Auslan Update - 31 March, 2021

National:

Queensland records two new community COVID cases linked to Princess Alexander hospital cluster

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed both cases are connected to the existing cluster.
The two new cases are another nurse and her housemate.
One of the new cases recorded today was a nurse at the hospital who received her first dose of the vaccination nearly a fortnight ago.
More than 33,000 tests have been conducted in the last 24 hours.
If testing rates remain good across Queensland tomorrow this will be encouraging sign that lockdown could be lifted tomorrow.
An update on the situation will be provided tomorrow at 9am.

Covid-19 returns to NSW, one case has been confirmed in Byron Bay.

NSW Premier has announced social distancing restrictions will tighten in response to the case.
Restrictions will remain until the end of Easter in the following areas: Byron Bay, Ballina, Tweed and Lismore. Restrictions include:
- Wearing masks while shopping or catching public transport
- Masks will be mandatory for hospitality workers
- The four square metro will apply in hospitality venues
- Patrons must be seated, not standing
- A cap of 30 visitors at homes, with records of attendance

There is concern for further positive tests to be revealed after the person attended a hen’s party last Saturday where one of the Brisbane cases attended.

Victoria:

Victorian tourism vouchers sell out again, as regional Victoria prepare for Easter.

50,000 regional travel vouchers sold out in 3 minutes online this morning after being released.
The $200 discount vouchers are the latest campaign to support the recovery of the Victoria’s tourism.
Regional tourism is booming after lockdown restrictions ended however it is expected that challenges will continue into the coming months.

Tasmania:

Tasmania's hire car shortage leading to holiday cancellations

Tasmanian tourism is suffering due to car hire shortage.
Businesses are reporting cancellation of trips due as cars are not available until mid-April.
Tourism operators are requesting free car travel on the Spirit of Tasmania ferries to help with the situation.

International:

Google maps to start ‘eco friendly’ routes.

The Google Maps app will soon start to provide drivers with routes that generate lower carbon emissions.
Drivers will be able to compare routes based on ETA (estimated time arrival) and the CO2 emissions impact.
Maps users will also be able to compare car, biking, public transport and other transport options all in the one place.
The ‘Eco-Friendly’ routes feature will launch in the US later this year and then to the rest of the world.

Sources: