Australia eases restrictions as coronavirus spread slows

Saeed KHAN / AFP

Australia is set to ease lockdown restrictions from next week, as number of coronavirus infections have dropped.

According to reports, infection rates in the country fell from more than 25 per cent in mid-March to less than 1 per cent currently.

"We are on the road back and I think we have already reached a turning point," Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters on Tuesday.

He added that hospitals will resume many elective surgeries and schools will be re-opened for more children.

Meanwhile, the government said details of a contact tracing app, that'll alert users if they come into contact with people diagnosed with COVID-19, will be released soon. 

So far, the country has more than 6,600 positive cases and 71 fatalities. 

More from International News

News

  • UAE President receives Lebanese counterpart

    President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, in his first official visit to the country since taking office.

  • UAE authorities conduct air ambulance mission in Oman

    Emirati authorities carried out an air ambulance mission for an injured person who "suffered a sudden health problem" in Oman, it was announced on Wednesday. 

  • UAE President holds talks with Ecuadorian leader

    UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the President of the Republic of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, met on Wednesday to discuss strengthening cooperation in economy, trade, renewable energy, sustainability, investment, tourism, and agriculture.