Lockdown No. 5 in Melbourne

 

Some countries experienced a third wave of pandemic virus and some others are expecting a similar experience soon in their countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) warned the nations of a possible third wave in August and September and urged the governments to complete the vaccination before the Third wave hits. 

Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that the state would enter its fifth lockdown for five days effective from midnight of July 15^th. Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in Melbourne soon after the lockdown announcement came.

They shouted against Daniel Andrews and demanded an end to restrictions in Melbourne. They have repeatedly chanted slogans like “No More Lockdown” and “Sack Dan” during their protest. Many people have appeared without face masks. People blamed that the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison completely failed to handle the crisis. Government has failed to procure enough vaccines and not build proper quarantine facilities to fight coronavirus. Many people said that Australia is suffering from a shortage of vaccines even though people are ready to take a jab. Melbourne recorded six cases of the virus Friday, all linked to known clusters, with the outbreak now at 24 infections.

The five-day lockdown in Melbourne is because of Delta variant outbreak that spreads from Sydney where the city currently is in lockdown. Sydney's lockdown is set to continue for at least two more weeks as authorities try to curb the community spread. The Delta variant of coronavirus is said to come from overseas passengers from aircrafts and later transmitted as local residents. Australia has a total of 25 million people. Nearly 50% of Australian people are now under lockdown restrictions. The country was lauded initially for its successful handling of pandemic with “Covid Zero” strategy but slow vaccination rollout in Australia causes sudden surge of covid-19 in the form of Delta variant.