Melbourne to ease Covid lockdowns
City was shut down for 262 days since March 2020
Melbourne, which has spent more time under Covid-19 lockdowns than any other city in the world, is set to lift its stay-athome orders this week, officials said yesterday.
By Friday, when some curbs will be lifted, the Australian city of 5 million people will have been under six lockdowns totalling 262 days, or nearly nine months, since March 2020.
Australian and other media say this is the longest in the world, exceeding a 234-day lockdown in Buenos Aires.
While coronavirus cases keep rising in Victoria state, of which Melbourne is the capital, the state’s double-vaccination rate is set to reach 70 per cent this week, allowing for the ease in restrictions.
“Today is a great day,” said
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews in announcing the lockdown.
“Today is a day when Victorians can be proud of what they have achieved.” When hospitality venues and some businesses reopen, their capacity will remain heavily restricted. More easing, including the reopening of many retailers, will come once 80 per cent of eligible Victorians are fully vaccinated — estimated by November 5 at the latest.