What is an ‘essential worker’?
The Prime Minister has announced free childcare for a million families, with the kids of essential workers a priortity. So do you qualify?
Australia
Anti-vaxxer’s sick virus claim
An anti-vaxxer has released a video downplaying the risk of coronavirus and encouraging Australians to ignore social distancing.
Premier warns of later September peak
One Australian state is still months away from hitting its coronavirus peak, with authorities warning the worst could come as late as September.
Sam Armytage’s relatable isolation problem
Sunrise host Sam Armytage has got candid about an issue many Aussies are facing in self-quarantine — and it’s very relatable.
How long will social distancing last?
Social distancing is here. Social distancing will save us. So what will it take to kiss this social distancing nightmare goodbye?
‘Bitterly disappointing’: Cruise boss’ fury
The boss of one of Australia’s most popular cruise liners has hit out at NSW police, after they made an “unprecedented” decision against one of his ships.
Concerns of mass pet surrender post-virus
Hundreds of animals have been adopted from shelters across NSW in the last two weeks – but will they be long-term companions?
All the virus news from the past 24 hours
It has been another frantic day of coronavirus developments in Australia. Here’s everything you need to know about how it will affect you.
200 Ruby Princess crew ‘with symptoms’
More than 200 crew members of the beleaguered Ruby Prince cruise ship are reportedly sick and set to overwhelm NSW hospitals.
Lonely funeral for ‘gentle’ virus victim
The funeral of COVID-19 victim Garry Kirstenfeldt, 68, will be a lonely affair with his wife and family banned from attending.
‘I had a breakdown at Sydney Airport’
British tourist Anne Richardson’s dream Aussie holiday came to a sudden and scary end. She was desperate to go home, but couldn’t – and it brought her to breaking point.
‘Be careful what you wish for’: PM
Scott Morrison has pushed back against calls for a lockdown, telling those wanting stronger measures to “be careful what you wish for”.
Truth behind Adelaide ice rink morgue
As Australia’s COVID-19 pandemic worsens, a Facebook post has claimed that an Adelaide ice skating rink has been turned into a makeshift morgue.
ScoMo reveals puzzle sales are ‘soaring’
Scott Morrison went viral last week over his revelation puzzles were “essential” – now he’s got emotional explaining precisely why.
‘NO! Pan up!’ Project guest’s flustered moment
Executive producer of hit kid’s show Bluey suffered the WFH bungle of our worst nightmares on The Project Wednesday night – accidentally exposing his bare feet on national television.
The people who will get free childcare
About a million families will have access to free child care from Sunday night under the Federal Government’s relief package. This is who will benefit.
Warning over ‘bad’ vegie advice
Australian experts have slammed grocery advice from a US doctor to wash fruit and vegies with soap and say this is what you should do instead.
Aussie plan to fast-track vaccine
Australian scientists say they hold the key to helping develop a vaccine to fight the deadly coronavirus as it continues to sweep the world.
NSW restrictions to be in place for 90 days
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller says limits on public gatherings will be in place for 90 days, and hit out at people not obeying the rules.
Aussie virus deaths linked to three sources
The majority of Australia’s COVID-19 deaths can be linked back to just two sources – cruise ships and an aged care home – while another three were infected in hospital.
Power bill relief for struggling Aussies
Australians impacted by the ongoing coronavirus crisis will be thrown a lifeline thanks to an electricity and gas network relief package.
Woolworths slashes weekly specials
Supermarket giant Woolworths has confirmed it has been forced to reduce one of its shoppers’ favourite features as it grapples with shortages.
New jobs site for out of work Aussies
A new website has been launched to help struggling Australians impacted by the devastating coronavirus pandemic find a new job.
Victoria backflips on partner visit rule
Victoria has backflipped on a rule it set for couples that don’t live together, bringing it into line with other states.
Victoria backflips on partner visit rule
Victoria has backflipped on a rule it set for couples that don’t live together, bringing it into line with other states.
Photo shows brutal reality of essential job
A Townsville mum shared a photo of her teen daughter after finishing at shift at Woolies – showing the gruelling reality of the essential job.
‘Atrocious’ food being served in hotels
Cooped-up Australians have taken to social media to vent their frustration over the food on offer in quarantine — and safe to say it’s been mixed.
‘Pandemic practitioners’ to fight virus
A group of 40,000 retired doctors, nurses, health professionals and students has been recruited to join in the fight against COVID-19.
Surprise items now being sold at Bunnings
With most of us stuck at home for what could be the next six months the warehouse giant is selling new products that will definitely come in handy.
Super cheap petrol at 49.9c per litre
A petrol station in Sydney has got in early with petrol price drops, selling at just 49.9c a litre.
Volunteers wanted to form ‘Care Army’
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk wants volunteers to “adopt a senior” as the state ramps up efforts to protect its most vulnerable from the coronavirus.
Comedian pulls off epic April fools prank
Comedian and I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! star Nazeem Hussain may have just won April fools pranking in isolation.
Breastfeeding mum targeted by cops
Police are upping their crackdown on self-isolation rules, even telling a breastfeeding mum she was breaking the law in NSW.
All the virus news from the past 24 hours
It has been another frantic day of coronavirus developments in Australia. Here’s everything you need to know about how it will affect you.
China’s millions of masks amid shortage
A China-based global firm is aggressively marketing a stockpile of millions of face masks back to Australia as our health system suffers a national shortage.
‘Annex us’: Aussies’ hilarious plea
A map of “New New Zealand” is going viral as Australians dissatisfied with the government’s response to coronavirus beg our Kiwi cousins for help.
Virgin is donating its unneeded toilet paper
With 125 Virgin Australia planes grounded during the pandemic, the airline is making sure thousands of rolls of precious toilet paper on those planes don’t go to waste.
Wharfies refuse to unload Chinese ship
More than 60 Melbourne wharfies have been stood down after refusing to unload a container carrying medical supplies from China.
Airbnb’s $406mil holiday payout
As millions of Australians are told to forget about their easter holiday plans, Airbnb says they’ll now make cancelling a little easier.
Devastating choice for dying man’s family
The family of a Perth grandfather were forced to make an awful choice when he was hospitalised after contracting the deadly coronavirus.
Cruise standoff as ship refuses to leave
A German cruise ship that’s currently docked in Fremantle is refusing to move, despite being ordered to do so by the Australian Border Force.
Mistake that led to a virus case explosion
It was the “disastrous” decision that has now caused a total of 440 people to catch the deadly COVID-19 virus. Now, that toll could get much worse.
Will I be fined for visiting my partner?
With hefty fines being introduced for those who break social distancing rules, couples who don’t cohabit are in despair. Here’s how it works.
Jail for people sending supplies to China
Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton says people sending Australian supplies of face masks or hand sanitiser to China will be jailed for up to five years.
Truth about damaging exports claim
Claims that a Melbourne-based business and freight company are sending essential goods to China in a time of national crisis have gone viral – but there’s just one problem.
Aussie town ‘forgotten’ during outbreak
As jetsetters complain about self-isolation conditions in 5 star hotels, residents in remote communities are pleading for the most basic facilities.
Chilling look at Australia’s skies
As the COVID-19 crisis brings the world’s airlines to their knees, there’s no clearer picture of the crisis than what the skies above us looks like now.
Distancing trick every supermarket needs
An Adelaide supermarket has gone viral after introducing a nifty system to help shoppers keep their distance. Should the big chains do it too?
Our cities as you’ve never seen them
The premiers of Australia’s two most virus-hit states are “deeply, deeply” thankful that the city streets have fallen silent.
Cops spat on enforcing social distancing
Police around the country have seen a disturbing rise in incidents of members of the public spitting on officers enforcing social distancing rules.
Deadly cruise ship begs to stay in Sydney
Despite being the cause of a surge in coronavirus cases in NSW, the Ruby Princess has asked if they can return to Australia’s shore.
Perth man charged over coronavirus lie
A man has been charged in Perth after allegedly lying to police about having coronavirus while being arrested over serious family violence.
You can buy groceries at Macca’s drive-thru
Burger chain McDonald’s has stepped up to help those struggling to buy basics in the coronavirus crisis, offering groceries at the drive-thru.
When we’ll know restrictions are working
Stringent new restrictions have come into force to prevent the spread of coronavirus. It won’t be long before we know if they work.
Couple forced apart due to virus rules
An Aussie model waiting on a visa to be able follow her boyfriend to the US has found herself in a tricky situation after a series of setbacks.
Drink-driver should have been isolated
A drunk-driver who crashed into a shopfront in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs was supposed to be self-isolating after returning from overseas.
‘No one’s been fed’: Chef’s hotel fury
Celebrity chef Lyndey Milan says she’s been “deprived” of “basic human rights” after waiting until 9.30pm to receive dinner in quarantine at a five-star Sydney hotel.
When you’ll get your stimulus cash
The government is handing out a record pile of cash to soften the economic blow of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s all the details you need.
‘It’s critical’: Aussie flu jab warning
Australians have been issued a stark warning to get in for their flu jabs early with one GP saying this is not the year you want to catch it.
Police swoop on backpacker hostel party
Police were called to a noisy rooftop party at a Kings Cross backpacker hostel last night where revellers were clearly flouting social distancing rules.
Quarantine violator’s tears in court
A recently returned traveller who failed to self-isolate three times has sobbed in court after he was kept behind bars.
Why Australia’s virus death rate is so low
Australia’s Health Minister has revealed why our death rate is so low compared to other nations, with the country now at the “global forefront”.
Fears nine cruise ships to ‘flood system’
Nine cruise ships floating off the NSW coast could flood the state’s hospitals with coronavirus patients, NSW Police have warned.
How long will virus lockdowns last?
As the coronavirus lockdowns grow more draconian, new infections appear to be flattening off – but one expert says “don’t get too excited”.
‘Un-Australian’ side effect of virus
There are few character traits that Aussies despise more than dobbing. But as coronavirus spreads, should snitches be hailed as heroes?
Airline’s surprising move in crisis
While airlines crumble due to coronavirus, Qatar Airways has seized on a rare opportunity and has launched brand new flights to Australia.
Virus cops bust open secret brothel
Police on a raid under the new coronavirus restrictions busted a secretly operating brothel and two alleged prostitutes.
Hospital deal provides 34,000 more beds
More than 34,000 hospital beds will be integrated into the public health system to tackle the coronavirus crisis thanks to a deal with private hospitals.
‘Inhumane’: Mum lashes hotel quarantine
A Sydney woman who returned to Australia on Sunday with her two kids says they are “being treated like animals” in their hotel quarantine.
All the virus news from the past 24 hours
It has been another frantic day of coronavirus developments in Australia. Here’s everything you need to know about how it will affect you.
Qantas flight ‘turned around mid-air’
A Qantas flight from Sydney to Adelaide has been forced to “turned around mid-air” after news broke of a coronavirus cluster at Adelaide Airport.
The only 16 excuses for going out
People in NSW can cop fines or jail time if they go out under strict new measures announced last night, but there are 16 reasonable excuses according to the law.
Carrie’s ‘real’ isolation problem
As we all bunker down for what could be six months of social distancing, Carrie Bickmore’s facing a situation most women can relate to.
Lara’s ‘tone deaf’ message in new tweet
In another post shared on Twitter, Lara Worthington has created more outrage over her “entitled” comments about a small Sydney hotel.
Price hikes now on hold
Health funds were set to increase their prices tomorrow – but many have put those plans on hold as the coronavirus crisis rages on.
50,000 people warned of virus exposure
Queensland authorities have tracked down around 50,000 people who may have come into contact with coronavirus cases in the state.
Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/world/coronavirus/australia/page/154