Latest updates
No new Queensland COVID-19 cases, no change on NSW hotspots or interstate border
By Toby Crockford
There have been no new COVID-19 cases in Queensland overnight and three active cases remain in the state.
There had been speculation this morning that the Queensland/NSW border could close again or more areas of NSW could be declared hotspots.
However, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says there has been no changes on either front, but she is monitoring NSW COVID-19 case numbers closely every day and reassessing her decisions.
The Queenslander leader also expressed disappointment that NSW would not consider moving the border checkpoints further south to the Tweed River to ease delays at the interstate boundaries.
"I'm disappointed, this was just about easing the border communities and making their lives easier, but they are NSW residents and there is nothing I can do about that," Ms Palaszczuk says.
"We're trying everything we possibly can [to ease delays at the border crossings], we've got police down there, firefighters, Australian Defence Force personnel - it's a big job, but this is about keeping Queenslanders safe."
Australian Medical Association president wants national cabinet to reconvene
By Marissa Calligeros
Australian Medical Association president Tony Bartone wants the Prime Minister's national cabinet to reconvene with fears the crisis in Victoria is out of control and will spread across the country.
"War-time cabinet is something that has come to mind. We need that coordination between everybody in the space, not just the Victorian government because this is now a national problem," he told Channel Nine's Today show this morning.
Dr Bartone said it would be an "absolute disaster" if Melbourne remained in some sort of lockdown until Christmas, but a war-time cabinet could be the circuit breaker needed to get more people to take the second wave seriously.
"Clearly we need a circuit breaker, we need all Melburnians to understand this is serious.
"What we do know now is people are becoming frustrated and complacent, not listening to the messages and we need to re-assert that leadership and that's why we called on the national cabinet to reconvene."
Trump says he is comfortable having his son and grandchildren back in schools
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he is comfortable with his son, Barron, and grandchildren going back to school, arguing that schools should be open despite concerns from many that it could lead to more coronavirus infections.
At a news conference, Trump also urged young people to avoid packed bars and to take other steps to limit the spread of the virus.
Reuters
Victorians will need to prepare for a lockdown beyond six weeks if things don't improve: Hunt
By Marissa Calligeros
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt says Victorians will need to prepare for a lockdown beyond the current six weeks if things don't improve.
"Right now, obviously it's a six-week period and it will need all of that six weeks. Whether it goes beyond that, that will be a function of how we flatten that curve. We're not doing that yet," Mr Hunt told ABC News Breakfast this morning.
His comments echo those made by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews yesterday.
"People are taking important steps, but we clearly have a very significant way to go in Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire to flatten those numbers," Mr Hunt said.
"We have brought 1400 ADF into Victoria to help with that. We particularly want to make sure that this does not spread to the regions.
"There's an outbreak in Colac which is very serious and so the ADF is available to assist with testing, with tracing. Significantly tracing, getting each case every day followed up.
"We're achieving this in seven out of eight states. We have stepped in to help Victoria achieve that outcome.
"They're the fundamental things along with the individual distancing and hygiene habits that will help us to flatten that curve for a second time. This is our great shared task."
Queensland Premier provides COVID-19 update
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will provide a COVID-19 update at 8am.
'Finally the penny may have fallen'
By Marissa Calligeros
Melbourne resident Dino was relieved to see everyone at Queen Victoria Market this morning wearing face masks.
"I've just been to the Queen Victoria Market and not one person was not wearing a mask," Dino told radio station 3AW. "I'm very happy, finally the penny may have fallen."
In a statement issued last night, Victoria Police said it would be more lenient when issuing fines to people not wearing masks over the next week.
"As part of daily patrols, police will be able to issue on-the-spot fines of $200 to those not wearing a face covering without a legitimate reason," a police spokeswoman said.
"Police will exercise discretion over the next seven days, as we understand that for many people this is a significant adjustment."
But the message was qualified with a warning for those caught "blatantly" disregarding the mask rule.
"For example, if a person has a mask and refuses to wear it when requested, then that person can expect to be issued with the fine," the spokeswoman said. "Similarly, if a person persists with entering a supermarket when requested not to do so due to the absence of a mask then that person can expect to be issued with a fine."
Victoria Police have asked residents in the lockdown areas to only use the Police Assistance phone line to dob in breaches of mass gatherings, self-isolation and businesses operating in breach of the Chief Health Officer's directives, rather than non-mask wearers.
High alert for two South Coast venues after positive case visited
A person with COVID-19 who attended the Batemans Bay Soldiers Club also visited another two venues, with NSW Health urging patrons to stay alert for symptoms.
Anyone who visited the Malua Bay Bowling Club on July 7, 8 or 12 or the Narooma Bowling Club on July 13 is urged to monitor for symptoms and get tested if they have any concerns.
More than 1200 tests have been undertaken in the Eurobodalla shire since Monday 9am.
An additional drive through testing clinic has opened at Captain Oldrey Park, Broulee (entry via Elizabeth Drive), from 9am to 5pm on Thursday and Friday.
NSW Health is urging anyone feeling unwell – even with the mildest of symptoms such as a runny nose, scratchy sore throat, cough, fever, shortness of breath, headache, tiredness, loss of taste or smell, nausea, diarrhoea or muscle aches – to self-isolate and seek COVID-19 testing.
US President Donald Trump addresses media
US President Donald Trump is due to provide a COVID-19 update at 7.30 AEST.
NSW Transport Minister: face mask advice remains the same
NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance says the health advice remains clear on the use of face masks in the state: wear them if you are unable to maintain social distancing.
Speaking on 2GB, Mr Constance said the advice did not just apply to those on public transport, but also to people going to restaurants, pubs and shopping centres.
While he did not rule out the mandatory use of face masks, Mr Constance said the decision would be determined by NSW health officials.
Additional buses and trains have been added to the network to ease congestion while cleaning frequency has also increased.
"The key message that keeps going out: if you are not feeling well, go and get tested," he said. "If you are told to isolate, go get tested and remain isolated for a full 14 days after you get that test result."
Meanwhile, face masks have become mandatory for those in Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire whenever they leave the house. A fine of $200 may be issued to people who do not wear a face covering and do not have a valid reason.
School in Hunter region to close after confirmed case
A school in NSW's Hunter region has closed for the day after a student tested positive for COVID-19.
Both Tomaree Public School and Tomaree High School, in Salamander Bay, will be closed today to allow time for the school to complete the contact tracing process and have both sites professionally cleaned, a statement on the school's website said.
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2020-07-22 22:40:00Z
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