End of virus lockdown in sight for Australia’s second-largest city

Australia’s second-largest city will end its coronavirus blockade at the end of October if its vaccine targets are met under the official roadmap announced on Sunday.

In Melbourne, around 5 million people have been banned from going out since the 6th time since August 5. Blockade They have endured so far during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Victorian authorities, including Melbourne, have announced those orders will be lifted when 70% of people over 16 are fully immunized. They predicted that the goal would be reached around October 26.

“The blockage is over. There are no longer (limited) reasons and curfews to leave the house, ”said Victorian Prime Minister Dana Andrews, adding that many restrictions will still be in place.

Restaurants and pubs are allowed to reopen, but the ban on visitors to the house is only maintained if up to 50 fully vaccinated people are seated outside.

However, when the vaccination rate hits 80% (estimated around November 5), fully vaccinated Melbourne residents will not have masks outside, up to 10 home visits and office work. You can enjoy a wider range of freedom, including options for.

Andrews said the change was likely to put the healthcare system under “great pressure,” but said staged recoveries would help Melbourne “normalize” the viral response.

“The virus cannot be removed permanently or permanently. The blockade was to give 70% and 80% time to get vaccinated, ”he said.

“We are rapidly approaching these milestones, and at this point we have to open up the venue, because staying closed forever has its own cost in every sense of the word. is.”

The announcement was made a few days later Police officer More than 200 protesters have been arrested after being injured during a violent anti-blockade protest in Melbourne.

The police used pepper spray on the crowd. The crowd opposed the pandemic restrictions and the stay-at-home order to march through the downtown suburbs.

Melbourne spent nearly four months blocking the blockade last year, registering hundreds of new cases every day, despite strict block rules.

After pursuing a “zero COVID” strategy for most pandemics, Australia has struggled to contain the most infectious delta mutants, and heads of state have stepped up efforts to ease restrictions as rates vaccination rates were increasing. I am.

© 2021 AFP