Australia has reported record-high new Covid-19 cases for a third day, with outbreaks growing in the two most populous states, however, Prime Minister Scott Morrison continued to downplay the risks as the country eases pandemic curbs.
New South Wales state reported 2,482 new cases, Victoria state reported 1,504 new cases and Queensland state reported 31 new cases, together topping Austalia's previous high of 3,820 infections a day earlier, Reuters reported.
Morrison reiterated the focus should be on hospitalisations and cases in intensive care and on ventilators rather than actual case numbers as the country learns to live with the virus.
“I wouldn't agree that Australians are complacent about it. We take this incredibly seriously. It's best addressed with a calm head and a clear plan,” Morrison said at a media conference.
