Scomo announces normal movement without any border restrictions won’t likely return by this Christmas. Covid restrictions will stay until then.
Looks like we won’t be dashing through the snow to see our relatives across the border as Scott Morrison declared his “hope” that COVID restrictions would ease by Christmas, but warned Australians in a Seven News report that it was unlikely at this stage.
“I’ve been very careful not to get too far ahead on what might happen in December or March,” he said on Monday. By “March” Scomo means JobKeeper, which was extended to next year with reduced rates and eligibility.
The current NSW COVID restrictions still call for limited gatherings of up to 20 people inside, keeping in place 1.5 metres between each person. Or more, if it’s Christmas and you’re discussing politics with your relative over Turkey and bon bons.
The news comes as Victoria today records 331 new cases of coronavirus and 19 new deaths.
New South Wales is also on a “knife edge” as it battles to contain a new community transmission cluster, emerging recently at the Tangara School for Girls in Cherrybook.
As the nation adjusts to the ripple effects of the second wave, other states are being strong-armed to let the floodgates in. Billionaire businessman Clive Palmer is in a “tug of war” with WA Premier Mark McGowan, as McGowan enacted strict COVID border restrictions to contain the spread of the virus.
Now Clivey’s suing the WA government for $30 billion in damages to his iron ore project, because really, these COVID restrictions should not apply to him. Merry Christmas to you too, Clive.
Still, in the season of hope it’s important to remember the gift that keeps on giving. Special shout out to this burger joint in WA who named their burger after Clive.
A Christmas miracle, that burger. These COVID restrictions still bring out the best creative responses.
Check out Dan Andrews’ Instagram which shows just how quiet the streets of Melbourne are right now:
