NSW Police have made the decision to stop conducting roadside breath and drug tests to protect officers from coronavirus while RSL NSW have announced ANZAC Day services won't be going ahead. It comes following confirmation from health authorities of 37 new cases across the state. LIVE COVERAGE.
A further 37 people have tested positive for coronavirus in NSW on Sunday and Monday, bringing the state total to 171.
Of the 171, 67 were infected overseas, 44 were transmitted locally, 43 are under investigation and the remaining 17 are impossible to determine.
"It is starting to look as if there will be a fairly substantial, an exponential increase in numbers over the next few weeks," Health Minister Brad Hazzard said.
NSW Health has urged passengers to check if they were seated in the rows of one of the four affected flights where there were confirmed cases:
Six people have also tested positive to coronavirus after a wedding at Stanwell Tops venue Tumbling Water Retreat on March 6 and anyone who visited Oakvale Winery in Pokolbin between March 4-13 is asked to monitor their symptoms.
Shortly after the new cases were confirmed, RSL NSW announced it will be cancelling ANZAC Day services and said it would be "irresponsible" to allow large gatherings.
NSW Police also made the decision on Monday afternoon to cancel stationary drink and drug testing to protect cops from coronavirus.
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NSW Health says its 29 COVID-19 assessment clinics are now up and running across the state.
These clinics will assist with testing and assessment of people with fever, cough or flu-like symptoms who are returned travellers or a contact of a confirmed case.
Find the closest clinic to you here
NSW Health says its 29 COVID-19 assessment clinics are now up and running across the state.
These clinics will assist with testing and assessment of people with fever, cough or flu-like symptoms who are returned travellers or a contact of a confirmed case.
Find the closest clinic to you here
The nursing home at the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak in Sydney’s north was quiet on Monday after a third resident died at the weekend – as sources say nurses were calling up sick in fear of contracting COVID-19.
A 95-year-old woman, 82-year-old man and 90-year-old resident died after contracting the virus earlier this month.
The ARIA-winning musician confirmed her positive result via Instagram on Monday and urged her followers to skip bars, restaurants and parties to avoid contracting the virus.
“I just wanna let everyone know that unfortunately yesterday morning I was informed my test for Covid-19 came back positive. I am currently being managed by the Brisbane Metro North Public Health Unit and they’re taking very good care of me,” Plum wrote.
By CLARE ARMSTRONG
Queensland LNP Senator Susan McDonald has become the second person in the Morrison Government to contract coronavirus.
Ms McDonald, who is based in Townsville, said she started feeling unwell with a sore throat and mild temperature on Friday.
"I went to the Townsville Base Hospital Emergency Department to be tested for coronavirus before returning home, where I have been in self-isolation since that time," she said.
“Unfortunately the test has today come back positive and I have now been admitted to hospital, where I will remain under the direction of Queensland Health."
It comes after Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton tested positive for the coronavirus last week. Parliament is due to sit in Canberra on Monday, however it is understood measures to limit the number of people who need to attend are being considered.
By JANET FIFE-YEOMANS
Police have cancelled stationary drink and drug testing to protect cops from the coronavirus.
Random breath and drug tests will still take place but the booze buses are off the road for the time being.
The dramatic decision has been made by Police Commissioner Mick Fuller in consultation with Emergency Services Minister David Elliott.
"The NSWPF executive is taking measures to keep our workforce healthy and ready to maintain the highest level of response to the community of NSW," a police spokesperson said this afternoon.
"The Police Commissioner, in consultation with the Minister for Emergency Services, has determined police officers may decide it is not reasonable to undertake stationary RBT and RDT in the current climate.
"Police officers will therefore use their discretion to determine the viability of conducting stationary RBT and RDT. "
Targeted random testing will still take place.
"Proactive Policing activities play a vital role in keeping the community safe including those on our roads," the spokesperson said.
" As such Police will continue to remain focused on traffic enforcement strategies, including targeted mobile RBT and RDT."
By DERRICK KRUSCHE
The Federal Court has announced a “significant reduction” in face-to-face hearings over the next four months due to the coronavirus outbreak.
New filings will be sorted according to urgency, judges will try to deal with matters in writing and teleconferencing will be used among a raft of measures designed to safeguard against the risk of transmission.
A Federal Court spokesman said on Monday the measures were to protect court staff, litigants and lawyers.
“This will result in a significant reduction in listed hearings over the next four months,” he said.
“Where possible, judges will attempt to deal with case management and interlocutory matters by writing and without the need for a hearing.
“Appeals due to be heard in May will be reviewed to identify those that can be postponed or dealt with in other ways, particularly if it involves judicial travel.”
The spokesman said people involved in appeals that do not go ahead will be contacted about alternative arrangements.
He said new filings would be sorted to identify the most urgent.
"Parties will be contacted to establish if matters can be managed without need for hearings or adjourned," he said.
Students have been told the university is suspending teaching from tomorrow so it can work out a remote teaching model.
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The plan could include allowing the Warriors to loan players from rival clubs to ensure eight matches are played a weekend.
The Daily Telegraph understands the makeshift NZ side would be made up of potential discards and veteran players along with current Warriors who wish to stay in Australia.
There have now been six confirmed cases from a wedding at the Stanwell Tops venue and close contacts are being investigated.