'We are all sitting ducks': Australians warned of new virus outbreaks as restrictions start to ease

Australians have been warned the COVID-19 pandemic is not over as states and territories begin lifting some restrictions.

A group of people sit at a park in Southbank in Brisbane, Sunday, 17 May, 2020.

A group of people sit at a park in Southbank in Brisbane, Sunday, 17 May, 2020. Source: AAP

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has warned as COVID-19 restrictions are eased it is likely there will be a number of new infections.

"But at least we have a path forward and now every state can move with confidence," she told Sky News on Sunday in reference to the three-stage plan to free-up the economy agreed by the national cabinet.

"Given we have the overall framework, we can all move at our own pace in how we open up our economies."
Australians across the nation have been enjoying some newfound freedoms over the weekend after weeks of isolation and rigid social distancing.

Venues that have been open in recent weeks have only been able to serve takeaway.

"Getting these venues back up and running is very important," Premier Daniel Andrews told reporters in Melbourne.

"But it has got to be done safely. It has got to be done in a safe and appropriate way, in a cautious way."
Victoria recorded another seven COVID-19 cases on Sunday, bringing the state's total so far to 1561.

Two cases are linked to existing outbreaks, three were found in hotel quarantine and the other two cases are being investigated.

'Dangerous times'

NSW recorded just one new case of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm on Saturday, Health Minister Brad Hazzard told reporters on Sunday, with more than 10,100 tests conducted.

But he again warned against community complacency as restrictions ease.

"It's fair to say that there has been, in a sense, a great NSW bust-out. People (are) rewarding themselves for many weeks of sacrifice, having themselves locked inside," Mr Hazzard said.
"But I also do want to remind people this virus is extremely dangerous and we are all - every one of us - sitting ducks for this virus. We don't know where this virus might break out."

He encouraged all NSW residents with respiratory symptoms to get tested.

"We're living in dangerous times. We can still have fun, but they're dangerous times until we sort this virus issue out," he said.
Cafe customers sit at tables distanced from each other in Southbank in Brisbane, Sunday, 17 May, 2020.
Cafe customers sit at tables distanced from each other in Southbank in Brisbane, Sunday, 17 May, 2020. Source: AAP

'A nurse should know better'

In Queensland, residents of the of coronavirus after a nurse tested positive on Thursday.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the health advice from the chief health officer had been abundantly clear.

"It is not acceptable for anyone who is sick, particularly with this pandemic we're dealing with, to go to work," she said.

"Honestly, a nurse should know better."
It comes as no new cases of coronavirus were recorded in Queensland on Sunday, with 12 remaining active across the state.

Police issued just 10 infringement notices in the 24 hours following the easing of restrictions on Saturday.

‘We need to get to a better place’

No fresh coronavirus cases were confirmed in Tasmania on Sunday, leaving the state's total number of infections so far at 226.

There are 31 Tasmanians currently dealing with the condition, as 195 people have recovered.

The most recent Tasmanian case of COVID-19, confirmed on Friday, was an elderly man who had been a passenger on the Ruby Princess.

"We are in a good place but we need to get to a better place," Premier Peter Gutwein said.
Under eased restrictions from Monday, restaurants and cafes will be allowed to have up to 10 people seated inside.

Other gatherings of up to 10 people are also permitted, including for real estate purposes, small religious gatherings and weddings.

Funerals can have up to 30 guests and 10 people can visit community facilities such as libraries.

The state's strict border controls remain, but Tasmanians wishing to return can quarantine at home instead of a hotel.

Easing restrictions in WA

Western Australians are being encouraged to return to offices and dine at restaurants and cafes when restrictions are lifted on Monday.

No new coronavirus cases have been recorded overnight but a third historical infection has been detected, taking the state's tally to 557.

The latest historical case involves a woman in her 30s who self-isolated after being in close contact with a confirmed case about seven weeks ago.

WA will unwind many of its coronavirus restrictions from Monday, allowing greater regional travel and up to 20 patrons at a time to dine at restaurants, cafes and bars.
Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan
Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan speaks to the media during a press conference in Perth, Friday, May 1, 2020. Source: AAP
"It's the time to support our small businesses, time for people to get back to work and time to do it in a COVID-safe manner," Premier Mark McGowan said on Sunday.

"When our offices go back, which I expect they will to a far greater degree tomorrow, there's a great opportunity to go out for lunch or dinner and support a local small business."

About 130,000 public servants have been directed to return to offices and the government is also urging private businesses to send staff back to work.

'Pandemic is not over'

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd on Saturday said people cannot afford to be complacent, saying the "pandemic is not over."

The number of cases in Australia has now passed 7,000, but the death toll from the pandemic remains at 98.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.

Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store.

SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at .


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6 min read
Published 17 May 2020 11:28am
Updated 17 May 2020 3:51pm


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