Australia shuts state border for the first time in 100 years amid surge in COVID-19 cases

Australia is closing  borders with two of its most populous states for first time in 100 years to stem spre of vel coronavirus, Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said at a live-streamed press conference. Last, officials blocked movement of South Wales and Victoria in 1919 during Spanish flu pandemic. Andrews said borders will remain closed for an “indefinite period” in view of rising cases of COVID-19 in nation.  

In recent days, Covid-19 cases in Melbourne, Victoria's capital, witnessed a sudden surge that prompted health officials to impose strict lockdown in over 30 suburbs and as many as nine public housing towers were prohibited for n-essential movement, according to reports. In highest single-day spike, state recorded 127 new Covid-19 cases and first death in more than two weeks. Australia, as of July 6, confirmed over 105 cases of COVID-19 taking toll to 8,500. On aver, country has been registering 109 cases daily since past week. Earlier, in first week of June, only 9 cases on an aver were reported, as per local reports. 

"What is occurring in Victoria has t yet occurred anywhere else in Australia. It’s a new part of pandemic and, as such, it requires a new of response," says New South Wales Premier Glys Berejiklian.

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Decision jointly taken with PM Scott Morrison

Speaking at live-streamed conference, Andrews ded, that prohibition on movement was effective from 11.59 p.m. local time on July 6 and decision was taken jointly with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and NSW Premier Glys Berejiklian. Earlier, on July 3, Australian Medical Association reportedly appealed to roll back  state reopening plans and halt coronavirus easing of restrictions. AMA president Tony Bartone reportedly said in a statement that a new outbreak sends a strong signal that or states should rethink pace of easing of ir COVID-19 restrictions until community transmission in Melbourne is under control to avoid risk of a similar situation playing out in ir own communities.   

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(Im Credit: AP)