Category: National News
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CHURCHES REMAIN CLOSED BUT EASTER SERVICES TO BE CONSIDERED AS WORKPLACES
Places of worship taking part in religious services over the Easter break will be considered “workplaces” under social distancing restrictions. That means additional people involved in Easter rituals in certain Orthodox religions will be allowed to take part – so long as they abide by the four-metre distancing rule. This does not mean people are…
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CORONAVIRUS DEATH TOLL RISES
A 74-year-old Albury woman has died from COVID-19 in the state’s south, bringing the national death toll to 26. 11 people have now died from the disease in New South Wales. NSW health confirmed the woman acquired COVID-19 overseas. There were 91 new cases overnight, with 2389 infections across the state. Forty-two people are currently…
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RSL ENCOURAGES COMMUNITY TO COMMEMORATE ANZAC DAY AT HOME
As ANZAC Day approaches, community support is growing for the RSL campaign #StandTo. The nation-wide campaign encourages people to stand in their driveways facing east at 6am, in commemoration. The RSL has confirmed no formal organised services, commemorations, breakfasts, lunches or other activities will go ahead on April 25 across New South Wales, due to…
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AUSTRALIA’S COVID-19 GROWTH RATE DROPS TO 9% IN A WEEK
The growth rate of new COVID-19 cases in Australia has dropped from 25 to 30 per cent to around 9 per cent, in just over a week. There are now 4359 confirmed cases nationwide, with the death toll rising to 19 today. 50 seriously ill people are in intensive care, with 20 on ventilators, with…
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$1.1 BILLION MEDICARE, MENTAL HEALTH, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PACKAGE
The Federal Government has announced a $1.1 billion package for mental health, domestic violence, Medicare and emergency food services. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the new support measures would be rolled out immediately to deal with broader effects of the health and economic crisis. The bulk of the money will go to the expansion of…
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ALL OVERSEAS ARRIVALS TO BE QUARANTINED IN HOTELS
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced stronger enforcement measures for Australians returning to the country who don’t observe self-isolation laws. By midnight tomorrow, all states and territories will be quarantining all arrivals in hotels and other accommodation for 14 days. After this period, they will be able to return to their homes. Members of the…
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LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS POSTPONED
New South Wales council elections have been postponed by one year due to the pandemic. Ratepayers were set cast their vote in September, but that’s been pushed back, amid fears mass polling could cause or contribute to an outbreak. Queensland local government elections will still go ahead this weekend, despite crowd concerns.
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GOVERNMENT HOTLINE SET UP FOR COVID-19 SUPPORT
The New South Wales government has set up a new number: 12 77 88 – for non-health related support on COVID-19. The hotline will give information regarding the latest updates on restrictions, financial support for people and businesses, and rules around social distancing. The number is operated 24/7 by Service New South Wales. Around 1,000…
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HAIRDRESSER BACKFLIP, FUNERAL RULES EASED
The 30-minute time limit on hairdressing appointments has been lifted. Hairdressers were initially told appointments could be no longer than half an hour, under the stage two lockdown measures. The backflip on haircuts comes into effect immediately, but stylists are asked to minimise personal contact and enforce indoor distancing rules. Hair We Are owner Heidi…
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RECORD JUMP IN COVID-19 CASES IN NSW
New South Wales has recorded a record spike in coronavirus cases overnight. More than 200 new cases have been confirmed, bringing the state total to 1029 this morning. Of these 1029 cases, 500 arrived from overseas. A baby boy and young girl are among them. “We are reporting our first cases in children under 10…