Good evening, here are the latest developments on the coronavirus pandemic in Australia. This is Naaman Zhou and it is Friday 15 May.
Rockhampton aged-care worker tests positive
A nurse at the North Rockhampton nursing centre tested positive for Covid-19, and the entire aged-care home was locked down. The Queensland health minister, Steven Miles, said the nurse did work while sick and infectious.
By 5pm, 23 residents and eight staff had been tested and tested negative, but the centre has approximately 115 residents and 180 staff members in total.
SA reaches zero active cases
South Australia announced it has zero active Covid-19 cases for the first time since the pandemic began. The state has now gone eight consecutive days with no new infections. Western Australia also announced it has zero Covid-19 patients in hospital, after a patient in intensive care recovered from the virus. Seven people remain active cases in WA.
Second Victorian McDonald’s closed
A staff member at another Victorian McDonald’s was diagnosed with Covid-19. The Craigieburn Road West store was closed immediately, and the employee was a relative of an employee at the Fawkner McDonald’s, where there is another cluster of cases.
$48m for mental health and elective surgery resumes
The prime minister, Scott Morrison, announced the resumption of elective surgery, albeit at a pace set by the states, after today’s national cabinet meeting. The government will also put $48.1m towards a mental health response plan.
Tasmania announces $700m deficit
The Tasmanian government flagged a deficit of $716m in 2019-20, and peak unemployment of 12%. The premier, Peter Gutwein, said the state would embark on an “aggressive construction program” to stimulate its economy, and look at easing restrictions again after four weeks.
AFL confirms 11 June restart
The Australian Football League’s chief executive, Gillon McLachlan, announced the code will resume playing matches on Thursday 11 June. All players and staff will be tested before returning to their clubs.
NRL announces fixtures for ‘blockbuster’ restart
The National Rugby League announced the fixtures for the first two weeks of competition when it restarts on 28 May. The South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Sydney Roosters will play on 29 May in what the league described as “a blockbuster return”.
Email: sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter
App: download it and never miss the biggest stories
Social: follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter
Podcast: listen to our daily episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or search "Full Story" in your favourite app
Victorian CHO says Cedar Meats could have been handled better
Victoria’s chief health officer, Brett Sutton, admitted on radio there was room for improvement in the state’s handling of the outbreak at the Cedar Meats abattoir. “Maybe we shouldn’t have waited for a third linked case for these settings,” he said.
What you need to know: get the most important information from some of our key explainers
Australia’s coronavirus lockdown rules explained: can I still visit my partner and other questions
Coronavirus Australia maps and cases: live numbers and statistics
Australia’s strict new coronavirus social distancing rules explained: state by state guidelines
Free childcare: what do the Australian government’s coronavirus changes mean for my family?
Am I eligible for the jobkeeper payment? Here’s everything you need to know to register
Groceries, telehealth and pharmaceuticals: how older Australians can get help at home
Have I already had coronavirus? How would I know and what should I do?
Dangerous cures and viral hoaxes: common coronavirus myths busted
How ventilators work and why they are so important in saving people with coronavirus
Looking for more coverage? Read the latest news from across the Guardian’s global network.
