Coronavirus: Australia’s most populous state eases restrictions despite rise in cases
Australia’s most populous state said on Tuesday it will ease restrictions despite reporting the biggest one-day jump in new COVID-19 cases in six weeks.
New South Wales (NSW) said that from Oct. 16 venues that offer outdoor dining will be allowed to have double the number of patrons outside. NSW previously required such venues to ensure four square meters (13 square feet) for each patron.
For more coronavirus news, visit our dedicated page.
“We know particularly in our state during this pandemic some of the hardest hit industries have been arts and recreation and hospitality,” NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet told reporters in Sydney.
Australia’s federal government hopes easing state restrictions will help revive the country’s ailing economy.
The easing of restrictions comes despite NSW reporting 13 COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, the biggest one-day rise in infections since September 2.
Australia has now reported just over 27,000 infections and 899 deaths from the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
The bulk of Australia’s infections have been in Victoria state, which is entering its third month of a stringent lockdown.
Victorian authorities have said most of the restrictions will be eased when the average number of daily COVID-19 infections over a two-week period falls below five. The average stood at 10 on Tuesday, threatening to prolong the lockdown.
Read more:
EU travelers may avoid quarantine under plans for coronavirus testing regime: Report
Coronavirus: Johnson & Johnson pause COVID-19 vaccine trial due to ill patient
-
Australian writer Hengjun accused of spying in Beijing, says China
Detained Australian writer Yang Hengjun is accused of espionage and his case is currently being heard by a Beijing court, China’s foreign ministry ... World News -
Search on for surfer after shark attack off Australian southwest coast
A surfer is missing after being attacked by a shark off Australia’s southwest coast Friday, in an area notorious for great white encounters.The surfer ... Variety -
Australia’s Ash Barty to stay world number one, despite skipping two Grand Slams
In a sign of tennis’s topsy-turvy 2020, Australia’s Ash Barty will remain the women’s world number one at the end of the year despite having skipped ... Sports