COVID-19 / Australia / 10th August Update

Australia’s second wave continues lead by a deadly resurgence of cases in the state of Victoria.

Victoria recorded 860 new cases of COVID-19 over the weekend (466 on Saturday, 394 on Sunday). Premier Daniel Andrews announced 12 deaths were recorded on Saturday, while 17 deaths were reported on Sunday which is Victoria's deadliest day of the pandemic so far.

Only essential retailers such as supermarkets, pharmacies and post offices are open for trade under sweeping stage four lockdown laws introduced by the Victorian government last Monday.
All other businesses not granted an exemption were forced to close, but are allowed to work onsite to fulfill online orders. Contactless pick-up and delivery, such as click and collect, is also permitted.

Cases in Victoria 

New South Wales recorded 19 new cases (nine on Saturday, 10 on Sunday), including several school students, which has prompted the closure of at least three schools.

Meanwhile, Queensland enjoyed a weekend of zero new cases.

That state has a total of 11 active cases, four of whom are in hospital.

Meanwhile our neighbour across the Tasman, New Zealand, marked 100 days without a domestic transmission of the coronavirus on Sunday. The country’s successful fight against COVID-19 has made the Pacific island nation of 5 million one of the safest places in the world right now.

Update: 12th August

New Zealand will re-enter coronavirus lockdown restrictions after four new cases of COVID-19 were discovered in Auckland.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said four cases had been discovered in one household but more than one workplace was involved.
Contact tracing was under way but authorities had not been able to trace the origin of the outbreak.
Auckland will be isolated from the rest of the country, returning to level three restrictions for three days from noon for three days.
The rest of the country will enter level two restrictions.