Coronavirus updates LIVE: Australian Open crisis deepens as worldwide COVID-19 death toll surpasses 2 million

Summary

  • NSW recorded six new local cases on Sunday, including a health worker, while Victoria and Queensland both recorded no new community transmission cases. Western Australia had one new case in hotel quarantine.
  • There are now more than 70 Australian Open players and dozens more staff in 14-day hotel quarantine after a third charter flight into Melbourne was linked to a positive COVID-19 case. Players have reacted angrily to the news that they are stuck in their hotel rooms. Tournament director Craig Tiley says the event will go on from February 8.
  • Health Minister Greg Hunt says Australia is proceeding with extreme caution in the process to gain approval for the Pfizer and BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Overseas, China has finished building a 1500-room hospital for COVID-19 patients to fight a surge in infections.
  • US President-elect Joe Biden plans an early blitz of executive action to reverse some of President Donald Trump’s most contentious policies and address the coronavirus pandemic.

Australian Open rocked by third COVID-affected plane, more players to isolate

The Australian Open has been dealt a fresh blow after news that a further 25 players have been forced into hard lockdown, taking the total number in hotel quarantine – and unable to train – to 72.

Biosecurity and airport staff in PPE and masks are seen around the chartered flight QR7176 after it arrived in Melbourne carrying Australian Open players.Credit:Getty Images

Most Viewed in National

Source: Read Full Article

Previous post Records reveal Trump allies behind rally that ignited Capitol riot
Next post Video captures suspects in Staten Island recording-studio shooting