The coronavirus restrictions for Queensland are easing further from 4:00pm today, putting the state in stage 5 of its Roadmap to Easing COVID-19.

This will allow open-air stadiums to increase to 100 percent capacity with COVID-safe plans. Outdoor events will be boosted to a 1500 people limit. Cinemas, live music and theatre, and indoor sports will also be allowed to return to full capacity.

Restaurants and pub capacity will be doubled, and weddings and funerals will be allowed up to 200 people.

Many inland parts of Queensland are expected to experience another spring heatwave today. Above average temperatures are predicted to develop, with warning of storms that will follow.

The Bureau of Meteorology has stated some areas of the state are experiencing temperatures that are 10 degrees above the November average.

Officials are advising to be cautious of more thunderstorms that may develop within the Queensland region.

New South Wales residents are set to receive $100 worth of vouchers to be used on dining and entertainment.

The announcement comes under a $500 million plan from the NSW government to boost the economy that has suffered from coronavirus.

The plan named ‘Out & About’ will see every adult receive four $25 vouchers to be spent on eating out, entertainment, and cultural events to help the industries that have been hit the hardest.

Victoria is celebrating its 18th consecutive day of no new coronavirus cases or deaths, as stated by the Department of Health and Human Services.

17,412 test results have been received in the past day, with only three cases still classified as active.

Hurricane Iota that has been threatening Central America has ramped up to a “catastrophic” category 5 hurricane.

Predictions have been reported where it is expected to hit Central America late Monday. NHC stated the hurricane will “bring catastrophic wind, life-threatening storm surge and torrential rainfall.”

Communities in the area have been preparing and some cities have proceeded with evacuations.

Joe Biden has expressed frustration over Donald Trump’s refusal to concede the election, stating the US population is at risk of more fatalities from coronavirus without immediate action.  

Biden stated that waiting until the inauguration day on January 20th will put necessary planning and actions behind by a month.

New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, has advised it is unlikely Australia will be included in the trans-Tasman travel bubble by Christmas.

With the outbreak of a coronavirus cluster in South Australia, Ardern stated the strategy Australia uses to handle COVID-19 does not align with New Zealand’s approach.

Where Australia deals with the virus by employing a suppression strategy which locks down the COVID hotspots, New Zealand goes by a complete elimination strategy. Ardern has advised this does not adhere to New Zealand’s method.

Queensland health workers have spoken out, reporting their personal protective equipment (PPE) is out of date and does not fit.

Queensland Health has a guideline to ensure appropriate PPE is worn to prevent transmission, and for annual tests to be performed by healthcare workers to check masks fit correctly.

However, some nurses have stated their PPE tests haven’t been conducted for over 10 years. The Nurses Professional Association of Queensland is appealing for annual fit testing of masks to become the law.