CANBERRA, Oct 27 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, welcomed the easing of strict restrictions in Victoria.
Victoria, the hardest-hit state in the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, reported zero new confirmed cases today, marking the first time the state has no new cases for two consecutive days, since Mar. And on Monday, it was the first time the state experienced a day of zero new cases, since June 9.
Victoria’s Premier, Daniel Andrews, announced yesterday that, from 11:59 p.m. local time, Melbourne, the capital of the south-eastern state, will move from “stay home” to “stay safe,” with no more restrictions on the reasons to leave home. And Melbourne’s cafes, restaurants and pubs can reopen.
It marks an end to about three months of one of the strictest lock-downs in the country, after a second wave of COVID-19 infections spread rapidly in July, which saw the state, so far, account for more than 90 percent of Australia’s 905 COVID-19 deaths.
In a joint statement with Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, and Health Minister, Greg Hunt, Morrison said, “Victorians have worked hard and sacrificed a lot to get to this point.”
“Today’s announcement is a reflection of the dedication and effort of Victorians – taking the next step to reopen Victorian society and the state’s economy,” they said yesterday.
“After a long winter, there is light at the end of the tunnel for Victorians,” it was noted. “Victorians have made great progress in reducing the rate of COVID-19 infections, from the second wave outbreak in Victoria.”
Australia’s federal government repeatedly called for restrictions in Victoria to be eased earlier, to prevent further economic damage.– NNN-AGENCIES
