Plans made as infection rate slows
Australia’s coronavirus coordinator says he is preparing for infection rates in the community to peak in coming months.
Once the peak passes, Neville Power’s commission will turn its attentions to rebuilding the decimated national economy. ‘‘But when exactly that is, I think it is very difficult to tell,’’ he told Nine yesterday.
In the meantime, more hospital beds and staff will be available to care for Australians infected by Covid-19 after the federal government struck a deal with private hospitals. The A$1.3 billion deal with 657 hospitals will provide an extra 34,000 beds and more than 100,000 staff.
At the same time, Australian manufacturers have intensified their efforts to shore up medical supplies, including surgical masks and hand sanitiser.
The federal government’s A$130 billion JobKeeper package has attracted almost 300,000 business subsidy registrations in the first two days. The package will provide businesses with a A$1500 fortnightly wage subsidy to be distributed to each employee.
More than 4500 cases of coronavirus have so far been detected across Australia, and 20 people have died.
The daily infection rate has slowed to 9 per cent over the past three days, down from a high of 25 to 30 per cent.
Hundreds of emergency flights will send fresh produce to key export markets in a bid to help Australian farmers and fishers under economic pressure. The federal government will spend A$110 million on flights to China, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. Where possible, the planes will return loaded with medical supplies and pharmaceuticals.
Meanwhile, an influx of caravans and motorhomes into regional Australia has sparked grave concerns in country communities. Mayors are pleading with grey nomads and other holidaymakers to stay home and relieve pressure on towns under pressure during the pandemic.
Despairing mayors are reporting supermarket shelves being stripped by city dwellers looking to escape urban centres as the virus spreads. – AAP