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MELBOURNE: The COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney continued on Sunday (December 27) with more than a quarter of a million people locked up as Australia’s largest city awaited news on whether public New Year’s Eve celebrations would be allowed.
Seven cases of the new coronavirus were reported in the state of New South Wales, six directly related to the outbreak in Sydney’s North Beach suburbs, which are under a stay-at-home order through Wednesday. Infections number 122.
“I appreciate that the frustration levels are increasing as we approach New Year’s Eve and the days we stay at home increase,” State Premier Gladys Berejiklian said at a news conference.
“We hope to have some clear information for everyone tomorrow, or the latest the next day, about what New Year’s Eve and the next few weeks will be like.”
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The public countdown to New Year’s Day in big cities like Sydney has in the past been an occasion for parties and gatherings at barbecues, city parks or beaches in the southern hemisphere summer.
But the outbreak has caused chaos in many plans, as state authorities focus on measures to quell the resurgence.
Australia has fared better than most developed economies in the pandemic through rapid border closures, lockdowns, widespread testing and social distancing. It has recorded just under 28,300 infections, the vast majority in the state of Victoria, and 908 deaths from COVID-19.
Victoria, the second most populous state in Australia, is a neighbor of New South Wales. Its capital Melbourne, the nation’s previous hotspot, was in a severe lockdown for months. Sunday marked its 58th consecutive day with no community coronavirus broadcasts and no related deaths.
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