Welcome to the 9News.com.au live blog for Thursday, July 7, 2022.
People aged over 30 can soon have a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose if they would like it, with over 50s urged to have one, amid a "surge" in cases.
Thousands of residents in Sydney's west have returned home to begin the post-flood clean up.
Floodwaters are still rising in the NSW Hunter region .
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has urged China to exert its influence on Russia to halt the war in Ukraine.
And a police officer armed with a rifle watched the gunman in the Texas school shooting walk toward the campus but did not fire, according to a critique released on the response to the tragedy. - Australians aged over 30 now eligible for a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose - Penny Wong urges China to pressure Russia on ending war - Police 'missed chances to stop Texas school shooting', report finds - Almost 30,000 returning to flood-hit homes in NSW, but emergency not over - Nick Kyrgios' raw admission after booking Wimbledon semi-final spot - GALLERY: Road torn in two by flood waters That's it from the 9News.com.au live blog for Thursday, July 7, 2022.
Here's what happened: People aged over 30 can soon have a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose if they would like it, with over 50s urged to have another jab, amid a "surge" in cases.
Thousands of residents in Sydney's west have returned home to begin the post-flood clean up.
Floodwaters are still rising in the NSW Hunter region with multiple people rescued from stranded cars and homes.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has urged China to exert its influence on Russia to halt the war in Ukraine.
And a police officer armed with a rifle watched the gunman in the Texas school shooting walk toward the campus but did not fire, according to a critique released in response to the tragedy.
We'll return early tomorrow .
Until then visit nine.com.au and 9News.com.au for all the latest breaking news.
As flooding continues to affect parts of New South Wales, motorists are being told to avoid non-essential travel.
According to the Transport Management Centre, many roads remain closed and public transport services are still affected by flooding.
Drivers who do need to travel have been reminded to never drive through floodwaters.
In the NSW Hunter region On the NSW Central Coast On the NSW Mid North Coast Around Sydney: In the Illawarra: A ship that had to be towed back to Sydney after losing power has been detained by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
The authority has said the vessel's engine is unreliable and must be fixed and compliant before leaving port. "The vessel will be detained until AMSA inspectors are satisfied that the identified problems have been fixed," AMSA executive director of operations Michael Drake said. "We have sent two inspectors and one specialist lead investigator on board to assess the vessel's mechanical and operational safety." AMSA specialists will also evaluate the vessel and crew's compliance with international standards.
The ship could be at Port Botany for several days.
Footage of the chilling moment a western Sydney home is set on fire has been released by police in hopes of catching the culprit.
A person can be seen walking towards the home on Dolomite Road, Cranebrook, setting it on fire, before running back into a car seconds later.
Emergency services attended and managed to contain the fire to the front room before extinguishing it.
READ MORE Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has stopped short of calling for the reintroduction of mask mandates to curb the current COVID-19 wave. "If you are indoors and you can't socially distance, give strong consideration to wearing a mask because it will reduce the chance of transmission," he said.
He noted the widespread vaccine use had rendered the value of lockdowns largely unnecessary.
But the government did not have a specific number in mind when it came to vaccination targets. "We are working to maximise the uptake," Butler said. "Vaccines are widely available, they're free of charge and they will provide you with much greater protection than you currently have." © Nine Digital Pty Ltd 2022 Auto news: Uber of the future revealed - drive.com.au Online Coupons and Best Deals Watch the gripping new series The Lazarus Project now on Stan.
Search properties in AUS Latest news, reviews and cars for sale © 2022 Nine Digital Pty Ltd © 2022 Nine Digital Pty Ltd source