Boris Johnson set out plans to end social and economic Covid restrictions in England on July 19th.

Mr. Johnson said the government is looking to move away from legal restrictions and instead allow people to make their own informed decisions about how to manage the virus.

While cases are on the rise. the vaccination programm weakened the link between infections and hospitalisations and deaths, 

Confirmation on lifting the restrictions will be announced on July 12th once the latest Covid health data has been reviewed.

Queenslanders are being called on to name Queensland’s newest mascot to front the SEAL program which aims to raise awareness of water safety and pool compliance.

The program will provide free swim lessons for children and adults, alongside free educational seminars, with Ipswich Council’s Andrew Fechner encouraging the local community to get involved by emailing their name suggestions to poolsprogram@ipswich.qld.gov.au.

Entries close on July 31st.

Noosa Council avoided a $3 million fine after being found guilty of improperly disposing toxic waste material at its Pomona Depot.

The Department of Environment of Sciences (DES) has issued council a formal warning for not obtaining a permit for the safe disposal of copper chrome arsenate treated timber which can be unsafe if ingested or burnt.

Noosa locals are angry at tourist’s disregard for Queensland’s mask-wearing mandate.

Local Noosa legend Bill Watson claimed only 10% of people he sees are complying with the mask-wearing rule.

Mr Watson said locals are doing the right thing, but it’s mainly visitors who don’t, leaving the community at risk.

Deputy Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski says police handed out 235 masks on Sunday and infringement has risen up to $206 for every person that fails to comply.

For the first time, rTMS short for Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is being added to the Medicare Benefits Schedule at a cost of $288.5 million. 

rTMS is a successful last resort depression treatment that involves an electromagnetic coil being placed on a patient’s scalp where a magnetic pulse stimulates nerve cells in the area of the brain involving mood control and depression.

Currently the treatment costs between $3,500 to $5,000 and while doctors warn it is not a cure, they say it has strong efficacy and low side effects. 

Australia’s Foreign Minister Marise Payne has announced a promises to financially support overseas Australians trying to return home amid a decreased travel cap.

The number of international arrivals has decreased to a little over 3 thousand flights across the country, while 20 repatriation flights are scheduled between now and September.

Ms Payne said the new cap reflects the ‘very challenging environment’ and encourages those overseas to contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Consular Emergency Centre, especially for those in need of financial assistance.

A chemical factory explosion has rocked the city outskirts of Bangkok, with the blast being heard kilometers away in the Samut Prakan province. The blast has damaged homes and thousands of evacuations have been ordered. 

It is currently unknown what caused the explosion at the expandable polystyrene producing factory. Firefighters have brought most of the inferno under control while a chemical styrene monomer tank still burns.

One rescue worker died, while 29 are injured.

The Southern Moreton Bay Islands Coast Care received a federal government grant of over eight thousand dollars to aid the continuation of drone monitoring on Russell Island.

The drone trial which monitored the island’s mangroves ended successfully and this latest grant meant the remaining twelve missions can be completed.

Project coordinator Al Priestwood said the drones are a great improvement on handheld cameras and are excited to continue the project once weather conditions improve.