of the 900 Australians who are sick with Covid-19, 51 are currently being treated in hospital, with 19 of them in intensive care and 15 of those cases relying on ventilators.
Kelly also said there had been “extraordinarily good uptake” of the CovidSafe tracing app, with 5.4 million downloads as of Friday.Kelly also said there had been “extraordinarily good uptake” of the CovidSafe tracing app, with 5.4 million downloads as of Friday.
Over on the Guardian global live blog my colleague Rebecca Ratcliffe reports that Roy Horn, of the double act Siegfried and Roy, has died after contracting Covid-19.Over on the Guardian global live blog my colleague Rebecca Ratcliffe reports that Roy Horn, of the double act Siegfried and Roy, has died after contracting Covid-19.
He died in Las Vegas on Friday, aged 75.He died in Las Vegas on Friday, aged 75.
The duo’s performances – in which the illusionists would ride on elephants, cavort with tigers and make animals disappear – became one of Las Vegas’s biggest attractions.In 2003, Horn was left in critical condition after being mauled by an albino tiger during their stage act. He eventually recovered and was able to return to the stage.The duo’s performances – in which the illusionists would ride on elephants, cavort with tigers and make animals disappear – became one of Las Vegas’s biggest attractions.In 2003, Horn was left in critical condition after being mauled by an albino tiger during their stage act. He eventually recovered and was able to return to the stage.
The cause of his death was complications from Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, Horn’s publicist, Dave Kirvin told the New York Times.The cause of his death was complications from Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, Horn’s publicist, Dave Kirvin told the New York Times.
Another 10 cases of Covid-19 were reported Saturday morning in Victoria, with four linked to an outbreak at the Cedar Meats facility, AAP reports.Another 10 cases of Covid-19 were reported Saturday morning in Victoria, with four linked to an outbreak at the Cedar Meats facility, AAP reports.
Victoria’s coronavirus tally is a 1,477, with just over 100 of those being active cases.Victoria’s coronavirus tally is a 1,477, with just over 100 of those being active cases.
My colleague Matilda Boseley has been covering the Cedar Meats outbreak, and you can read her latest piece here.My colleague Matilda Boseley has been covering the Cedar Meats outbreak, and you can read her latest piece here.
WA records no new cases.WA records no new cases.
The WA health department has released updated Covid-19 statistics, with the state’s tally not rising above its previous total of 552.The WA health department has released updated Covid-19 statistics, with the state’s tally not rising above its previous total of 552.
There are now seven active cases across the state, with just one in regional WA.There are now seven active cases across the state, with just one in regional WA.
Four people are being treated for Covid-19 in Perth hospitals, with one in intensive care.Four people are being treated for Covid-19 in Perth hospitals, with one in intensive care.
The state has performed 54,563 Covid-19 tests, 490 of which were conducted yesterday.The state has performed 54,563 Covid-19 tests, 490 of which were conducted yesterday.
So far 536 people in the state have recovered from the virus.So far 536 people in the state have recovered from the virus.
Just to further clarify the death on Friday night of 92-year-old Fay Rendoth at Newmarch House that was announced this morning.Just to further clarify the death on Friday night of 92-year-old Fay Rendoth at Newmarch House that was announced this morning.
AAP reports that NSW Health’s Dr Jeremy McAnulty said the infectious disease doctor looking after the Newmarch residents does not believe her death was related to Covid-19.AAP reports that NSW Health’s Dr Jeremy McAnulty said the infectious disease doctor looking after the Newmarch residents does not believe her death was related to Covid-19.
He acknowledged Covid-19, like any other illness, could influence the person’s stamina and ability to recover.He acknowledged Covid-19, like any other illness, could influence the person’s stamina and ability to recover.
The Guardian has sought clarification from Anglicare, the operator of Newmarch House.The Guardian has sought clarification from Anglicare, the operator of Newmarch House.
The 17th resident to die since the outbreak was declared at Newmarch, Rendoth’s granddaughter, Savannah Robinson, believes her death was Covid-19 related.The 17th resident to die since the outbreak was declared at Newmarch, Rendoth’s granddaughter, Savannah Robinson, believes her death was Covid-19 related.
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese has accused the federal government of lacking an economic plan to go with its road map to lift coronavirus-related restrictions.Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese has accused the federal government of lacking an economic plan to go with its road map to lift coronavirus-related restrictions.
AAP reports:AAP reports:
Good afternoon, it’s Elias Visontay here. Thanks to my colleague Ben Doherty for taking us through the morning.Good afternoon, it’s Elias Visontay here. Thanks to my colleague Ben Doherty for taking us through the morning.
Foreign affairs minister Marise Payne has announced a government-organised evacuation flight for Australians stranded in India that will leave Delhi tonight:Foreign affairs minister Marise Payne has announced a government-organised evacuation flight for Australians stranded in India that will leave Delhi tonight:
The NSW Health department has released updated Covid-19 statistics, which are current up to 8pm on Friday.The NSW Health department has released updated Covid-19 statistics, which are current up to 8pm on Friday.
There have been five new cases recorded in NSW, bringing the state’s total to 3,051.There have been five new cases recorded in NSW, bringing the state’s total to 3,051.
NSW has also set a new record for a single day, with 13,692 tests conducted in the previous 24 hours. The state has tested 294,949 people since the declaration of the pandemic.NSW has also set a new record for a single day, with 13,692 tests conducted in the previous 24 hours. The state has tested 294,949 people since the declaration of the pandemic.
No new deaths have been reported in the state as of Friday evening, but this doesn’t include the recent death announced at Newmarch House. However this is not so straightforward because while the resident who died did have Covid-19, it has been reported they recovered before passing away.No new deaths have been reported in the state as of Friday evening, but this doesn’t include the recent death announced at Newmarch House. However this is not so straightforward because while the resident who died did have Covid-19, it has been reported they recovered before passing away.
There are now 2,504 people who have recovered from Covid-19 in NSW, while 110 cases are being treated in hospital. Eight of those people are in intensive care, with seven of them requiring ventilators.There are now 2,504 people who have recovered from Covid-19 in NSW, while 110 cases are being treated in hospital. Eight of those people are in intensive care, with seven of them requiring ventilators.
On Saturday, NSW health minister Brad Hazzard also announced a $12.7m initiative to employ final year medical students in NSW to work in hospitals across the state. If the students opt in to the program and are deemed to have the required skills, they will be supervised in roles including admitting and reviewing patients and performing procedures including taking blood.On Saturday, NSW health minister Brad Hazzard also announced a $12.7m initiative to employ final year medical students in NSW to work in hospitals across the state. If the students opt in to the program and are deemed to have the required skills, they will be supervised in roles including admitting and reviewing patients and performing procedures including taking blood.
Thank you all for your company and correspondence. Ben Doherty signing off now. I’m handing you over to my charming, brilliant, and incorrigibly handsome colleague Elias Visontay.Thank you all for your company and correspondence. Ben Doherty signing off now. I’m handing you over to my charming, brilliant, and incorrigibly handsome colleague Elias Visontay.
Be well. Stay safe, and look after each other.Be well. Stay safe, and look after each other.
The ACT government has updated its Covid-19 statistics.The ACT government has updated its Covid-19 statistics.
There have been zero new cases of Covid-19 recorded in the ACT in the past 24 hours. The ACT’s total is still 107.There have been zero new cases of Covid-19 recorded in the ACT in the past 24 hours. The ACT’s total is still 107.
A total of 103 cases have recovered from Covid-19 and have been released from self-isolation.A total of 103 cases have recovered from Covid-19 and have been released from self-isolation.
The ACT has recorded three deaths.The ACT has recorded three deaths.
The number of negative tests in the ACT is now 11,167.The number of negative tests in the ACT is now 11,167.
The ACT has further eased Covid-19 restrictions to support families and our economy.The ACT has further eased Covid-19 restrictions to support families and our economy.
From today, all indoor and outdoor gatherings can have a maximum of 10 people (including children). This includes gatherings at a person’s home.From today, all indoor and outdoor gatherings can have a maximum of 10 people (including children). This includes gatherings at a person’s home.
Many public spaces are closed across the territory, but parks, reserves and sports grounds are open. Cafes, restaurants and bars are closed for dining, but open for take-away and home delivery.Many public spaces are closed across the territory, but parks, reserves and sports grounds are open. Cafes, restaurants and bars are closed for dining, but open for take-away and home delivery.
“We hope that by easing the restrictions we can support the mental and physical wellbeing of Canberrans,” ACT chief health officer Dr Kerryn Coleman said.“We hope that by easing the restrictions we can support the mental and physical wellbeing of Canberrans,” ACT chief health officer Dr Kerryn Coleman said.
“We still want families to be able to visit each other, and two households that come together resulting in a gathering of more than 10 people is allowed. However, this is not an invitation to bring together people from multiple households for parties.“We still want families to be able to visit each other, and two households that come together resulting in a gathering of more than 10 people is allowed. However, this is not an invitation to bring together people from multiple households for parties.
“We still need Canberrans to play their part to prevent a new wave of Covid-19 cases in the ACT.”“We still need Canberrans to play their part to prevent a new wave of Covid-19 cases in the ACT.”