Australia, NZ say virus infections are down

Australia and New Zealand have recorded their lowest increases in new coronavirus cases in about three weeks.

Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt said Thursday in Canberra there were 96 new cases, the first time there have been fewer than 100 new cases since March 17.

The peak was on March 28, when 457 new cases were recorded.

There have been just over 6,000 cases and 51 deaths in total in Australia from the virus.

Seeking to limit the impact on the economy, lawmakers passed a wage subsidy scheme late Wednesday worth 130 billion Australian dollars (81 billion US dollars).

Halfway through a planned four-week lockdown, New Zealand has recorded its lowest number of new coronavirus cases in nearly three weeks.

Health officials said Thursday there were 29 new cases, the fourth successive daily drop since 89 new cases were recorded on Sunday.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern also announced stricter border measures that require all returning nationals to go into a managed quarantine facility for two weeks.

Previously, returning nationals with no symptoms of COVID-19 had been allowed to isolate themselves at home.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

But the virus is highly contagious and can be spread by those with mild or no visible symptoms.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and could lead to death.