Finkel urges drug trial prudence

Australia’s chief scientist, Dr Alan Finkel, has cautioned against claims of sudden cures for COVID-19, as results from preliminary drug trials dominate media headlines. Finkel issued the warning on Wednesday at the launch of the Rapid Research Information Forum, which will provide advice on the virus to the federal government. He told Guardian Australia that while open sharing of data is important, “with openness comes the need for the public to understand that the answers are not simple and that understanding is achieved through the weight of evidence from multiple trials.” In a recent University of Queensland pre-clinical test for a potential vaccine, media reports did not mention the testing was done in cell cultures from animals. On Wednesday the World Health Organization said it was too early to judge a preliminary trial of an experimental drug that hastened recovery times, a result that led to a United States stock market surge. The news comes as a report from the Australian Institute of Criminology found reputed cures for the virus, including blood that allegedly belonged to recovered coronavirus patients, are being sold on the dark web.

A western Sydney aged care home recorded its 12th COVID-19 death on Wednesday, with the operator expecting more fatalities in coming days. The facility has been turned into a “pseudo” hospital, with 20 registered nurses, 25 carers, 11 cleaners and a GP working to help residents, although families have criticised a lack of communication from the operator, Anglicare. It comes as Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday highlighted the low number of infections – less than 1 per cent of Australia’s total – in residential aged care to put pressure on facilities to let family members visit. Operators are lobbying for a $1 billion-plus federal rescue package in exchange for any lifting of restrictions, taking out a full-page advertisement in today’s Sydney Morning Herald and The Age calling for “a national approach for visits in aged care homes that respects the need for strong infection control, balanced with [residents'] needs ... for social and emotional supports.” 

The United Kingdom’s COVID-19 death toll has spiked to 26,097 after fatalities outside hospitals were included in official figures for the first time, such as deaths that occurred in aged care homes. The expanded criteria means the toll included 3811 deaths not previously counted. With 765 new deaths registered in the 24 hours to 5pm on Tuesday, the United Kingdom now has the third highest coronavirus death toll in the world after the US and Italy.

The Northern Territory government has announced more restrictions will be relaxed from midday on Friday. Rules limiting the number of attendees at outdoor weddings and funerals will be lifted, and playgrounds will also be opened. The news comes after an earlier announcement that parks and reserves will be reopened. Details about the easing of other restrictions will be revealed by Chief Minister Michael Gunner today, including information about when businesses will be able to return to normal operations.

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