Governments of Australia and New Zealand have claimed that the rate of growth of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases has dropped in their country. Australia's health minister said that for the first time since 17 March, less than 100 cases were observed in a single day in the country. While Australia recorded 96 cases in the last 24 hours, New Zealand recorded just 29 cases.
As of mid-March, COVID-19, the deadly respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus, has infected 156,00 people globally and killed more than 5,800.
Australia has already imposed bans for travellers from Italy, South Korea, Iran and China, countries with high infection rates.
The bans mean foreign nationals who have been in any of the four nations will not be allowed into Australia for 14 days from the time they left those countries.
Australian citizens and permanent residents travelling from those countries will still be able to enter Australia but must self-isolate for a fortnight after returning home.
Australia has advised against non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people from Monday, but this is yet to apply to schools and universities.
Morrison on Sunday urged people to practice "social distancing", such as keeping a metre (three feet) apart and not to shake hands, in order to reduce transmissions.
He said the rate of community transmission had started to increase and that social distancing would help limit demand on the healthcare systems, which would mean better treatment for elderly and those in remote and vulnerable communities.
"Slowing the spread will free up beds,” he said, “That's what happens when you get this right and we've seen other countries going down this path."
Neighbouring New Zealand on Saturday said it would require incoming travellers, including its own citizens, to self-isolate for two weeks and banned cruise ships..
The Australian government is yet to restrict the operation of schools, but earlier on Sunday the Health Minister Greg Hunt did not rule out such a measure in the coming months.
The new phase of restrictions come as the Australian government launches a multi-million-dollar advertising campaign focused on good hygiene, and the formation of a Coronavirus Business Liaison Unit to address the economic fallout.
Australia has already imposed bans for travellers from Italy, South Korea, Iran and China, countries with high infection rates.
The bans mean foreign nationals who have been in any of the four nations will not be allowed into Australia for 14 days from the time they left those countries.
Australian citizens and permanent residents travelling from those countries will still be able to enter Australia but must self-isolate for a fortnight after returning home.
Australia has advised against non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people from Monday, but this is yet to apply to schools and universities.
Morrison on Sunday urged people to practice "social distancing", such as keeping a metre (three feet) apart and not to shake hands, in order to reduce transmissions.
He said the rate of community transmission had started to increase and that social distancing would help limit demand on the healthcare systems, which would mean better treatment for elderly and those in remote and vulnerable communities.
"Slowing the spread will free up beds,” he said, “That's what happens when you get this right and we've seen other countries going down this path."
Neighbouring New Zealand on Saturday said it would require incoming travellers, including its own citizens, to self-isolate for two weeks and banned cruise ships..
The Australian government is yet to restrict the operation of schools, but earlier on Sunday the Health Minister Greg Hunt did not rule out such a measure in the coming months.
The new phase of restrictions come as the Australian government launches a multi-million-dollar advertising campaign focused on good hygiene, and the formation of a Coronavirus Business Liaison Unit to address the economic fallout.
No comments
Post a Comment