Friday, May 15, 2026

Cruise links to historical WA virus cases

PressNewsAgency
-
0
Cruise links to historical WA virus cases

Three historical cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Western Australia, but only two remain active in the state, with the regions now case-free.

WA recorded no new cases overnight for the ninth consecutive day.

The Health Department said two of the historical cases were related to cruise ships and had recovered before returning to WA, while the other had travelled overseas and also had contact with a confirmed case.

She self-isolated when she was ill as a precaution.

All three cases, which were identified through blood tests, are no longer infectious and do not carry any ongoing risk to the public.

They bring the state’s total to 560.

The two people whose cases are active are not in hospital.

Meanwhile, Premier Mark McGowan continues to resist pressure to open interstate borders, saying they will remain closed for months.

He also urges Western Australians to be patient as the state government considers gradually loosening other restrictions after reducing intrastate travel bans on Monday.

“I’m pretty keen to get as much normality back in place as quickly as we can but we also want to make sure we don’t risk any outbreaks,” Mr McGowan told reporters on Friday.

“What you’ve seen in Victoria and NSW is continued community transmission – we just don’t want to risk that at all.”

Source by [author_name]

WA Premier refuses to budge on hard border policy

PressNewsAgency
-
0
WA Premier refuses to budge on hard border policy

But the Premiers of these states refused to be lectured by the one with the highest number of cases.

Mr McGowan said on Saturday the border closure would be one of the last restrictions to be lifted.

“At this stage no consideration is currently being given to lifting WA’s hard border with the rest of Australia,” he said.

“The WA health advice from our chief health officer is clear on this, the hard border has been an effective measure as part of our success in the fight against COVID-19.

“Our hard border will likely be one of the last measures to be lifted, to ensure we protect the health of Western Australians.”

Loading

The Premier said other states were still seeing instances of community spread and clusters of cases and he would not expose Western Australia.

“Allowing cases of COVID-19 into WA while we are easing restrictions could potentially be disastrous – and a significant outbreak could mean we need to return to the strict conditions once again,” he said.

“The hard border won’t last forever, but for now it is important that it remains in place.”

The WA roadmap to ease restrictions was based on the best health advice for WA.

“It’s Western Australian health advice formulated by the best health advisors in Western Australia, for Western Australia,” he said.

The plan was to get people back to work safely and begin the process of restarting the State’s economy.

The decision has come under scrutiny.Credit:WA Government

In the next phase, this would mean larger gatherings, less restrictions on businesses and community sport, playgrounds opening and further reductions in regional travel boundaries within WA.

“We know the regional boundaries have been difficult for many regional communities – and if health advice supports it, we will move to reopen those regions within Western Australia as soon as possible,” he said.

Most Viewed in National

Loading

Source by [author_name]

Darwin venue forced to close after being inundated with patrons

PressNewsAgency
-
0
Darwin venue forced to close after being inundated with patrons
A brewery in Darwin was forced to close on Friday night after being overwhelmed with patrons, while another was issued a formal warning for not adhering to COVID-19 measures.

Beaver Brewery in Coconut Grove made the decision to stop serving and close its doors just after 7 o’clock due to the high number of customers flooding in.

The local brewery opens just one night a week.

Beaver Brewery in Darwin. (Supplied)

Police applauded the decision of Beaver Brewery.

“The one that was really busy actually had a plan in place and it was doing a very good job,” Superintendent Shaun Gill said.

Pubs are opening for some patrons in many parts of the country.
Pubs are opening for some patrons in many parts of the country. (Nine)

“A large crowd attended on very short notice, and they were unable to deal with the public due to the number of people who arrived, so to their credit they actually closed their doors and no longer served because they couldn’t abide by the COVID-19 restrictions.”

NT police say no fines were issued throughout the evening, and authorities are still taking an educative approach.

“We want to give them an opportunity to comply and then after that, if they continue to fail, then infringement notices will be issued,” Superintendent Gill said.

The fine for a licensed premises breaching COVID-19 measures is $5000.

NT Police officer (9News)

“People still need to be reminded that we’re still coming out of quite a serious event,” Superintendent Gill said.

“We want businesses and individuals to abide by what’s going on – the ramifications are that we could end up where we were before which is what we don’t want.”

The third and final stage of restrictions will be lifted on June 5 – which will see all other businesses and organisations able to re-open, with no time limit on services, nor will people have to order meals with their drinks at bars and clubs.

“This is just a timely reminder for all involved that the onus is on individuals as well as licensed premises.”

Source by [author_name]

Dozens of mammoth bones found at Mexico airport

PressNewsAgency
-
0
Dozens of mammoth bones found at Mexico airport

Both discoveries reveal how appealing the area – once a shallow lake – was for the mammoths. The National Institute of Anthropology and History said Thursday there was no immediate evidence that the 60 mammoths newly discovered at the old Santa Lucia military airbase had been butchered by humans.

Archaeologists have found the bones of about 60 mammoths at an airport under construction just north of Mexico City, near human-built “traps” where more than a dozen mammoths were found last year. (AP)

Institute archaeologist Pedro Sánchez Nava said the giant herbivores had probably just got stuck in the mud of an ancient lake, once known as Xaltocan and now disappeared.

But the bones will be subject to further study, because Sánchez Nava said humans might have carved up the mammoths once they got stuck. About 15 human burials with simple offerings were found nearby, but they probably dated from around 500 to 1000 years ago, long after the mammoths had disappeared.

That was quite different from the mammoth pits found in the hamlet of San Antonio Xahuento, about 10 kilometres away. There, two human-built pits were dug 15,000 years ago to trap mammoths, which were apparently very plentiful in the area, and which apparently couldn’t clamber out.

The pits were found during excavations on land that was to be used as a garbage dump. They were filled with bones from at least 14 mammoths, and some of the animals appeared to have been butchered.

The institute said hunters may have chased mammoths into the traps. Remains of two other species that disappeared in the Americas – a horse and a camel – were also found.

The work on the airport started late last year, and Sánchez Nava said the existence of mammoth remains had long been suspected there.

He said nothing had been found that would require halting work on the airport project, in which the old military base is being converted into a civilian terminal.

Source by [author_name]

NSW approaches 500,000 COVID-19 tests

PressNewsAgency
-
0
NSW approaches 500,000 COVID-19 tests

As restaurants, pubs and cafes re-open across NSW, authorities say its vital anyone with a hint of respiratory illnesses gets tested for COVID-19.

Another three cases of the virus have been recorded in the state, while almost 9000 people were tested over 24 hours.

Across the state, young people in their 20s and 30s make up around 40 per cent of the state’s 3086 confirmed cases.

Of the total, 2653 patients have recovered. Almost half a million tests have been conducted.

“Just one little symptom of anything that looks like a cough, a cold a flu – go and get tested,” Health Minister Brad Hazzard said on Saturday morning.

“With these freedoms come big responsibilities.”

Chances are the test will be negative, he said.

But there remains concern people who are asymptomatic or have only mild symptoms could spread the virus.

Up to 50 people will be allowed in restaurants, pubs and cafes from June 1 as NSW eases more COVID-19 restrictions.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Friday announced the “big and critical” step, but said strict rules would be in place for venues.

Venues will still have to allow at least four square metres of space per person.

Additionally, bookings of more than 10 will be banned, and patrons won’t be allowed to stand.

Currently, dining venues can only have a maximum of 10 patrons if they maintain social distancing. That includes alcohol table service with meals at NSW pubs and clubs.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro says gyms, yoga studios, and beauticians could also be back in business in the coming month or so.

“(It’s) no different to yoga studios, a whole range of other areas, beauticians, you name it, we’re still working with all of those, but we’re not talking September,” he told 2GB Radio on Friday.

“We’re looking at all these restrictions coming off over the next month or so.”

ClubsNSW on Friday confirmed the state’s clubs will reopen on June 1.

The increase in patronage aligns with the easing of regional travel restrictions across the state and the opening of museums, galleries and libraries from June 1.

In a statement, Australian Hotels Association NSW chief executive John Whelan said 94 per cent of the hotels’ workforce had been stood down or sacked – but from June 1 the industry could start re-employing staff.

The Tourism and Transport Forum said Friday’s announcement sends a message that the state was once again open for business.

NSW on Friday reported its 50th COVID-19 death after an 80-year-old woman died in Concord Hospital. Her death brings the national toll to 101.

Source by [author_name]

World’s cartoonists on this week’s events

PressNewsAgency
-
0
World’s cartoonists on this week’s events

First published in Le Temps, Switzerland, May 17, 2020 | By Chappatte

 

First published in Der Standard, Austria, May 22, 2020 | By Oliver Schopf

 

First published in The Economist, U.K., May 23, 2020 | By Kal

 

First published on POLITICO.com, U.S., May 20, 2020 | By Matt Wuerker

 

First published on Caglecartoons.com, The Netherlands, May 15, 2020 | By Tom Janssen

 

First published in Latvijas Avize, Latvia, May 15, 2020 | By Gatis Sluka

 

First published on Politicalcartoons.com, U.S., May 18, 2020 | By Dave Granlund

 

First published in The Minneapolis Star-Tribune, U.S., May 17, 2020 | By Steve Sack

 

First published in Omaha World Herald, U.S., May 20, 2020 | By Jeff Koterba

 

First published on Politicalcartoons.com, Canada, May 18, 2020 | By Dave Whamond

 

First published in The Buffalo News, U.S., May 18, 2020 | By Adam Zyglis

Source by [author_name]

RA and QRU officially terminate contracts of disgruntled Reds trio

PressNewsAgency
-
0
RA and QRU officially terminate contracts of disgruntled Reds trio

“The decision comes after the three players elected to pursue termination of their contracts after being stood down by the QRU on Monday.

“Rodda, Hockings and Lucas were stood down after they declined to accept a reduction in pay and to nominate for the Australian government’s JobKeeper subsidy, notwithstanding the interim pay agreement between Rugby Australia and RUPA.

“The decision comes after the three players elected to pursue termination of their contracts after being stood down by the QRU on Monday.”

The three players, who are all managed by Anthony Picone – the agent who worked on deals for Will Genia, Liam Gill, Campbell Magnay and Samu Kerevi to leave the Reds and head overseas at the prime of their careers – are now free to take their talents elsewhere.

However, their ugly exit from Australian rugby has not been viewed favourably by administrators and a return in the future may not be a given.

RA interim chief executive Rob Clarke said: “As everyone is aware, the impacts of COVID-19 have been felt in every country, across every industry and rugby is no exception.

“As a result, the game collectively took the difficult but necessary action to stand down over 70 per cent of the entire rugby workforce, which equates to over 150 workers that are now receiving the JobKeeper subsidy.

“At the same time, 189 professional rugby players in Australia accepted reduced pay for an interim period to enable the game to navigate this unprecedented situation. The three Queensland players elected not to accept these terms.”

QRU chief executive David Hanham added: “A decision has been made today. Our focus and attention is on the players, staff and rugby community who have committed to our program and our team.”

Source by [author_name]

Trump’s Push To Open Churches Contradicts Jesus’ Teaching To Love Neighbors: Clergy

PressNewsAgency
-
0
Trump’s Push To Open Churches Contradicts Jesus’ Teaching To Love Neighbors: Clergy

Several faith leaders are speaking out against President Donald Trump’s demand that governors allow churches to reopen while the country still battles the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the activist Rev. William Barber, Trump’s push contradicts a fundamental tenet of the president’s Christian faith ― to love your neighbor as yourself.

“It’s a violation of loving your neighbor as yourself to do something that you know could put your neighbor in harm’s way,” Barber told HuffPost on Friday. “That’s a fundamental violation.” 

Barber pointed to scripture verses that lash out at people who cling to religious customs while mistreating the poor, immigrants and other marginalized people.

“Those who will worship and go through religious ceremony, but don’t care for justice and lifting up the poor and fighting for what is right, the Bible calls it hypocrisy, the very thing that God does not like,” Barber said.

Trump announced during a White House press conference on Friday that he is labeling houses of worship “essential” and calling on states to allow them to reopen over the holiday weekend. He threatened to “override” governors who defy him, although legal scholars say he lacks formal power to force governors to follow his orders.

“Some governors have deemed liquor stores and abortion clinics as essential, but have left out houses of worship. It’s not right,” Trump said. “So I’m correcting this injustice by calling houses of worship essential.”

Trump’s push aligns most closely with the priorities of white evangelicals and quickly drew praise from close evangelical allies, such as the evangelist Franklin Graham and Texas pastor Robert Jeffress. White evangelicals were more likely than other American religious groups to say they were worried that coronavirus restrictions won’t be lifted quickly enough, according to a Pew Research Center survey completed on May 5. 

Nevertheless, there is concern even among this constituency that state governments will return to normal too quickly. Around half of white evangelicals (51%) say they are more concerned that coronavirus restrictions will be lifted too quickly. 



Demonstrators holding signs demanding the reopening of churches during a rally on May 1, 2020, in San Diego.

Rev. Jim Wallis, president of the progressive Christian group Sojourners, called on people of faith to stay at home “until it is healthy and safe to gather again.” Like Barber, Wallis said that this was a way to live out Jesus’ teaching to love your neighbor.

“We all want to go back to our corporate church gatherings — but only when that is safe, being very careful not to infect each other or our neighbors with a virus,” Wallis told HuffPost. 

“Keeping houses of worship closed until safety is secured is a direct action to love and protect our neighbors,” he added.

More Christian clergy chimed in on Twitter to criticize Trump’s move:

Churches shouldn’t open until local authorities determine it is safe for them to do so, said Rev. James Martin, editor at large of the Catholic magazine America. Trump’s broad attempt to pressure every governor to allow houses of worship to reopen “will just lead to more infections and death, especially among the most vulnerable,” he told HuffPost.

The desire to worship in person must be tempered by concern for others’ safety, Martin said.

“It’s not just about ‘your desire,’ holy though it may be,” Martin told HuffPost. “Wearing a mask, keeping social distance and even not gathering in church is a way of protecting others ― and of loving others.”

“Essentially, it’s not just about you ― especially if you’re asymptomatic,” he said.

Rev. William J. Barber is the co-chair of the<i>&nbsp;</i>Poor People&rsquo;s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, wh



Rev. William J. Barber is the co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, which draws inspiration from Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1968 Poor People’s Campaign.

Barber, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, has led a campaign calling on people to “stay in place” and “stay alive” in areas where authorities are reopening against the advice of public health officials and other experts.

It has been weeks since Barber worshipped in person with his faith community, North Carolina’s Greenleaf Christian Church. But he insists that doesn’t mean his church stopped being a church. Church members have been having Bible studies and worshipping online, serving meals to the hungry, checking in on seniors, and organizing civic participation, he said.

Church buildings are important, but in the end, they’re just buildings, Barber said.

“Do they have importance? Yes, but even those buildings are not more important than people doing the will of the Lord, being the church, being the transforming agent in communities,” he said. 

“Ultimately for Christians, Jesus didn’t spend most of his time in a building, he spent his time with people ― the poor, the sick, the blind, the lame, the leper. That’s what Jesus did.”



Source by [author_name]

Coronavirus live updates:Government facing questions over JobKeeper bungle

PressNewsAgency
-
0
Coronavirus live updates:Government facing questions over JobKeeper bungle

By Olivana Smith-Lathouris

Experts are predicting a major impact on Australian farmers if Australia fails to resolve tensions with China over trade and the coronavirus inquiry.

Finance expert Peter Switzer has told Today it is likely to be a difficult year for Aussie farmers if Australia is forced to find another country to export domestic products.

“There will be a time lag when you lose a contract, you’ve got to find a contract and you’ll probably get a lower price because the demand won’t be as strong as the Chinese demand. Having billions of people there is a big demand for beer and brewing.

“For some farmers in particular it will be a really tough 12 months unless something can be done at a strategic and political level to get the Chinese to back off,” he said.

Other industries including iron ore and agriculture could also take a hit which could put Australia’s budget in an even worse position following huge government spending amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“One we are most scared about would be iron ore. We send $63 billion worth of iron ore to China. If that happened it’s a big employer, a great supplier of tax revenue to the Government, so when the iron ore price goes up the budget is in a much better position, so they are going to be in trouble,” Mr Switzer said.

While government subsidies and welfare payments have assisted Australia’s economy to stay afloat amid the crisis, exports are a major driver of the economy and without them, long term fiscal damage is likely.  

“It’s going to be really difficult. They are the biggest game in town for us and given the fact that the coronavirus has slowed the economy down we want to see a fast rebound of the economy,” Mr Switzer said.   

“China is really just timing this perfectly to put pressure on us.”

Source by [author_name]

San Francisco’s Oldest Gay Bar To Shutter Due To Coronavirus Pandemic

PressNewsAgency
-
0
San Francisco’s Oldest Gay Bar To Shutter Due To Coronavirus Pandemic

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — One of the nation’s most celebrated gay bars is being forced from its home amid the financial fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Stud is the longest continually running gay bar in San Francisco and known throughout the country as one of the bohemian, gender-bending, anything-goes institutions that made San Francisco into a gay mecca.

The 18-member collective that operates the club announced late Wednesday that they had decided to close the bar, though they will look for a new location.

“Because of a lack of revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the historic bar will be announcing that they are permanently closing their location and will be holding a drag funeral to honor the end of an era of LGBT nightlife,” said one of the owners, Honey Mahogany, in a news release.

It’s at least the second time the 54-year-old bar has faced the prospect of full closure. But previous situations were due to gentrification in San Francisco, now one of the nation’s tech hubs.

In 2016 The Stud’s current location was sold, and the bar’s then-owner received was notified that monthly rent for the 2,800-square-foot space would leap from $3,800 to $9,500.

A cooperative group of 18 owners then bought the bar to keep it running.

Wedged into a space in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood — the epicenter of the city’s tech world — The Stud opened in 1966 and quickly gained a reputation as a spot with a hippie vibe and eclectic customers. Its current space features gilt mirrors, a disco ball and a small performance stage.



Source by [author_name]

1...66,11466,11566,116...66,144Page 66,115 of 66,144

FOLLOW US

© Copyright 2025 - PressNewsAgency LLC . . . All Rights Reserved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Naeem T Ahmed { Editor / Publisher } . . . . Contact@PressNewsAgency.org . . . . . . . . . Phone: +1.8884110555 +1.5055960123