More than 100,000 protesters took to the streets of the Belarusian capital, Minsk overnight to continue protests against President Alexander Lukashenko. Crowds marched towards the government district in response to Lukashenko’s planned trip to Russia for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The planned talks come after Russia said it will send paratroopers into Belarus for joint military drills.

Oxford University has announced its trial for a COVID-19 vaccine will resume after getting the green light from safety regulators. Trials were suspended last week after it was reported a United Kingdom patient had experienced adverse side-effects. The Australian Government signed an agreement with Oxford University’s partner, pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, to secure the vaccine for Australians if trials are successful.

Victoria has recorded 35 new coronavirus cases and seven further deaths overnight, taking the state’s death total to 730. Melbourne’s 14-day daily case average now sits at 56.9 with Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton confident the threshold needed for the next stage of easing restrictions will be met. The news comes after the Victorian government yesterday announced a $3 billion rescue package for business. 

The Federal Government has announced a $211 million investment into domestic diesel storage facilities in an attempt to protect Australia’s fuel security. The uncertainty of the international fuel landscape highlights Australia’s vulnerability, something recent supply chain disruptions, and the pandemic have reinforced. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the changes will “ensure Australian families and businesses can access the fuel they need, when they need it, for the lowest possible price.”

Queensland's Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young has been placed under police protection after receiving death threats. The Australian Medical Association’s Queensland President Dr Chris Perry revealed that Dr Young has police officers who follow her everywhere after she received threats over border policies and funeral exemptions. Dr Perry said criticism towards Dr Young has been toxic. 

Queensland has recorded no new cases of COVID-19 for the second day in a row. There are currently 30 active cases in the state, most located in Ipswich and Brisbane’s south-western suburbs. Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young announced additional testing clinics will be set up in these areas and urges residents to get tested if symptoms show.