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Showing posts from July, 2021

NSW Police operation ‘successful’ in preventing ‘potential mass seeding incident’

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Mick Willing says more than 1,300 officers deployed in and around Sydney on Saturday successfully stopped a “potential mass seeding incident” in the city. Officers swarmed Sydney in anticipation of an anti-lockdown protest. “Unfortunately, eight people were arrested and over 250 infringement notices were issued in relation to offences, mainly for people who were outside of the local government areas without a reasonable excuse,” Mr Willing said. “I can indicate that that operation is ongoing across Greater Sydney today. Anyone who is thinking of participating in a protest-type activity will be dealt with. “In terms of the wider compliance operation, I can indicate that overnight in the last 24 hours, 516 infringement notices were issued, 38 persons were arrested for offences relating to breaches of the public health orders.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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NSW records 239 new local COVID cases

Premier Gladys Berejiklian says New South Wales has recorded 239 new locally acquired COVID cases as she urges residents to take up the vaccine in the month of August. Of the 239 cases, 26 were in the community while infectious and 35 were in the community for part of their infectious period. “We are again seeing the virus circulate in workplaces and households,” she said. “The one positive take out is that the virus has not in the main gone outside those eight local government areas of concern. “Today is the 1st of August and I am calling upon the people of Greater Sydney, of greater New South Wales, to come forward and get vaccinated. “We know that the more people that get vaccinated the closer we [are] to living life as normally as we can with a Delta strain. “We know that all Australians are facing this challenge, all Australians will need to get the vaccination rates up. “But in New South Wales in particular, we have a sense of urgency. We can't wait. “We want people in August...
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Protest deterrence by police made Sydney look like an act of ‘The Blues Brothers’

Sky News host James Morrow says metropolitan Sydney looked like the last act of The Blues Brothers on Saturday when police swarmed the city to prevent another lockdown protest. “There were cops everywhere, every main road heading into town there was five, six, eight, 10 police cars all checking everybody who was coming through,” he said. “It is not a good idea to protest in a pandemic, let’s make that clear. “These protests turned out to be a complete fizzer because they had this complete overkill, but I think the police here maybe have missed a point. “By showing such an incredible display over what was going to be by all indications a very small protest, this week they actually elevated the protesters’ power to much more than what it was before.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Crews Conduct Mop Up on Parts of Bootleg Fire in Southern Oregon

The Bootleg Fire burning in the Fremont-Winema National Forest in Oregon reached 413,562 acres and was 56 percent contained as of July 31, fire officials said. This footage filmed by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service shows fire crews conducting mop up operations near Dairy Creek and Lee Thomas meadows, according to officials. “Mop up occurs in areas where the fire has been controlled but the edge still has hot spots,” the forest service wrote in a caption. “In this case, crews extinguished and removed this hazard tree near the road, preventing further spread of fire activity in the area.” Although evacuation orders in Klamath and Lake Counties were lifted, officials warned residents in the area to remain vigilant as critical fire weather was forecast over the weekend, according to InciWeb. Credit: USDA: United States Forest Service via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Smoke From Fires in Southern Turkey Blocks Out Sun

At least six people have been killed and many more injured after forest fires broke out in the southern Turkish province of Antalya, local media reported on July 31. According to authorities, the fires broke out on Wednesday at several locations in Manavgat, a coastal district in Antalya. As of July 30, some 960 personnel and over 20 aircraft were involved in the firefighting response. This footage shows smoke filling the sky in the Manavgat area on Thursday, reducing the sun to a muffled orb. Credit: @umurrrrr via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Psychological effect of lockdowns on children are not ‘adequately’ considered

Sky News host Rita Panahi says the psychological effects on children are not being “adequately” considered when “we weigh up the cost-benefit analysis of lockdowns”. Child Psychologist Clare Rowe told Sky News Australia there had been a 30 to 40 per cent spike in children presentation to emergency wards for things like self-harm, suicidal ideation. “We’re not going to know the impact of that harm for some time to come,” Ms Panahi said. “There’s also been a spike in children being abused, people abusing their own children in lockdown. “And also online predators who’ve got far greater access to children because they’re at home on their devices all day. “So all sorts of issues which just aren’t being adequately looked at when we weigh up the cost-benefit analysis of lockdowns.” If you or anyone you know needs help: Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 Lifeline 13 11 14 Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Barnaby confident in PM’s four-phase plan out of COVID

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce says National Cabinet's 70 per cent vaccine target is achievable by the end of the year as he urged Australians to get the jab. Prime Minister Scott Morrison provided a pathway out of COVID-19 suggesting Australia can reach a 70 per cent vaccination rate by the end of 2021. Mr Morrison said Friday's National Cabinet had agreed on its four-phase plan out of COVID-19 after the Doherty Institute provided its vaccination modelling. "There is the capacity as we move between now and Christmas to basically have that rate, where around or about that 70 per cent," Mr Joyce said. The deputy prime minister told Sky News Australia he would like that number to be "higher" and said "any vaccine is better than the risk of not having one". "I know people have concerns about Astrazeneca, but let's get this right," he said. "Your chance of dying of the Astrazeneca is one in a million, it's about a thousand m...
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Athletes’ mental health issues should be treated in the ‘same way’ as physical injuries

Former AFL Kangaroos player Corey McKernan says it is important mental health issues are treated in the “same way” as physical injuries when it comes to athletes. American gymnast Simone Biles pulled out from the Tokyo Olympics due to mental heath issues. “If Simone Biles had actually injured her ankle or hurt her wrist in gymnastics, we wouldn’t think anything of it,” he told Sky News Australia. “And yet when it comes to mental health, we have people really questioning her, why she pulled out. “But it’s about time, and thankfully people are treating it the exact same way a physical injury occurs.” Anyone who may be feeling distressed can contact the following organisations for support. SANE Helpline 1800 18 72 63 Lifeline 131 114 Beyond blue 1300 22 4636 Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Lieutenant General John Frewen urges NSW residents to get vaccinated

Lieutenant General John Frewen says all Australians may have access to two doses of vaccine by the end of the year, rather than the previous target of one. In an exclusive interview with Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell, General Frewen insisted he could not give extra Pfizer supply to New South Wales, despite pleas from Premier Gladys Berejiklian as the state battles the Delta strain. General Frewen also urged NSW to take up hundreds of thousands of Astrazeneca vaccines available for the general population. "We're saying every Australian who wants access to a first dose will have that opportunity this year (but) I think with the supply that's coming on, we've got a really fantastic chance to get the vast majority of Australians fully vaccinated this year if they choose to do so," General Frewen said. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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COVIDSafe app identifies under 800 cases

Image Matrix Tech Editor Djuro Sen says the government’s COVIDSafe app has not had “a good run” after a federal government report revealed it had identified less than 800 cases. “This report pretty much says what we all thought,” he told Sky News Australia. “We started out early - over 7 million downloads - and then less than 800 people who had the app, who had COVID actually reported it. “And the thousands of thousands of people who had the disease, or the virus, hardly anyone had the app. “So it has not been a good run. “I was critical of the app ... I think we went really fast, early with the app without really thinking it through.” However Mr Sen said he believes the app should be looked at again and harnessed to help tackle the Delta variant. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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UK vaccine rollout slows in under 25s

The United Kingdom's government has ruled out requiring university students to have COVID passports in order to access services on campus. However, pop up vaccination clinics at locations such as racecourses are one of the methods being used to bring the vaccine to younger people. This comes amid concerns 'no jab, no job' policies will emerge as companies are warned against forcing staff to get vaccinated, which could amount to a criminal offence. The government has said while it welcomes encouraging staff- it will be down to employers to consider how forcing them to get the jab would fit with legal obligations when it comes to employment law or data protection. Employment lawyer Karen Jackson said "any employer that says I'm going to do it, they are going to face legal claims in the future." Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Sydney has shown a ‘real uptick’ in willingness to get vaccine

New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard says there has been a “real uptick” in the number of Sydney residents who are willing to get vaccinated. Mr Hazzard said before the Delta outbreak, there was “disinterest” among the population to get vaccinated but this has changed since the outbreak. “Five or six weeks ago before we had this current outbreak of the Delta variant, I think there was a level of disinterest in Sydney, in getting vaccinated,” he said. "What we’ve seen is a real uptick in willingness to have one of the vaccines, either one of the vaccines." He said the increased uptake can be partly attributed to pharmacies being able to administer vaccines. “I think particularly the opening up of the pharmacies has seen a rapid uptake in the 20 in the regions and the 50 in the city.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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NSW records 210 new local COVID-19 cases

New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard has announced the state has recorded 210 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases, with the majority of these in south-west and Western Sydney. Mr Hazzard said 81 of the new cases were acquired in south-western Sydney with 72 cases acquired in Western Sydney. “Again, the focus, unfortunately, has been in that area and I'll just ask everybody in that local area to do what NSW Health has asked now on many occasions, and that is stay at home,” he said. “Unless you must go out, unless it’s essential that you go out … and definitely do not go and visit another household.” He said 198 people are in hospital with 53 of these in intensive care and 27 requiring ventilation. “That tells us that it’s an extremely serious disease and people are ending up in our hospitals in substantial numbers.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Victoria records two new COVID-19 cases

Victoria has recorded two new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases as the state enjoys its first weekend out of lockdown. Restaurants, bars, retail and hospitality are all slowly reopening but Health Minister Martin Foley is still urging state residents to be cautious, asking them not be too complacent and to be aware of social distancing rules. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Melbourne restaurant owner opens new venue after fifth lockdown

A high-profile Melbourne restaurant owner has opened a new venue after it was delayed three times due to coronavirus lockdowns. Owner of Chin Chin Chris Lucas says it has been “challenging” to open his new restaurant, Society, but he is eager to bring joy back into the city. “We’re going to have an element of fun, bring some joy back into people’s lives,” he said. The New York-style venue offers a reimagination of à la carte and the furniture has been crafted by Australia’s best artisans. A new dessert offered by the restaurant was inspired by the architecture of 80 Collins Street. Bookings are filling up quickly after its doors opened on Friday night. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Victoria cases decline amid calls for higher vaccine uptake

Victoria is on track to safely reopen after declining COVID cases but there is a push for more residents to be vaccinated. There have been renewed calls for essential workers to get the jab after revelations a COVID-infected traffic controller from a Moonee Ponds testing clinic was not vaccinated. Rapid COVID testing - which is able to provide almost immediate results - is up for discussion, as it could see large crowds reinstated at venues and at events. However, Australia’s fight against the virus still relies on the vaccine, and the AstraZeneca developer says mixed messaging about Australia’s vaccine rollout could cost lives. The Therapeutic Goods Administration has assured the risk of blood clots is minimal and with a higher vaccine uptake, future lockdowns could be prevented. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Severe Storm Leaves Trail of Destruction in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, Amid Tornado Warnings

Two tornadoes touched down in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, on July 29, according to local news reports, causing severe damage in Bensalem. This video posted to Twitter by Tayten Jorel Aldridge, shows a damaged Cadillac and Mazda car dealership. The National Weather Service reported two “tornadic storms” in northeast Philadelphia and Bucks County areas on the evening of July 29, as well in southwest Mercer County and northern Ocean County. Credit: Tayten Jorel Aldridge via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Hardest-hit industries ‘want to be part’ of vaccine rollout solution

Committee of Sydney Deputy CEO Ehssan Veiszadeh says industries hit the hardest by lockdowns “want to be part of the solution” of the vaccine rollout. “What they’ve all told us is that they want to be part of the solution to get us out of this lockdown and to reopen again,” Mr Veiszadeh told Sky News Australia. He said this could mean either “opening up their businesses for vaccine hubs”, or "requiring their workers to be vaccinated”. He said, however, the state government should send a “strong signal” by having its workers be vaccinated first. “We think there’s a strong argument to be made that those workers should be required to vaccinate to send a strong signal to the private sector that their workers should also do the same.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Around 20,000 students from worst-affected LGAs to be vaccinated

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced as of August 9 there will be a vaccination hub set up to administer vaccines to year 12 students from local government areas of concern. Ms Berejiklian said the Qudos Bank Arena in Olympic Park will be used as a vaccination hub and there will be around 20,000 students getting the jab. “There’s around 20,000 students and we’ll be getting them done in five days in that week so from the Monday to the Friday, we’ll be getting all those jabs in arms of those high school students doing year 12 in those eight local government areas of concern.” She said after this the site will be used as a mass vaccination hub and there will be more set up. “After that point, it will become another mass vaccination hub. We’re setting these up all over the place.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Defrocked US cardinal charged with sexual abuse

Former US cardinal Theodore McCarrick has been charged with sexually assaulting a teenage boy, court documents showed Thursday, making him the most senior Roman Catholic official in America to face criminal charges in the massive clergy abuse scandal. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Federal legislation has ‘tied’ the hands of TGA over rapid antigen testing

The Australian man behind COVID-19 home testing kits says federal government legislation has tied the hands of the nation’s drugs regulator in granting approval to rapid antigen testing. The self-test devices, which have shown to be yield an accuracy of 97 per cent, has been approved for use in the United State with the Commonwealth government urged to follow suit. Dr Sean Parsons, the founder of medical manufacturer Ellume, told Sky News Australia the decision to use antigen testing should be a decision for the Therapeutic Goods Administration, not politicians. “For self-testing in Australia for notifiable diseases, there is a special piece of legislation which prohibits them from being reviewed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration,” he said. “Right now, our home test is not able to be reviewed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration or approved for use here and so the TGA’s hands are tied and our hands are tied also. “My perspective on this is that this should be in the hands of r...
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NSW Police given ‘additional powers’ to crack down on COVID noncompliance

New South Wales Police will have “additional powers” to curtail actions of the community which violate public health orders. “The powers particularly will focus on those people who are not doing the right thing, the power for me to close premises and public places will focus on the businesses who are doing the wrong thing,” Commissioner Mick Fuller said. He said the powers came “as a result of feedback” the police received from members of the community and were to help the state exit lockdown faster. “These new powers, the additional police into these areas, is about getting us out of lockdown sooner, so you can expect to see more police on the ground, you can expect to see more enforcement.” “There are a lot of people doing the right thing but these orders will focus on those who continue to breach the health orders, who continue to keep us in lockdown.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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NSW police have the ‘will’ and ‘resources’ to crack down on COVID rule-breakers

New South Wales Deputy Premier John Barilaro says there will be a “more visible” police presence in the state to crack down on people who are not following COVID rules. “Right now we have abundant resources within our police and that will be about enforcing the rules that we’ve got in place,” Mr Barilaro told Sky News Australia. He said authorities have noticed “some people aren’t really abiding by all the rules”. "Police will be more visible, they will be honing in on those businesses that we’ve allowed to remain open. “We have the resources, and we’ve got the will to really crack down on this.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Forest Fires Burn Thousands of Acres in Southern Turkey

Multiple fires scorched dozens of hectares of forest in the southern Turkish district of Manavgat on July 28, prompting evacuations in the area, local media reported. Three people were hospitalized for burns, with one of them in “serious condition”, according to news reports. According to Manavgat mayor Sukru Sozen, the fires burned across 15 kilometers (about 3,706 acres), local media reported. This footage filmed by Twitter user @kubraygn, who said it was taken in Manavgat, shows strong winds blowing smoke into the air. Credit: @kubraygn via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Severe Flooding Prompts Evacuation Orders in Japan’s Shizuoka Prefecture

Heavy rainfall flooded areas in Japan’s Shizuoka Prefecture on July 29 due to unstable atmospheric conditions caused by a typhoon off the coast of Akita, according to local weather authorities. The Shizuoka Local Meteorological Observatory warned of possible sediment disasters, strong wind gusts, and lightning strikes. Evacuation alerts and orders were issued locally on Thursday. These videos captured by Instagram user @koiketsukasa in Kikugawa City show the floodwaters. Credit: @koiketsukasa via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Forest Fires Fill Southern Turkey Sky With Smoke

Evacuations were ordered in the southern Turkish district of Manavgat on July 28 after multiple fires scorched dozens of hectares of forest, local media reported. According to Manavgat mayor Sukru Sozen, the fires burned across 15 kilometers (about 3,706 acres), local media reported. No casualties were reported while authorities continued to investigate the cause of the fires, according to local news. This footage filmed by Twitter user @Ahmetlerin07 shows thick clouds of orange smoke in the coastal city of Side, in the province of Antalya. Credit: @Ahmetlerin07 via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Frydenberg: NSW government doing ‘everything possible’ to get on top of outbreak

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says he believes the New South Wales government is doing “everything possible” to get on top of Sydney’s COVID outbreak but it is the federal government’s job to provide whatever support is needed. “I think they are doing everything possible to get on top of this outbreak,” he told Sky News Australia. “Obviously the numbers are too high, and we want to see them come down. “Victoria, the good news is, that they’ve come out of their two-week lockdown, South Australia out of their lockdown and it’s hopeful that we can see, over time, New South Wales come out of their lockdown. “But our role is to provide support right across the country and that is what we’re doing in NSW to the tune of three quarters of a billion dollars a week.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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‘Significant boost’ to economic support reflects the ‘lengthy nature of this lockdown’

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says the “significant boost” to economic support for New South Wales households and businesses reflects the “lengthy nature" of Greater Sydney's lockdown. On Wednesday Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the maximum support payment would be raised from $600 to $750 while the payment for those who have lost work fewer than 20 hours a week would be raised from $375 to $450. “It was pretty tough news for millions of people across New South Wales yesterday to hear that they’re going for another month of lockdowns,” Mr Frydenberg told Sky News Australia. “We’ve seen that before in Victoria, these lengthy lockdowns take their toll on businesses and families. “But what we have done yesterday is announce a significant boost to economic support packages for both households and for business. “I think it’s welcome and it does reflect the lengthy nature of this lockdown.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Reality star was ‘terrified’ to come forward

Pregnant Farmer Wants A Wife contestant Hayley Love has quietly released a new public statement overnight, thanking those who are following her story for their support and revealing she had been “absolutely terrified” to come forward with her story. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Thunderstorm Brings Flooding Rain to Atlanta, Georgia

A thunderstorm brought flooding rains to Atlanta, Georgia, on July 27. The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for most of the city’s north, cautioning of wind gusts of up to 60 mph. This video posted to Instagram by justnairz shows a river forming on a suburban street in Atlanta. Credit: justnairz via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Greater Sydney lockdown extended until August 28 after 177 new local cases

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says Greater Sydney’s lockdown will be extend for an additional four weeks after the state recorded 177 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 with 46 infectious in the community. “It was fairly obvious the way the numbers were going in the last few days, it would have not been possible for us to get out of lockdown tomorrow or Friday,” she said. “And given also the health advice, about where the situation is, it would have also not been realistic for the NSW government to make a decision about the next two weeks given where we are today. “For that reason, I will be announcing now that … Greater Sydney will be in lockdown for a further four weeks until the 28th of August. “That includes all of Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, the Blue Mountains, Shellharbour and Wollongong.” Ms Berejiklian also announced residents in the local government areas of Parramatta, Georges River and Campbelltown will not be allowed to leave for work unless they are a health or...
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‘We know lockdowns work’: Dr Kerry Chant

New South Wales Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant says the state has to “hold its course” to curb the latest COVID outbreak after the lockdown was extended for another four weeks. “We know lockdowns work and we just have to hold our course,” Dr Chant said. She said the “tool” which will help the state manage the outbreak is vaccination and has urged the public to get the jab. “We also know that we have other tools that we haven’t had before, and those other tools are vaccination. “It is important that we use vaccine as a way to assist us, and it will be our future in terms of coming to terms with COVID. “We need to up our COVID vaccine coverage across all age groups.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Banged-up young gun doesn’t want a rest

Roosters rookie Sam Walker has credited the influence of club greats Cooper Cronk and James Tedesco for his stunning breakout season in the NRL as he targets leading the Tricolours towards a top four spot. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Strange way US is rigging medal tally

If you were an American reading about the Olympics this morning, you would very likely have a different take on which country is currently winning the medal tally to the rest of the world. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Strong Floodwaters Wash Down Mountain Road in Eastern Beijing District

Severe flooding hit Beijing’s Pinggu district on Tuesday, July 27, after heavy rain was forecast across the region. This footage shared by the Beijing Meteorological Service shows fast floodwaters gushing down a street on Dongzhihu mountain in Pinggu. The video recorder can be heard warning residents to stay home. Accumulated rainfall exceeded 200 millimeters (about 7.9 inches) in Miyun, a district located about 48 kilometers (approximately 29.8 miles) from Pinggu, local media reported. The yellow weather warning for heavy rainfall in Pinggu was lifted on Tuesday night while showers and thunderstorms remained possible throughout the night, according to the Beijing Meteorological Service. Credit: Beijing Meteorological Bureau via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Birmingham: Additional support for NSW to be announced today

Finance Minister Simon Birmingham says additional support will be announced for New South Wales with Greater Sydney’s lockdown set to be extend for another month but has ruled out a JobKeeper 3.0. “Over recent days, knowing that the NSW government was likely to have to make this decision to extend the lockdown … we’ve been having discussions as a government about what type of additional support might be necessary,” he told Sky News Australia. “The prime minister had further discussions with the NSW premier last night to inform her of our thinking in that regard. “And there will be additional announcements made during the course of today to make sure that we help NSW to get through this lockdown. “Our focus in terms of ongoing measures in supporting Sydney will be intently – from a federal government perspective – on helping to make sure that we save jobs and that we put the NSW economy in the best possible position to come back strongly following these lockdowns.” Via news.com.au — Aus...
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Aussie bowlers shine in ODI series win over West Indies

Australia’s varied bowling attack once again dominated a suspect West Indies batting line-up on the way to a series-clinching six-wicket victory in the decisive final fixture of the three-match One-Day International series at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Monday. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Three evacuated from possibly infected cargo ship

Eight people on board a Chinese cargo ship berthed in Western Australia are showing flu-like symptoms. Authorities are rushing to transport three to hospital including an officer described as incredibly unwell. The vessel departed Singapore last Sunday after leaving Indonesia before sailing to Western Australia. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Wild weather wreaks havoc in Perth

Severe weather has lashed Western Australia overnight with winds over 100 kilometres an hour. The suburb of Swanbourne in Perth recorded over 20 millimetres of rain in just one hour on Monday. City streets were inundated with water during peak hour commutes and dozens of calls were made to emergency services. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Victoria on track to lift lockdown tonight

Victoria’s lockdown is on track to lift tonight, with the Andrews government yet to make a final decision. There were 11 new local COVID cases recorded on Monday, with all cases in isolation during their infectious period. A priority for the government is getting students back into classrooms, and hospitality and retail outlets opened, albeit with strict density limits. Restrictions likely to linger include a mask mandate and a ban or tough limit on crowds at sporting stadiums following transmission at the MCG and AAMI park. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Heavy Snowfall Hits Australian Ski Resorts as Freezing Temperatures Grip Victoria

Heavy snowfall was recorded at Australia’s Hotham Alpine Resort in Victoria on July 24 as freezing temperatures gripped the state. The ski resort posted this video to Instagram showing surfaces coated in snow. “Mother Nature has been hard at work bringing our base to 133cm,” the resort wrote in the post. The Bureau of Meteorology forecast temperatures close to zero degrees celsius across much of the state, including the capital Melbourne. “Howling, icy winds will bring some serious wind chill this weekend! By Sunday morning most of #Victoria will have a “feels like” temp below zero," the weather bureau said in a Twitter post. Credit: Hotham Alpine Resort via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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‘You will be arrested’: Police gives stern warning to protesters

Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has warned there will be a heavy police presence this weekend and arrests will be made should another protest go ahead. He said 227 tickets were issued overnight for breaches with 107 linked to the protest on Saturday. He said 10,000 calls were also made to Crime Stoppers. “We have a Strike Force established and they will continue to investigate and chase down every individual that we can identify, will be either arrested and/or given tickets for their behaviour and it is not just about whether it is an unauthorised protest, it was about the danger that they put all of us at in terms of the Delta variant,” Mr Fuller said. “There are some discussions, there is information on the internet at the moment about a potential protest this Saturday. Can I just put this warning out now to everyone: We will be heavily policing [that event]. We will take the ground very early. You will be...
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Footage Shows Flooding on London Thoroughfare

Heavy rains caused widespread flooding on London roadways on July 25, requiring the rescue of people marooned in their vehicles, according to officials. As of Sunday afternoon, the UK’s Met Office had issued an amber weather warning for London and surrounding areas. Authorities said “torrential showers” would continue impacting southeast England at least until the evening. This video, taken on Sunday, shows cars navigating high water on the A406 road in London. As of Sunday evening, the London Fire Brigade said it had received “more than 600 calls to flooding incidents,” and said it had to use specialized gear to rescue people from a car. Credit: @Rayscaption via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Sydney lockdown has ‘two effective vaccines’ to stop virus transmission

Former Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth says the New South Wales state government’s mid-September modelling is one of a “range of scenarios” and does not mean the lockdown will be extended to then. “The lockdowns are working, we’re not in an exponential rate of rise, we’re waiting for those numbers to plateau and at that point we’ll know that the contact tracers have got on top of the transmission chains and we’ll be heading in the right direction,” he told Sky News Australia. Dr Coatsworth said Sydneysiders affected by lockdown will have to “take this day by day” and the hope to curtail the virus is through vaccination and lockdown. “The great hope that we have here that we didn’t have in Melbourne’s second wave is we’ve got an effective vaccine in Pfizer and AstraZeneca, two effective vaccines that are available.” “You can break an epidemic curve in two with extensive vaccination and that’s the second piece of the puzzle here.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading new...
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QLD records five new COVID cases, all in hotel quarantine

Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles says the state recorded five cases of COVID-19 overnight but were all returned travellers in hotel quarantine. There was also one new case in community who tested positive in NSW and will be reported in NSW's tally. "They were tested on the 12th of July because they were a close contact, they'd been notified by NSW Health that they were a close contact," Mr Miles said. "It does appear from that point on the 12th of July they should've been in isolation and because they were in Sydney they should've been locked down. "It does also appear though that there was a lab error in the initial reporting of their test results. "They flew from Sydney to Ballina on the 14th of July on flight VA 1139 – NSW Health is responsible for contact tracing all of the other passengers on that flight. "They were then collected from Ballina airport by the flight attendant that we reported positive in Queensland on Friday. She ...
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NSW records two deaths, 141 new local COVID cases

Premier Gladys Berejiklian says New South Wales has recorded two deaths and 141 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 with 38 infectious in the community. The results come from 102,233 tests undertaken over the past 24 hours. “We had two deaths overnight, a woman in her 70s but also a woman in her 30s with no pre-existing conditions,” Ms Berejiklian said. “If anybody thinks this is a disease just affecting older people, please think again. “I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to those families, their loved ones who are grieving today, but please note that younger people without pre-existing conditions can also fall victim to this cruel disease. “What we have to do now is reduce the number of people infectious in the community. “That is a challenge for all of us and a challenge we take jointly, and I just urge everybody to please do the right thing. Please follow the health advice. “So thank you to all of you doing the right thing and to those of you who aren't, you should be...
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Uber driver independence a bumpy road

Uber driver Mae Cee scoffs at the notion, touted by the global ride-share service, that she and her peers are self-employed contractors -- and that most of them are happy with the arrangement. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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English emergency workers to avoid quarantine

Emergency service workers in England will be allowed to avoid quarantine under new rules aimed at minimising disruption to essential services. The government has promised to open extra testing sites near critical workplaces, but doctors warn the policies are unsafe and could increase the spread of the Delta variant. There is confusion over which jobs will be exempt and where and when testing centres will be rolled out. “Daily contact testing of workers in these critical sectors will help to minimise any disruption caused by rising cases in the coming weeks, while ensuring staff are not put at risk,” UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid said. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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IOC ‘effectively banning’ female only sports by allowing trans athletes to compete

Save Women’s Sport Australasia co-founder Katherine Deves says the IOC’s decision to allow transgender athletes to compete at the Olympics is “effectively banning women and girls from having female only sports categories”. “As far as we know there are at least four born males who will be competing in the female category and that’s off the basis of a decision that was made in 2015,” she told Sky News Australia. “Now the paper that they based their decision on was presented by someone called Joanna Harper who is a trans activist, who is a trans woman, an endurance runner and she consulted with eight people. “So eight males who are non-elite athletes who self-reported their performance times pre-operative and post-operative and that time period was anywhere between two and 30 years. “I might also add that Joanna was one of those eight people. There was also a competitor whose performance dramatically increased so that person’s results were excluded. “And on the basis of that single paper,...
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‘Confused you will be’: South Australia delivers ‘more comedy’

Sky News host Rowan Dean says Chief Health Officer Nicola Spurrier delivered more “comedy” from South Australia this week when she explained COVID-19 testing. “What I’m going to just explain now is the exposure location is day zero, day one is the next day. You might not have got your first test until day three or day four, so that, to me, is not the first test, that could almost be your fifth test depending where abouts you have had that initial test,” Professor Spurrier said. “Get tested daily, I guess, is that what the message was there?” Sky News host Rita Panahi said. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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NSW recording ‘zero’ COVID cases is not possible for ‘some time’: Mick Fuller

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has spoken to Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell about Sydney's lockdown and how he believes the goal of getting “zero” COVID cases in Sydney is not possible for “some time”. Mr Fuller also said the “ring of steel” around Fairfield or Greater Sydney could not be done "practically"- arguing hundreds of streets would have to be policed. “You can’t do it practically and again if you look at . . . the Northern Beaches, it had sort of a couple of key points out which made it very easy to police but Fairfield as an LGA it was practically impossible to put a ring of steel in and at the same time again if you think of the way the virus is spreading," he said. "The ring of steel wouldn’t have worked." Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Heroes emerge from Melbourne’s lockdown

In a time of uncertainty, there are COVID heroes who have been focusing on the greater good and going out of their way to help others. A group of volunteers for the Big Umbrella Foundation meet twice a week and prepare meals with surplus food which they then deliver to the homeless and disadvantaged at Federation Square. Big Umbrella Foundation founder Justin Dickinson told Sky News over the least 10 years "we’ve worked with over 35,000 volunteers coming in from week to week". “Every week we get a delivery from OzHarvest or Secondbite," he said. "It’s all rescued food from supermarkets, cafes and restaurants, up to 500 kilos. “On that day we repurpose that into meals, cook about 250 meals out of that 500 kilos and take it out onto the street and serve it that night.” Mr Dickinson said they had to close down their Federation Square service because they attracted large crowds and have moved to a delivery service. “We went from two nights a week to seven nights a week ...
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Aussie bowlers shine with the bat

Wes Agar led some lower-order batting resistance to spare Australia’s blushes after a disastrous start in the second match of their one-day international series against the West Indies in Barbados. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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NSW Police issues 246 penalty notices

Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys says 246 penalty notices have been issued by New South Wales Police in the last 24 hours. Deputy Commissioner Worboys said the infringements are “people making a conscious decision to have people to their house that should not be there". “It is a conscious effort to drag down the millions of people every single day, no matter how hard and challenging it is, who are doing the right thing," he said. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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NSW records 163 new COVID cases

New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard has announced the state has recorded 163 new COVID-19 cases and says there is a “continuing and growing problem” particularly in Sydney’s west and southwest. “To 8pm last night, we had 163 locally acquired cases … that takes us up from the previous day which was 136 cases,” Mr Hazzard said. “It was only a few days ago that we were in the 70’s," he said. He said “very worrying", there were 45 cases within the community while infectious. “In other words, 45 people were out walking around and potentially spreading the virus which certainly explains why our numbers are going up.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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The eye-watering cost behind Verstappen crash

Red Bull boss Christian Horner said Friday his team has been left with a bill for a whopping AUD$1.8 million to repair the damage to Max Verstappen’s car after the controversial collision with Lewis Hamilton at the British Grand Prix. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Furious ban after NRL covid breach

Video of three NRL players and their loved ones blatantly breaching Queensland biosecurity bubble rules has sparked outrage from authorities and now means they can’t set foot outside. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Dreamworld among newest QLD exposure sites

The Gold Coast is on COVID alert after an infected flight attendant visited a theme park and a popular dining precinct last week. Koi Dining at Broadbeach has been listed as a high-risk exposure site and anyone who visited the venue at certain times on July 14 should immediately isolate. Dreamworld has been listed as a low-risk site after the woman went there on July 16. The theme park released a statement saying team members who came into contact with the COVID-positive guest are being identified and have been asked to isolate immediately and get tested. It has been revealed the woman may have been infectious since July 11 and QLD Health has expressed frustration regarding why she continued to move in the community more than a week after developing symptoms. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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American-Made Power

On the Streetwise podcast, Jack Hough speaks with Duke Energy CEO Lynn Good about the potential environmental benefits of nuclear energy as well as the challenges behind scaling up solar storage. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Chaos in SA after people made to quarantine in medi-hotels

While signs are looking positive South Australia’s lockdown will end next Tuesday the state government is being criticised for causing chaos and confusion after forcing people into medi-hotels. The state's two super-spreader events were deemed so dangerous that on Thursday 206 people were ordered into the hotels. Many people deemed the highest risk say the communication is a mess, and the family of a COVID-positive man in his 60's has said he caught the virus after being ordered into the same medi-hotel room as his infected partner. SA Health says the man was presumed positive and showing symptoms prior to the move which his family reportedly denies. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Sydney ‘on fire’ and needs ring of steel: Andrews

Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews says Sydney is on fire with COVID-19 and it needs a ring of steel out around it. “We did this last year, it was very intensive, very challenging,” Mr Andrews said. “You’ve got a national emergency in Sydney. Let’s not have that turn into a national emergency in every part of our nation. “That is not a good outcome for anybody." Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Two People Injured in Shooting at Washington Restaurant

Two people were injured in a shooting at a restaurant in Washington on July 22, according to reports. Washington police said they were looking for a male suspect wearing a lime green/yellow hooded sweater fleeing in an older black Honda Civic. Credit: millermbdc via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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‘Very difficult’ to contain COVID-19 within borders

Premier Gladys Berejiklian says with the exception of “segregated” Western Australia it is very difficult to contain COVID-19 within borders. “No matter how hard you have a state border lockdown, the virus still seeps through, no border is perfect,” Ms Berejiklian said. “No matter how hard you make your border closure, it doesn’t prevent, with the exception of WA which is very segregated from the rest of the nation, it is very difficult to contain the virus within any boundary. “We have an obligation on behalf of the nation to contain the virus. If we don’t contain the virus there is critical work that goes on between states.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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New South Wales a ‘national emergency’ as 136 new cases recorded

New South Wales has been deemed a “national emergency” as the state records 136 new cases, with 53 of those infectious in the community. Premier Gladys Berejiklian conceded the numbers will not be close to zero next Friday, the scheduled day to leave lockdown. “There is no doubt that the numbers are not going in the direction we were hoping they would at this stage. It is fairly apparent that we will not be close to zero next Friday,” she said. Restrictions will also be tightened in South-Western Sydney, particularly the Cumberland and Blacktown LGAs. “Dr Chant and her team advised us that the situation that exists now in New South Wales, namely around south-western and now Western Sydney suburbs, is regarded as a national emergency. For that purpose and for that reason the New South Wales government will be taking action in relation to that. “First and foremost, the local government areas of both Cumberland and Blacktown local government areas, will also be subject to workers...
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Hazzard: Sydneysiders should get vaccinated because ‘every citizen has a duty’

New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard says he implores people in southwestern and western Sydney to get vaccinated, saying “every citizen has a duty”. Mr Hazzard said while everyone “right across New South Wales” should get vaccinated, this is especially true for those in Sydney’s most affected areas. "Understand for example, that if you’re over 60 and you get the virus you have a one in two hundred chance of dying," he said. “As opposed to that, if you have the vaccine, the AstraZeneca vaccine, it protects you to the extent that your chance of actually dying are one in two million." He said there is "no argument" that everyone should have the vaccine. “In a national emergency every citizen has a duty to do what they can to defeat whatever is happening to us and this case, it is a Delta variant of the virus.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Deadly Flooding Traps Vehicles in China’s Henan Province

Deadly flooding submerged streets and vehicles across the Chinese province of Henan, footage from Wednesday, July 21, shows. At least 33 people were killed and eight others were reported missing as of Thursday after record flooding inundated China’s Henan province, local media reported. Thousands of patients and employees were evacuated from a hospital in Zhengzhou as more than 17,000 firefighters have been dispatched for rescue operations across Henan, according to local news reports. On July 23, Henan Meteorological Bureau said 133 weather stations had reported accumulated rainfall exceeding 50 millimeters (about two inches), including 39 stations that recorded more than 100 millimeters (about four inches). This video released by Henan Police College shows officers assisting a driver whose vehicle was trapped in floodwaters. Credit: Henan Police College via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Baby Antelope Gets the ‘Zoomies’ at San Antonio Zoo in Texas

A baby blue duiker, one of the smallest antelope species in the world, got the “zoomies” at the San Antonio Zoo in Texas. This video taken by the zoo, who said they filmed it on July 17, shows the young antelope, Viazi, running around his enclosure. “And now for the moment you’ve all been waiting for…Viazi zoomies!” wrote the zoo. Viazi was born at the zoo on June 28. Credit: San Antonio Zoological Society via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Reports Queensland flight attendant tests positive

A country town in Queensland is on high alert after a visiting traveller returned a positive COVID-19 test. A flight attendant on QF 2534 AND QF 2535 flew from Brisbane to Longreach return on July 11 and it is believed they did not leave the aircraft in Queensland and only tested positive after the flights. Queensland Health authorities were alerted to the case yesterday afternoon and testing is being conducted on all passengers at Longreach Hospital. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Morrison ‘scapegoating’ ATAGI for his government’s problems

Labor MP Ed Husic says Prime Minister Scott Morrison is scapegoating ATAGI for broader problems that he has had in vaccine supply. Mr Morrison has made it clear the government is lobbying health authorities to change advice around the AstraZeneca vaccine. “I don’t think it’s right that the experts who are on that, people who are trying to their best are being disrespected in this way,” Mr Husic told Sky News Australia. “The shortcomings for this process fall at the feet of this prime minister.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Larry Elder officially running for California governor after winning lawsuit

Talk show host Larry Elder is officially running as a Republican candidate in the race for California governor after winning his lawsuit against the secretary of state who left his name off the list of candidates. Last week Mr Elder announced he was throwing his hat in the ring for California governor but when the list of 41 candidates was released, his name was not on it. California Secretary of State Dr Shirley Weber said Larry Elder had "incomplete redacted and/or unredacted income tax returns that were filed". The talk show host slammed the reasoning and announced he was suing Dr Weber. "I'm suing the CA Sec. of State to honor the required items we submitted in order to run and to put me back on the ballot in the CA recall election," he said. "I will not stand for these shenanigans, and I know you won’t either. Will you chip in to back up our fight?" Today Mr Elder won his lawsuit and is officially running for California governor with the election ...
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‘Obvious to the whole country’ mistakes were made in the vaccine rollout

Labor Senator Katy Gallagher says it is “obvious to the whole country" mistakes have been made with the vaccine rollout as Prime Minister Scott Morrison refuses to apologise. “I think it’s pretty obvious to the whole country that mistakes have been made, problems have beleaguered the vaccine rollout, and ultimately the prime minister has been the one making the decisions,” she told Sky News. “He made the decisions about how many deals, how many doses, and essentially right from the beginning how the vaccine was rolled out.” Ms Gallagher said she was “really shocked” at how politicians have attacked medical advisory body the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) over its changing health advice for the AstraZeneca vaccine. “They’re not politicians, they’re experts in their field and they’ve provided that advice in the best interests of keeping Australia safe.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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ATAGI’s ‘rigid guidelines’ has placed pressure on GPs to encourage vaccinations

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation’s rigid and “vague messaging” has increased pressure on GPs to encourage Australians to get the COVID-19 vaccine, says RACGP’s NSW Chair Dr Charlotte Hespe. The expert panel on vaccinations has faced pressure from Prime Minister Scott Morrison to change its official health advice on the AstraZeneca jab in the wake of the nation’s latest Delta outbreaks. “The pressure’s already on people like myself really just to get the message across – we need to vaccinate as many people as we can as efficiently and as smoothly as we can,” she told Sky News Australia. “The ATAGI guidelines have really not helped in the messaging because they have been fairly rigid and not encouraging people understand what each of the vaccines offers them and why. “It’d certainly be helpful, I know that they’ve done their best but for me and my fellow GP colleagues, it does make it difficult when it’s a very vague message. “We really, really want people to under...
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More than half a million COVID disaster payments already processed

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says more than half a million COVID disaster support payments have already been processed with 93 per cent of people applying online. Workers who have lost between eight and 19 hours of work a week are eligible for $375 payments while those who have lost more than 20 hours are eligible for $600 payments. “More than half a million of these payments have already been processed and Services Australia has brought to the task more than 14,000 staff,” he told Sky News. “We’ve seen 93 per cent of people apply online. Just yesterday we had another 70,000 applications. “So we’re moving through this case load very quickly, payments are being made in some cases as quickly as 40 minutes and that is really ensuring that people who need that support need it.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Single Sydneysiders left out amid intimate partner rule

Sydney's lockdown has been especially difficult for those living alone and unable to nominate someone to visit unless they’re considered “intimate”. During Victoria’s 112-day lockdown last year, a singles social bubble was introduced, allowing people to nominate one family member or friend to visit for companionship. Currently in Sydney only couples can visit each other at home, but any two people from different households are allowed to meet for exercise in open areas and both must live within 10 kilometres of each other. Premier Gladys Berejiklian has hinted she is considering ways to resolve the issue. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Shocking video of Sydney removalists

Damning footage shows the trio of removalists breaching the conditions of their special worker permits as they load furniture onto trucks outside Maribyrnong’s Ariele Apartments on July 8. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Jeff Bezos criticised over ‘tone-deaf comment’ thanking Amazon workers

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has completed a ten-minute journey into space on a Blue Origin rocket in a move which is “one step along the path to space tourism,” according to Sky News contributor Michael Ware. “This is space tourism for a purpose, the space tourism is all part of a much larger project by Jeff Bezos to build the massive rockets that are required for interplanetary travel,” he told Sky News Australia. Mr Ware said the Blue Origin flight broke a number of records – sending the oldest and youngest people in space. Mr Ware also pointed out a controversy after Mr Bezos thanked Amazon workers and shoppers for paying for him to go into space. “There’s certain segments of social media that have lit up with criticism of what you rightly describe as a tone-deaf comment,” he said. “It is true, it’s all those people who slave away for Amazon who have made this possible and I could go through a litany of the complaints and accusations about the work practices at Amazon.” Via news.com.a...
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West Coast Wildfire Smoke Reaches New York City

Smoke from west coast wildfires reached New York City on July 20, creating hazy and hazardous air conditions for the area. This footage captured in Brooklyn by Instagram user @thefakeowytea shows the Manhattan skyline blotted out by smoke. According to local weather reports, July 20 marked the worst New York City air quality in 14 years. Credit: @thefakeowytea via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Cook wants to play in World Cup

South Sydney Origin star Damien Cook has declared his desire to play in the World Cup for Australia despite doubts hanging over the Kangaroos participating in the England-based event. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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Berejiklian: New South Wales relies on ‘best experts in Australia’

Pressed over the feasibility of achieving zero community cases, Premier Gladys Berejiklian says the government relies on the best health advice. The state recorded a further 110 cases, however ,43 of those were infectious in the community. “I believe we have the best experts in Australia and arguably around the world,” she said. “So we will rely on the health advice as to when it is safe to ease restrictions.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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‘Clarification’ of the rules allows construction to ensure sites are ‘secure’

Metricon NSW General Manager Patrick Eather says the construction industry is happy a “clarification of the guidelines” has given them the right to ensure sites are “secure and safe”. “That in itself is a task and fortunately we got some clarification on the rules about how we can continue to secure and inspect our sites to make sure they are secure and safe,” he said. “In terms of the role that we have to play as an industry to secure all of our sites, that’s a difficult thing for us to do. “There are many things that we’ve got to take care of. Everything from securing equipment ... and things like shoring up footings, swimming pool holes, scaffolding, frame structures, bracing frames. “There’s a multitude of things that we need to attend to that would have been a work in progress that has just stopped midstream, and you can’t really do that. “So that work will continue and under the clarification of the guidelines we’re happy that we’ve got the right to go to sites and make sure that...
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Construction industry ‘very positive’ about ability to resume work under new plan

Metricon NSW General Manager Patrick Eather says the construction industry is “very positive” about their ability to safely resume work under a plan which they have presented to the state government. “We’re very positive, we put forward our plan through our industry associations yesterday afternoon and people have worked through the evening and overnight to qualify those plans,” he said. “So we’re back in talks with the government again today. “The plan’s a strong plan, it’s a proven plan. It’s something that shadows a little of what happened to Victoria. “I think Victoria classify themselves as 180 days under lockdown, so the building industry worked with a plan during that whole period.” Mr Eather told Sky News the plan was designed to achieve the health department’s “objective about reducing mobility”. “We can 50 per cent mobility reduction in the plan that we have,” he said. “I think the disappointing thing for us was that we’ve certainly got the capacity to be able to put a plan l...
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Brisbane the preferred location for 2032 Olympics

While Brisbane has already been selected as the preferred location for the 2032 Olympic Games and is the only name on the IOC ballot, Brisbane’s Lord Mayor says the bid team is not taking anything for granted. Today Queenslanders will learn if the city will officially host the Games, with the IOC set to cast their vote on the bid this evening. If successful, the city’s skyline will be lit up with fireworks tonight in celebration. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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African Penguins Treated to Icy Delights at New Orleans Aquarium

Aviculturists at an aquarium in New Orleans, Louisiana, provided enrichment to African penguins in the form of ice treats on July 19. This footage shared by Audubon Nature Institute shows the day-in-the-life of an aviculturist. “Sometimes enrichment can be as simple as providing opportunities for natural behaviors like building a nest,” the institute wrote in a tweet. Enrichment allows animals to demonstrate behavior specific to their species, an opportunity to engage with their environment, and enhances well-being, according to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Credit: Audubon Nature Institute via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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England celebrates Freedom Day

England is celebrating Freedom Day and nearly all COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted but some changes have been made. People will need to have vaccine passports to access nightclubs and other crowded venues from September with proof of a negative test not being enough. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has warned the pandemic is not over as deaths and hospitalisations for the virus are rising. Scientists warn there will be at least 1,000 deaths and more hospitalisations associated with the repealed restrictions. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au
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