SYDNEY (AP) – Australia yesterday saw another jump in COVID-19 cases and hospitalisations and long queues at testing centres as it continued to battle the rapid spread of the virus in most states.
The country recorded over 64,000 cases, up from 47,000 a day earlier, and Prime Minister Scott Morrison met virtually with the national cabinet – the leaders of Australia’s states and territories – to discuss how to respond to almost daily records in new cases and rising pressure on hospitals.
Morrison faced increasing calls to make rapid antigen tests available free to relieve pressure on PCR testing centres, many of which have been forced to close after reaching capacity. People who have been tested often face long waits for results from overburdened laboratories.
More details on Thursday’s Borneo Bulletin
