Today: 10 March 2025
16 December 2021
1 min read

Australia eases curbs despite Omicron worries

In addition, non-essential retail venues such as restaurants and retail shops, would also open to the unvaccinated…reports Asian Lite News.

Despite rising Covid-19 cases, the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) remains on track to ease more restrictions starting from Wednesday onwards.

On Tuesday, daily new cases in NSW jumped to a 10-week high of 804, an increase from 536 on Monday, and almost four times since last week, reports Xinhua news agency.

There was one reported death in the last 24 hours, but unlike previous waves, hospitalisations remain steady.

And despite the upward trend, mask wearing in NSW will no longer be mandatory in indoor settings from Wednesday, and will only be required on public transport.

In addition, non-essential retail venues such as restaurants and retail shops, would also open to the unvaccinated.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said on Tuesday that the state would not “backflip” on its path to opening up, but urged citizens to get a booster shots, and warned of dangers to the unvaccinated.

“New South Wales is not planning on any snap lockdowns; what we are planning on is making sure the community understands the need to be vaccinated and the need to have boosters,” Hazzard said on Tuesday.

“You (unvaccinated people) might be out and about now, but you are very vulnerable to what is a rapidly increasing number of Covid cases.”

The fully vaccination rate for the state’s over-16 population stands at 93.2, with 94.8 per cent having received at least one dose.

Australia also remains on track to open its national borders from Wednesday to international students and skilled workers.

The nation was originally due to open to the two groups from December 1, however, this was delayed following the emergence of the new Omicron variant.

ALSO READ-Australia joins US in diplomatic boycott of Beijing Olympics

Previous Story

Covid pushes global debt to new highs

Next Story

Jordan faces unprecedented water poverty: PM

Latest from -Top News

South Africa to host Zelenskyy in April

South Africa has adopted a neutral position in the war and has attempted to act as a mediator between the sides, although with limited success Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit South

Hezbollah Draws the Line

Hezbollah top official emphasised Hezbollah’s continued role in political and military affairs, asserting that “resistance” will persist as long as Israeli threats remain Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem reiterated the group’s unwavering

Syrian Violence Claims More Lives

The death toll crosses 1000 as troops loyal to the old regime clash with the new government forces The Arab League (AL) has been following with great concern the security situation in
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Ukraine Urges Europe to Suspend Ammunition Exports

Canada has signalled that it is ready to help Czechia

Von der Leyen seeks support for NATO’s Ukraine crusade

Her problem is that a hitherto meteoric career may come