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Locking down hotspots 'an option', but not an easy one: Chief Health Officer
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer has warned of the difficulties of forcing some COVID-19 'hotspot' suburbs into a second lockdown but said it was 'absolutely an option' that would be used if required.
- by Jewel Topsfield
Second surge prompts calls for mandatory face masks, Greg Hunt weighs in
The Federal Health Minister said there had been urgent discussions in the wake of the new surge in infections, particularly in Melbourne's hotspots.
- by Melissa Cunningham
Iran issues arrest warrant for Donald Trump, requests help from Interpol
Iran has asked Interpol to help detain US President Donald Trump and others it believes carried out a drone strike that killed General Qassem Soleimani in January.
- by Nasser Karimi
'Challenging': More than 2500 people in self-isolation having close contacts traced
Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton has not ruled out stricter stay-at-home orders, saying many of the cases identified in recent days relate to people still going out with symptoms.
- by Craig Butt
More top stories
'Offensive capability': $1.3b for new cyber spies to go after hackers
Australia will recruit 500 new spies to go after foreign hackers overseas and disrupt their attempts to launch cyber attacks on critical infrastructure.
- by Anthony Galloway
TAC compensation anguish for grieving mum
A grieving widow is taking the Transport Accident Commission to court for rejecting her claim after her husband was killed in a car crash.
- by Tammy Mills
Swimwear brand Seafolly collapses amid pandemic
More than 100 jobs will go as major Australian swimwear brand Seafolly becomes the latest retail victim of the coronavirus pandemic.
- by Dominic Powell
Last-minute reprieve: Government gives Channel 31 another year on the air
The channel said it may have gone under had the government forced it to go solely online in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.
- by Nick Bonyhady
Exclusive
Restaurants
George Calombaris restaurant empire's collapse costs taxpayers $1 million
So little cash was left in the company after it went into liquidation that the taxpayer must pick up the tab - and still some workers will miss out.
- by Chris Vedelago and Cameron Houston
In Other News
Local
Teacher's aide who abused boy said she 'wanted someone to love me'
The teacher's aide was in her early 50s, using ice and in the grip of a 'personality crisis' when she abused the 15-year-old boy at a school in Melton, a court heard.
- by Adam Cooper
'Everyone's got parents': Millennials warned about putting elderly at risk
Health officials have reiterated the importance of young adults remaining vigilant as people in their 20s and 30s form a large segment of the spike in COVID-19 cases.
- by Lisa Favazzo and David Estcourt
Saliva test missing about 13pc of COVID-19 infections, early studies show
Health experts have warned a new saliva test being rolled out in Victoria should be used only as a back-up for those who refuse a throat and nasal swab.
- by Dana McCauley
Focus on hotspot suburbs after Victoria records 75 new cases
Out of the 75 new cases, one is linked to hotel quarantine, 14 are linked to outbreaks, 37 have been detected through routine testing and 23 are still under investigation.
- by Michael Fowler and Rachael Dexter
Families urged to stay home for school holidays as cases surge
Nine schools and two childcare centres in Melbourne linked to recently confirmed cases of COVID-19, after students became infected through contact with family members.
- by Adam Carey
From our partners
Politics
War crime inquiry must put an end to speculation, says Chester
Defence Personnel Minister says veterans will need mental health support after top military brass admits the Inquiry will make adverse findings.
- by Rob Harris and Nick McKenzie
Exclusive
University
Nationals issue warning on government's university funding overhaul
- by Fergus Hunter
Business
Opinion
Oil
Crunch point: A US energy giant files for bankruptcy - and an industry shudders
Energy giant was a trailblazer that helped transform the global energy market. Its fall shows just how fragile the sector is.
- by Stephen Bartholomeusz
As it happened: COVID-19 surge sends ASX to two-week low
- by Alex Druce and Dominic Powell
World
Pence advocates masks as daily global coronavirus infections hit new high
Amid a rapid rise in US coronavirus cases, Vice-President Mike Pence told Americans to wear face coverings in an effort to slow the spread.
- by Nicole Winfield
Opinion
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Editor's Picks
Property bydomain
Are these Australia's biggest property bargains right now?
If you're in the market for a good opportunity, there are a handful of vendors out there slashing prices and willing to negotiate. Here's where to look.
- by Allison Worrall
Online shopping mogul lists his Melbourne investment pad for $10m
The luxurious five-bedroom home includes a tiered cinema room, a glass-walled home office and a lap pool.
- by Melissa Heagney
Life & Culture
Thinking of buying a coloured coat? Here's what you need to consider
The phenomenon has become something of a meme in TV news land, with several reporters owning four of the same $750 coat that comes in a rainbow of colours.
- by Melissa Singer
Food bygoodfood
Travel bytraveller
Cars bydrive
From Our Partners
Sport
Updated
AFL 2020
Victorian clubs on the move as AFL fixture options evaporate
The AFL is preparing to dispatch Victorian teams around the country for extended periods to overcome mounting border control issues as its options for completing the 2020 season rapidly contract.
- by Sam McClure, Daniel Cherny and Lucy Stone
The AFL's harder road to hit Vic teams
The equation facing the AFL isn't quite as ugly as some of the footy over the weekend but it has suddenly become as difficult as coaching Melbourne.
- by Jake Niall
No 'perfect' solution to replace Stewart: Ling
Geelong great Cameron Ling says the Cats cannot replace the injured Tom Stewart "perfectly" and will need his teammates to help breach the absence.
- by Jon Pierik
McEvoy buoyed by switch to defence
Adept at tapping into the temperament to thrive in finals, Ben McEvoy has felt pre-game butterflies return since moving from ruckman to key defender this year.
- by Anthony Colangelo
'No Victorians': V'landys urges state's NRL fans to stay away from games
The ARL Commission chair is pushing on with plans to have 25 per cent capacity crowds at matches this weekend - on one condition.
- by Sam Phillips and Adam Pengilly
'They should be pinged': AFL boss urges refs to pay holding the ball
Gill McLachlan disagrees with coaches that the game is boring and ugly but the AFL chief executive agrees more free kicks should be paid for holding the ball.
- by Michael Gleeson
'How selfish can you all get?': Kyrgios slams tennis world
The Australian star has continued his crusade against the rest of the tennis world after Alexander Zverev was caught flouting a self-imposed isolation period.
- by Sam Phillips
Have Your Say
Real Footy podcast: 'I reckon he was s--tcanning his own brand'
This week on the Real Footy podcast, there's fiery debate between Caroline Wilson, Michael Gleeson and Jake Niall about ugly footy.
