Current Australian cases

There are currently 6,612 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Australia, including 71 deaths.

Queensland records no new cases

For the first time in 81 days, Queensland has recorded no new cases of coronavirus.

“This is an absolutely tremendous effort,” Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

“Our total still sits at 1019 and if we keep this up over the coming weeks, I’m sure that is going to mean that we will be able to make some changes and ease some of those restrictions on the populations.”

Resuming elective surgeries to be discussed this week

The Australian Government will discuss this week whether certain elective surgeries, such as IVF, should resume. IVF and other important surgeries could resume earlier than previously expected as the Federal Government has secured more Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers.

“In particular I know that the Prime Minister and myself have been very focused on IVF as an important and indispensable treatment,” Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said yesterday.

“That is an important part of our capacity and an important part of the road out for Australians.”

Human trials begin on COVID-19 vaccine in the UK

Human trials of a vaccine that could protect against COVID-19 are to begin in the UK following the US and China.

Director of the NHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility at University Hospital Southampton, Professor Saul Faust said, “There are not currently any licensed vaccines or specific treatments for COVID-19 but vaccines are the most effective way of controlling outbreaks and the international community has stepped up efforts towards developing one.”

Federal Government creating a tracing app

The Prime Minister has stated better contact tracing is one of three main benchmarks Australia needs to meet before strict restrictions can be lifted. The Government is relying on Australians to voluntarily download a mobile phone tracking software to help with coronavirus case tracking. The app uses Bluetooth to track people who have spent 15 minutes or more in close proximity to a person with coronavirus. 

“The app we are working on to help our health workers trace people who have been in contact with coronavirus will not be mandatory,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

Global concert raises $127 million for WHO

Dozens of artists took part in an eight-hour show called One World: Together at Home over the weekend, which raised $127 million for the World Health Organisation (WHO). Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon, the show included artists such as Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, the Rolling Stones, Keith Urban, Billie Eilish, Mick Jagger and Elton John who all performed songs from their own homes which were beamed around the world.

The post CORONAVIRUS UPDATE- APRIL 20 appeared first on House Call Doctor.