The coronavirus situation in Hong Kong is “really critical,” with a record 100 new infections registered on Sunday, the territory’s leader, Carrie Lam, said when Melbourne became the first city in Australia to make wearing masks mandatory. in response to a resurgence and aggressive outbreak there.
Hong Kong It was presented months ago as a model for its success in keeping Covid-19 cases low in the busy city-state of 7.5 million people, but its number of cases, while still low by European and American standards, had grown by a third in the last fortnight to almost 1,800. Lam closed bars, gyms, and nightclubs last week, and on Sunday announced new guidelines that include the mandatory use of indoor masks.
“I think the situation is really critical and there is no sign that the situation is being controlled,” he told reporters.
Melbourne was also thought to be on its way to eradicating the virus a month ago, but has since reestablished a total blockade in response to daily increases in infections. On Sunday, State Prime Minister Daniel Andrews said that everyone in From Australia The second-largest city and an adjacent area would have to wear a mask or face covering as of 11:59 p.m. Wednesday.
It is the first time that masks have become mandatory in the country, with the threat of a fine of A $ 200 (US $ 111) for non-compliance. Andrews announced another 363 Covid-19 cases when it introduced the face-covering requirement on Sunday, marking a fortnight of three-digit increases in new daily cases in and around the city.
“We will wear masks in Victoria and possibly in other parts of the country for a long time,” he said.
“There is no vaccine for this wildly infectious virus,” he said. Masks are “a simple thing, but it’s about changing habits, it’s about becoming a simple part of your routine.”
