Australia's most populous state eases COVID-19 curbs despite cases hitting 6-week high
13 October, 2020
Australia's most populous state said on Tuesday (Oct 13) it'll ease restrictions despite reporting the largest one-day jump in new COVID-19 cases in six weeks.
New South Wales (NSW) said that from Oct 16 venues offering outdoor dining will be permitted to have double the quantity of patrons outside. NSW previously required such venues to make sure 4 sq m for each and every patron.
"We know particularly inside our state during this pandemic a number of the hardest-hit industries have already been arts and recreation and hospitality," NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet told reporters in Sydney.
Australia's federal government hopes easing state restrictions can help revive the country's ailing economy.
The easing of restrictions comes despite NSW reporting 13 COVID-19 cases during the past 24 hours, the largest one-day rise in infections since Sep 2.
Australia has reported just over 27,000 infections and 899 deaths from the condition caused by the brand new coronavirus.
The majority of Australia's infections have been around in Victoria state, which is entering its third month of a stringent lockdown.
Victorian authorities have said the majority of the restrictions will be eased when the common number of daily COVID-19 infections over a two-week period falls below five. The average stood at 10 on Tuesday, threatening to prolong the lockdown.
Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
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