Human Interest

Australia’s COVID-19 death toll rises to 88 after four more fatalities at a western Sydney aged care facility, bringing the total number of fatalities at the centre to 11.

Four more residents have died at an aged care facility in western Sydney, bringing the total number of fatalities at the centre to 11.

  • The number of new infections in NSW has been decreasing steadily
  • There were just five new cases yesterday, taking the state’s total to 3,009
  • Australia’s COVID-19 death toll rose to 84 last night

In a statement, Anglicare Sydney said it was “deeply saddened” about the deaths, which occurred at Newmarch House in Caddens.
Earlier today, NSW Health confirmed another resident, an 89-year-old woman, died at the facility last night.
The aged care facility has experienced an outbreak of coronavirus after an employee worked six shifts with mild symptoms of the virus.
There have been 88 coronavirus deaths in Australia with 41 of those in NSW alone.
Following the confirmation of the 89-year-old aged care resident’s death earlier today, Newmarch House’s operator Anglicare Sydney extended their sympathies to the families of the deceased.
“This is a very sad time for the family but also for the residents and staff who knew this resident well,” it said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with this particular Newmarch family today as they come to terms with their loss.”
Coronavirus update: Follow the latest news in our daily wrap.
Earlier today, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed the state’s coronavirus restrictions will be slightly relaxed this week to allow people to see their friends.
From Friday, groups of two adults and their children if they have any will be able to visit other households for social gatherings.
The Premier said there was an “inherent risk” to easing restrictions but she was “absolutely confident that people will be responsible”.
“Don’t take risks we don’t want to see the numbers suddenly spike up because people are being irresponsible,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“If you have the mildest sniffle, do not go and visit anybody [or] if you’re feeling slightly unwell or fatigued, don’t risk it.”
The Premier warned the relaxation of the rules wasn’t a “license to go wild and have massive parties”.
Find out more
The number of new infections in Australia’s worst-affected coronavirus state has been decreasing steadily.
In the 24 hours to 8:00pm yesterday, there were just five new cases recorded, despite more than 4,000 people being tested.
Since the outbreak began, 3,009 people in NSW have been infected.
Coronavirus questions answered
Breaking down the latest news and research to understand how the world is living through an epidemic, this is the ABC’s Coronacast podcast.
Read more
Bondi Beach reopened to locals six weeks after closing due to overcrowding.(ABC News: Jesse Dorsett)
The latest figures and changes to restrictions comes as Bondi, Bronte and Tamarama beaches reopened for exercise.
Bondi Beach was closed last month after thousands of people breached social-distancing restrictions.
It reopened this morning to people who live in the Waverly Council area, with physical distancing being enforced.
Dr Norman Swan compares Australia’s coronavirus response to Sweden’s.