SYDNEY: The worst-of-the-worst Following a decrease in the number of new Covid-19 cases, Australian jurisdictions have lifted restrictions.

According to the latest reports, the state of New South Wales (NSW) registered 7,437 cases and 14 deaths on Monday, the third day in a row with fewer than 10,000 infections. The number of hospitalizations in NSW cases fell to 2,099, with 137 ICU admissions.

As pressure has been lifted in several health sectors, NSW's previously suspended non-urgent elective surgery will return to 75 percent capacity in private hospitals and some remote public hospitals starting Monday. The neighbouring state of Victoria recorded 8,275 additional cases. There were 638 hospitalizations, down from 652 the day before, including 72 ICU cases. Some non-urgent surgeries will be able to resume in Victoria's private hospitals and day treatment centres, but only at 50% of usual levels.

Martin Foley, Victoria's Minister for Health, indicated that once the average hospitalisation falls below 600, he will examine the settings and see whether certain non-urgent elective surgery can restart in metropolitan public hospitals, pending an evaluation of staff availability and furloughs.

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