ABC’s medical expert Norman Swan goes into self-isolation after developing symptoms for coronavirus
- On ABC News Radio today, Dr Swan revealed he is self-isolating at home
- ‘I’m at home because I do have symptoms,’ he said to listeners this morning
- It comes as NSW, Tasmania and VIC ban gatherings of more than two people
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
The ABC’s medical expert Norman Swan has been tested for coronavirus after falling ill.
Speaking on ABC News Radio today, Dr Swan revealed he is self-isolating at home,
‘OK so now I have to admit I’m at home because I do have symptoms and after I finish this I’m going to get tested,’ he said.
The ABC’s medical expert Normal Swan (pictured) is being tested for coronavirus after developing symptoms
Dr Swan studied Medicine at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland before moving to Australia and working for the ABC as a broadcaster.
He is a regular on 7.30 and RN Breakfast and hosts his own national radio show, the Health Report.
Tasmania has recorded its first coronavirus death, taking the national death toll to 17.
The victim was a woman in her 80s who died in the North West Regional Hospital.
Premier Peter Gutwein announced the news this morning as he banned public gatherings of more than two people.
He said: ‘Tasmania now has its first death. All Tasmanians need to accept and understand that this is not a game. This is serious. People’s lives are at risk.’
Mr Gutwein said officials are still deciding how much people who break the rule on gatherings should be fined.
The victim was a woman in her 80s who died in the North West Regional Hospital (pictured)
Tasmania has recorded its first coronavirus death, taking the national death toll to 17. Pictured: Young women wear masks
Meanwhile, people who gather in groups bigger than two in New South Wales face a $1,000 fine from midnight.
Repeat offenders can even face six months in jail under the Public Health Act.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said on Monday morning that he was prepared to be lenient over the new laws.
‘We don’t want to have to enforce these laws. We want to work with you,’ he said.
He also announced that 1,200 Australians arriving from overseas today will be quarantined in hotels for two weeks to slow the spread of the virus.
On Sunday, 1,400 Australians arrived and were taken to hotels by the Army.
People who break social distancing rules face a $1,000 fine in New South Wales from midnight, Premier Gladys Berejiklian (pictured) announced today
Victorians who are caught with more than one other person except immediate family will be slapped with a $1,652 on the spot fine from Tuesday.
‘If you are having friends over for dinner or friends over for drinks that are not members of your household, then you are breaking the law,’ Premier Andrews said.
‘If we allow our health system to be overrun, then people will die. That is just a price that is just not worth paying. No gathering with friends is worth someone’s life,’ he warned.
It comes as the number of cases in Australia soars past 4,000.
New South Wales saw 127 new cases in the past 24 hours.
In the 24 hours to Saturday morning there were 212 new cases and on Sunday morning 174 new cases were announced, meaning the rate of infection appears to be declining due to the restrictions.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian urged Australians over 70 to stay at home.
She said: ‘If you are over 70 you shouldn’t leave home at all. I know this is difficult and I appreciate that for some parts of the day, people might want to get out and exercise.
‘That is OK, so long as you don’t come into contact with anybody else.
‘This disease, this virus is particularly – has a horrible impact on those who are older and vulnerable and it is time for us to protect the most vulnerable in the community.
‘Can I stress please take care of each other and make sure people over 70 are not leaving their homes and make sure they have support.’