Almost half of the Australian population remains in lockdown with no end in sight, as authorities pin their hopes on restrictions stopping chains of transmission. Victoria’s lockdown has been extended with contract tracers there racing to keep up with infections amid cases spreading to regional areas. Sydney is facing its fifth week of lockdown and tough new restrictions have seen construction sites shut down. It’s a very different story in the UK, with so-called “Freedom Day” set to see an end to almost all restrictions. But with new cases reaching 50,000 a day, it’s feared abandoning the measures could see another spike in infections. Joining guest host Virginia Trioli on the panel are: Libby Trickett, Olympic Gold Medallist; Russel Howcroft, broadcaster; David Gillespie, Regional Health Minister; Bill Shorten, Shadow Minister for the NDIS and Government Services; and Astrid Edwards, podcaster, teacher and disability advocate.