Australia is no longer getting any further with its zero covid strategy because of the delta variant. And more and more regions are no longer out of lockdown.
Melbourne – It has been a year and a half since the World Health Organization (WHO) officially upgraded the coronavirus from a previous epidemic to a global corona pandemic on March 11, 2020. Since then, people around the world have been suffering from the virus, which is supposed to be contained through various protective measures.
The Australian metropolis of Melbourne has now set a sad high. The capital of the state of Victoria on the east coast of Australia is now in lockdown mode for a total of 246 days, reported the Australian broadcaster ABC. Melbourne replaced Buenos Aires in Argentina, which had been in lockdown for the longest time.
Lockdown in Melbourne: new corona infections are increasing dramatically
New corona infections have recently increased dramatically in Victoria, and new highs were measured last week. The region has been in a strict lockdown for almost two months – for the sixth time. Not only in the greater Melbourne area with its around five million inhabitants: inside, many people are nervous, especially since the lockdown is expected to continue for several weeks.
After 80 percent of the population have now received at least a first dose of vaccine, the rules were slightly relaxed last week despite the many new infections. People are now allowed to move within a radius of 15 instead of the previous 10 kilometers from their place of residence. In addition, golf and other non-contact outdoor sports are again allowed.
Corona in Australia: Zero Covid strategy no longer works because of Delta
Australia, with its around 25 million inhabitants, had long pursued a zero Covid strategy and tried to eradicate the virus with closed external borders and extremely rigid measures. With the spread of the delta variant, however, several regional governments had to admit that the strategy no longer works. The authorities are now focusing on achieving the highest possible vaccination rate with corona vaccine. (ktho / dpa)
