• News
  • Sport
  • TV
  • Radio
  • Education
  • TV Licences
  • Contact Us
  • SOUTH AFRICA
  • POLITICS
  • BUSINESS
  • SPORT
  • AFRICA
  • WORLD
  • FEATURES
  • OPINION
No Result
View All Result
1
Home World

Melbourne reopens as world’s most locked-down city eases pandemic restrictions

22 October 2021, 5:33 AM  |
Reuters Reuters |  @SABCNews
Australia's second-largest city has so far endured 262 days, or nearly nine months, of restrictions during six separate lockdowns since March 2020, representing the longest cumulative lockdown for any city in the world.

Australia's second-largest city has so far endured 262 days, or nearly nine months, of restrictions during six separate lockdowns since March 2020, representing the longest cumulative lockdown for any city in the world.

Image: Reuters

Australia's second-largest city has so far endured 262 days, or nearly nine months, of restrictions during six separate lockdowns since March 2020, representing the longest cumulative lockdown for any city in the world.

Melbourne residents flocked to the city’s pubs, restaurants and hair salons in the early hours of Friday after the world’s most locked-down city emerged from its latest spate of restrictions designed to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Australia’s second-largest city has so far endured 262 days, or nearly nine months, of restrictions during six separate lockdowns since March 2020, representing the longest cumulative lockdown for any city in the world.

Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, last year went through 234 straight days of lockdown.

In Melbourne, people were seen cheering and clapping from their balconies, while cars honked horns continuously at 11:59 pm on Thursday when lockdown restrictions in place since early August ended.

Many venues, including food outlets and even hair salons opened at the unusual hour for the occasion.

Josh Mihan, owner of The Bearded Man barber shop in Melbourne, told Reuters he is nearly booked out for the next month and he is encouraging customers to make appointments for Christmas.

“We all love cutting hair and being on the floor is such a lovely feeling, being around people,” he said.

“I have urged our customer base, make sure you have booked in your Christmas cut.”

Similar jubilant scenes were seen in the country’s largest city, Sydney, almost two weeks ago, when authorities started easing restrictions as COVID-19 vaccination rates rose.

Just over 70% of adults in Australia are now fully vaccinated and many residents are planning to fly overseas again as international border restrictions start to ease from November.

Qantas Airways Ltd said on Friday that it would speed up plans to restart flights to many destinations and upsize some planes amid “massive demand”.

“This is a wonderful day – Australia is ready for take-off, “Prime Minister Scott Morrison said shortly after the Qantas announcement.

Under relaxed rules in Melbourne, restaurants and cafes can reopen with up to 20 people indoors and 50 outdoors – all of whom must be vaccinated – while 10 guests can gather at homes.

Masks will remain mandatory.

Australia had stayed largely virus-free for most of this year until a third wave of infections fuelled by the Delta variant spread across its southeast from late June, forcing months-long lockdowns in its largest cities.

The virus got a foothold in Sydney, Melbourne and the nation’s capital, Canberra, while the rest of the country remains largely COVID-19 free.

Melbourne’s reopening will be a boost for the country’s A$2 trillion economy after recent lockdowns pushed it to the brink of a second recession in as many years.

Even with the Delta outbreaks, Australia’s coronavirus numbers are still far lower than those of many comparable nations, with some 152 000 cases and 1 590 deaths.

 

Share article
Tags: MelbourneRestrictionsPandemicCOVID-19
Previous Post

Tunisia President promises ‘dialogue’ over political system

Next Post

Mbeki implores South Africans to keep ANC to its promises

Related Posts

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Israel on cusp of region-reshaping peace with Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu says

22 September 2023, 9:46 PM
Palestinians throw objects next to an Israeli military vehicle during a raid near Tubas in the Israeli-occupied West Bank

Israeli military hits Gaza Strip as protests continue

22 September 2023, 6:48 PM
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng addresses the 78th Session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York City, U.S., September 21, 2023.

China committed to opening itself wider to the world: vice president

22 September 2023, 11:30 AM

President Ramaphosa wraps up US visit

21 September 2023, 7:30 PM
A banner with the image of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar is seen at the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara temple, site of his June 2023 killing, in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, September 20, 2023.

Canada gathers allies as tensions rise with India over Sikh leader’s murder

21 September 2023, 10:27 AM
President Cyril Ramaphosa

Ramaphosa urges developed nations to support financial system reform

20 September 2023, 9:52 PM
Next Post
File image: Former ANC President Thabo Mbeki speaking at an event.

Mbeki implores South Africans to keep ANC to its promises

Most Viewed

  • 24hrs
  • Week
  • Month
  • UPDATE: Public warned not to go to W Cape beaches as another spring tide expected
  • Spring high tide leaves trail of destruction along Garden Route
  • Concern over exclusion of foreign nationals from Road Accident Fund
  • “Motsoaledi’s ZEP leave for appeal has no prospects of success”
  • Congregants gather at Motse Maria Roman Catholic Mission in Limpopo
  • High waves and rough water conditions force beach closures in the Western Cape
  • Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi to rest in the town he built and nurtured
  • NSPCA files criminal case against Julius Malema for alleged animal cruelty
  • Snow, heavy rainfall expected in parts of KZN: SAWS
  • Cold-front sweeps across SA bringing snow and chilly temperatures
  • Concern over exclusion of foreign nationals from Road Accident Fund
  • Limpopo multi-million rand water treatment, sewage project abandoned
  • Gqeberha on high-alert following disruptive weather warnings
  • ANC building up in flames in Port St Johns
  • AfriForum seeks Justice Keightley’s recusal in ‘Kill the Boer’ case

LATEST

Rain
  • South Africa

Gqeberha on high-alert following disruptive weather warnings


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
  • World

Israel on cusp of region-reshaping peace with Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu says


  • Politics

SA hopes to gain insights from China’s developmental agenda


  • South Africa

231 rhinos lost to poaching in SA this year, ongoing concerns on World Rhino Day


[FILE IMAGE] A fire destroys residential properties.
  • South Africa

ANC building up in flames in Port St Johns


  • South Africa

Joburg Water monitors troubled water systems closely


Weather

  • About the SABC
  • Contact Us
  • Jobs
  • Advertise
  • Disclaimer
  • Site Map

SABC © 2023

No Result
View All Result
  • SOUTH AFRICA
  • POLITICS
  • BUSINESS
  • SPORT
  • AFRICA
  • WORLD
  • FEATURES
  • OPINION

© 2023

Previous Tunisia President promises ‘dialogue’ over political system
Next Mbeki implores South Africans to keep ANC to its promises