Australia reports sustained fall in coronavirus cases

(Reuters): Australia reported more signs that the spread of the coronavirus has been stabilizing today (Saturday) and refueling foreign cruise ships before expelling them from local waters.

According to the health ministry, there were 230 new coronavirus cases in the 24-hour period in Australia. The death toll from COVID-19 rose to 30.

This suggested that the country’s daily new infection rate has continued to stay at about 5 percent, significantly below the 25-30 percent increases recorded around two weeks ago. However, Australia’s health officials stressed that it was still too early to claim victory.

Deputy Chief Health Officer Paul Kelly said, “What I really would caution against is thinking we have got through this completely, because we definitely have not,” adding “We really have to be hypervigilant now.”

Earlier, Australia imposed strict social distancing, including limiting public gatherings to just two people in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus. State borders, cafes, clubs, parks and gyms have been closed.

Several states have also given police the power to enforce the rules via hefty on-the-spot fines and potential jail terms.

Cruise ships are responsible for around 20 percent of Australia’s coronavirus cases. Seven deaths and more than 600 infections have been attributed to the Ruby Princess alone.