Sydney’s lockdown is set to be extended after an alarming increase in daily recorded cases, with some health experts tipping it could go on for another four weeks.
The NSW and federal governments will announce support payments to businesses struggling to survive in lockdown. The situation is deteriorating rapidly, with more than 60 patients in hospital, and growing numbers in ICU, many of whom are young people.
South West Sydney is being targeted by the NSW government and police, as the area records the most new cases, but many locals say the focus is unfair and discriminatory.
Victoria is also on high alert after three positive cases were identified in a family returning from NSW. Separately, two removalists from Sydney have also tested positive, sending an apartment block in Melbourne’s north-west into immediate quarantine. Meanwhile Queenslanders and Territorians in NSW are being advised to go home as soon as possible.
In a major change to the vaccine rollout in NSW, Astra Zeneca will now be offered to anyone aged over 40, and the Government has released a dramatic new ad depicting a young woman with Covid, on a ventilator struggling to breathe, in an effort to encourage people to get vaccinated.
Meanwhile, Former PM Kevin Rudd says he contacted the Pfizer boss in America, to ramp up arrival of vaccine supplies, and while the Government disagrees, there is growing frustration with their problematic vaccine procurement strategy.
Joining Virginia on the panel:
Marylouise McLaws
Epidemiologist
Marylouise is an epidemiologist with expertise in hospital infection and infectious diseases control.
Steve Price
Radio broadcaster
With over three decades of industry experience and some highly opinionated commentary, current affairs commentator and talk show presenter Steve Price has become an Australian household name.
Mukesh Haikerwal
GP and former President of the AMA
Dr Mukesh Haikerwal is a Melbourne-based doctor who has been on the front line of the COVID-19 response in Victoria.
Meshel Laurie
Podcaster and author
Meshel Laurie is a television, radio, and podcasting broadcaster, and the author of five books.
Alison Pennington
Economist, The Centre for Future Work
Alison Pennington is Senior Economist at the Centre for Future Work, associated with The Australia Institute.
