Coronavirus outbreak in Chinese city

Chinese officials are undergoing large coronavirus testings as a high number of asymptomatic cases have been recorded in the city of Kashgar.

Around 137 cases were detected by health officials, which has been linked to a garment factory in Kashgar. It is unclear how the initial infection was contracted, and authorities are working to test the entire city of 4.7 million residents by Tuesday.

Poland protests

The streets of Poland have been swarmed by angry protesters, after the constitutional court voted in favour of enforcing an almost total ban on abortion.

The court alleged the current laws on abortion of damaged foetuses does not align with the constitution.

Citizens swarmed multiple key roundabouts in the city to stop traffic, and shouted anti-government slogans.

Great Barrier Reef receives $28 million funding

The Great Barrier Reef is set to receive a $28 million federal funding package to help enhance the marine life and environment.

The funding will be divided between six natural resource projects on Queensland’s east coast. It will include beach clean-ups, managing threatened species, and helping rejuvenate natural habitats.

The funding will be essential in maintaining and improving the life of the Reef.

South-east Queensland weather warnings

Warnings have been issued to parts of Queensland’s east coast today, urging people to be prepared for another day of severe thunderstorms.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) advised the south-east corner and northern parts of Queensland are expected to experience heavy storms today.

BOM forecaster Felim Hanniffy stated it’s a very high chance of large hail, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall.

Researchers create habitats for threatened species

Researchers at Charles Sturt University have designed plastic boxes as a home for animals that have lost their habitats to the bushfires.

Through the use of 3D printing, the boxes imitate the microclimate of an actual tree hollow.

The creation is aimed at helping threatened Australian wildlife, and hopes to restore wildlife species in burnt-out environments.

Melbourne's long awaited lifting of restrictions

Melbourne is experiencing some relief as long-awaited easing of restrictions begins midnight tonight.

With the state recording zero coronavirus cases on Monday, the Premier Daniel Andrews has announced the end of the lockdown, and changes to the restrictions.

Many businesses such as gyms, restaurants, cafes and bars will be allowed to open. Funerals and religious gatherings are permitted, and some sports will be able to operate.

Belarus protests continue

Belarus has undergone a nationwide strike in a strong protest to see leader Alexander Lukashenko step down from power.

A group of almost 3,000 Belarusians have taken to the streets waving red and white flags and protest signs.

The Belarusian political opposition, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, pushed for local citizens to block roads, stop using government shops, shut down workplaces and remove all money from their bank accounts.

Japan pledges to be carbon neutral by 2050

Japan has vowed to become carbon neutral by 2050, as part of the country’s plan to committing to helping climate change.

The Prime Minister, Yoshihide Suga, delivered his first address on Monday, with the environment as his main concern and issue.

Suga stated Japan needs to meet the climate pledges formed by other economies. In his address Suga declared Japan will “aim to realise a decarbonised society.”