Australia ‘has beaten COVID-19 but there will be a second wave

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Australia ‘has beaten COVID-19 but there will be a second wave

© Provided by Daily Mail A pedestrian wearing a facemask is pictured walking in Melbourne on May 17. The chance of a second wave of COVID-19 this year is unlikely, according to one of the nation’s top health officials

The chance of a second wave of COVID-19 in Australia this year is unlikely, according to one of the country’s top health officials, as transmission rates fall to nearly zero.

New South Wales chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant told state politicians the ban on international travel and the state’s grasp of social distancing meant it was well placed to stem further outbreaks of the virus and prevent a second wave. 

There is just one coronavirus patient in intensive care across the state – and only five nationwide as of Tuesday. A total of 30 COVID-19 patients remain in hospital across the country.

In the private briefing, Dr Chant conceded NSW’s ability to prevent a second wave would rely on widespread adherence to social distancing rules.

© Provided by Daily Mail Pedestrians wear face masks at Sydney’s Circular Quay. Dr Kerry Chant said NSW’s ability to crush a second wave would rely heavily on widespread adherence to social distancing rules © Provided by Daily Mail People dine in at Crew cafe in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast on May 16 after social distancing rules were relaxed

It comes as the state looks to June 1 for the next stage of restriction easing – with beauty salons and nail bars set to re-open and regional travel permitted.

‘The policy for how to deal with a second wave is that we’ll evaluate it at the time,’  an MP close to the meeting told The Australian.

‘[Dr Chant’s] message was: It’s very possible to contain all this ­because we don’t have the inter­nationals coming in, and we have good social distancing and hygiene­ practices.’

There were only two new cases of COVID-19 in NSW recorded in the 24 hours to Monday.

There are 7,133 cases of the coronavirus nationally since the outbreak began, but just 478 of those are still active.  

© Provided by Daily Mail Dr Chant speaks to the media on Friday. The state’s top health official has said NSW is well-placed to stop any further outbreaks of the virus © Provided by Daily Mail Australia had the lowest new case numbers since March 6 on Sunday, as lockdown measures continue to reduce transmission of the deadly coronavirus

Six million people have downloaded the government’s coronavirus tracking app less than a month after its launch, helping authorities trace contacts of any diagnosed cases.   

It follows Premier Daniel Andrews announcing the new ‘COVID normal’ in Victoria ahead of the loosening of restrictions on June 1.

People in the state will kick off winter being able to enjoy meals with friends at home, attend weddings, swim at pools or even get tattoos, as long as there’s no more than 20 people.   

The number will also mark the number of people allowed at weddings, while up to 50 people will be able to attend funerals.

‘The rules that accompany that opening up will be with us for a long time,’ Mr Andrews told reporters.

‘This is a COVID normal, this is not a return to business a usual.’

Victoria’s reopening will see 20 people allowed to visit libraries and other community facilities, entertainment and cultural venues, as well as beauty and personal care services. 

The start of the coldest season will also include a lifeline for the tourism industry as overnight stays in hotels will be permitted.

Campgrounds will be open for those eager to pitch their tents, but not their communal facilities like kitchens or bathrooms.

© Provided by Daily Mail A May 23 graph showing the vast majority of Australia’s coronavirus patients have now recovered – compared to the rest of the world where more than half of those infected are still sick.

Opposition leader Michael O’Brien said it had taken a long while for Victoria to catch up with other states.

‘We’re still a long way behind the rest of the country, and the question is why,’ he said.

‘New South Wales has been handling things very differently than Victoria, moving to ease restrictions more quickly and that has given their small businesses more confidence.’

Pictures: Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak around the world

Source: MSN

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