NSW had its first locally-acquired case for three days together with a further three cases from returning travellers. The local case comes from the Campbelltown region and the source and contacts are being investigated.
Queensland reported no new cases, but two infected crew from a cargo ship in the Gulf of Carpentaria was expected to be added to Queensland ‘s tally once they arrive in north Queensland late ion Friday.
Seventy patients are in hospital, the vast majority of 58 in Victoria. Hospitalisations in that state have fallen from a peak of 675 in mid August.
Mr Andrews said because Victoria was “ahead of schedule” the easing of restrictions on businesses slated for October 26 “may be able to occur sooner.”
Under the current official road map a limited number of Melbourne-based industries covering around 100,000 workers in the construction and manufacturing industry will reopen on Monday.
Under that road map most Melbourne businesses reopenings are scheduled for October 26, provided the 14-day average is below five cases.
Mr Andrews also strongly suggested some higher risk businesses may also be able to expand their capacity earlier.
“I want to get the high-risk workplaces for the highest level of activity but still keep them as safe as possible.
“That is the balance that has to be struck. I think we will be able to get there.”
He has previously signalled food processing, cool rooms, supermarkets, logistics and real estate were being studied for possible faster easings of restrictions.
“Sunday will not be a day where we are throwing the doors open and everyone gets to go back to COVID-normal. We haven’t got to that point yet.
“But the good thing, the positive thing, out of these last few weeks since we announced the road map is we are ahead of schedule.”
Mr Andrews said he did not believe international flights would be returning ahead of the receipt of Justice Coates report on hotel quarantine on November 6.
But he said there was no reason there could not be interim findings ahead of that date.
Queensland opened its border on Friday to the ACT and lifted the 10-person gathering limit to 30 people in homes and outdoor spaces.
The Premier Ms Annastacia Palaszczuk announced stadiums would be allowed to have 75 per cent capacity, rather than the present 50 per cent limit.
This will enable a 30,000 crowd for the AFL grand final at the Gabba in Brisbane on October 24, the first time the match will be held outside of Melbourne.
The limit on large events will rise from a 500 cap to 1000 people, provided they obtain a COVID-Safe checklist approved by Queensland Health.
These easing of these restrictions will come into effect at 1am on October 1.
