Australian state of Victoria declares state of natural disaster

(Patria) – The Australian state of Victoria declared a state of natural disaster on Sunday, and immediately introduced a night-time curfew as one of the strictest restrictions in an effort to curb the coronavirus.

State Premier Daniel Andrews stated that the new restrictions will be in effect until mid-September.

Emergency measures allow only one person per household to leave home, and only once a day for essential shopping. Melbourne residents will not be allowed to travel more than 5 km from their homes.

Further restrictions are expected for businesses in Australia's second most populous state, especially in the capital Melbourne – also for the next 6 weeks.

Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, is already under a six-week stay-at-home order, but is still failing to contain the epidemic. A record number of new infections was recorded last week, forcing local authorities to consider new restrictions.

On Sunday alone, the state of Victoria recorded 650 new infections, almost double the number from the previous day when 397 were confirmed.

In the first three months of the pandemic, Australia was often presented as an example of successful crisis management, with a relatively small number of infections and deaths compared to its population. However, the new outbreak of infections in the state of Victoria presents a new and unexpected challenge for the country.

Melbourne residents can leave their homes to go to work, do essential shopping, visit the doctor, and for exercise. Restaurants are allowed deliveries and takeaway options.

Restrictions will also be introduced for the rest of the state, but not at the same level as in Melbourne.