Melbourne’s lockdown will help stop the spread of COVID-19 to NSW by limiting the number of people trying to get into the state, Gladys Berejiklian says.

Virgin Australia has announced a fresh strategy under its new owner Bain Capital that involves cutting costs, and jobs.

Victorian businesses are preparing to modify their operations or shut their doors by midnight on Wednesday, leaving some feeling ‘lost’ and at odds with their future. But they’re not giving up hope.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has offered all states and territories a $1500 payment for workers to stay at home while isolation because of coronavirus.

Queensland will shut its border to NSW and the ACT this week after people continued to dodge mandatory quarantine.

Premier Daniel Andrews has extended the hardship payment to Victorians in self-isolation awaiting coronavirus test results, but some say it’s not enough to stop people from going to work.

Australia’s unemployment rate is expected to peak at 9.25 per cent in the December quarter and there are warnings high jobless figures are set to remain persistent into next year.

With one year to go until the delayed Tokyo Olympic Games organisers are optimistic the situation will improve and the games will go ahead.

The COVID-19 death curve lags about two weeks behind the daily case count, meaning there could be a sharp spike in deaths on the way as Australia this week recorded its highest daily infection count since the pandemic began.