The Australian city of Sydney has been lockded down again for the next two weeks as increase in the number of coronavirus cases continue.
More than a million people in the central and eastern suburbs were already living with these restrictions set on Friday following increase in number of new cases.
The lockdown now spans over the entire city and surrounding areas, and has been extended from one to two weeks.
Delta Variant Cases
More than 80 cases of Delta variant’s highly contagious variety of cases have been confirmed in Sydney in recent days.
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said home orders would remain until July 9 across Greater Sydney – with a population of about five million – and the surrounding Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong.
“If you have an infectious variant, such as the Delta virus, a three-day lock does not work – if we are to do this we need to do it right,” the Premier said.
New Zealand – Australia Travel Bubble Paused
Police said they would use digital number plate detection technology to track vehicles and make sure people did not stray from the restricted area.
On Saturday, New Zealand suspended its travel bubble with Australia for three days due to the recent outbreak.
The travel arrangements between the two neighbors were opened in April. Travel between New Zealand and parts of Australia was temporarily closed as the outbreak occurred.
Australia has been keeping very low Covid transmission rates and this is the first imposition of restrictions in Sydney – the largest Australian city – since December.
Outbreaks appear to be exacerbated during the last week in Bondi, a popular beach resort, first spreading to the city center and then to the western edge.
‘Formidable Enemy’
State Health Minister Brad Hazzard described Delta’s diversity – which first appeared in India – as “a formidable enemy”.
“Whatever precautions we take now, the virus seems to understand how to fight the attack,” he said.
In a video message, Prime Minister Scott Morrison expressed gratitude for citizens for their patience and perseverance, adding: “Together, Sydney, we will get through this.”
“This pandemic, sadly, is still going on around the world and will occasionally have an impact here in Australia,” he said.
The recent outbreak has fueled criticism of the slow release of immunizations and vaccines by the provincial government.
