BRISBANE:
The government of Australia’s Queensland state on Monday announced that the current three-day snap lockdown on 11 areas, including the capital city of Brisbane and Gold Coast, will be extended until August 8.
The decision came after the state witnessed an uptick in the number of daily Covid-19 cases, reports Xinhua news agency.
On Monday, Queensland recorded 13 new locally acquired cases, a rise from the nine locally on Sunday.
“It’s starting to become clear that the initial lockdown will be insufficient for the outbreak,” Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles said.
The state’s Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young warned residents that the outbreak is escalating.
She called for greater testing and urged people to stay home as much as possible.
To support businesses, Queensland announced a Covid-19 Business Support Program, providing a A$5,000 grants to state businesses.
Meanwhile, Sydney remains the epicentre of the latest wave in Australia.
Authorities have pushed citizens to get vaccinated as the state of New South Wales (NSW) recorded 207 new locally acquired cases on Monday.
The state also recorded another death, a man in his 90s who received a dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. This is the 15th Covid-related death during the current outbreak.
Australia has so far reported 34,384 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 924 deaths.
more recommended stories
Japanese Govt Approves 250 billion USD Economic Package to Ease PricesTOKYO:The Japanese government has approved a.
South Africa Declares Food-borne Illnesses a ‘National Disaster’JOHANNESBURG:South Africa has declared food-borne illnesses.
11 Jail Guards Under House Arrest in Italy for Torture of InmatesROME:Dozens of prison guards were under.
Giant Pandas Leave South Australia for HomeCANBERRA:Australia’s only giant pandas have left.
Volcanic Ash from Indonesia’s Mt. Lewotobi Causes Flight CancellationsJAKARTA:The eruption of Mount Lewotobi in.
Melania Expresses Optimism About US’ Future After Husband Donald Trump’s WinWASHINGTON:After her husband Donald Trump was.
VP Harris Will Not Address Supporters, Says Campaign Co-chair RichmondNEW YORK:Kamala Harris’ campaign co-chair Cedric.
NYT ‘Needle’ Points to Trump Win with Projection of 285 Electoral College VotesNEW YORK:The famous election prognosticator, New.
US Election: Polls Aggregation Changes Giving Harris Miniscule LeadNEW YORK:As the nation gets ready.
Cowards: Canadian Leader Rips into Trudeau, Others for Not Calling Khalistanis by NameTORONTO:People’s Party of Canada (PPC) leader.