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Showing posts from June, 2021

New South Wales records 24 new cases

New South Wales Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant says there were 24 new community transmitted COVID-19 cases with seven under investigation. Dr Chant said people should not wait for symptoms to develop before they go to get tested as tests “only tell you your status at a particular point” and can change later. “I would ask the community not delay getting a test, don’t wait to see if you have got a severe illness, don’t wait to see if your symptoms get worse, as soon as you get symptoms go out and get a test,” she said. Dr Chant also said if people are close contacts, they should isolate from the rest of their household and only leave to get urgent medical care. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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New COVID cases, testing numbers ‘encouraging’ for Queensland: CHO

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young is “encouraged” by Thursday’s numbers after the state recorded two new cases of community transmission. Of the two new cases, one is close contact of the Portuguese restaurant outbreak while the other is a 37-year-old woman who works at the Qatar check-in counter at Brisbane International Airport. “Yes, encouraging news for Queensland – the most encouraged I've been is the amount of testing,” Dr Young said. “I really and truly thank every single person who's forward for testing and our new case today came forward early and got tested so we just need to keep doing that and we know we can manage all of these risks going forward. Dr Young also announced the state would receive additional doses of Pfizer from next week and urged residents over the age of 60 to get the AstraZeneca vaccine. “As of next week, the Commonwealth is sending out Pfizer vaccine to over 230 GPs across Queensland, so you will be able to book into GPs to get P
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Footy boss reacts after photo causes a stir

Fremantle and West Coast managed to escape Western Australia in time to continue the AFL season, but some observers noticed something wasn’t quite right in a photo posted to the Eagles’ Twitter account. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Princes William and Harry to come together for unveiling of Princess Diana statue

Princes William and Harry will come together when a statue is unveiled in their mother’s honour on what would have been Princess Diana’s 60th birthday. The monument is placed in the Sunken Garden which was said to be one of her favourite spots in the Kensington Palace in London. The ceremony marks the first time the brothers will be seen together since the funeral of the grandfather Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh in April. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Deadly heat wave slams Canada, US

Millions of people in western Canada and the northwestern United States were under heat alerts Wednesday as the region baked in record-breaking temperatures and police reported scores of deaths likely linked to the scorching conditions. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Gummy Bears Melt Into Puddle During Record-Breaking Canadian Heatwave

A pile of gummy candies was reduced to a pool of liquid amid a heat wave in Alberta, Canada, on June 30. One-hour timelapse footage shared by Twitter user @attila_thefun, who said they filmed it on June 30 in Calgary, shows the gelatin sweets liquifying. “The sour cherry gummies are much more resilient,” noted @attila_thefun. At noon, the temperature in Calgary was 33.5 C (92.3 F), according to Environment Canada. Twelve all-time high records were broken in Alberta during the heat wave on June 29, according to officials. Credit: @attila_thefun via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Queensland running out of Pfizer vaccine

Queensland Health Minister Yvette D’Ath says the state is running out of the Pfizer vaccine and a request to get more has been rejected. “So, the director general of health wrote to the lieutenant general ... yesterday and asked if we could get an extra 152,100 doses, so an extra 130 trays. “The reason we gave is that we are at a critical level and that at some of our sites we are projected to run out of Pfizer by as soon as week 20. That’s July 5, next Monday. At some of our sites we are due to run out. And one of those sites being Sunshine Coast University Hospital. “Our reason also is we said additional vaccine supply is critical to avoiding cancellations of already committed appointments. And to ensure that we can continue to prioritise areas of high risk. “Now, we sent that letter yesterday. We got a response this morning from the lieutenant general. We’ve been advised that we will not be provided additional vaccines of Pfizer.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site http
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Hunt: Australians of all ages can access AstraZeneca with ‘informed consent’

Health Minister Greg Hunt says while the medical advice has not changed the no-fault indemnity provided to GPs means Australians of all ages can access the AstraZeneca vaccine with “informed consent”. “We have followed ATAGI advice, that’s the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, and their advice remains the medical advice for Australia,” he said. “AstraZeneca is preferred for over 60s and Pfizer for the under 60s. “It has always been the case that someone under the age of that advice can nevertheless seek informed consent. “The only other thing here is that given the supplies that are available, the access to actually visit your GP in line with the indemnity means that people of all ages can do that and seek it. “But the medical advice is clear.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Fan’s drastic move after causing carnage

The woman at the centre of a horror Tour de France crash has performed a dramatic vanishing act as riders staged a symbolic protest to back up a call for safer stage finishes and road security after a series of pile-ups marred the opening days of famous bike race. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Parts of Queensland locked down as two cases emerge

From 6:00pm tonight large parts of Queensland will go into a snap three day lockdown following two cases of community transmission. “This leaves us with no option. I foreshadowed yesterday that if we have got multiple issues happening across the south-east and some risk exposure in Townsville, regional Queensland, we have got that outbreak that risk linked to the Portuguese restaurant we mentioned the other day,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. “We have got the flight attendant from Sydney who came up on multiple flights. There is a lot of contact tracing happening there, so the risk is real and we need to act quickly. “We need to go hard and we need to go fast. I want to say to everyone, I know we are in the middle of school holidays and I know people have made plans but we have just got to do this. We have got to do this for three days, there will be a lock down for three days and I don’t want it to be 30 days. “From 6:00pm tonight, until 6:00pm on Friday, South East Queensland,
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Depressing sign we’re going nowhere

If the race to escape the covid pandemic was the 1000m speed skating final at the 2002 Winter Olympics, Australia is in danger of becoming one of the leaders who slipped on the ice in front of Steven Bradbury. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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New UK health secretary eager to lift restrictions

The United Kingdom’s new Health Secretary Sajid Javid says he sees no reason to go beyond July 19 for lifting the remaining coronavirus restrictions. The number of infections in the UK is rising quickly with Delta variant cases but the success of the vaccination program means the number of people in hospital with the virus is still low. Mr Javid said it is his “absolute priority” to see life go back to normal on July 19 but said no date came without risk. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Mixing vaccine doses offers better COVID-19 protection

Mixing doses of the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines elicits a strong immune system response to COVID-19 according to new research by Oxford Research group. The findings could allow flexibility global vaccine rollouts, allowing people to receive whatever jab is available. The research looked at the efficacy of having two jabs of one kind and then mixed vaccines, finding giving a combination dose had a stronger impact than just two AstraZeneca shots. The antibody levels of having two kinds of jab is nine times higher than two doses of AstraZeneca but found two doses of Pfizer offered the most protection for antibodies. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Chant: ‘Another five days’ to see NSW outbreak turn around

New South Wales Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant says it will take another five days to see the state’s COVID-19 outbreak turn around after 18 new local cases were recorded in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Dr Chant said while she is pleased the numbers have gone down, they are expected to “bounce around” in coming days with current cases reflecting those which occurred “five days ago”. “And therefore, it is important the community understands that the numbers are not expected to decline for another five days” she said. She encouraged people to be vigilant, saying “we all have a role to play” in following health advice so cases will not “dribble on”. “So, if you are a close contact, don't think, ‘I'm vaccinated’ or ‘I was really only there for a few minutes,’ - please follow the health advice, stay in there for the 14 days, get the test, and follow the health advice.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Berejiklian ‘acted consistent’ with health advice

Liberal MP Dave Sharma says Premier Gladys Berejiklian has acted consistent with the health advice throughout the coronavirus pandemic. This comes after Greater Sydney was placed under strict stay at home orders for at least two weeks following an outbreak in Sydney’s east. “As the outbreak grew and the health advice changed, she responded accordingly,” Mr Sharma told Sky News. “Initially there was a lockdown for the eastern suburbs but she’s obviously expanded that to all of Greater Sydney given the spread of it. “I think also this government has been very conscious of the costs of a lockdown.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Police issue 15 infringements overnight in NSW

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys says 15 penalty infringement notices were issued overnight despite the “vast majority” of people complying with public health orders. Mr Woyboys said the infringements were issued for a “quite extensive” variety of incidents. “At Woolworths at Kellyville, a number of people converging on that place trying to use the QR code and move around that store,” he said. “What else we found over the last 24 hours was a family travelled from the eastern suburbs to a sporting event up in the Hunter Valley. “It was against the public health order. “No matter how people think that they have to attend some of these events with their children or need to go on holidays, the public health orders are quite clear. “This family were issued an infringement notice and that will happen to any family that’s travelled outside the metropolitan area and against public health orders. “The other incident that I would highlight is a cafe down in the Illawarra where police
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Funnel Cloud Forms Amid Tornado Warning in Eaton Rapids, Michigan

A funnel cloud formed amid a tornado warning in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, on Saturday, June 26. Footage captured by Jeremy Confer shows the funnel cloud spinning in Eaton Rapids. The National Weather Service had warned of a possible tornado in the area on Saturday evening. Credit: Jeremy Confer via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Sharma defends NSW government’s lockdown decision

Liberal MP Dave Sharma says the NSW government and premier have shown themselves "quite willing to respond and adapt" and let the evidence dictate their policy response. Millions of people in Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Central Coast were forced into a two-week lockdown following a surge in COVID-19 cases. Residents are only allowed to leave home to shop for essential items, exercise, medical care or for compassionate reasons until July 9. The lockdown was imposed because health authorities believe the Delta variant of the virus is spreading at a rate which is too fast to contain. Mr Sharma defended the NSW government's decision to call for the sharp lockdown and argued the premier always follows health advice. "This is always a difficult balancing act," he said. "This premier and this government in NSW have always been mindful of the fact there is always costs to a lockdown, it doesn't come cost free. "This premier and this governme
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Barilaro reflects on COVID-19 policy ‘mistakes’

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro has conceded his administration "could" have mandated the limousine driver at the centre of the latest COVID-19 outbreak to wear a mask. Mr Barilaro told Sky News Australia host Kieran Gilbert the NSW government would learn from "every mistake" made during the pandemic. "In hindsight there’s a lot of things we could have done differently, we could have managed Ruby Princess differently, we could have mandated the mask on that limousine driver," he said. "The reality is, I’m not going to blame the feds, there's been no playbook or rulebook over the past 18 months on how to manage this global pandemic. "We’ve done well, sometimes by luck and chance but every mistake you learn from." Mr Barilaro also told Sky News he was proud of the NSW government's "reputation" of keeping businesses open but argued the two- week sharp lockdown was the best decision for this outbreak. Millions of people in Gre
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NSW Police Minister: Community must ‘relearn’ what’s required by public health orders

NSW Police Minister David Elliott says the community has to “relearn” what the public health orders require from them – with a number of infringements occurring over the last 24 hours. “It’s clear that the community is going to need to relearn what these public health orders do and what they require from the community,” he said. “It really is the nuts and bolts stuff that people really should be aware of given we went through this situation last year”. Mr Elliott told Sky News the most common complaints have been coming from people failing to comply with mask mandates in local shops. “It is compulsory for both the individual and the business to make sure the orders are complied with,” he said. “Businesses can get a fine of up to $55,000 so I don’t know why you’d risk it and allow people to come into your shop without wearing a mask. “These fines and this weekend is about reminding people that we’re unfortunately back in the situation which we found ourselves in last year and they have
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Hazzard: Delta variant a ‘formidable foe’ capable of counterattacking health orders

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard says the Delta variant of COVID-19 is a “formidable foe” capable of counterattacking the government’s public health orders. Residents of Greater Sydney are preparing for tighter restrictions after the state recorded 29 new locally acquired cases up until 8pm on Friday. Minister Hazzard has urged the Sydneysiders to “stay away from other people” to curb the spread of the virus. “The Delta variant is proving to be a very formidable foe,” he said. “No matter what defensive steps we are taking at the moment, the virus seems to understand how to counterattack in different locations. “This virus is certainly lurking in places we hadn't expected and it is waiting, it is waiting to actually be able to extend it across Sydney. “We know it can only spread if we're near other people. If we stay away from other people, then that's a major offensive step that hopefully it can't counterattack against.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site h
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New South Wales records 29 new locally acquired cases

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian says the state has recorded 29 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases in the previous 24 hours, 17 of which were reported on Friday. Ms Berejiklian has urged residents in the seven local government areas of concern to stick to the restrictions in place as the health advice continues to evolve. “If you live or work in those seven local government council areas that we spoke about last Monday, do not leave metropolitan Sydney under any circumstances,” she said. “This variant of the virus is contagious and transmissible like no other variant that we’ve seen and that is why the New South Wales government will take any necessary action it needs to take.” Ms Berejiklian said she would hold a crisis cabinet meeting with health experts to discuss the next steps for stopping the spread as the list of exposure sites grows. “Every single decision we’ve taken has relied on the health advice and if that health advice changes on the day, we will not hesitate t
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Premier: NSW residents ‘should prepare’ for further restrictions

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says residents in Greater Sydney should brace themselves for restrictions as the city’s coronavirus crisis worsens. The state recorded 29 new locally acquired cases from over 55,000 tests conducted up until 8pm Friday night. "I think people should prepare for the news that we have given them to date which is the situation is worsening beyond what we would have liked to have seen this morning,” the premier said. “The reason for that is that the new exposure sites are outside of those areas of concern we’d highlighted." "Whilst it's early, there is concern that some of those cases may have been exposed for a number of days without the person knowing they had the virus, and that where our concern is. "That's what we will be looking at in the next few hours; that is what the health advice will be provided to myself and my colleagues, and we will rely on that advice if we need to update the orders, or if we need to update the extent
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WHO casts doubt on Sydney virus claim

When Victorian authorities described the nature of virus spread in the community in early June they used two terms — “stranger-to-stranger transmission” and “fleeting contact”. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Joe Biden labelled a ‘creep’ after he ‘bizarrely’ keeps whispering into microphone

President Joe Biden has “bizarrely” whispered into the microphone multiple times at a press conference – in what has been deemed as “creepy” – while he addresses reporters questions. Joe Biden was speaking at a press conference to discuss his administration’s infrastructure plan where he began to whisper when taking questions from White House press corps. The move had Twitter users confused. "Joe Biden still engaged in Q&A as he goes into bizarre answers & creepy whispers,” one user wrote. “I've never in my entire life seen a world leader whisper on national TV like he's telling us a secret! This man is Bonkers!!!!,” another wrote. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Close to a Hundred People Unaccounted for After Condo Collapses in Surfside, Florida

At least 99 people were still unaccounted for more than twelve hours after the partial collapse of a condominium building in Surfside, Florida, early on June 24. Search and rescue operations were ongoing on Thursday, and firefighters were seen working in the parking garage of the Champlain Towers complex, where they sought to find victims. This footage, taken on June 24, shows the site of the collapse as filmed from the nearby beach. Credit: @sunrisegirl12 via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Time a ‘driving factor’ in Mickleham quarantine site

Finance Minister Simon Birmingham says the driving factor for choosing Mickleham over Avalon as a quarantine site was the timeframe. The federal government has confirmed a 1,000 bed alternative quarantine facility will be built at Mickleham in Melbourne’s north. This follows extensive discussions between both the state and federal governments. “In terms of getting things done as quickly as possible, Mickleham provides the best possible prospect of doing so,” Mr Birmingham told Sky News. “There are fewer environmental considerations in relation to getting approvals through the Mickleham site. “There is better, closer infrastructure particularly around sewage management compared with Avalon.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Allan Border: No need to cancel the Ashes

Cricket: Despite calls from numerous England greats to call of the Ashes in Australia due to strict bio security measures, former Australian captain Allan Border believes the series should still go ahead. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Miami Firefighters Work to Find Victims of Surfside Condo Collapse

Firefighters worked to locate victims after a condominium building in Surfside, Florida, partially collapsed early on the morning of June 24. On Thursday afternoon, authorities said that at least 99 people were still unaccounted for. The official death toll from the collapse of the 55 condo units stood at one, but was likely to rise. This footage, shared by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, shows firefighters in the basement parking garage at Champlain Towers in Surfside. “Firefighters continue working on locating possible victims, while dealing with heavy damage and changing conditions in the parking garage,” the department wrote in the tweet. Credit: Miami-Dade Fire Rescue via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Orman gets Sweet chance with late Tiara call-up

Queenslander James Orman is looking to capitalise on a last-minute call-up to ride Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara fancy Sweet Deal after Sydney-based hoop Nash Rawiller was locked out of Queensland due to a snap decision to close to borders on Wednesday night. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Hundreds in Tokyo protest Olympics amid COVID fears

Hundreds of protestors in Tokyo have called for the cancellation of the Olympic Games amid concerns it will become a COVID-19 super-spreader event. During the Games, spectators will be required to wear masks and practice social distancing, and additionally there will be no cheering or yelling allowed. Organisers say they are committed to moving forward and will work with relevant authorities to ensure the event is safe. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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ASX down on fears of Sydney lockdown

The ASX opened down only 0.1 per cent on Thursday as more COVID-19 cases emerge in Sydney. On Wednesday the market opened flat and dropped by 0.6 per cent throughout the day largely due to the uncertainty around New South Wales’ coronavirus situation. Business reporter Ed Boyd said the stocks which tend to be affected by COVID-19, such as retail and travel will be watched closely. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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People shouldn’t ‘throw their hands up in horror and say outbreak can’t be controlled’

Sydney’s latest COVID outbreak will be a “big test” for the Berejiklian government but people shouldn’t “throw their hands up in horror and say this can’t be controlled," says Infectious Diseases Physician Professor Peter Collignon. On Wednesday, Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced a range of restrictions across Greater Sydney in a bid to prevent a lockdown after the Bondi cluster grew to 31 cases. “I think it is a big test because there’s 10 to 15 new cases per day and some of these are what we call mystery cases in the community where we haven’t identified where it’s coming from,” Professor Collignon said. “It’s also winter when the virus is spread more readily than summer, and basically it’s a strain, the Delta strain which does spread more readily than other strains. “But on the bright side, more of the people who’ve been infected have been identified as contacts already and were already in isolation”. Professor Collignon pointed out New South Wales has had “a very good track
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30% off LED mask that rivals pricey competitors

No, it’s not the headpiece of a minimalist Iron Man costume – as the name implies, the Peppy Co LED Light Therapy Mask harnesses the power of LED lights to tackle the signs of ageing, as well as breakouts, inflammation and sun damage. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Sydney outbreak a ‘whole new ballgame’ with four unliked cases: Lambie

Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie says Sydney’s COVID-19 outbreak is a “whole new ballgame” since there are now four unlinked cases which are under investigation. On Wednesday Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced a range of restrictions across Greater Sydney in a bid to prevent a lockdown after the Bondi cluster grew to 31 cases. “I’m terribly worried,” Ms Lambie said. “You’ve now got four cases where you don’t know where they’ve got it from. “She’s a whole new ballgame this morning”. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Queensland will do ‘everything it can’ to let man see dying father

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says Queensland will do everything it can to allow a man to visit his dying father should New South Wales allow him to break his 14 days of hotel quarantine. The Queensland government has previously refused travel permits for Mark Kilian and Anneli Gericke despite the couple being fully vaccinated. They flew to Australia from the US to visit Mr Kilian’s 80-year-old father, who is dying of pancreatic cancer. “Dr Young and I had a lengthy discussion this morning and what we would like to see from the New South Wales government, and this is a matter for the NSW government,” Ms Palaszczuk said. “If they want to break the 14-day mandatory quarantine for this couple - and if can provide Dr Young with how they will safely be transferred from Sydney to the Gold Coast - we, of course, will do everything we can to facilitate the reunion with his father at the earliest convenience.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Australia ‘doesn’t take lectures’ on climate from China

Liberal Senator James Paterson says it’s hard to draw any other conclusion than China being involved in meddling with the Great Barrier Reef. UNESCO recommended the reef be downgraded to ‘in danger’ and claimed the Morrison government had made “insufficient progress” on climate change. The environment minister told Sky News on Tuesday international politics was “clearly at play” in the decision. “Australia doesn’t take lectures on climate change from any other country, but we particularly don’t take it from the world’s largest emitter,” Mr Paterson told Sky News. "UNESCO has an important mission protecting heritage sites globally, that’s what it should focus on, not getting involved in geopolitics.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Footy crowds given the green light in Victoria

Crowds will be allowed to return to sporting stadiums in Victoria by this weekend as part of a major easing of restrictions across the state. Health officials and members of the state government finalised the decision on Tuesday night which will see outdoor stadiums return to 50 per cent capacity with a cap of 25,000 spectators. The MCG – which can host 100,000 people – will see 25 per cent capacity but Marvel Stadium will be closer to 43 per cent full since it can hold about 57,000 people. The easing of restrictions is welcome news for footy fans with five AFL matches scheduled to be played in Melbourne over the weekend. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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New virus restrictions in NSW

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced the week long extension of mask restrictions to all of Greater Sydney after a worrying rise in Covid-19 cases was reported overnight. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Victorians support COVID rule exemptions for fully vaccinated

A poll conducted by the Herald Sun reveals most Victorians are in support of COVID restriction exemptions for those who are fully vaccinated. Out of the 1,500 people surveyed 70 per cent of people agreed there should be exemptions for those who have received two doses of a vaccine. In addition, 75 per cent of Victorians said they support the end of lockdowns and border closures after everyone has had the chance to receive both doses regardless of how many are actually vaccinated. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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‘Chilling time to be a journalist in Hong Kong’ as pro-democracy paper is threatened

The future of pro-democracy media outlet The Apple Daily is at risk and there are fears more media outlets could close in Hong Kong. The newspaper and its website will likely shut by this weekend if not earlier after a ruthless campaign led by Chinese President Xi Jinping's national security agents which saw assets frozen and executives arrested, according to Asia correspondent Adrian Brown. “It seems that the final nail in the coffin for The Apple Daily is about to be applied, the board of directors for Next Digital, which owns The Apple Daily, are going to have a meeting on Friday,” he told Sky News. “Unless, they say, the security bureau here in Hong Kong rescinds the decision to freeze the assets of The Apple Daily then it will have no option but to shut down the newspaper.” Mr Brown said the Secretary of State for Hong Kong John Lee said “journalists in Hong Kong should separate themselves from The Apple Daily”. “Certainly the actions that we’ve seen against The Apple Daily am
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The Top 5 – 21 Jun 21

CommSec Market Analyst Steven Daghlian outlines five key factors to watch in markets this week, including an update on inflation, stocks making their debuts, companies set to pay dividends and economic events in focus. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Calls for tougher controls on NSW port amid fears of Chinese interference

There are calls from some Coalition MPs for Treasurer Josh Frydenberg to impose tougher rules on the Port of Newcastle to lessen the potential for Chinese interference. The MPs argue the Chinese Communist Party have a geopolitical advantage over the export of Australian coal under current regulations and want the port declared a monopoly under the National Access Regime. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the National Competition Council has reviewed the matter on “many occasions”. “We’ve got the critical infrastructure laws in place that gives the power for the home affairs minister to give directions to the port … where there’s evidence to support those actions, then the government will certainly take them.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Restrictions in the UK may end sooner than expected due to fast vaccine rollout

Coronavirus restrictions in the United Kingdom might end sooner rather than later due to the scale of the vaccine rollout, according to senior UK health officials. The UK government had hoped to ease the lockdown from June 21, however they moved the date to July 19 due to concerns over the Delta variant of the virus. Some argue the current vaccine rates mean the UK could end lockdown earlier, with over 81 per cent of the population having received their first dose of the vaccine. By July 19 the government wants everyone over 18 to have been offered a first dose, and to have two thirds of adults fully vaccinated. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Merlino: Vic is ‘far behind’ in vaccine race

Victorian Acting Premier James Merlino says the state is “falling so far behind” in its vaccine rollout with only 3 per cent of its population being fully vaccinated. It comes as Victoria has recorded one new local case and eight new cases in hotel quarantine. “Above all we want to see a sense of urgency. This is a race – a race that, nationally, we are falling behind in,” Mr Merlino said. He called for the federal government to acknowledge the lack of vaccine supply within the state. “This is the one job that the Commonwealth government has – procure and supply vaccines – that’s what we want to see.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Biden’s meeting with Putin was like a ‘Monty Python sketch’

Sky News contributor Caleb Bond says he thought he was "watching a sketch out of Monty Python” when Joe Biden handed Vladimir Putin a list of 16 critical infrastructure entities which Russia should not hit with cyber-attacks. President Biden recently travelled to the United Kingdom for the G7 summit with a number of world leaders, including prime ministers Boris Johnson and Scott Morrison, which was then followed by a meeting with his Russian counterpart in Geneva. “Can you imagine any other world leader going to Vladimir Putin … and saying it’s perfectly fine you’re going to carry on with this hacking business, don’t worry about that, but here is a list of everything that you could absolutely attack and hurt us, and we will hate you forever, on a piece of paper, all for you,” Mr Bond said. “If any other world leader did that, if Trump did that, he would have been pilloried from kingdom come for weeks. “And yet you get Joe Biden standing up and admitting openly as if he is proud t
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NSW transport minister’s ‘bold’ electric vehicle plan ‘not going to happen’

Sky News host Rita Panahi says the NSW transport minister's plan to have "every vehicle" sold by 2035 to be all electric vehicles is just "not going to happen". "NSW have a bold plan to have every vehicle sold by 2035 being electric vehicles," Ms Panahi said. "Again, it's not going to happen." Ms Panahi also said while Premier Gladys Berejiklian's leadership during the COVID crisis has been "exemplary," she can add the transport minister to a list of "mediocre ministers" in her government. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Indoor mask mandate for seven Sydney local government areas

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says masks will become mandatory indoors for seven local government areas of Sydney after an additional three cases of COVID-19 were reported. “In Sydney there will be seven local government areas in the CBD, inner west, and east and inner south but people will be required to wear a mask and hospitality, shopping, engaging in any interactivity unless eating or drinking,” she said. “That will apply effective immediately but obviously compliance from 4pm. “That will be the same period as compulsory public transport mask wearing so until Wednesday midnight, Thursday morning, that's what we'll be asking people to do". The indoor mask mandate applies to the Randwick, Bayside, Botany Bay, Inner West, City of Sydney, Waverley and Woollahra local government areas. The compulsory mask wearing on public transport will also be extended to the Wollongong and Shellharbour local government areas. “My strongest message the community is the next few days are
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Crews Battle to Contain Flatt Fire Burning in Southwest Utah

The Flatt Fire continued to spread across southwestern Utah on July 19, according to authorities. Footage captured by Twitter user @spanishforknews, who said he took it in Enterprise, Utah, shows smoke and an orange haze. Fire officials said the fire had reached an estimated 10,000 acres and was 0% contained as of June 19. Evacuations for communities in Enterprise were also ordered. Credit: @spanishforknews via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Vaccine rollout in ‘deep trouble’

Shadow Health Minister Mark Butler says the vaccine rollout is in "deep trouble" as an emergency National Cabinet meeting is set to meet tomorrow. An emergency National Cabinet meeting was convened for Monday following the alteration of medical advice on the AstraZeneca vaccine. It comes after a review by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has seen the recommended age for receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine raised from 50 to 60. The cohort of Australians aged 50-59 are most affected by the new advice, given they are now recommended to receive the Pfizer vaccine instead. A number of those Australians had already been administered their first shot of the AstraZeneca vaccine when the health advice changed, but experts have encouraged them to receive their second dose despite the updated recommendations. The government has been forecasting the vaccine rollout will slow down as a result of the updates, but has remained confident it can inoculate all Australians
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Rumours swirl on Nationals leadership spill

Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell says he can't "rule out" a Nationals leadership spill this week as speculation grows that Barnaby Joyce is poised to depose Michael McCormack. "Barnaby Joyce is telling people he won't challenge and his supporters argue that a leak to the Australian Financial Review yesterday that a challenge was on has decreased the likelihood of a challenge when numbers were being crunched. "I'm told the majority of Nationals MPs want McCormack replaced but there are three candidates for the job - Barnaby Joyce, David Littleproud and Keith Pitt and the vote is too split. "Someone needs to call on a spill to make it happen but there is some doubt that will occur, at the moment anyway." Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Morrison had ‘strong support’ on China from G7 leaders

Scott Morrison had a "strong show of support" out of the G7 against economic coercion and aggressive statements by China, so much so they were serving Australian Shiraz at Carbis Bay, says Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell. "Getting the G7 and US and UK and France on board was not difficult and they were even more onboard when the PM tabled the list of 14 grievances the Chinese Embassy in Australia had given a Channel 9 reporter last year," said Mr Clennell. "Emmanuel Macron went back to his cabinet and said the list was ridiculous. "That list covering everything from Huawei to speaking up for an independent inquiry into COVID and it came at the time last year that Australia signed a defence pact with Japan." Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Visa scheme to tackle farm labour crisis

A new agricultural visa scheme has been unveiled which will allow workers to be recruited from 10 South East Asian countries to tackle a labour shortage. The announcement comes after Australia agreed to abolish a requirement for British backpackers to work on farms to extend their visas - decreasing the workforce by up to 10,000 United Kingdom citizens per year. Victorian Farmers Federation Horticulture President Nathan Free told Sky News the pandemic had made it “very difficult” to get reliable labourers onto farms and the visa had been “in the pipeline for a long time”. “We’ve been just trying to work with government and other organisations to try and get some workers for farmers so they’ve got continuity and they’ve got sustainability in their business so they can look into the future,” he said. Mr Free also said there had been a number of government initiatives to support businesses including the extension of the seasonal worker program in Victoria. “There’s been a lot of ways we’v
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International border ‘unlikely’ to see change until after the next election

The international border is "unlikely to see any change to current arrangements for six months at least and perhaps not even until after the next election which is likely early next year," says Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell. "With UK COVID cases increasing despite 60 per cent of people having two shots, the PM has signalled a very cautious approach to reopening international borders," Mr Clennell said. "The PM has seen how vaccinations don't prevent outbreaks with the new variants overseas. "The PM told me that after getting Australians home, we need to work on our workforce needs from immigration. "We can expect to see, therefore, an expansion in quarantine facilities, with the Victorian site to be built outside Melbourne likely to be replicated in WA and Queensland over time." Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Thousands left in dark after storm

More than 3000 Victorian households left without power after last week’s “unprecedented” storm will be reconnected in the next 36 hours, however others will have to wait until next month. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Delta strain is ‘near and present danger’ as NSW records two new cases

New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard says the Delta COVID-19 strain is a "near and present danger" as the state recorded two new locally acquired cases in the community overnight. Minister Hazzard said the cases resulted from fleeting contact with someone who was positive and these instances of brief yet infectious contact were “becoming a fairly accepted situation now.” “It’s fair to say that this Delta virus would appear to be a near and present danger to anybody who is in the vicinity,” he said. “It’s a virus that is very capable of transmitting even when we have very fleeting proximity between the individual who is infectious and any of us who might be passing by.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Queensland’s new border pass system comes into effect

Queensland border declaration pass comes into effect today with all travellers required to complete the document prior to entering the state. As of 1am on June 19, travellers from New South Wales are to fill out a Queensland Border Declaration Pass. Tourists from Australian states and territories without a COVID-19 hotspot are required to complete a Queensland Travel Declaration. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Coast Guard Rescues Sick Mariner Near Virginia–North Carolina State Line

A North Carolina–based Coast Guard crew rescued an ailing sailor from the Atlantic by helicopter on Wednesday, June 16, transporting the individual from the research trawler they were on to a hospital. This footage, released by the Coast Guard, shows rescuers pulling the sailor up and into an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter. The person was brought to Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The Coast Guard said the rescue took place roughly 17 miles from the coast, near the Virginia–North Carolina state line. In a statement, they said the mariner was suffering “severe abdominal pain.” Credit: US Coast Guard via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Bruce Springsteen demands vaccinated audience

Bruce Springsteen will return to Broadway as the first show to open since March last year but on one condition - attendees will be required to show proof of a COVID vaccine. Only those approved by the U-S medical regulator will be accepted, meaning only those who have received the Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson jabs will be accepted. The AstraZeneca is yet to make the cut, a decision has disappointed tens of thousands of Canadian fans who've been inoculated with the AstraZeneca vaccine. The FDA is currently awaiting further trials to get approval for the AstraZeneca vaccine. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Israel sends one million vaccine doses to Palestine

Israel will send one million coronavirus vaccine doses to Palestine as part of an agreement between the two governments. Approximately 55 per cent of Israelis have received both doses of the vaccine while only 30 per cent of Palestinians have received at least one shot. Early reports suggest the Pfizer doses set to be delivered are close to their expiry date. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Eastern Sydney exposure sites updated

Approximately 1,000 Sydney residents are in isolation as health authorities take precautions to stop the Delta variant from spreading. Westfield Bondi Junction is at the centre of the state's latest exposure sites after a positive case visited Myer at the same time as the limousine driver who tested positive earlier this week. Those at Westfield Bondi Junction between 11am and 12pm on Saturday June 12, 1pm to 2pm and 4pm to 4:30pm on Sunday June 13 and used the car park on those days is being asked to get tested even if they don't have symptoms. Visitors of the Tea Gardens Hotel at Bondi Junction between 5pm and 5:15pm on Sunday June 13 are considered a close contact and must test and self-isolate for 14 days regardless of the result. Customers at Myer Bondi Junction level two between 10:00 and 10:30 on the June 13 are casual contacts as are Woolworths shoppers between 4 and 4:20pm Sunday and 2:15 to 2:40 pm Monday. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.ne
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Japan to lift state of emergency ahead of Tokyo Olympic Games

Japan is set to ease its state of emergency declaration in nine areas on Sunday as final preparations begin ahead of next month’s Tokyo Olympic Games. The country entered into in a state of emergency in late March in an attempt to curb a fourth wave of the coronavirus which saw daily cases peak above 7,000 in May. Under new measures, Tokyo and six other districts will still face restrictions until July 11 which include the early closure of bars and restaurants. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Woman in 70s contracted COVID from ‘fleeting exposure’ to Bondi limo driver

NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant has urged residents to be extra vigilant in indoor and outdoor settings after authorities confirmed a close contact contracted COVID-19 through "fleeting exposure" to the limousine driver. A 70-year-old was among three new cases reported on Thursday after the woman visited the Belle Café in Vaucluse at the same time the initial case – a Bondi aircrew driver – and his wife visited the eastern suburbs eatery. Dr Chant says this latest case of transmission indicates the high-infectiousness of the Delta strain, noting that the woman was seated outdoors at the Vaucluse venue. “The whole genome sequencing has confirmed that the case reported yesterday, the patron of the Belle Café at Vaucluse is an exact match to the initial case,” she said. “This indicates that the initial case was highly infectious, as transmission must have occurred through fleeting exposure, noting that the woman who caught the infection at the café was actually seated ou
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Manchester bombing inquiry finds security failings at arena

An inquiry into the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing has found serious shortcomings by security on the night of the attack which left 22 people dead and over 800 injured. The report revealed missed opportunities to thwart the plot including when a member of the public raised concerns about the suspect just minutes before the attack. The suicide bomber loitered around the Ariana Grande concert for over 90 minutes, attracting the attention of a man who then alerted security at 10:15pm but was not taken seriously. Almost ten minutes later, the guard told a colleague of the report but they could not get through to the control room. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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New campaign supports greyhound racing

Five years after it was rocked by the live baiting scandal, the greyhound industry is launching a campaign to show the public how much it has changed. Clubs across the country have joined forces to launch this campaign, which they say busts the myths and misconceptions about their sport. Greyhound racing was banned by then NSW Premier Mike Baird in 2016, following a shocking expose of live baiting by Four Corners. The decision was reversed a mere three months later and was a decision that would ultimately cost him his job. Greyhound Clubs Australia, which represents 60 clubs around Australia, is launching a website to inform the public their side of the debate. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Fire Officials Warn of Possible Evacuations as Wildfire Burns in Southern Montana

A pre-evacuation warning was issued for residents in the Sage Creek area on Thursday, June 17, as a wildlife at the Pryor Mountains in Montana reached 5,100 acres and was at zero percent containment as of Wednesday evening. This aerial video released by the Bureau of Land Management Montana/Dakotas shows the fire’s progress on Thursday afternoon. Officials “expected growth to the north due to prevailing winds,” according to InciWeb. The fire was expected to be contained around midnight on July 17. Credit: Bureau of Land Management Montana/Dakotas via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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South Australian Museum celebrates 165 years

It’s the South Australian Museum’s 165th anniversary today, and curators have marked the occasion by going through its vaults to select 165 items for display. For many of the objects it’s the first time they’ve been on public show. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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China launches Shenzhou-12 space mission

The first astronauts have arrived on China’s space station marking the country’s first crewed spaceflight in nearly five years. The Shenzhou-12 took off from north-western China yesterday and the three men onboard will spend three months in space. The flight of the Shenzhou-12 marks the third of 11 missions required to build China’s new space station. The next launches of three robotic cargo missions and crewed flights will be launched during the construction phase of the space station which is expected to be completed by the end of next year. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Reigning champs’ machine broken

Former premiership-winning captain Bianca Chatfield is adamant the Melbourne Vixens can rebound from their horror Super Netball season quickly if they maintain their internal demand for excellence. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Employees take pay cut to WFH forever

Silicon Valley’s most valuable start-up has given employees an option to leave its offices in New York and San Francisco to work remotely from cheaper locations – but with one big catch. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Gippsland town covering in cobwebs

Millions of spiders have created cobwebs covering a regional Victorian town of after flooding drove them out of a nearby forest. Wellington Shire councillor and avid spider watcher Carolyn Crossley told Sky News the spiders “literally parachuted out of the ground” to escape the recent flooding. “The area behind me is not normally a lake, that’s usually paddocks so the … spiders had to go somewhere,” she said. “Millions of them spun their webs and flew up, and this amazing, probably once in a lifetime experience of seeing this billowing silken parachute that they had created … cover the landscape”. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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