Vietnam records first locally acquired COVID-19 case in 3 months
Vietnam recorded its first locally acquired coronavirus case in 89 days.
The case comes from a man related to a flight attendant who tested positive after returning from Japan two weeks ago.
Vietnam’s strict quarantine and tracking measures have previously allowed them to contain outbreaks, and the most recently infected businesses have already been closed.
Nemonte Nenquimo, Amazonian hero, wins environmental prize
An indigenous leader from the Ecuadorian Amazon is one of the winners of the Goldman environmental prize, which recognises grassroots activism.
Nemonte Nenquimo was chosen for her success in protecting 500,000 acres of the Amazon rainforest from oil extraction.
She and fellow members of the Waorani indigenous group took the Ecuadorian government to court over its plans to put their territory up for sale.
Their 2019 legal victory set a legal precedent for indigenous rights in the country.
House prices rise leading into 2021
House prices are expected to rise further as we move into 2021, after rising nationally in November.
Property analysts are predicting prices will rise if Australian’s control over COVID-19 remains.
While house prices are rising, apartment value in capital cities is declining due to a lack of international students.
Labor considers ratifying paid leave for domestic violence survivors
Labor is expected to put forward legislation to increase paid leave for domestic violence survivors from five to 10 days.
Opposition leader Anthony Albanese has called domestic violence an epidemic and said Australia must confront the awful truth of its existence.
The increased leave is an attempt to make it easier for survivors to leave abusive relationships by giving them time off work to attend court hearings, appointments with counselling, medical or legal specialists or find alternative housing or accommodation.
QLD school’s receive air conditioning – but some still not working
Queensland Education Minister Grace Grace confirmed 90 per cent of Queensland state schools are air conditioned.
The State Government announced in February their $477 million program to install air conditioners across Queensland.
Despite this, the ABC reported that newly installed units are unable to be used because school electricity units cannot cope.
Grace said some schools will require external upgrades to their electricity networks to complete the process.
Study finds young, struggling Australians don’t have access to mental health services
A study published in the Medical Journal of Australia on Monday found young Australians who took their own lives were usually disadvantaged males disengaged from work, study and mental health services.
Orygen researchers analysed coroner’s reports of 3,365 people aged 10 to 24 between 2006 to 2015 and found the rates of suicide has not significantly dropped.
Despite ramped-up investment in prevention efforts, there are now fears the coronavirus pandemic could worsen the situation.
9 AM ZEDLINES - DECEMBER 1
By 4ZZZ reporters Norma Hilton and Hannah Davies.
Image credit: wikimedia commons.
American company Modern seek emergency approval for 94.1 per cent effective vaccine
American biotechnology company Moderna is seeking emergency approval for its COVID-19 vaccine after reporting it is almost 100 percent effective in preventing severe cases.
The company claims full results from a late-stage study show it was 94.1 percent effective against the disease, with no serious safety concerns.
Moderna says the vaccine is effective across all age groups and genders, and aims to prevent severe, life threatening cases of the disease.
NT has hottest November in 100 years
The Bureau of Meteorology says Northern Territory has experienced its hottest November in 100 years.
According to BOM, most places in central Australia saw their average temperatures grow by 3 degrees.
Rainfall was also below average throughout the territory due to a lack of cloud coverage.
Queensland 2020 budget released today
Queensland’s budget will be released today after being delayed due to COVID-19.
This will be Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick’s first state budget, and he’s saying there will be no surprises.
He has not yet made a commitment about emergency tax relief for business as the state moves into a recovery period.