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Coronavirus live news Australia: Queensland records third day of zero new cases this week – latest update Coronavirus live news Australia: Queensland records third day of zero new cases this week – latest update
(32 minutes later)
Queensland plans to reopen pubs, ACT now allows gatherings of 10 people, but Victoria and NSW remain more conservative. Follow all the news, liveQueensland plans to reopen pubs, ACT now allows gatherings of 10 people, but Victoria and NSW remain more conservative. Follow all the news, live
Just to dig into the ‘Covid kills fewer people than flu’ argument the has been posited by some government members of parliament. The incomparable Murpharoo. Do read. Such a fine mind.
This is an excellent (and very accessible) article in the Lancet comparing fatality rates of Covid-19, SARS, and influenza. Just to dig into the ‘Covid kills fewer people than flu’ argument that has been posited by some government members of parliament.
The authors, led by Dimple D Rajgor from the Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, examined the delimited situation of passengers on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship. As articulately explained here: This is an excellent (and very accessible) article in the Lancet comparing fatality rates of Covid-19, Sars, and influenza.
The authors, led by Dimple D Rajgor from the Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore, examined the delimited situation of passengers on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship. As articulately explained here:
So, acknowledging the careful caveat in those figures, Covid-19 has a case fatality rate ten times that of seasonal flu.So, acknowledging the careful caveat in those figures, Covid-19 has a case fatality rate ten times that of seasonal flu.
Not the best strapline for a movie to be honest.Not the best strapline for a movie to be honest.
Greg Hunt, federal health minister, has spoken to the media (well, perhaps a medium, it appeared there was only one journalist at his press conference).Greg Hunt, federal health minister, has spoken to the media (well, perhaps a medium, it appeared there was only one journalist at his press conference).
Hunt was invited to join the federal government pile-on onto Victorian Labor premier Dan Andrews, but sidestepped said invitation with balletic grace.Hunt was invited to join the federal government pile-on onto Victorian Labor premier Dan Andrews, but sidestepped said invitation with balletic grace.
“I respectfully, wouldn’t categorise it that way,” he said of Tim Wilson’s comments (see earlier posts) this morning.“I respectfully, wouldn’t categorise it that way,” he said of Tim Wilson’s comments (see earlier posts) this morning.
More federal government backbench MPs critical of Victorian premier Dan Andrews. This on Friday from Katie Allen, member for Higgins.More federal government backbench MPs critical of Victorian premier Dan Andrews. This on Friday from Katie Allen, member for Higgins.
(Argument somewhat undermined by using “less” when it clearly should be “fewer”. Don’t @ me with “common usage”. It’s wrong.)(Argument somewhat undermined by using “less” when it clearly should be “fewer”. Don’t @ me with “common usage”. It’s wrong.)
A caravan-led recovery in South Australia.A caravan-led recovery in South Australia.
Steven Marshall, the SA premier has praised the citizens of that state for their adherence to social distancing measures.Steven Marshall, the SA premier has praised the citizens of that state for their adherence to social distancing measures.
And he has made this declaration:And he has made this declaration:
Speaking of events overseas. Donald Trump has named the White House staffer who has tested positive to Covid-19 as vice president Mike Pence’s press secretary Katie Miller.Speaking of events overseas. Donald Trump has named the White House staffer who has tested positive to Covid-19 as vice president Mike Pence’s press secretary Katie Miller.
The story is here:The story is here:
My colleague Rebecca Ratcliffe in Bangkok is running a global coronavirus live-blog.My colleague Rebecca Ratcliffe in Bangkok is running a global coronavirus live-blog.
There you will find all of our international updates. Much happening around the world.There you will find all of our international updates. Much happening around the world.
From our friends at AAP:From our friends at AAP:
Federal member for Goldstein Tim Wilson has had some strong words for Victorian premier Dan Andrews that have not gone unnoticed. (Cognisant that last week the federal education minister Dan Tehan similarly attacked Andrews – over school closures – and then was forced to rapidly apologise).Federal member for Goldstein Tim Wilson has had some strong words for Victorian premier Dan Andrews that have not gone unnoticed. (Cognisant that last week the federal education minister Dan Tehan similarly attacked Andrews – over school closures – and then was forced to rapidly apologise).
I’m going to run Wilson’s quote in full so readers can make up their own minds. He was speaking on ABC TV with WA Labor member Josh Wilson (the member for Fremantle, no relation (at least I don’t think so!) about different states easing restrictions at different times.I’m going to run Wilson’s quote in full so readers can make up their own minds. He was speaking on ABC TV with WA Labor member Josh Wilson (the member for Fremantle, no relation (at least I don’t think so!) about different states easing restrictions at different times.
Tim Wilson:Tim Wilson:
Wilson later went on to say he was reflecting the sentiments expressed on the front page of the Herald Sun as evidence of the “narrative” he was referring to.Wilson later went on to say he was reflecting the sentiments expressed on the front page of the Herald Sun as evidence of the “narrative” he was referring to.
But there are three words at the beginning of that key sentence: “Because I think.”But there are three words at the beginning of that key sentence: “Because I think.”
Victoria has the second-highest total of Covid-19 cases in the country (1,468) behind only NSW.Victoria has the second-highest total of Covid-19 cases in the country (1,468) behind only NSW.
Andrews said on Thursday:Andrews said on Thursday:
And yesterday:And yesterday:
More than 120 asylum seekers and refugees are being held in the Kangaroo Point Central Hotel in inner-city Brisbane.More than 120 asylum seekers and refugees are being held in the Kangaroo Point Central Hotel in inner-city Brisbane.
They are forced to live in close proximity to each other, sharing rooms for sleeping as well as communal spaces for eating and recreation. They are not allowed out, but are exposed to security guards and other workers coming in and out of their confined space.They are forced to live in close proximity to each other, sharing rooms for sleeping as well as communal spaces for eating and recreation. They are not allowed out, but are exposed to security guards and other workers coming in and out of their confined space.
A steadily building protest movement is urging the government to release people into the community – a significant number have families living in Australia, other friends – where they could more easily practice social distancing.A steadily building protest movement is urging the government to release people into the community – a significant number have families living in Australia, other friends – where they could more easily practice social distancing.
The Australian government’s health department has warned that people held in detention are at greater risk of contracting Covid-19, and at greater risk of having serious illness from it.The Australian government’s health department has warned that people held in detention are at greater risk of contracting Covid-19, and at greater risk of having serious illness from it.
On Friday, supporters who came to protest the ongoing detention of asylum seekers and refugees, by having picnics and by exercising along the footpath next to the hotel, were fined by police – at least six were fined $1,334 Guardian Australia understands – while others were told by officers to move on.On Friday, supporters who came to protest the ongoing detention of asylum seekers and refugees, by having picnics and by exercising along the footpath next to the hotel, were fined by police – at least six were fined $1,334 Guardian Australia understands – while others were told by officers to move on.
Some people laid down rugs on the edge of the footpath to have a picnic – legal in Queensland as long as social distancing is observed – but were forced to move on.Some people laid down rugs on the edge of the footpath to have a picnic – legal in Queensland as long as social distancing is observed – but were forced to move on.
Refugees and asylum seekers protesting on the balconies of the hotel unfurled a two-storey banner from the hotel’s balcony reading “no crime, 7 years in detention” while police officers issued fines and move-on orders.Refugees and asylum seekers protesting on the balconies of the hotel unfurled a two-storey banner from the hotel’s balcony reading “no crime, 7 years in detention” while police officers issued fines and move-on orders.
Farhad is a refugee currently held inside the hotel:Farhad is a refugee currently held inside the hotel:
(A democracy hey? Lucky that robotic dog from Singapore wasn’t around.)(A democracy hey? Lucky that robotic dog from Singapore wasn’t around.)
The NT is open for business.The NT is open for business.
I love the NT News. A newspaper that knows its audience so well (and knows they will love the phrase ‘peasant Southerners’).I love the NT News. A newspaper that knows its audience so well (and knows they will love the phrase ‘peasant Southerners’).
New Zealand’s cabinet will meet on Monday to decide that country’s roadmap out of lockdown – but it will be too late for mums to be visited on Mother’s Day.From AAP in NZ:New Zealand’s cabinet will meet on Monday to decide that country’s roadmap out of lockdown – but it will be too late for mums to be visited on Mother’s Day.From AAP in NZ:
This is not Covid-19 related, but this story broke late last night, and it is outrageous.This is not Covid-19 related, but this story broke late last night, and it is outrageous.
(Five police watchdog reports were dropped on a Friday afternoon – amazing how often that happens with bad news).(Five police watchdog reports were dropped on a Friday afternoon – amazing how often that happens with bad news).
A New South Wales police watchdog investigation into seven strip searches including one in which a 16-year-old Aboriginal boy was physically forced to remove his shorts and squat has found that all of them were unlawful.A New South Wales police watchdog investigation into seven strip searches including one in which a 16-year-old Aboriginal boy was physically forced to remove his shorts and squat has found that all of them were unlawful.
Every search the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission examined was deemed unlawful and the commission repeated what has been previously revealed in hearings: many police don’t understand the law with regards to search powers.Every search the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission examined was deemed unlawful and the commission repeated what has been previously revealed in hearings: many police don’t understand the law with regards to search powers.
But no disciplinary action was recorded against any officer.But no disciplinary action was recorded against any officer.
My colleague Michael McGowan has been following this story.My colleague Michael McGowan has been following this story.
Deep recessions have long shadows, Wayne Swan writes today.Deep recessions have long shadows, Wayne Swan writes today.
After the initial stimulus of 2008 and 2009 most advanced countries too quickly flicked the switch to austerity and then experienced half-a-dozen years of high and prolonged unemployment.After the initial stimulus of 2008 and 2009 most advanced countries too quickly flicked the switch to austerity and then experienced half-a-dozen years of high and prolonged unemployment.
Exhibits A and B are the US and Great Britain.Exhibits A and B are the US and Great Britain.
I have to say I find this, from a Singapore park, discomfiting.I have to say I find this, from a Singapore park, discomfiting.
My question is: okay, the four-legged zoomorphised robot mounted with cameras and security sensors is monitoring social distancing today, what’s it going to be monitoring tomorrow?My question is: okay, the four-legged zoomorphised robot mounted with cameras and security sensors is monitoring social distancing today, what’s it going to be monitoring tomorrow?
The robot’s name is Spot, by the way.The robot’s name is Spot, by the way.
How do others feel about this?How do others feel about this?
The Straits Times has the story.The Straits Times has the story.
It’s a Saturday in Australia, so we must go “around the grounds”.It’s a Saturday in Australia, so we must go “around the grounds”.
There have been significant developments overseas in the global effort to combat Covid-19. Grateful thanks to my colleague Molly Blackall who compiled this excellent global summary. (The story out of Italy is pretty extraordinary ...)There have been significant developments overseas in the global effort to combat Covid-19. Grateful thanks to my colleague Molly Blackall who compiled this excellent global summary. (The story out of Italy is pretty extraordinary ...)
US unemployment reaches record heightsUS unemployment reaches record heights
More than 20 million people in the US lost their jobs in April, more than trebling the unemployment rate. The pandemic has triggered a financial crisis in the US unseen since the Great Depression.More than 20 million people in the US lost their jobs in April, more than trebling the unemployment rate. The pandemic has triggered a financial crisis in the US unseen since the Great Depression.
Hong Kong eases physical distancing measuresHong Kong eases physical distancing measures
Hong Kong has begun to relax physical distancing measures, with bars, gyms, cinemas and beauty parlours opening today.Hong Kong has begun to relax physical distancing measures, with bars, gyms, cinemas and beauty parlours opening today.
Denmark to relax lockdownDenmark to relax lockdown
Denmark will reopen museums, theatres, cinemas, zoos and outdoor amusement parks on 8 June, the country’s government has announced.Denmark will reopen museums, theatres, cinemas, zoos and outdoor amusement parks on 8 June, the country’s government has announced.
‘Significant changes to lifestyle’ until vaccine found, WHO warns‘Significant changes to lifestyle’ until vaccine found, WHO warns
People may have to live with a significant change to their lifestyles until a vaccine for coronavirus has been found, Dr Michael Ryan has warned at today’s World Health Organization briefing. He said that the WHO’s examination of global lockdown measures and their easing shows that a “careful and measured return of those kind of normal activities of work and school – especially when they are done with density reduction” seems to be effective, but mass gatherings are much more difficult.People may have to live with a significant change to their lifestyles until a vaccine for coronavirus has been found, Dr Michael Ryan has warned at today’s World Health Organization briefing. He said that the WHO’s examination of global lockdown measures and their easing shows that a “careful and measured return of those kind of normal activities of work and school – especially when they are done with density reduction” seems to be effective, but mass gatherings are much more difficult.
South Africa to release 20,000 prisonersSouth Africa to release 20,000 prisoners
Almost 20,000 prisoners will be released in attempt to halt the spread of coronavirus in South African prisons. The president, Cyril Ramaphosa, said the low-risk inmates would be freed.Almost 20,000 prisoners will be released in attempt to halt the spread of coronavirus in South African prisons. The president, Cyril Ramaphosa, said the low-risk inmates would be freed.
Italian opposition file motion of no-confidence against justice ministerItalian opposition file motion of no-confidence against justice minister
Opposition parties in Italy have filed a motion of no confidence in the justice minister, Alfonso Bonafede, who was criticised for releasing 376 top mafiosi because of the risk of coronavirus infection.Opposition parties in Italy have filed a motion of no confidence in the justice minister, Alfonso Bonafede, who was criticised for releasing 376 top mafiosi because of the risk of coronavirus infection.
Israel’s confirmed coronavirus cases drop below 500Israel’s confirmed coronavirus cases drop below 500
The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Israel has dropped below 500 for the first time since a strict eight-week lockdown was imposed. In recent days, the country has recorded fewer than 50 new cases a day.The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Israel has dropped below 500 for the first time since a strict eight-week lockdown was imposed. In recent days, the country has recorded fewer than 50 new cases a day.
South Korea fears anti-gay backlashSouth Korea fears anti-gay backlash
Fears of a homophobic backlash in South Korea are mounting after a man infected with coronavirus was reported to have visited clubs in Seoul’s gay district. The 31-year-old tested positive for the virus on Thursday, and by Friday, 14 of his contacts were also confirmed to have contracted the disease.Fears of a homophobic backlash in South Korea are mounting after a man infected with coronavirus was reported to have visited clubs in Seoul’s gay district. The 31-year-old tested positive for the virus on Thursday, and by Friday, 14 of his contacts were also confirmed to have contracted the disease.
Good morning beloved readers, I hope these missives find you well. Ben Doherty at Guardian HQ (this morning, the quietest room in my noisy, noisy house). I’ll be with you this morning.Good morning beloved readers, I hope these missives find you well. Ben Doherty at Guardian HQ (this morning, the quietest room in my noisy, noisy house). I’ll be with you this morning.
Friday was a signal day in Australia’s fight against Sars-Cov-2. The federal and state governments outlined a three-stage roadmap to recovery.Friday was a signal day in Australia’s fight against Sars-Cov-2. The federal and state governments outlined a three-stage roadmap to recovery.
Restrictions will be lifted in phases, over four-week blocks, with the final phase likely to be implemented by July. But different states will move at different times with some, at the moment notably the Northern Territory and Western Australia, significantly ahead of eastern seaboard states, NSW and Victoria in particular.Restrictions will be lifted in phases, over four-week blocks, with the final phase likely to be implemented by July. But different states will move at different times with some, at the moment notably the Northern Territory and Western Australia, significantly ahead of eastern seaboard states, NSW and Victoria in particular.
The decision when to move on easing restrictions rests with state premiers and territory chief ministers.The decision when to move on easing restrictions rests with state premiers and territory chief ministers.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the plan would get 850,000 people back to work when fully implemented.Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the plan would get 850,000 people back to work when fully implemented.
“You can stay under the doona forever and you’ll never face any danger. But we’ve got to get out from under the doona at some time,” he said.“You can stay under the doona forever and you’ll never face any danger. But we’ve got to get out from under the doona at some time,” he said.
“If not now, well, then when?”“If not now, well, then when?”
Victorian premier DanAndrews will not lift any restrictions until at least Monday, refusing to apologise for his hardline approach.Victorian premier DanAndrews will not lift any restrictions until at least Monday, refusing to apologise for his hardline approach.
“This is a pandemic, this is not a popularity contest,” he said.“This is a pandemic, this is not a popularity contest,” he said.
NSW is also cautious, holding off on any announcements, while NT, WA and SA have moved to adopt many of the stage one measures from the national cabinet guidelines.NSW is also cautious, holding off on any announcements, while NT, WA and SA have moved to adopt many of the stage one measures from the national cabinet guidelines.
From this morning, gatherings of up to ten people are allowed in the ACT, Queensland and in South Australia.From this morning, gatherings of up to ten people are allowed in the ACT, Queensland and in South Australia.
Tasmania is easing restrictions gradually from next week, but Queensland is moving more rapidly to allow dining in pubs and clubs for 10 people at a time from May 16.Tasmania is easing restrictions gradually from next week, but Queensland is moving more rapidly to allow dining in pubs and clubs for 10 people at a time from May 16.
Queensland has also lifted restrictions around households visiting others - in time for Mothers’ Day – with up to five people from a single household visiting another household.Queensland has also lifted restrictions around households visiting others - in time for Mothers’ Day – with up to five people from a single household visiting another household.
There have been 6,900 confirmed cases in Australia, 97 people have died.There have been 6,900 confirmed cases in Australia, 97 people have died.
Daily infection rates remain low and there are fewer than 1,000 active cases.Daily infection rates remain low and there are fewer than 1,000 active cases.
Chief medical officer Dr Brendan Murphy is urging people to maintain physical distancing and good hygiene to stop further outbreaks.Chief medical officer Dr Brendan Murphy is urging people to maintain physical distancing and good hygiene to stop further outbreaks.
“Please, keep that distancing. We could lose the battle that we have won so well so far,” he said.“Please, keep that distancing. We could lose the battle that we have won so well so far,” he said.
Please be in touch throughout the day, @BenDohertyCorro on twitter. I’ll endeavour to keep you updated on developments, here and abroad.Please be in touch throughout the day, @BenDohertyCorro on twitter. I’ll endeavour to keep you updated on developments, here and abroad.
Be well, enjoy your weekends, but stay safe.Be well, enjoy your weekends, but stay safe.