SYDNEY PREPARES TO LIFT LOCKDOWN AMID CONCERNS OVER FAST REOPENING PLANS

Fri 08 October 2021:

As Sydney prepares to lift key restrictions next week after more than 100 days in lockdown, doctors have warned that easing COVID-19 restrictions too quickly could put strain on health systems and put lives at risk.

Stay-at-home orders are set to be lifted on Monday, after New South Wales met its 70 percent vaccination target for its adult population this week, and restaurant and other public venue owners are scrambling to get supplies and staffing in place.

While it had previously been suggested that Sydney residents’ travel limitations outside of their local government districts be eased, authorities on Thursday chose to raise the permitted limits for home parties, weddings, and funerals, drawing the displeasure of the Australian Medical Association (AMA).

“New South Wales must not be reckless at this critical time,” AMA President Omar Khorshid said in a statement, adding that “too fast or too early” could result in avoidable deaths and the reintroduction of lockdowns.

State Premier Dominic Perrottet has defended his decision to bring forward the easing of several restrictions amid a steady fall in infections, saying the pandemic “is an economic crisis too”.

Officials have designed a phased approach to easing restrictions on gatherings once full inoculation reaches 70%, 80%, and 90% of individuals, accordingly. While movement within the city will be permitted beginning Monday, limitations on travel to regional areas will remain.

Daily infections in New South Wales rose on Friday to 646 cases, the majority in Sydney, up from 587 on Thursday. They had previously fallen for the past seven days as first-dose inoculations in people over 16 near 90%. Eleven new deaths were registered.

The Delta variety is fueling a third wave of infections in Australia. Lockdowns have also been implemented in Melbourne and Canberra, resulting in the closure of thousands of businesses.

With 122,500 cases and 1,405 deaths, the country’s cumulative COVID-19 numbers are still significantly lower than many comparable countries.

(with agency)

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