Life down under is on song for Millar
Life hasn’t been normal for quite some time now, with the country being plunged in and out of lockdown for over nine months.
After the UK went into its first national lockdown in March 2020, we have been living in unprecedented times.
People can’t meet in groups, go to the pub, go to gigs or even eat out in a restaurant.
But it’s not like this everywhere else, with some countries now living a much more normal life compared to that of the UK.
Millar Jukes is originally from Wishaw but has stayed in Australia for nearly 10 years now.
The musician spoke with the Wishaw Press about what is different in Australia just now and how different life is compared to the UK.
He said: “Restrictions have eased dramatically over here in Melbourne before Christmas. We’ve had very low to no cases.
“However, last year we went through 112 days of a stage four lockdown which meant most places closed (unless essential work), there was a curfew at 8pm, mandatory masks and you were only allowed out for an hour a day.
“It was really tough mentally. Everyone was a bit standoffish when we came out of it but it’s getting back to a kind of normal now but we can’t get complacent.
“It’s really a fragile environment here but mostly everyone is complying with the rules so we’re in a better place.
“Face coverings aren’t really mandatory anymore. We only need to wear them on public transport, Ubers/taxis, supermarkets and shopping centres and places where we can’t social distance.
“I think that’s the main places where we have to wear masks.”
“Restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs are all open now. They have different capacity limits depending on the size of the venue. We’re allowed 50 people on a dance floor if space allows.
“We played our first gig in almost a year last week and we had to play two sets so the venue could clean and sanitise between the first and second set. It was weird but amazing to be back on stage.
“We’ve all been waiting to get back playing gigs. People were dancing and just so happy to be out again. There’s a feeling of unity and pride here. We’ve all gone through it together and it shows now that we’re all celebrating with each other.”
Millar feels that the main difference between the two countries’ approach to the virus was controlling the borders and having much tougher restrictions.
He feels this has led to Australia now being in a very different state to the UK.
“I think we closed the borders and were a lot tougher with our restrictions a lot earlier. It seems that the UK sacrificed their Christmas for the summer,” said Millar.
“We were going through winter when we went through stage four lockdown. I really feel for everyone back home. It’s heartbreaking to watch and such a difficult time but Australians have shown that if you follow the rules and the health services get on top of the situation then restrictions ease.
“I think we start vaccinations in mid February and according to the news Australia has ordered 10 million doses of the vaccine which is good news for the vulnerable and people who need or want it.”
Millar Jukes’ latest song, Home, is now avalable on all major streaming platforms.