New data shows 16 COVID-19 variants of concern have been found in Queensland quarantine hotels since the beginning of March. Genome testing is still underway on a further 27 cases detected since the 17th of March. The variants, which are more contagious and cause more serious symptoms than regular COVID-19, have caused several outbreaks in Brisbane hotels this year, however there has not yet been any widespread community transmission.

Australian first citizen science program, Soils for science is asking Queenslanders to dig deep as part of a research project looking to find a medical breakthrough. New antibiotics may be unearthed through collecting 100,000 soil samples from gardens and backyards. University of Queensland professor Ian Henderson says people can request a free soil collection kit and post samples back for analysis.

State laws requiring important government information such as mining leases and land use amendments to be advertised in print media publications are set to be changed this week. The information now only has to be published online, redirecting vital funds from Queensland’s struggling newspaper industry. Treasurer Cameron Dick says the move will cut costs without impacting access to information following the closure of twenty local news publications last year.

South Australian primary schools have banned children from bringing mobile phones to school unless they’re necessary for a class activity. The bans were introduced by the Education Department for many reasons including improving academic results and decreasing bullying. Recent articles show positive impacts from banning phones as test scores of students aged 16 increased by 6.4% of a standard deviation.

Israelis are set to hit the polling booths tonight in the country’s fourth national election in 2 years. Benjamin Netanyahu is looking to extend his twelve year tenure as prime minister but is under threat from centrist leader Yair Lapid, whose Yesh Atid party is looking to capitalise on Netanyahu’s recent drop in popularity. Protests have swept through Israel in recent weeks as people demand Netanyahu’s resignation over corruption allegations and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eight activists have finished jail sentences in China and returned home after being detained at sea last year when they tried to flee Hong Kong by speedboat. The men were convicted of illegally crossing the maritime border resulting in seven months jail time. Back in Hong Kong with authorities, the men may face further prosecution due to tough new security laws in place.