Australia is witnessing a sudden surge of COVID-19 cases in the country. The country expanded the lockdown in the rural areas as cases continue to spread from Sydney to the northern tip of the most populous state. Besides that, the Delta variant is recklessly spreading its legs in the country.
Australia Expands Lockdown in Rural Areas
COVID-19 cases in Australia are continuously rising. The authorities have extended the lockdown in several rural areas; as cases continue to spread from Sydney to the northern tip of the country’s most populous state. On Monday, the government extended the lockdown in the coastal region of Byron Bay. However, the COVID-19 Delta variant is at its peak in the country. Most of the new cases detected in the country depict the Delta variant.
Restrictions were Extended in which States?
The government has imposed a 7-days lockdown in Tamworth, a farming town about 257 miles (414 kilometers) from Sydney. Besides that, they have also imposed restrictions in Byron Bay, a coastal region and a tourist spot about 770 kilometers north of Sydney. New South Wales’s Premier Gladys Berejiklian made the announcement on Monday. So far, neither Tamworth nor Byron Bay has recorded a COVID-19 case yet. But, two travelers who traveled to those spots despite restrictions contracted the virus. Henceforth, the government of Australia has decided to take all the precautionary measures.
Cases Continue to Rise in Sydney Despite the Lockdown
Sydney is one of the worst-affected COVID-19 cities in Australia. New South Wales reported 283 locally transmitted COVID-19 cases on Sunday, up from 262 cases on Saturday. However, the government is struggling to contain the virus spread in Sydney. The Delta variant cases are recklessly rising despite 7-weeks lockdown in the city. On the other hand, Victoria has decided to ease restrictions in the state. It reported 11 cases on Sunday, the same as Saturday. The state’s premier, Daniel Andrews said that the government will lift the lockdown in all other states besides the capital on Monday.
COVID-19 Situation in Australia
So far, only 22 percent of Australians above 16 are vaccinated against COVID-19. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged the citizens to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Morrison reacted to a public poll regarding the lockdown and said that people are not liking it anymore. They want to get out of their homes and lead a normal life. But there are no shortcuts. Moreover, the Prime Minister expressed his desire to vaccinate all Australian citizens above 16 before this year ends. Australia has reported 36, 250 cases and 939 deaths.
