News
Australia’s COVID crisis worsens
Australia’s battle with an outbreak of the COVID delta strain is getting more intense, as lockdowns extend in Melbourne and Sydney records its deadliest day
Australia’s biggest CBD’s are in lockdown. Sydney and the state of New South Wales has been rocked by a further eight deaths and a staggering 478 new cases of COVID today — with at least 91 of them circulating in the community for all or part of their infectious period.
As the largest state in Australia by population, all of New South Wales is now in lockdown – including rural and regional areas.
The state will continue a grim lockdown, which was hoped to end at the end of the month.
A man wearing a protective face mask waits on a Circular Quay train platform in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as the state of New South Wales experiences an outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Sydney, Australia, June 22, 2021. REUTERS/Loren Elliott
Melbourne lockdown extended with rules tightened
Melbourne’s lockdown has been extended for two weeks and residents of metropolitan areas will be subject to a new 9pm to 5am curfew.
The harsher restrictions come as Melbourne recorded 22 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the lockdown would now end on September 2, meaning the state would have by then faced one month in lockdown six.
The curfew will take effect at 11.59pm on tonight, Monday 16th August.
From 9pm to 5am, residents of metropolitan Melbourne will not be allowed to leave their homes unless they have a permit to conduct essential work, among other limited reasons.
Masks will also no longer be able to be removed to consume alcohol outdoors. The strict new move comes as people were seen ordering takeaway alcohol outside inner-city pubs in an attempt to dodge restrictions at the weekend.
Darwin and Katherine plunged into three-day snap lockdown from midday today
Parts of the Northern Territory have gone into a snap lockdown from 12 noon (ACST) today.Darwin, and the town of Katherine will be in a three-day lockdown, after a new case of COVID-19 was detected.
The positive case is from a man understood to be in his 30s and it is assumed the man has the Delta variant.
Australia’s Capital of Canberra remains in lockdown
The ACT’s lockdown has been extended to September 2, after the territory recorded 19 new cases on Monday.
Among the new cases included an aged care worker and a high school student.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said this was a “serious situation.”
“Lockdowns are a proven measure to suppress chains of transmission of the virus.”
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr
The lockdown was originally due to lift at 5pm this coming Thursday.
News
Hamas trusts Trump, risks hostages for peace deal
Hamas trusts Trump to broker hostage deal as gamble for peace despite past concerns over Israeli actions
Hamas trusts Trump to broker hostage deal as gamble for peace despite past concerns over Israeli actions
– Hamas called Trump a racist but believes he may help facilitate peace with Israel.
– Ongoing negotiations are uncertain, with Hamas optimistic despite lacking formal guarantees.
During indirect negotiations, Trump’s involvement reportedly reassured Hamas leaders, bolstering their confidence in a lasting ceasefire.
Future Uncertain
Negotiations continue over details such as the timetable for Israeli troop withdrawal.
The mediating role of Qatar and Turkey has been pivotal, alongside U.S. participation, in moving discussions forward.
Hamas has shifted its stance on hostage retention, viewing it as detrimental to global support for their cause. Nonetheless, they received no formal guarantees regarding the progression towards a more comprehensive agreement to end the conflict.
Despite awareness of the risks involved in their gamble, Hamas leaders seem optimistic about ongoing talks, with pressures from mediators fostering a sense of seriousness in negotiations from both sides.
Trump’s anticipated visit to the region is expected to reinforce these developments, even as complexities remain in finalising the terms of the deal.
News
Trump announces 100% tariff on China amid tensions
Trump announces 100% tariffs on China, imposing export controls after Beijing’s restrictions on rare-earth minerals escalate trade tensions
Trump announces 100% tariffs on China, imposing export controls after Beijing’s restrictions on rare-earth minerals escalate trade tensions
– Trump plans a 100% tariff on China from November 1, sparking stock declines and heightening tensions.
– U.S.-China relations are strained, with potential severe impacts on U.S. industries due to export restrictions.
The tariff announcement sparked a significant drop in U.S. stocks, marking the worst day for the S&P 500 since April.
While some administration officials advocate restarting trade talks from scratch, there is a looming opportunity for both countries to negotiate before the tariffs take effect. Trump left room for negotiations, suggesting the timeline could allow for de-escalation.
Export Controls
The conflict between the U.S. and China underscores the volatile relationship between the two major economies. Beijing’s decision to tighten export controls aims to leverage its position and weaken Trump’s negotiating stance.
The U.S. government is evaluating additional countermeasures and sanctions in response. Observers note that while both countries have expressed a desire for dialogue, securing an enduring agreement has proven challenging, with past resolutions quickly unraveling.
The potential implications of these export restrictions could be severe for various U.S. industries. Firms have warned about significant production halts if they cannot access critical rare-earth elements from China. Analysts suggest that the situation could compel both sides to reconsider their positions to prevent further economic fallout.
News
Israel and Hamas agree to landmark hostage deal
Israel and Hamas agree to release hostages in U.S.-brokered deal, marking a potential turning point in Gaza conflict.
Israel and Hamas agree to release hostages in U.S.-brokered deal, marking a potential turning point in Gaza conflict.
In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Israel and Hamas have agreed to release all remaining Israeli hostages under a U.S.-brokered framework. The deal pairs prisoner exchanges with an Israeli troop pullback and expanded aid access, marking a potential turning point in the two-year Gaza conflict.
The agreement, set for approval by Israel’s cabinet, could pave the way for lasting peace if both sides uphold the terms. It follows weeks of negotiations led by U.S. envoys and regional mediators in Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye.
As international agencies prepare to facilitate aid and logistics, the world watches to see whether this fragile deal can hold and bring relief to millions affected by the war.
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker
-
Tech2 days ago
Hollywood agencies criticise OpenAI’s Sora for exploitation
-
Tech5 hours ago
SpaceX to launch final Block 2 Starship soon
-
Money3 days ago
North Korean hackers steal $2 billion in crypto
-
Money2 days ago
Gold and silver prices drop after Gaza ceasefire
-
Leaders3 days ago
Simple messaging solutions for small business owners
-
Money1 day ago
Gold plunges as investors react to Middle East ceasefire
-
News4 days ago
New Ticker TV show The Connector launches to bridge Australia-UK
-
Ticker Views9 hours ago
How do Triple Zero calls actually work? A telecommunications expert explains
