Coronavirus Australia: AMA recommends pause on lifting restrictions

The head of the Australian Medical Association has called for a pause on the lifting of restrictions after Victoria's surge in cases.

The head of the Australian Medical Association has called for a pause on the lifting of restrictions designed to stop the spread of coronavirus after Victoria's recent surge in cases.

Victoria has recorded 74 new cases of coronavirus overnight as thousands of Melburnians get used to their first full day in strict quarantine lockdown across scores of public apartment blocks. Almost 30 cases were identified in the flats, just north of the CBD.

Residents of the blocks, who won't be able to leave home for at least five days, will get $1500 in hardship payments and rent relief for the next fortnight.

Australia has recorded a total 8253 cases of COVID-19, with 3230 in New South Wales, 2543 in Victoria, 1065 in Queensland, 443 in South Australia, 607 in Western Australia, 228 in Tasmania, 108 in the Australian Capital Territory and 29 in the Northern Territory.

Australia’s coronavirus death toll stands at 104.

Originally published as Coronavirus Australia: AMA recommends pause on lifting restrictions

Updates