Coronavirus Australia latest: at a glance

Coronavirus Australia latest: at a glance

A summary of the major developments in the coronavirus outbreak across Australia

Good evening, here are the latest developments on the coronavirus pandemic in Australia. This is Ben Doherty and it is Monday 25 May.

Just four new cases nationally

Nationwide, there have been 7,109 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Australia. Of those patients, 6,506 have recovered. There have been 102 deaths, and just four new cases in the past 24 hours.

NSW continues to have the largest number of cases, 3,087, followed by Victoria (1603) and Queensland (1059). But in the last 24 hours, no jurisdiction has reported more than two new cases, and several states, including South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern and Australian Capital territories, are Covid-19 free.

Nationally, people aged between 20 and 29 are most likely to catch the disease. Of confirmed cases in that age group, 809 are women and 669 are men.

An enormous collective exhalation of breath …

… That was the sound of Australian parents as children returned to full-time schooling across the country. Not all students are back, but a great many are: in NSW and Queensland, students of all ages returned to the classroom full-time. Tasmanian kindergarten to year 6 students, along with year 11 and 12, re-started at school, as well as students in years 3, 4 and 10 in the ACT.

State borders … a different type of sigh

The issue of Australia’s internal borders between states remains hugely contentious and a point of fractiousness within a federation that has, on the whole, navigated the initial crisis of Covid-19 with commendable collegiality.

The deputy chief medical officer, Prof Paul Kelly, said last week there was no medical reason to keep the borders closed.

The federal health minister, Greg Hunt, agreed:

These are matters that are discussed through the national cabinet process and the medical expert panel.
There have a been no commonwealth recommendations in favour. There have been no national cabinet recommendations in favour.
And there has been no medical expert panels in favour of state border closures and indeed the national cabinet’s three-step plan for recovery also included the progressive restriction, the progressive movement and lifting of state border restrictions.

Extra $20m for mental health

Hunt also announced an additional $20m for mental health funding.

Dr Ruth Vine, the new deputy chief medical officer for mental health, says there has been no “discernible increase in suicides” as part of the pandemic in Australia, but that it is something authorities are keeping a close eye on.

NSW workers encouraged to keep working from home

NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian has encouraged people in NSW to keep working from home if possible, not only for their safety at work, but to ensure the state’s public transport network is not overwhelmed.

WA to allow travel within state

Western Australia premier Mark McGowan says he is pulling down the internal borders for WA – phase three is coming by the end of the week/the weekend – which means that travel within WA will be allowed.

But the border with the east will remain.

We know Western Australia is the best and most beautiful place on Earth. For now, we have it all to ourselves so let’s make the most of it. So go out and wander around our great state.
Local businesses and tourism operators have been through hell. They need our support more than anytime before.

South Australia to fast-track easing restrictions

South Australia is bringing forward its easing of stage two restrictions.

From Monday, up to 80 patrons will be allowed at South Australian restaurants, cafes and pubs at any one time, provided they are split into groups no larger than 20 across “discrete rooms or areas” of the venue.

Cinemas, theatres, galleries, museums, beauty salons, and gyms will also be allowed to open from Monday.

SA premier Steven Marshall also announced up to 50 guests will be allowed to attend funerals from Monday.

Indian girl rides 1,200km with disabled father on back of bike

For a sense of how desperate the situation remains in many countries around the world, read this story. A 15-year-old girl rode 1,200km over 10 days to her home village with her disabled father on the back of her bike because they would otherwise have starved under the country’s lockdown.

What you need to know: get the most important information from some of our key explainers

• Coronavirus Australia stats: Covid-19 active and new cases, numbers, map and data update
• Australia’s coronavirus lockdown rules explained: can I still visit my partner and other questions
• Coronavirus Australia maps and cases: live numbers and statistics
• Australia’s strict new coronavirus social distancing rules explained: state by state guidelines
• Free childcare: what do the Australian government’s coronavirus changes mean for my family?
• Am I eligible for the jobkeeper payment? Here’s everything you need to know to register
• Groceries, telehealth and pharmaceuticals: how older Australians can get help at home
• Have I already had coronavirus? How would I know and what should I do?
• Dangerous cures and viral hoaxes: common coronavirus myths busted
• What happens to people’s lungs when they get coronavirus?
• Coronavirus vaccine: when will it be ready?
• How long does coronavirus live on different surfaces?
• Who is most at risk of contracting coronavirus?
• How ventilators work and why they are so important in saving people with coronavirus
• Coronavirus key questions: everything you need to know

Still want more? Read the latest news from across the Guardian’s global network.

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