MELBOURNE (AUSTRALIA) – Victoria state in Australia eased its pandemic curbs on Sunday after the hotspot of the nation marked 37 straight days without any new coronavirus cases. This marks a move towards a “COVID-safe” holiday season.
From Sunday midnight, as many as 100 people will be allowed to take part in public events such as weddings and the density rule of one person per two square metres will be enforced. As much as 50% of office workers will be allowed to return to their workplaces by January 11, which is up from 25% now, said state Premier Daniel Andrews in a press conference.
“Today we can take some big steps, not to normal, but to a COVID-safe summer (but) we all need to remain vigilant and we all need to play our part,” he said.
He said face coverings will remain mandatory at indoor venues as well as public and ride-share transport.
Concerns regarding public health eased after two returnees from Germany travelled straight to Melbourne after bypassing quarantine in Sydney and tested negative for the virus.
According to a health official, all passengers on the Saturday afternoon domestic flight between the two cities and some airport staff have to remain in self-quarantine until the results from a second test arrive on Monday.
Overnight, the country recorded seven new infections and they are all travellers who returned from overseas.
By enforcing strict lockdown measures, especially in Victoria, the second most populous state, the country was able to stamp out the virus to a large extent. In Victoria, the number of daily cases remained around 700 in early August.
