COVID-19 Informer: Spread slows, but no plan to ease off rules just yet

The figures mark the first time the number of new cases in Australia has been in single digits since March 8, and the lowest since March 6.

Sadly, the national coronavirus death toll has reached 74. The latest victims include women aged 92 and 80, along with a 75-year-old man. All three died in NSW.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said sustaining economic and social restrictions over the next four weeks could allow further easing of the rules.

But deputy chief medical officer Paul Kelly was adamant social distancing rules should still be maintained. He made particular mention of families wanting to spend time with each other.

"As a colleague said to me today just because you're slowing down doesn't mean you take the parachute off before you've landed," Mr Kelly said. "In general terms, we are just saying hold off a little bit longer to protect those vulnerable people ... let's see how we are in a couple of weeks."

Mr Kelly said these guidelines would likely change after the four week period has ended, but advised aged care facilities against a full lockdown for residents.

And that's how it's panning out across the nation. One facility in regional Western Australia has a "window of love" in place.

Opal Murray River, an aged care facility in Mandurah, began the project in an effort to maintain connection between residents and their loved ones. Residents can see their loved ones, share some laughter and some tears via the phone but in person.

Meanwhile the government also extended the suspension of mutual obligation requirements for welfare recipients today.

That means welfare recipients will not need to look for work for at least another month due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Tasmanian government will be begin to roll out a package of up to $3 million to support temporary visa holders in the state. There are 26,000 temporary visa holders in Tasmania, many of whom had lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 restrictions in place and who were unable to seek financial assistance through the Federal government's JobSeeker or JobKeeper packages.

Did you know you can receive this digest twice a day by email. Sign up here.

The news you need to know