CASE TRACK
New South Wales health officials are conducting genome sequencing after Sydney recorded a new community-transmitted case of COVID-19, with the ABC noting the man has likely been infected since Friday April 30, has not been overseas or worked in the quarantine system, and recorded a high viral load likely making him more infectious. Close contacts are in isolation and more cases are expected to be announced today.
NSW Health has listed at least 19 exposure sites across the city’s eastern suburbs, spanning Annandale, Balgowlah, Bondi Junction, Brookvale, Casula, Collaroy, Double Bay, Mascot, Moore Park, Paddington, Rose Bay, Rushcutters Bay, Silverwater and Sydney. Anyone who visited those venues, including those in other states, have been asked to immediately get tested and self-isolate.
THE ROAD TO NOWHERE
The Morrison government has torn up four agreements between Victoria and foreign countries, including two linked to the Andrews government’s Belt and Road Initiative deal with China. It’s the first use of federal veto laws covering states and territories, local governments, and public universities since the scheme was introduced last December.
While Victoria’s memorandum of understanding and framework agreement with China was non-binding, the ABC explains that federal ministers have privately complained the agreements allowed China’s government to split the Australian domestic consensus on the BRI and hand Beijing a public relations win.