Since there has been an ease of some restrictions in Australia, Yve worries there will be a second wave of COVID-19. She also got to know she has to shift from online teaching to teaching in a classroom in three weeks time. If you want to know more about Yve, click here to read her bio.
Press the play button and listen how Yve feels about returning to teach at school.
Current situation Australia 15-05-2020
The numbers of COVID-19 cases are still not rising that much in Australia, when compared to some other countries. Over the last week there have been 75 more cases and 1 death related to the virus. Last week the three-step plan was introduced. If you want to know more about this, you can read the article from last week.
There is a lot of difference in the ease of restrictions per state or territory. Yve lives in Victoria, and last week there was no ease of restrictions. But as you have heard from her, this week things have changed. Last Wednesday on May 13, after about 2 months, there has been some relaxation of the restrictions. People can now do things like day hikes in nationals parks, golf, fish and organize small dinner parties with up to 5 people. Weddings and AA meetings can have up to 10 guests.
The ease of restrictions also raises some concerns, like Yve pointed out. There have been some concerns over busy shopping centers, after some shops could reopen after a month of being closed down. According to some people it was busier than during Christmas. Yve is not the only one who is worried for a second wave. You can read this article if you want to know more about how likely a second wave in Australia will be.
Infections at McDonalds
Two people who work at McDonalds in Victoria got COVID-19. They did not work at the same location, but they were relatives. The two McDonald restaurants decided to close their doors. After a big cleaning and installation of protective shields, the first McDonalds decided to open again with employees from other establishments. All of its ninety employees are being tested. There are now eight cases linked to the first McDonalds restaurant.
The number of cases that are linked to the outbreak at Cedar Meats has been growing to 90. The Chief Health Minister of Victoria said that the factory should have probably closed sooner.
International students
International students have a hard time since some of them lost their job, but they do not qualify for benefits or any other support. A restaurant decided to give free meals to these students, this led to long queues of people waiting on the streets. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has told foreign students who cannot support themselves should go home, which is easier said than done for some people. If you are curious about some of the stories of international students read this article.
The Victorian government made arrangements for international students to get a relief payment of up to 1.100 Australian dollars.
Indigenous communities
Corona laws prevent people from indigenous communities in Queensland from attending school, fishing for food and leaving to buy essential products. The indigenous communities will remain in lockdown, even though there is an ease of restrictions in the rest of Queensland. Read this for more information.
Ease of restrictions in New South Wales
New South Wales started with step one of the recovery plan on today Friday the 15th of May. This means up to ten people can gather outside and cafés, restaurants and pubs can have up to ten guests. In most eastern states, except for Victoria, restaurants and cafés will reopen their doors for max ten people.
Read this article if you want to know what is allowed in which state.
Extras
There is a trade dispute going on between Australia and China. If you are curious and want to know more, you can read this article.
An extra of 481.5 million Australian dollars will be provided by the Federal Government for a mental health plan. For more information read this.
Yve talks about the strategy of Victoria for students to return back to school. You can read this article for more information.
Want to listen to the latest news on COVID-19? You can try the coronacast podcast from ABC.
If you are curious about how corona has spread in Australia, you can take a look at these charts.
Readers of ABC said that because of the lockdown their household duties have changed in their family and the division of chores has shifted. Read this to find out more.
Manel van Nieuwland 
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