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Waking up to freedom – Melbourne brings Delta variant under control

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Residents in Melbourne and the state of Victoria are waking up to a little bit more freedom this morning after Premier Daniel Andrews announced a relaxing of Covid restrictions

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne has now exited from its 5th lockdown.

Hospitality and retail venues will reopen, students can return to school and office buildings can have up to 25 percent of workers.

Masks will still be required both indoors and outdoors and crowds will not be allowed back at big events like this weekend’s football.

However, it’s a different story for Sydney and the state of New South Wales after the government announced a four-week extension to lockdown restrictions last night.

The state recorded 172 new cases of Covid-19 yesterday, the biggest daily increase since the current outbreak began, 61 of these individuals were in the community whilst infectious.

Meanwhile, Melbourne and Victoria is the first location in the world to bring the Delta variant under control following an outbreak.

What changes for Victoria?

This news will be a welcome relief for businesses who have been severely impacted by this fifth lockdown.

“To every Victorian who checked in with our QR system, who got tested and quarantined, and stayed home to slow the spread of this virus, thank you – it’s because of you we’ve able to get on top of this Delta outbreak and open up our state”

PREMIER DANIEL ANDREWS

The conservative easing of regulations will see hospitality and retail reopen, with strict density limits, but masks will still be required both indoors and outdoors and visitors at home will remain banned. 

Public gatherings will be allowed with up to 10 people, with infants under 12 months not included in the cap.

“Today is welcome news but with thousands of Victorians in quarantine, we need to remain vigilant to keep each other safe – so please check in everywhere, every time, wear a mask and get vaccinated as soon as you’re eligible.

MINISTER FOR HEALTH MARTIN FOLEY

However, due to the significant transmission risk we have seen throughout the pandemic, gatherings in the home are still not permitted. People will only be able to book accommodation with their household, intimate partner or single bubble person.

Live music venues, dance classes and physical recreation facilities, including gyms, will all open with density requirements of 1 person per 4sqm.

“We understand that that will be challenging for people who have not seen family and friends for a couple of weeks now … but we know that this is where transmission occurs.”

Mr Andrews also said there will be no crowds at large gatherings for a few weeks.

“No crowds at large events theatres or those sorts of gatherings for at least two weeks.”

A maximum of 50 people will be permitted at weddings. Funerals will also have a cap of 50 mourners, plus those conducting the funeral.

Health officials say they take “some comfort” in knowing that all cases over the past 48 hours have been in isolation whilst infectious. 

William is an Executive News Producer at TICKER NEWS, responsible for the production and direction of news bulletins. William is also the presenter of the hourly Weather + Climate segment. With qualifications in Journalism and Law (LLB), William previously worked at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) before moving to TICKER NEWS. He was also an intern at the Seven Network's 'Sunrise'. A creative-minded individual, William has a passion for broadcast journalism and reporting on global politics and international affairs.

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Breakthrough app detects sleep issues in the blink of an eye

OptAlert launches free iPhone test for detecting sleep issues, utilising AI to screen for obstructive sleep apnea with high accuracy.

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Optalert launches free iPhone test for detecting sleep issues, utilising AI to screen for obstructive sleep apnea with high accuracy.

In Short

Australian company Optalert has launched a free iPhone app, Owl Eye, that detects sleep issues by analysing users’ blink patterns and screening for obstructive sleep apnea with 96.6% accuracy. The app is currently available in Australia and New Zealand, with plans for wider release.

Australian company Optalert has introduced a free iPhone test for detecting sleep issues.

The app differs from traditional sleep trackers by assessing users while awake, requiring only ten minutes to complete.

It focuses primarily on screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and is backed by data from leading Australian sleep laboratories.

An AI-based algorithm, developed from this data, classifies individuals with a remarkable 96.6% accuracy regarding OSA.

Optalert is currently pursuing regulatory certification to operate as a medical device across various regions, including the US, Europe, and China.

The app functions by analysing users’ blink patterns during a concentration task facilitated by the iPhone’s camera, disregarding video content to ensure privacy.

This technology helps identify impairment due to insufficient oxygen during sleep.

Those receiving a positive result can seek further diagnosis and treatment for their sleep issues.

The app, named Owl Eye, is currently available on the Apple App Store in Australia and New Zealand, with plans to expand its reach shortly.

Paul Zubrinich, Chief Marketing Officer of Optalert provides his involvement with the app and shares insights on the technology behind Owl Eye.

In the broader context of sleep technology, the trend indicates increasing accessibility to personal health data previously confined to clinical settings, promising advancements in sleep health.

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Musk asserts DOGE reflects voters’ choices in rare Oval Office appearance

Elon Musk defends DOGE cuts with Trump, claims Americans will receive what they voted for in Oval Office appearance.

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Elon Musk defends DOGE cuts with Trump, claims Americans will receive what they voted for in Oval Office appearance.

In Short

Elon Musk supported the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) during a meeting with President Trump, who signed an order to cut the federal workforce. Musk addressed concerns about DOGE’s transparency and potential conflicts of interest, asserting the agency acts transparently, despite calls for more information.

Elon Musk appeared with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on February 11, 2025, to support the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Musk defended DOGE’s proposed cuts, claiming they were reasonable and aimed at improving government efficiency.

Trump signed an executive order to enforce significant reductions in the federal workforce, allowing DOGE to oversee the hiring processes for agencies.

The order mandates a hiring ratio of one new employee for every four who depart, with exemptions for positions related to public safety and law enforcement.

Musk emphasized that Americans would receive what they voted for regarding DOGE’s changes, questioning the implications of bureaucratic control over democracy.

Trump expressed frustration with federal judges attempting to block DOGE’s initiatives.

Musk had previously suggested that a judge should be impeached after a ruling limited DOGE’s access to Treasury files.

Musk faced inquiries about DOGE’s transparency and potential conflicts of interest with his companies receiving federal contracts.

He asserted that DOGE operates transparently and shares updates on its official X account and government site.

However, as of the latest check, DOGE.gov had not provided new information.

A DOGE spokesperson stated that the agency is under the Presidential Records Act, potentially keeping their activities confidential for years.

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Trump, Putin discuss Ukraine war peace talks

Trump and Putin agree to talks aimed at ending Ukraine war, signalling potential improvement in US-Russia relations.

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Trump and Putin agree to talks aimed at ending Ukraine war, signalling potential improvement in US-Russia relations.

In Short

Trump and Putin agreed to start talks to end the Ukraine war, following a phone call that raised hopes for improved relations. Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Hegseth indicated a shift in U.S. policy on Ukraine’s territorial claims and its NATO membership.

The two leaders communicated by phone on Wednesday. Trump expressed optimism about the potential results of this engagement, describing it as a necessary step towards peace.

This phone call followed a recent prisoner exchange, which Trump suggested might signal improving U.S.-Russia relations.

In his remarks on Truth Social, Trump highlighted the urgent need to address the ongoing deaths resulting from the conflict. He noted Putin’s reference to his campaign motto, “COMMON SENSE.”

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s statements indicated a shift in U.S. policy, dismissing Ukraine’s restoration to pre-2014 borders as unrealistic and stating that Ukraine’s NATO membership is not a viable goal.

Hegseth, during his first European visit as Pentagon chief, emphasised that security guarantees for Ukraine would require contributions from both European and non-European troops, requiring a collaborative international effort.

While Ukraine expresses a desire to reclaim its territory, Hegseth acknowledged the difficulty it might face in obtaining areas currently occupied by Russia.

He did not clarify the level of military support the U.S. would provide moving forward, nor did he suggest an imminent increase in arms supplies.

Trump’s envoy, Keith Kellogg, stated that they have a significant chance to end the war, with strong support from allies anticipated at the upcoming Munich Security Conference.

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