Australia's virus death toll rises to 99 as NSW man in his 60s dies

A man in his 60s with underlying health conditions has died in NSW after contracting coronavirus, taking the state's death toll to 48 and 99 nationwide.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Transport Andrew Constance brief the media on the COVID-19 pandemic and easing of restrictions during a press conference in Sydney, Monday, May 18 2020. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins) NO ARCHIVING

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian Source: AAP

A man aged in his 60s has died in NSW after contracting coronavirus from a personal contact, taking the state's death toll to 48 and nationwide to 99.

The death comes as NSW records one new case of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm on Sunday from some 6000 tests, with six people in intensive care.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Monday implored the state's residents to continue social distancing as they return to on-site employment in the coming days.

She reiterated peak-hour bus and train services were already at capacity.
"Because we are strictly adhering to social distancing, we recommend that people who aren't already on the system in the peak, especially on buses and trains, travel in the off-peak, so after 10.00am or before 2.00pm," Ms Berejiklian told reporters.

"You might want to think about a different way to do your journey in the morning - you might want to get dropped off at a ferry wharf or a light rail route."
"It's fair to say that there has been, in a sense, a great NSW bust-out - people (are) rewarding themselves for many weeks of sacrifice, having themselves locked inside," Mr Hazzard said.

"But I also do want to remind people this virus is extremely dangerous and we are all - every one of us - sitting ducks for this virus. We don't know where this virus might break out."
Federal Deputy Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly also said there were currently less than 700 active coronavirus cases in Australia of which 45 people were in hospital. 

"So those numbers are continuing to decrease, which is very good news. In terms of  the number of tests, we have over 1 million tests so far, with still less than one per cent positive. So in terms of that flattened curve, it certainly is very flat at the moment, and remaining so," he added. 

Ms Berejiklian on Sunday also said the state's success in blunting the impact of COVID-19 may help attract private investment capital otherwise headed to the virus-hit US and UK.

As well, she said future NSW economic policy would involve "far less regulation" and "flexibility to innovate" for the private sector and suggested GST reform should be discussed.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.

Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.

The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store.

SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at .


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3 min read
Published 18 May 2020 8:50am
Updated 18 May 2020 4:15pm



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