This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2020/may/11/australia-coronavirus-live-news-albanese-labor-recovery-deficit-morrison-schools-nsw-victoria-latest-updates

The article has changed 32 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 18 Version 19
Australia coronavirus live update: Covidsafe app downloads reach 5.5m as Victoria begins easing Covid-19 restrictions – latest news Australia coronavirus live update: Covidsafe app downloads reach 5.5m as Victoria begins easing Covid-19 restrictions – latest news
(32 minutes later)
Deputy CMO says there are ‘very serious risks’ from overcrowding as Victoria plans to lift lockdown rules and another Newmarch resident dies after testing negative. Follow all the latest news, liveDeputy CMO says there are ‘very serious risks’ from overcrowding as Victoria plans to lift lockdown rules and another Newmarch resident dies after testing negative. Follow all the latest news, live
Sutton is echoing a lot of the comments made by the national chief medial officer, Professor Brendan Murphy about personal responsibility and making judgement calls about what is safe to do, under these loosened restrictions. A final very important question for those of us watching the snowfalls at the start of this month: will we be able to go skiing in Victoria?
Sutton says yes – to the extent that you can socially distance while skiing, so daytrips and groups of less than 10. But no staying overnight, no dorms, possibly only cross-country skiing at this point. The full details are likely to be worked out later. The ski season doesn’t open until the Queen’s birthday weekend in June.
Sutton says that by the end of the month, Australia should have a “decent antibodies test”.
He says a testing program using that test should be up and running in the next couple of months. That will give an indication of how many people in Australia have had Covid-19 and have antibodies.
But he warns it’s likely to be quite low. Even in New York, only about 20% of the population has had and recovered from Covid-19.
Is it possible we could have a second wave bigger than the first? Epstein asks.
Yes, Sutton says, mainly because our first wave was so small.
He says the limiting factor is how well people can maintain social distancing, even if the restrictions lift.
Epstein asks Sutton about the protest outside parliament in Melbourne yesterday.
Sutton says it’s “not ideal for people to be in close contact, and if there are significant gathering size, then the potential for transmission increases”.
Suttons says it’s not a matter of people just risking their own health. If the disease spreads, the chance of vulnerable people getting it grows exponentially.
Sutton says his advice to the Victorian government on if and when schools can reopen is cabinet-in-confidence.
He says he would not oppose a staggered approach to returning to school, which is what Queensland and Tasmania are doing, but won’t be drawn on what he has actually told cabinet.
Sutton is echoing a lot of the comments made by the national chief medial officer, Professor Brendan Murphy, about personal responsibility and making judgement calls about what is safe to do under these loosened restrictions.
Just as hugs are a matter of personal judgement, when and what to shop for will be matter for a personal judgement, Sutton says.Just as hugs are a matter of personal judgement, when and what to shop for will be matter for a personal judgement, Sutton says.
On gatherings, which are now allowed (groups of 10 outdoors and five indoors), he says “don’t gather more than you have to”.On gatherings, which are now allowed (groups of 10 outdoors and five indoors), he says “don’t gather more than you have to”.
Victoria’s chief health officer, Professor Brett Sutton, has been on ABC radio in Melbourne talking about the restrictions that will be lifted from 11.59pm tomorrow. Sutton says that lifting those restrictions is an “experiment” so the changes will be incremental. Victoria’s chief health officer, Professor Brett Sutton, has been on ABC radio in Melbourne talking about the restrictions that will be lifted from 11.59pm tomorrow. He says lifting those restrictions is an “experiment” so the changes will be incremental.
Sutton says there is no number that will trigger the Victorian government to go back to stage three restrictions (which is what we have been in for several weeks). The key concern is community transmission, and Sutton says he would like the daily increase in cases with no known source of infection stay in single figures.Sutton says there is no number that will trigger the Victorian government to go back to stage three restrictions (which is what we have been in for several weeks). The key concern is community transmission, and Sutton says he would like the daily increase in cases with no known source of infection stay in single figures.
Raf Epstein asks if hugs will be allowed, if he and his kids visit his parents this weekend.Raf Epstein asks if hugs will be allowed, if he and his kids visit his parents this weekend.
Sutton:Sutton:
Sutton says he has not made a call on whether he should see his parents yet — it will be based on his health and that of his family, and also the health of his mother and her partner. “I’ll be seeing my brother first,” he says. Sutton says he has not made a call on whether he should see his parents yet – it will be based on his health and that of his family, and also the health of his mother and her partner. “I’ll be seeing my brother first,” he says.
If anyone is unwell, he says, they should not join the group. Even if they are very mildly unwell. If anyone is unwell, he says, they should not join the group – even if they are very mildly unwell.
Good evening, it’s Calla Wahlquist here taking over from the wonderful Naaman Zhou. I’ll be taking you right through to Q&A (9.35pm on ABC), which tonight will host the east coast premiers, Daniel Andrews, Gladys Berejiklian and Annastacia Palaszczuk.Good evening, it’s Calla Wahlquist here taking over from the wonderful Naaman Zhou. I’ll be taking you right through to Q&A (9.35pm on ABC), which tonight will host the east coast premiers, Daniel Andrews, Gladys Berejiklian and Annastacia Palaszczuk.
They run the biggest states and have been the strongest voices in the national cabinet, so it has the potential to be really quite interesting.They run the biggest states and have been the strongest voices in the national cabinet, so it has the potential to be really quite interesting.
Adelaide Crows players have escaped bans or fines for their part in breaching social distancing rules during a club training session but assistant coach Ben Hart has been stood down from coaching duties for six weeks.Adelaide Crows players have escaped bans or fines for their part in breaching social distancing rules during a club training session but assistant coach Ben Hart has been stood down from coaching duties for six weeks.
The AFL found the breach was “inadvertent and not done to create a competitive advantage”, and the 16 players each received a suspended one match sanction, in place for the remainder of the 2020 premiership season. Barring any further breaches, they will be available to play once the season resumes.The AFL found the breach was “inadvertent and not done to create a competitive advantage”, and the 16 players each received a suspended one match sanction, in place for the remainder of the 2020 premiership season. Barring any further breaches, they will be available to play once the season resumes.
But Hart, who took the session involving 16 players last Thursday when the club was supposed to be self isolating in the Barossa Valley after returning from interstate travel, was not so lucky.But Hart, who took the session involving 16 players last Thursday when the club was supposed to be self isolating in the Barossa Valley after returning from interstate travel, was not so lucky.
The Crows maintained they were not deliberately trying to break any rules, but after concluding its investigation on Monday, the AFL found the club to have been in breach of protocols.The Crows maintained they were not deliberately trying to break any rules, but after concluding its investigation on Monday, the AFL found the club to have been in breach of protocols.
South Australia police opted to caution, not fine the club last week, leaving the AFL to mete out punishment, with Hart now largely shouldering responsibility for the aberration. He will not be able to access the club facilities or have contact with players until 22 June.South Australia police opted to caution, not fine the club last week, leaving the AFL to mete out punishment, with Hart now largely shouldering responsibility for the aberration. He will not be able to access the club facilities or have contact with players until 22 June.
An AFL statement read:An AFL statement read:
NSW’s public schools have seen in-person attendance up 21 percentage points since last Friday.NSW’s public schools have seen in-person attendance up 21 percentage points since last Friday.
Today, on the first school day since the federal government unveiled its three step plan to easing restrictions, 37% of students attended school in person, and 63% learned remotely.Today, on the first school day since the federal government unveiled its three step plan to easing restrictions, 37% of students attended school in person, and 63% learned remotely.
On Friday, there were only 16% of students on school grounds and 84% at home.On Friday, there were only 16% of students on school grounds and 84% at home.
61% of primary students and 74% of secondary students were not on site today, the NSW education department said.61% of primary students and 74% of secondary students were not on site today, the NSW education department said.
Fast food chain Hungry Jacks is urging its customers to download the Covidsafe app (via push notification).Fast food chain Hungry Jacks is urging its customers to download the Covidsafe app (via push notification).
This follows earlier reports that McDonalds was doing the same last week.This follows earlier reports that McDonalds was doing the same last week.
And the assistant treasurer, Michael Sukkar, has confirmed that processing of applications has resumed today.And the assistant treasurer, Michael Sukkar, has confirmed that processing of applications has resumed today.
He says more than 1.2 million people have applied for early access for a total value of over $10bn.He says more than 1.2 million people have applied for early access for a total value of over $10bn.
“As the ATO advised superannuation funds last week, it paused the processing of applications for one day to further enhance its systems in response to new techniques criminals are using to try to steal Australians’ identities,” Sukkar said.“As the ATO advised superannuation funds last week, it paused the processing of applications for one day to further enhance its systems in response to new techniques criminals are using to try to steal Australians’ identities,” Sukkar said.
“The ATO has identified a small number of third parties who could be susceptible to criminal activity. The ATO is working with these third parties to help them make security enhancements.”“The ATO has identified a small number of third parties who could be susceptible to criminal activity. The ATO is working with these third parties to help them make security enhancements.”
The Australian Tax Office has provided an update on the freeze over the weekend of early access to superannuation after an alleged fraud of $120,000 from 150 workers’ retirement savings.The Australian Tax Office has provided an update on the freeze over the weekend of early access to superannuation after an alleged fraud of $120,000 from 150 workers’ retirement savings.
An ATO spokesperson told Guardian Australia:An ATO spokesperson told Guardian Australia:
The deputy chief medical officer Prof Michael Kidd is now on the ABC being interviewed by Patricia Karvelas.The deputy chief medical officer Prof Michael Kidd is now on the ABC being interviewed by Patricia Karvelas.
Kidd says that the government is not aiming for “elimination”, where new cases of Covid-19 are zero, but is aiming for “suppression”. He says the stages of reopening the country could see infection rates increase.Kidd says that the government is not aiming for “elimination”, where new cases of Covid-19 are zero, but is aiming for “suppression”. He says the stages of reopening the country could see infection rates increase.
“We’re looking at cautious steps and each of those steps needs to be given time to see what the response will be, if we do see significant increases in the number of new infections,” he says.“We’re looking at cautious steps and each of those steps needs to be given time to see what the response will be, if we do see significant increases in the number of new infections,” he says.
“At the moment we have less than 20 infections being diagnosed right across the country each day, so Australia is in a very good position at the moment and we want to keep to it that way.“At the moment we have less than 20 infections being diagnosed right across the country each day, so Australia is in a very good position at the moment and we want to keep to it that way.
“But we’re not moving towards being able to eliminate the virus in Australia. We’re suppressing the virus and recognising we may get a small number of infections each day.”“But we’re not moving towards being able to eliminate the virus in Australia. We’re suppressing the virus and recognising we may get a small number of infections each day.”
In non-coronavirus news, police have opposed the bail request of the Melbourne Porsche driver accused of speeding and verbally abusing a dying police officer.In non-coronavirus news, police have opposed the bail request of the Melbourne Porsche driver accused of speeding and verbally abusing a dying police officer.
Richard Pusey was earlier today charged with three additional charges, and police told the court that Pusey was a serial speedster with “violent tendencies”, AAP reports.Richard Pusey was earlier today charged with three additional charges, and police told the court that Pusey was a serial speedster with “violent tendencies”, AAP reports.
The magistrate will decide on Pusey’s bail application on Thursday.The magistrate will decide on Pusey’s bail application on Thursday.
There are 49 people in hospital from Covid-19, 16 of whom are in intensive care, and 14 people on ventilators.There are 49 people in hospital from Covid-19, 16 of whom are in intensive care, and 14 people on ventilators.
6,179 people have recovered from Covid-19, Kidd says. And Australia has conducted over 855,000 tests in total.6,179 people have recovered from Covid-19, Kidd says. And Australia has conducted over 855,000 tests in total.
Kidd is asked whether the start of cold weather in Australia could increase transmission rates.Kidd is asked whether the start of cold weather in Australia could increase transmission rates.
He says the limits on indoor gatherings are crucial during winter.He says the limits on indoor gatherings are crucial during winter.
“We don’t understand exactly what the impact of the weather has on transmission rates for Covid-19,” he says. “Clearly, as the weather gets colder, people tend to crowd more, we may get more crowding on public transport, or inside, in venues.“We don’t understand exactly what the impact of the weather has on transmission rates for Covid-19,” he says. “Clearly, as the weather gets colder, people tend to crowd more, we may get more crowding on public transport, or inside, in venues.
“The mechanisms put in place to maintain physical distancing, to reduce the number of people to 4 sq metres in each venue, are incredibly important.”“The mechanisms put in place to maintain physical distancing, to reduce the number of people to 4 sq metres in each venue, are incredibly important.”
There are now 5.5 million registered people on the Covidsafe app, Kidd says. He adds that it is now fully “operational and working”.There are now 5.5 million registered people on the Covidsafe app, Kidd says. He adds that it is now fully “operational and working”.
However, the contact-tracing departments of the states and territories have only just completed their training with it, and they won’t be able to use that data for a few days.However, the contact-tracing departments of the states and territories have only just completed their training with it, and they won’t be able to use that data for a few days.
“It is operational and working so if you have it on your phone, it will be recording the details of people you have been in close contact with, encrypting those details and storing them on your phone,” he says.“It is operational and working so if you have it on your phone, it will be recording the details of people you have been in close contact with, encrypting those details and storing them on your phone,” he says.
“The national cabinet on Friday agreed to national protocols for the use of the information being stored on the app, and training by disease detectives in each of the states and territories, has been completed today.“The national cabinet on Friday agreed to national protocols for the use of the information being stored on the app, and training by disease detectives in each of the states and territories, has been completed today.
“And we hope it will therefore start to be used by disease detectives over the next day or two across the country.”“And we hope it will therefore start to be used by disease detectives over the next day or two across the country.”
The deputy chief medical officer Michael Kidd has issued a strong warning as states ease restrictions and people gradually start congregating more.The deputy chief medical officer Michael Kidd has issued a strong warning as states ease restrictions and people gradually start congregating more.
“We have very serious risks if overcrowding starts to occur,” he says. “Covid-19 is still out there in our country.“We have very serious risks if overcrowding starts to occur,” he says. “Covid-19 is still out there in our country.
“This is not a time to become complacent,” he says. “Each of us needs to continue our strong commitment to maintaining physical distancing of 1.5m from other people whenever we are outside of our homes, and that means avoiding crowds whenever possible.“This is not a time to become complacent,” he says. “Each of us needs to continue our strong commitment to maintaining physical distancing of 1.5m from other people whenever we are outside of our homes, and that means avoiding crowds whenever possible.
“If you see a crowd, please go in the other direction.”“If you see a crowd, please go in the other direction.”
He adds: “Going into to a crowded workplace at this time would not be sensible”He adds: “Going into to a crowded workplace at this time would not be sensible”