Elective surgery simply means that the surgery can be scheduled in advance. It may be a surgery you choose to have for a better quality of life, but not for a life-threatening condition. In some cases it may be for a serious condition such as cancer.

In relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, surgical restrictions also included IVF.

Today the Prime Minister delivered the news many people were keen to hear - restrictions are easing.

"This will not mean an immediate return to normal with elective surgery, but a gradual restart, subject of course to capacity and other constraints that may exist in each jurisdiction," Mr Morrison warned.

"We will be easing restrictions on the following areas. That is Category 2 or equivalent procedures in the private sector, and selected Category 3 and other procedures, which includes all IVF, all screening programs, where they have ceased.

"Post-cancer restricted procedures, such as breast reconstruction, dental and Level 2 restrictions. So, such as fitting dentures, braces, non-high speed drilling and basic fillings. All procedures for children under the age of 18, all joint replacements, including knee, hips and shoulders, all cataracts and eye procedures, and endoscopy and colonoscopy."

There will be another review on May 11 to determine what next on the surgery and medical procedures front but as we know too well right now, three weeks is a loooong time during a pandemic.

In the meantime, the economic reality was banged home yet again today when Virgin Australia slumped into administration. It's important to note the entity hasn't been liquidated but it's for the administrators - in this case the global accountancy firm of Deloitte - to work out what can be salvaged and how the company might be restructured. Let Steve Evans explain here.

The number of virus cases in Tasmania's north-west cluster are trailing off but it was revealed today a whopping 18,800 Tasmanian jobs have evaporated in three weeks.

Queensland recorded six new cases of coronavirus statewide amid fears of a possible cluster at a hospital in the state's north; South Australia will handle more repatriated Aussies and Australian recoveries nudged the 4200 mark.

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