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SYDNEY: The Australian state of Victoria reported four new COVID-19 cases on Monday (Oct 19), as people in Melbourne were given more freedom to move after a months-long shutdown, raising hope that an outbreak in the city was coming to an end.
The number of cases rose from just two on Sunday, but extended a series of single-digit daily increases to nearly a week and is well below the peak of more than 700 cases in a single day in early August.
After more than 100 days in a strict lockdown that allowed just two hours of outdoor activity a day, the 5 million people who live in Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, will be able to spend as much time exercising outdoors as they want.
However, people must remain within 25 km of their homes, public gatherings will remain very limited, and retailers and restaurants must operate only take-out or home delivery orders.
A family enjoys a walk in Melbourne on October 18, 2020, when the state government announces the lifting of some COVID-19 restrictions. (Photo: AFP / William West)
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State Prime Minister Daniel Andrews has set November 1 as the date for the next stage of lifting the restrictions, but said some could be eased sooner if cases remain low and have a known source.
But the schedule has frustrated Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s federal government, which is pressuring Melbourne to reopen to revive Australia’s ailing economy.
“Clearly, it is taking a huge toll on the Victorian economy and indeed the national economy,” Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told Sky News on Monday.
Australia’s economy contracted 7 per cent in the three months to the end of June, the largest quarterly contraction since records began in 1959. The unemployment rate reached a 22-year high of 7.5 per cent in July when businesses and borders were closed to deal with coronavirus.
Australia has recorded just over 27,300 COVID-19 infections, according to data from the Ministry of Health, far fewer than many other developed countries. Victoria accounts for more than 90 percent of the 905 deaths nationwide.
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