Melbourne: The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. Almost every nation in the world clamped lockdowns thereafter, with the Indian government announcing a nationwide shutdown from March 25.
More than a year-and-a-half has passed, and coronavirus has still not vanished from the earth. But most countries have opened up in phases from the last quarter of 2020.
Melbourne was an exception. The Australian city of 5 million people saw six lockdowns and spent more time under COVID-19 restrictions than any other city in the world.
Having been under lockdown for 262 days – almost nine months in all – over six phases, Melbourne is set to lift its stay-at-home orders this week. Officials announced on Sunday that some curbs will be lifted by Friday.
According to media reports, Melbourne’s lockdowns surpassed the 234 days that Argentine capital Buenos Aires experienced.
Melbourne, the capital city of Victoria state, has seen a comparative rise in coronavirus cases. But a fully vaccinated rate of nearly 70% has encouraged officials to ease restrictions.
“Today is a day when Victorians can be proud of what they have achieved,” said Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews.
Victoria recorded 1,838 new coronavirus cases and seven deaths on Sunday. That’s a high number compared to neighbouring New South Wales, which reported 301 cases and 10 deaths and came out of a 100-day lockdown last week.
