COVID-19 Cases to Soar
An infectious diseases specialist has said Australia should be ready for coronavirus cases to soar as restrictions lift and the second wave of virus hits. A specialist based in Florida Dr. Dena Grayson told that lifting social distancing measures could undo all of Australia’s good work. “Your country has done a fabulous job of getting your hands around this virus and just as you are literally entering flu season, and you’re not having a lot of new cases. Now is really not the time for Australia to let its foot off the brake,” she added. As of 11th May, Australia has recorded 6941 cases of COVID-19. The highest number of cases was recorded in the New South Wales with a total of 3053 cases.
Three Stage Plan to Ease Restrictions
States and territories have started easing the restrictions after a three stage plan was agreed on Friday aiming to implement fully by July. In stage one, people will be allowed to have five visitors at home, and 10 people in businesses and public places. Stage two will allow gatherings of 20 people in their homes, in businesses, and in public places. Stage three would see allowable gathering sizes increased to 100, said Prime Minister Scott Morrison, meaning pubs and night clubs could reopen.
Furthermore, in stage 3, the National Cabinet will consider cross-Tasman and Pacific Island travel, as well as international student travel. People would be largely encouraged to return to their workplaces and all interstate travel will resume. “It’s our aspiration agreed among premiers and chief ministers, in July, we would have moved through these three steps through the country,” said Mr. Morrison. More details will be released about stages two and three as time goes on, and depending on the success of stage 1, he further added.
