Australia permits home visits, opens beaches as coronavirus lockdown eases

Saeed KHAN / AFP

Australian cities began easing lockdown restrictions as the country recorded a drop in community transmission of COVID-19, with only one new case reported in the last 24 hours.

"We are winning but we have not won yet," Health Minister Greg Hunt stressed.

Australia, which imposed an early shutdown of borders and businesses, has managed to reduce the number of cases and deaths.

Coronavirus testing centres have been set up across the country, with the government urging people to undergo tests regardless of whether they have symptoms.

A month after being closed for violations on social distancing rules, Bondi Beach and two neighbouring beaches in Sydney were reopened to local residents on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, New South Wales (NSW) state announced easing of stay-at-home rules.

"Two adults will be able to go and visit anybody else in their home on the basis of care, on the basis of reducing socialisation and everybody's mental health," said NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, with children allowed to accompany adults on house visits.

More from International

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • Extra Time

    7:00pm - 8:00pm

    Chris & Robbie bring you the latest from the sporting world plus interviews with upcoming and legendary sporting stars.

  • The Night Shift with Mark Lloyd

    8:00pm - 11:00pm

    Musicians and music, entertainers and entertainment, industry gossip and songs selected by you, get ready to bring your night time to life! Every evening from eight, Mark Lloyd brings you an energetic mix of local and international content and contests, featuring an array of celebrity interviews and entertaining anecdotes. Get involved in the show and pick your favourite jukebox hits, every night from 8pm - 11pm.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Flying Taxis

    It sounds like an episode of The Jetsons, but the sight of flying taxis whizzing around our cities could be much closer than you think.

  • Tough penalties for deliberate tax evasion

    The UAE has said that tougher penalties will come into force from 1st August for not keeping proper corporate tax records.