Australia's new pandemic high: 47,799 COVID infections

SYDNEY - Australia's COVID-19 cases touched a fresh pandemic high on Tuesday amid an Omicron surge in its two most populous states as hospitalizations in New South Wales state, home to Sydney, surpassed the record numbers hit during the Delta outbreak.

People admitted in New South Wales hospitals rose to 1,344, a new pandemic peak, topping the 1,266 reached last September during the Delta wave. Numbers have more than doubled in a week, straining the health system.

A record 47,799 infections have been reported in Australia so far on Tuesday, eclipsing its previous high of 37,212 a day earlier. Four new deaths were registered.

Despite the record spike in infections fueled by the Omicron strain, dual-dose vaccination levels of nearly 92% in people above 16 have helped Australia to keep the death rate lower than the previous virus outbreaks.

Authorities do not specify the coronavirus variant that caused the deaths, although New South Wales officials said 74% of patients in the state's intensive care units since Dec. 16 were infected with the Delta variant.

Australia is also battling a shortage of rapid antigen tests, delays with PCR results and the abrupt closures of a number of testing sites, with pathology laboratories swamped by a backlog of tests. Prime Minister Scott Morrison ruled out the government covering the cost for people to test themselves for COVID-19.

"The problem at the moment is that the lack of (rapid antigen tests) is completely hampering personal responsibility and it is a frustration that is a glaring hole in the current management of COVID," Chris Moy, vice president of the Australian Medical Association, told ABC Radio on Tuesday.

Australia's competition regulator said it would set up a team to look into complaints about allegations of price gouging for the at-home rapid antigen tests.

The record spike in infections and hospitalizations have come as 2 million more Australians became eligible for their COVID-19 booster shots from Tuesday after authorities shortened the wait time between second and third shots to four months.

Just over 2.5 million Australians have so far received their booster shot, which health officials are betting may prevent more hospitalizations and deaths.

Australia on Tuesday crossed half a million coronavirus cases since the pandemic began, with nearly 50% reported in the last two weeks. Still, the country's 547,160 cases and 2,270 deaths are lower than numbers seen in many comparable countries.

(Reporting by Renju Jose; Editing by Sandra Maler and Michael Perry)

-reuters

Coronavirus spreads in Australia's pubs; Omicron cases linked to party boat

SYDNEY - COVID-19 infections have been spreading in pubs and clubs in Australia's biggest city, including three new cases of the Omicron variant found among people who went on a harbor party cruise, sending officials rushing to trace contacts.

Authorities have been easing restrictions in Sydney since early October when the city emerged from a nearly four-month lockdown to contain the Delta coronavirus variant after the population reached higher vaccination levels.

"We have seen recently increased transmission in larger social venues ... and that is certainly a contributing factor to the increase in cases," Marianne Gale, New South Wales Deputy Chief Health Officer, said in a video posted on Twitter.

Dozens of people who attended a Sydney pub quiz tested positive for the coronavirus and officials are awaiting the results of genomic tests to see if they are infected with the Omicron variant.

Daily COVID-19 infections have been steadily rising as restrictions have eased with New South Wales state, which includes Sydney, logging 420 new cases on Thursday, its biggest rise in about two months, with most caused by the Delta variant.

But the number of Omicron infections has been creeping up since Australia reported its first case about two weeks ago.

Some 50 cases have now been detected including the three linked to the Sydney party boat.

The variant is potentially more contagious than previous ones although initial signs point to a more mild illness. None of the 151 people in hospital in New South Wales for COVID-19 are infected with the Omicron variant.

Australia has fared much better than many countries in containing the pandemic, with nearly 224,000 cases and 2,082 deaths, mostly due to its decision to close borders in March 2020.

But border closures have cut off the flow of skilled migrants causing a sharp slowdown in population growth, prompting businesses to bemoan the lack of workers.

The trend has been worsened by a long-running fall in fertility rates, which hit a record low last year, official data out on Wednesday showed.

-reuters  

Sydney hospitals erect emergency tents amid Delta surge

SYDNEY - Two major hospitals in Sydney's west, the epicenter of Australia's coronavirus outbreak, set up emergency outdoor tents on Thursday to help deal with an increase in patients as the city grapples with its worst flare-up in the pandemic.

Sydney, Australia's largest city, is struggling to stamp out an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant, with daily infections hitting record levels even after two months under a hard lockdown.

A total of 919 cases were recorded on Wednesday, the biggest daily rise, with nearly 9,000 added in the last two weeks.

The makeshift unit in the emergency department for COVID-19 patients will help "to offload delays", a Western Sydney Local Health District spokesperson told Reuters on Thursday.

Westmead and Blacktown hospitals have been grappling with a steady rise in COVID-19 patients, forcing officials to redirect ambulances to other hospitals, the Australian Paramedic Association (APA) said.

In a video posted on Twitter Wednesday night, APA said paramedics were given a choice to wait in their vehicles with COVID-positive patients or "wait outside in the freezing rain" due to the influx of patients.

A fast-moving Delta strain has taken the gloss off Australia's early success against the virus that kept its coronavirus numbers relatively low, with some 46,700 cases and 986 deaths.

Besides Sydney, the country's second-largest city, Melbourne, and capital, Canberra, are also in hard lockdowns, putting more than half of the country's 25 million population under strict stay-at-home orders.

Cases in Victoria, home to Melbourne, surged to 80 on Thursday, up from 45 a day earlier.

The federal government is pushing ahead with the country's reopening plans once vaccination rates reach 70%-80%, but some states have hinted they may delay given the rapid growth of cases in Sydney.

About 32% of people above 16 have been fully vaccinated while just over 54% have had at least one dose.

(Reporting by Renju Jose. Editing by Gerry Doyle)

-reuters

Four travel destinations inspired by 2017 Oscar nominees

From Los Angeles in the United States with Damien Chazelle’s “La La Land”, to Kolkata, India with Garth Davis’ “Lion”, this year’s Oscar nominees give travel-hungry moviegoers a taste of all kinds of global destinations. Here’s a look at some of the locations where this year’s Best Picture nominees were filmed.

“Lion” directed by Garth Davis
Kolkata, India

This true story of a young Indian boy fostered by an Australian couple treats viewers to landscapes in India and Australia. While the Tasmanian capital, Hobart, and Melbourne, in the state of Victoria, are good options for a trip to Australia, the child’s search for identity also takes moviegoers to the heart of authentic, rural India, on location in the city of Kolkata. Visitors can take in the local architecture, stroll over Howrah Bridge (crossed by millions of Indians every day) and admire the reflection of the trees in the water surrounding Victoria Memorial.

“La La Land” directed by Damien Chazelle
Los Angeles, California, U.S.

This Oscar favorite, with no less than 14 nominations, pays homage to Hollywood musicals of the 1940s and 1950s with a romantic tale that takes viewers on tour of Los Angeles. The movie was filmed at no less than 40 different locations in the City of Angels. One iconic setting, seen on the movie poster, shows a spectacular view over the San Fernando Valley. Scenes were also filmed at The Lighthouse Cafe, a club where legendary artists such as Miles Davis previously performed. Note that this nightclub is no longer a jazz club, and now plays salsa, reggae and country music. The Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park is also a must for visitors following in the footsteps of Mia and Sebastian. In addition to must-visit L.A. filming locations, visitors to the city can enjoy a trip to Universal Studios, a stroll along Hollywood Boulevard and a trip to Beverly Hills.

“Manchester by the Sea” directed by Kenneth Lonergan
Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, U.S.

The American town that lends its name to this feature film is like a character in its own right in the movie’s narrative. However, the film’s main scenes were filmed a few miles away in Cape Ann. Still, moviegoers can be assured that some movie scenes were also filmed in Manchester-by-the-Sea, as well as Gloucester, Essex, Rockport and Beverley. The nearest major U.S. city is Boston, an hour’s drive away. A trip to this former colonial city should include a stroll around the stylish neighborhood of Beacon Hill, plus some chill-out time in the U.S.’s oldest public park, Boston Common. Other sights include Trinity Church and a student-led tour of Harvard.

“Hacksaw Ridge” directed by Mel Gibson
Sydney, Australia                                                                                                              
The historical war movie directed by Mel Gibson was filmed in the region of Sydney, New South Wales, where the battlefields of the Second World War were recreated. In fact, the production team set up in Goulburn, around 121 miles southwest of the stunning Australian city, famous for its iconic opera house. Scenes were also filmed in Bringelly and Richmond on the outskirts of Sydney. For a first trip to the Australian city, must-visits include The Rocks, a historic part of town previously inhabited by the first British settlers. Head to the Central Business District to visit the Sydney Opera House, Hyde Park and the Sydney Tower Eye for 360-degree views over the city. JB

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

Australia to sell $13M bitcoins confiscated as proceeds of crime

CANBERRA, Australia — An official says about $13 million in bitcoins will be auctioned in Sydney in June after Australian police confiscated the digital currency as proceeds of crime.

Ernst & Young transaction partner Adam Nikitins said Tuesday that the accountancy firm is running the process, which is only the second such bitcoin auction in the world after the U.S. Marshals Service sold 144,000 bitcoins over two years ending in 2015 that had been confiscated from Ross Ulbricht, who founded the online drug bazaar Silk Road.

Bidders can register from Wednesday until June 7 for the 24,518 bitcoins on offer. The 48-hour sealed auction will take place from June 20.

Based on Tuesday’s bitcoin price of $533.80, the cryptocurrency is valued at almost $13.1 million.

source: business.inquirer.net

Study reveals gay discrimination in sports

SYDNEY, Australia—One in four gay men said they had received verbal threats of harm or had been bullied while participating in sports, and around 80 percent of people said they had witnessed such discrimination, according to a survey of 9,500 respondents.

The findings were contained in ‘Out on the Fields’, released Sunday, which officials said was the first international study and the largest conducted on discrimination against gay, lesbian and bisexual participants in sports.

The study, which also canvassed heterosexual respondents, surveyed nearly 3,000 people in Australia, 2,025 in the United States and 1,780 in Britain. The study was also conducted in Canada, New Zealand and Ireland.

It was initiated by organizers of the Bingham Cup, a gay rugby tournament held in Sydney last year.

The results from the on-line study were reviewed by seven academics from six universities, including Victoria University in Australia, Penn State University and the University of Massachusetts in the United States, Brunel University in Britain and the University of Winnipeg and Laval University in Canada.

The study also showed one in four gay men did not play youth team sports because of negative experiences in school physical education classes, or because they feared they would be rejected because of their sexuality.

It said 46 percent of all participants and 54 percent of gay men believe LGB people are “not accepted at all” or only “accepted a little” in sporting culture.

And 84 percent of gay men and 82 percent of lesbians in the study said they had received verbal slurs.

The study was open to anyone, although heterosexual participants were given fewer questions than lesbian, gay and bisexual participants. About 2,500 of the respondents were heterosexual.

In the United States, 55 percent of the 2,025 respondents were gay men. The U.S. ranked highest for discrimination in some areas, with 54 percent of participants there saying lesbian, gay and bisexual people in sports were accepted only slightly or not at all.

Openly gay former Wales rugby star Gareth Thomas said “this massive international study has cast a very bright and much-needed light” on the issue.

Former Australia rugby captain John Eales said that “as a father I was really disappointed to hear how widespread homophobia is in some parts of sport, especially the PE classes and spectator stands where so many kids learn how to behave.”

source: sports.inquirer.net

Rory McIlroy wins Australian Open

SYDNEY, Australia—Rory McIlroy birdied the 18th hole to snatch victory from Adam Scott at the Australian Open on Sunday, winning for the first time in 2013 and denying Scott the rare Australian triple crown.

McIlroy started the last round four shots behind Scott but drew level when he eagled the seventh and birdied the eighth.

Scott went a shot ahead with a birdie at the ninth then the pair went shot for shot over the back nine before the tournament’s dramatic climax on the final hole.

Scott’s approach shot went over the back of the green and his chip went well past the hole, with two putts bringing a bogey. McIlroy hit his approach to 10 feet and sank the putt to claim victory by a shot.

source: sports.inquirer.net

Billabong brand value collapses, posts giant loss

SYDNEY — Billabong reported a $769 million annual loss Tuesday that reflects a collapse in the value of its once hot surf and street fashion brands.

The company said it marked down the value of its assets by AU$867 million ($776 million). That write-off resulted in a net loss of AU$859.5 million ($769 million) for the financial year ended June 30.

The company has staggered through a series of business shake-ups and failed buyout offers. It says it is in the final stages of debt refinancing negotiations that will allow the business to rebuild.

Billabong’s global sales for the year fell 13 percent to AU$1.34 billion reflecting store closures, Europe’s weak economy and the fading allure of its brands.

The Billabong and other brands owned by the retailer were valued at AU$90 million in the company’s financial statements released Tuesday, down from AU$614 million two years earlier.

The company’s shares closed down 5.3 percent in Sydney.

source: business.inquirer.net

Whale knocks surfer unconscious in Australia

SYDNEY — A Sydney surfer had a lucky escape on Sunday when he was hit by a whale frolicking off Bondi Beach and knocked unconscious.

Bishan Rajapakse, a 38-year-old doctor, said the last thing he remembers before waking up on the beach was saying “Hey, how’s it going?” to the whale, believed to be a southern white, as it swam near him and other surfers, the Sydney Morning Herald said.

“When I got to him I saw there was this dark, black shadow and it was just massive,” he told the paper.

“The whale was moving in like slow motion. It was beautiful and it breached and we could see the barnacles and it was slowly going up and down and turning and it actually made a noise. It was amazing.”

New South Wales Ambulance said several whales were close to the iconic beach on Sunday morning. Paramedics were called in to help when one of the large animals hit, or flicked with its tail, the male surfer, knocking him out.

“He was knocked unconscious very briefly,” a spokesman told AFP, adding that the man was rescued by fellow surfers and was not seriously injured.

“He is lucky people were there (to help him), but we were also lucky that he’s the only one (needing help),” the spokesman said.

One witness told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that the whale was “the size of a bus” and had been frolicking with the group of surfers.

“I mean, it was 40 feet long – it was huge,” Lachlan Harris told the broadcaster.

“They were playing and the whale was frolicking with them and having a lot of fun and sort of popping its head out.

“It just flicked its tail and some surfers were in the wrong (place) and the next thing, you know, a surfboard is flying in the air… It was unbelievable.”

Anthony Carroll, a lifeguard with Bondi Rescue, said Rajapakse, reportedly a New Zealander of Sri Lankan descent, had been very close to the whale when the accident occurred, apparently unable to resist the temptation to see the animal up close.

“His board had been smashed in pretty badly. It looked like he was thrown about three meters above the water,” he told the Herald.

“The tail of a whale is the strongest muscle on any animal in the world. Some humpback whales get up to 80 tons. It’s an extreme no-no to go in the vicinity of a whale.”

Rajapakse, who was in danger of drowning after he was hit, said he had a slight headache but no other injuries from the experience which amazed those at the beach, including the paramedics called in to treat the unusual case.

“I’ve been a paramedic for 12 years and this is by far the most interesting case and way out (case) that I’ve ever done,” Kristie Sky, who treated Rajapakse, told the ABC.

“Everyone that’s… heard the story, they’re all pretty amazed by it as well.”

source: newsinfo.inquirer.net

Billionaire Rinehart’s son sought $15-M ‘sorry payment’

SYDNEY – The son of Australia’s richest person, Gina Rinehart, sought a Aus$15 million (US$15.4 million) “sorry payment” from his mother for how had she treated him over the years, a report said Wednesday.

Iron ore billionaire Rinehart is embroiled in a legal battle with two of her four children, including son John Hancock, over control of a family trust reportedly worth Aus$4 billion.

Hancock’s request is contained in documents tendered to the New South Wales Supreme Court as part of a dispute over the trust, set up by Rinehart’s father, the late Lang Hancock, in 1988, with the four grandchildren as beneficiaries.

Rinehart was due to be in charge of the trust, which holds a 23.4 percent slice of her company Hancock Prospecting, until the youngest grandchild turned 25 in 2011. Just days before, however, she said she wanted to alter the payout date to 2068 so they did not face a huge tax bill.

Emails between Hancock, his mother and her adviser tendered in court Tuesday show how he tried to come to a confidential agreement with Rinehart before the case went to court, the Sydney Morning Herald said.

In the emails Hancock said he would agree to delay vesting of the trust for an unspecified annual salary, while criticizing his three sisters’ ability to mount any kind of challenge.

“I doubt the other girls have the intellectual capacity to read the Income Tax Act which clearly defines that CGT (Capital Gains Tax) is disregarded under these circumstances, unless I… explain it in suitable baby language for them,” he wrote to his mother.

Hancock later demanded “a Aus$15m ‘sorry payment’ direct from GHR (Gina Hope Rinehart) for how she treated me over these last 15 years”.

Three of Rinehart’s four children, John, Bianca and Hope, originally took the mining magnate — worth an estimated US$17 billion — to court over her handling of the trust, arguing that she had breached her duties as trustee.

Hope officially withdrew from the legal action on Tuesday.

Also on Tuesday Rinehart took legal action against a journalist working for the Sydney Morning Herald, owned by Fairfax Media, of which she is the biggest shareholder with 15 percent.

At the request of the mining magnate’s company, the Supreme Court of Western Australia issued a subpoena against reporter Adele Ferguson, who penned a biography of the billionaire, demanding her emails, notebooks and recordings of interviews she has conducted with John Hancock since September 2011.

Fairfax reported that it appears Rinehart wants Ferguson to reveal her sources for the book, which was published last year.

source: newsinfo.inquirer.net

Sydney Harbour Bridge turns 80

SYDNEY — A group of Sydney Symphony Orchestra musicians scaled the city’s Harbour Bridge for an exclusive concert on Monday to celebrate the sweeping structure’s 80th birthday.

Known as the “Grand Old Dame” of Sydney, or more colloquially “The Coathanger,” the bridge was officially opened to traffic on March 19, 1932, joining the harbour’s northern and southern shores for the first time.

It was an ambitious project that took eight years to complete, with construction of the 1,149-meter span claiming the lives of 16 men.

To celebrate its 80th anniversary, 11 brass section musicians from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra—also turning 80 this year—climbed to the top of the bridge’s 134-metre high arch to perform for a select group of guests.

“The musicians performed Aaron Copland’s ‘Fanfare for the Common Man’ plus the theme music from the movie ‘Chariots of Fire,’” a Symphony spokeswoman said.

The small audience featured six “Bridge heroes” with a special connection to the structure, according to event organizers.

They included descendants of the bridge’s engineer J.J.C Bradfield, a man whose uncle placed the very first rivet, and one woman who was born in an ambulance on the span.

The bridge is one of Sydney’s most-photographed and best-known landmarks and is often the centerpiece of fireworks displays in the city.

source: japantoday.com

Man leaves a million bucks at Sydney restaurant

SYDNEY — Mamma mia! That’s a lot of dough, even for an upscale pizzeria.

Police are looking for the owner of a suitcase “full of money” that was left at the Italian restaurant in Sydney by a mystery customer.

Ten Network television reported the suitcase left at Cafe Marco Tuesday morning contained about 1 million Australian dollars ($1 million) in 50 dollar notes.

But police will only describe the suitcase contents as “a significant amount of cash.”

Detective Inspector Ian Pryde told reporters a man around 30 years old wearing surfing shorts and a singlet carried the suitcase into the cafe. He then “seemed to get spooked” and left without the money.

A cafe staff member contacted by telephone told The Associated Press she was too busy with customers to comment.

Source: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/23597/man-leaves-a-million-bucks-at-sydney-restaurant