Australia's largest city will emerge from a 106-day lockdown on Monday, as Sydney authorities confirmed coronavirus vaccination targets had been met.

Stay-at-home orders will be lifted for the Harbour City's five-million-plus people now that 70 percent of state residents over 16 have been double jabbed.

"The light at the end of the tunnel is now very, very close," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Thursday, hailing the reopening announcement.

From Monday, pubs, restaurants and shops will throw open their shutters and welcome back the fully vaccinated.

Five-kilometre travel restrictions will also be lifted, although state and international borders will remain closed for now.

The reopening -- described by many as "freedom day" - is both "exciting" and "nerve-racking" according to Alyce Murphy, general manager of The Carrington, a Sydney pub now hustling to get staff and deliveries back on site.

"Obviously going from doing nothing for months, and then the prospect of having a few weeks to get the venue there was a little bit daunting," she said.

Murphy tried to fill the almost four-month lockdown with activities such as painting and gardening. But like millions of Australians, she "also just sat on the couch and watched TV a lot".

Lockdown Under&nbsp;

Australia has been spared the worst of the pandemic -- recording 1,379 deaths in a population of around 26 million.

But for the last 18 months, under-vaccinated Australian cities have endured several gruelling lockdowns to limit the spread of the virus.

Jobs have been lost, kids have missed being at school for a large portion of the academic year, and restrictions have sparked a string of mostly small but noisy protests and a flood of online misinformation.

There is growing evidence that locked-down Australians have been drinking more and existing mental conditions have worsened, according to a recent report by the country's Mental Health Think Tank.

In recent months, Australia's repeated imposition of restrictions and efforts -- now abandoned -- to reach "Covid Zero" have brought it international attention.&nbsp;

The conservative-run country has become an unlikely lightning rod for the American right keen to vent against vaccine mandates and lockdowns everywhere.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis -- whose state has recorded 55,000-plus deaths in a population slightly smaller than Australia -- even suggested breaking off diplomatic relations.

"It's not a free country at all," he said. "Is Australia freer than communist China right now? I don't know."

Thousands of Australian residents have also chafed at the restrictions, and some have voted with their feet.

The country's population has shrunk for the first time since World War I, as expatriates returned home in droves.

That has hit the hospitality and retail sectors which report staff shortages and logistics bottlenecks at warehouses that could make reopening difficult.

'Critical time'

Some medical experts are also concerned that New South Wales state, of which Sydney is the capital, may be reopening too soon.

The government's own health advice from the Doherty Institute recommended widespread reopening when vaccination rates reached 80 percent rather than the current 70 percent.

The Australian Medical Association warned Thursday that infections will rise with reopening and underfunded hospitals risk being overwhelmed.

"New South Wales must not be reckless at this critical time," the group's president Omar Khorshid said.

"That would cost more lives, cause more suffering, and put the economies of New South Wales and the nation at risk." &nbsp;

But recently installed state premier Dominic Perrottet was adamant about the reopening.

On Thursday, he brought forward the date for most schools to resume and said masks would not be needed in offices.&nbsp;

Both measures are designed to get people back to work.

Australia's largest city will emerge from a 106-day lockdown on Monday, as Sydney authorities confirmed coronavirus vaccination targets had been met. Stay-at-home orders will be lifted for the Harbour City's five-million-plus people now that 70 percent of state residents over 16 have been double jabbed.

Australia's largest city will emerge from a 106-day lockdown on Monday, as Sydney authorities confirmed coronavirus vaccination targets had been met. Stay-at-home orders will be lifted for the Harbour City's five-million-plus people now that 70 percent of state residents over 16 have been double jabbed. "The light at the end of the tunnel is now very, very close," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Thursday, hailing the reopening announcement. From Monday, pubs, restaurants and shops will throw open their shutters and welcome back the fully vaccinated. Five-kilometre travel restrictions will also be lifted, although state and international borders will remain closed for now. The reopening -- described by many as "freedom day" - is both "exciting" and "nerve-racking" according to Alyce Murphy, general manager of The Carrington, a Sydney pub now hustling to get staff and deliveries back on site. "Obviously going from doing nothing for months, and then the prospect of having a few weeks to get the venue there was a little bit daunting," she said. Murphy tried to fill the almost four-month lockdown with activities such as painting and gardening. But like millions of Australians, she "also just sat on the couch and watched TV a lot". Lockdown Under Australia has been spared the worst of the pandemic -- recording 1,379 deaths in a population of around 26 million. But for the last 18 months, under-vaccinated Australian cities have endured several gruelling lockdowns to limit the spread of the virus. Jobs have been lost, kids have missed being at school for a large portion of the academic year, and restrictions have sparked a string of mostly small but noisy protests and a flood of online misinformation. There is growing evidence that locked-down Australians have been drinking more and existing mental conditions have worsened, according to a recent report by the country's Mental Health Think Tank. In recent months, Australia's repeated imposition of restrictions and efforts -- now abandoned -- to reach "Covid Zero" have brought it international attention. The conservative-run country has become an unlikely lightning rod for the American right keen to vent against vaccine mandates and lockdowns everywhere. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis -- whose state has recorded 55,000-plus deaths in a population slightly smaller than Australia -- even suggested breaking off diplomatic relations. "It's not a free country at all," he said. "Is Australia freer than communist China right now? I don't know." Thousands of Australian residents have also chafed at the restrictions, and some have voted with their feet. The country's population has shrunk for the first time since World War I, as expatriates returned home in droves. That has hit the hospitality and retail sectors which report staff shortages and logistics bottlenecks at warehouses that could make reopening difficult. 'Critical time' Some medical experts are also concerned that New South Wales state, of which Sydney is the capital, may be reopening too soon. The government's own health advice from the Doherty Institute recommended widespread reopening when vaccination rates reached 80 percent rather than the current 70 percent. The Australian Medical Association warned Thursday that infections will rise with reopening and underfunded hospitals risk being overwhelmed. "New South Wales must not be reckless at this critical time," the group's president Omar Khorshid said. "That would cost more lives, cause more suffering, and put the economies of New South Wales and the nation at risk." But recently installed state premier Dominic Perrottet was adamant about the reopening. On Thursday, he brought forward the date for most schools to resume and said masks would not be needed in offices. Both measures are designed to get people back to work.

Sydney readies for 'freedom day' after long virus lockdown

Sri Lanka on Friday lifted a near six-week lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus but maintained a night curfew and a ban on public gatherings and parties.

Daily deaths had jumped to over 250 with 4,000 infections after Sri Lankans celebrated the traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year in mid-April, but case numbers have since eased.

The health ministry on Friday urged companies to encourage staff to work from home but there was no decision yet on reopening schools that have been closed since March last year.

"It is imperative to maintain the progress made to curb COVID-19 infections and the dreaded daily death toll," Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said.

Official figures show that nearly 13,000 people have died of the virus, with more than half a million infections, but health sector experts say the actual numbers could be at least twice as much.

The easing of restrictions came as the government aggressively pushes a vaccination drive, fully inoculating 56 per cent of the population of 21 million.

Alongside the six-hour night curfew, the health ministry said that inter-provincial travel would remain banned.

Numbers attending weddings and funerals will be restricted to a maximum of 10 till October 15.&nbsp;

Permission has been granted for sporting events to go ahead but without spectators. 
&nbsp;

Sri Lanka on Friday lifted a near six-week lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus but maintained a night curfew and a ban on public gatherings and parties.

Sri Lanka on Friday lifted a near six-week lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus but maintained a night curfew and a ban on public gatherings and parties. Daily deaths had jumped to over 250 with 4,000 infections after Sri Lankans celebrated the traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year in mid-April, but case numbers have since eased. The health ministry on Friday urged companies to encourage staff to work from home but there was no decision yet on reopening schools that have been closed since March last year. "It is imperative to maintain the progress made to curb COVID-19 infections and the dreaded daily death toll," Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said. Official figures show that nearly 13,000 people have died of the virus, with more than half a million infections, but health sector experts say the actual numbers could be at least twice as much. The easing of restrictions came as the government aggressively pushes a vaccination drive, fully inoculating 56 per cent of the population of 21 million. Alongside the six-hour night curfew, the health ministry said that inter-provincial travel would remain banned. Numbers attending weddings and funerals will be restricted to a maximum of 10 till October 15. Permission has been granted for sporting events to go ahead but without spectators.

Sri Lanka lifts virus lockdown, retains night curfew

Sri Lanka will be lifting the covid-19 lockdown on October 1, however, the move comes with certain restrictions. The Sri Lankan health authorities state that the covid-19 situation of the country is improved.

Sri Lanka to end its covid-19 lockdown, new health guidelines to be announced soon

Reclusive&nbsp;Laos&nbsp;has locked&nbsp;down&nbsp;its&nbsp;capital&nbsp;Vientiane and barred travel between&nbsp;Covid-hit&nbsp;provinces, as&nbsp;cases&nbsp;soared to a&nbsp;record&nbsp;high.

The communist country appeared to have escaped the brunt of the pandemic in 2020, and by March this year had reported fewer than 60&nbsp;cases, though the low number was due in part to limited testing.

But a surge since mid-April has seen its caseload steadily increase, and on Saturday the country reported 467 new&nbsp;cases&nbsp;of community infection, its highest ever single-day tally.

The mayor of Vientiane, where the bulk of the&nbsp;cases&nbsp;were detected, declared a strict lockdown on Sunday for two weeks, ordering residents to stay in their homes unless obtaining food, medicine or making their way to a hospital.

Travel between seven other hard-hit&nbsp;provinces is banned, while entry into Vientiane requires a quarantine of 14 days.

All public gatherings, even religious ceremonies&nbsp;are also banned, as are activities including outdoor exercise and selling street food, according to state-run media KPL.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paul-rusesabagina-hotel-rwanda-hero-convicted-on-terror-charges-414458">Also read |&nbsp;Paul Rusesabagina: 'Hotel Rwanda' hero convicted on terror charges</a>

The surge in&nbsp;cases&nbsp;over the weekend was linked to fresh clusters found in the country's garment factories, with the bulk of workers infected with the highly contagious Delta strain.

Laos&nbsp;has so far recorded a total of 19,399&nbsp;cases&nbsp;and 16 deaths.

According to the country's health ministry, it has administered more than 4.5 million vaccine doses,&nbsp;mostly Sinopharm donated from neighbouring China and the Pfizer-BioNTech jab obtained via the Covax programme for low-income countries.

State-run media reported that any violation of Vientiane's lockdown would result in a fine of three million kip, a punishing fee in a country where the annual income per capita is about $2,600.

Reclusive Laos has locked down its capital Vientiane and barred travel between Covid-hit provinces, as cases soared to a record high. The communist country appeared to have escaped the brunt of the pandemic in 2020, and by March this year had reported fewer than 60 cases, though the low number was due in part to limited testing.

Reclusive Laos has locked down its capital Vientiane and barred travel between Covid-hit provinces, as cases soared to a record high. The communist country appeared to have escaped the brunt of the pandemic in 2020, and by March this year had reported fewer than 60 cases, though the low number was due in part to limited testing. But a surge since mid-April has seen its caseload steadily increase, and on Saturday the country reported 467 new cases of community infection, its highest ever single-day tally. The mayor of Vientiane, where the bulk of the cases were detected, declared a strict lockdown on Sunday for two weeks, ordering residents to stay in their homes unless obtaining food, medicine or making their way to a hospital. Travel between seven other hard-hit provinces is banned, while entry into Vientiane requires a quarantine of 14 days. All public gatherings, even religious ceremonies are also banned, as are activities including outdoor exercise and selling street food, according to state-run media KPL. Also read | Paul Rusesabagina: 'Hotel Rwanda' hero convicted on terror charges The surge in cases over the weekend was linked to fresh clusters found in the country's garment factories, with the bulk of workers infected with the highly contagious Delta strain. Laos has so far recorded a total of 19,399 cases and 16 deaths. According to the country's health ministry, it has administered more than 4.5 million vaccine doses, mostly Sinopharm donated from neighbouring China and the Pfizer-BioNTech jab obtained via the Covax programme for low-income countries. State-run media reported that any violation of Vientiane's lockdown would result in a fine of three million kip, a punishing fee in a country where the annual income per capita is about $2,600.

Laos locks down capital as COVID-19 cases hit record high

Hundreds of people conducted anti-lockdown protests in Australia. The lockdown was imposed in Australia amid a surge in Coronavirus cases.

Hundreds of Australians protest against lockdown

The&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;will ease coronavirus restrictions in the capital Manila to spur economic activity, officials said Tuesday, despite record infection numbers and a warning from the WHO against the move.

Restaurants, churches and beauty salons in the national capital region will open at lower capacities from Thursday to get tens of thousands more people back to work.

"We should strive for total health and this can only be realised by carefully balancing our COVID-19 response by considering both the health of our people and the economic health of the nation," President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesman Harry Roque said.

Virus cases have surged to record levels — more than 140,000 cases in the past week — thanks to an outbreak of the highly contagious Delta variant.

The World Health Organization's representative in the&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;on Tuesday warned against relaxing curbs.

While six of 10 adults in the capital are fully inoculated, "this is not adequate at this point to relax quarantine positions", the WHO's official in the&nbsp;Philippines, Rabindra Abeyasinghe, told government television.

"If there is a further increase in the current transmission levels, it could lead to an overwhelming of the hospital systems, that's why we need to be very careful in calibrating how we respond to the current situation," he said.

The metropolis of 13 million will be placed on the second-highest alert under a new classification system that replaces guidelines which left many residents and business owners confused about which activities were allowed.

Localised lockdowns targeting specific buildings, streets or neighbourhoods will be enforced to check the spread of the virus, replacing the current scheme that covers entire cities and regions.

Fully vaccinated customers in the capital region can now be served indoors in restaurants and beauty salons at up to 10 per cent capacity, and at outdoor venues at up to 30 per cent capacity regardless of vaccination status.

Churches will also be allowed to seat 10 per cent of their capacity for services but other indoor group activities, including those that lead to crowding, remain banned.

<h2>Cost of lockdown&nbsp;</h2>

A succession of shutdowns since the start of the pandemic has sidelined more than two million workers in the food and leisure sectors in the capital alone, according to Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.&nbsp;

Millions of children started a second year of remote lessons this week in the&nbsp;Philippines, which has kept schools closed since the start of the pandemic.

Officials said Tuesday that when the alert level is reduced to the second lowest, classrooms may reopen alongside indoor entertainment and social events at up to 50 per cent capacity.

Duterte has previously said the country cannot afford more lockdowns.

But authorities have had few options to slow the spread of the virus as hospitals have filled up and the nationwide vaccination rate remains low at 22 per cent.

The president said in a pre-recorded television address aired Tuesday that vaccinations -- now limited to priority sectors -- could start for the general adult population next month "if there is a stable vaccine supply".

The coronavirus has infected more than 2.2 million people and killed more than 35,000 in the country.

The Philippines will ease coronavirus restrictions in the capital Manila to spur economic activity, officials said Tuesday, despite record infection numbers and a warning from the WHO against the move.

The Philippines will ease coronavirus restrictions in the capital Manila to spur economic activity, officials said Tuesday, despite record infection numbers and a warning from the WHO against the move. Restaurants, churches and beauty salons in the national capital region will open at lower capacities from Thursday to get tens of thousands more people back to work. "We should strive for total health and this can only be realised by carefully balancing our COVID-19 response by considering both the health of our people and the economic health of the nation," President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesman Harry Roque said. Virus cases have surged to record levels — more than 140,000 cases in the past week — thanks to an outbreak of the highly contagious Delta variant. The World Health Organization's representative in the Philippines on Tuesday warned against relaxing curbs. While six of 10 adults in the capital are fully inoculated, "this is not adequate at this point to relax quarantine positions", the WHO's official in the Philippines, Rabindra Abeyasinghe, told government television. "If there is a further increase in the current transmission levels, it could lead to an overwhelming of the hospital systems, that's why we need to be very careful in calibrating how we respond to the current situation," he said. The metropolis of 13 million will be placed on the second-highest alert under a new classification system that replaces guidelines which left many residents and business owners confused about which activities were allowed. Localised lockdowns targeting specific buildings, streets or neighbourhoods will be enforced to check the spread of the virus, replacing the current scheme that covers entire cities and regions. Fully vaccinated customers in the capital region can now be served indoors in restaurants and beauty salons at up to 10 per cent capacity, and at outdoor venues at up to 30 per cent capacity regardless of vaccination status. Churches will also be allowed to seat 10 per cent of their capacity for services but other indoor group activities, including those that lead to crowding, remain banned. Cost of lockdown A succession of shutdowns since the start of the pandemic has sidelined more than two million workers in the food and leisure sectors in the capital alone, according to Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez. Millions of children started a second year of remote lessons this week in the Philippines, which has kept schools closed since the start of the pandemic. Officials said Tuesday that when the alert level is reduced to the second lowest, classrooms may reopen alongside indoor entertainment and social events at up to 50 per cent capacity. Duterte has previously said the country cannot afford more lockdowns. But authorities have had few options to slow the spread of the virus as hospitals have filled up and the nationwide vaccination rate remains low at 22 per cent. The president said in a pre-recorded television address aired Tuesday that vaccinations -- now limited to priority sectors -- could start for the general adult population next month "if there is a stable vaccine supply". The coronavirus has infected more than 2.2 million people and killed more than 35,000 in the country.

Philippines eases virus lockdown in capital to spur economy despite WHO warning

New Zealand's largest city of Auckland will remain in strict Covid-19 lockdown for at least another week as a Delta variant outbreak "rumbles along", Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Monday.

Ardern said the city's two million residents needed to abide by stay-at-home orders because of the emergence of several "mystery cases" which had not yet been linked to existing clusters.

"These mystery cases are still coming through and the fact we're finding them through surveillance and community testing, rather than contact tracing, is what we're concerned about," she said.

New Zealand imposed a national lockdown on August 17 when the first case of the highly transmissible Delta variant was found in the community.

But stay-at-home orders were lifted outside Auckland last week as it became apparent that all new cases were emerging in the city.

Ardern ruled out lifting Auckland's hard lockdown before September 21 but said the city should then move down an alert level on the country's four-tier coronavirus response system.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-drops-plans-for-vaccine-passports-in-covid-19-winter-plan-412682">Also read |&nbsp;UK drops plans for vaccine passports in COVID-19 winter plan</a>

With 33 new community cases recorded in the city on Monday, Ardern said she was wary of lifting restrictions too early.

"(Case) numbers are rumbling along and this has been evident in the last three days," she said.

"This doesn't mean our collective efforts in Auckland are not making a difference."

New Zealand is pursuing a "Covid zero" elimination strategy -- which has resulted in just 27 deaths in a population of five million throughout the pandemic.

It had been free of community cases for six months before the August outbreak, with residents enjoying a near-normal domestic life alongside tight restrictions on international borders.

The Delta infection prompted immediate lockdowns because of low vaccination rates, with data this week showing only about a third of the eligible population are fully jabbed.

New Zealand's largest city of Auckland will remain in strict Covid-19 lockdown for at least another week as a Delta variant outbreak "rumbles along", Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Monday.

New Zealand's largest city of Auckland will remain in strict Covid-19 lockdown for at least another week as a Delta variant outbreak "rumbles along", Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Monday. Ardern said the city's two million residents needed to abide by stay-at-home orders because of the emergence of several "mystery cases" which had not yet been linked to existing clusters. "These mystery cases are still coming through and the fact we're finding them through surveillance and community testing, rather than contact tracing, is what we're concerned about," she said. New Zealand imposed a national lockdown on August 17 when the first case of the highly transmissible Delta variant was found in the community. But stay-at-home orders were lifted outside Auckland last week as it became apparent that all new cases were emerging in the city. Ardern ruled out lifting Auckland's hard lockdown before September 21 but said the city should then move down an alert level on the country's four-tier coronavirus response system. Also read | UK drops plans for vaccine passports in COVID-19 winter plan With 33 new community cases recorded in the city on Monday, Ardern said she was wary of lifting restrictions too early. "(Case) numbers are rumbling along and this has been evident in the last three days," she said. "This doesn't mean our collective efforts in Auckland are not making a difference." New Zealand is pursuing a "Covid zero" elimination strategy -- which has resulted in just 27 deaths in a population of five million throughout the pandemic. It had been free of community cases for six months before the August outbreak, with residents enjoying a near-normal domestic life alongside tight restrictions on international borders. The Delta infection prompted immediate lockdowns because of low vaccination rates, with data this week showing only about a third of the eligible population are fully jabbed.

New Zealand extends lockdown in virus-hit Auckland

On the account of rising COVID-19 cases, Sri Lanka's ongoing lockdown has been extended till September 21. The quarantine curfew will now be in force till 4 am on September 21. It has been imposed since August 20.

Sri Lanka extends COVID-19 lockdown till September 21

News Zealanders are out on beaches and are queuing up for takeaway food and stuff as lockdown measures have been enforced to break an outbreak of the Delta variant of the Coronavirus. However, the country's largest city, Auckland still remains under lockdown.

New Zealand eases COVID-19 curbs in most parts, Auckland remains under a lockdown

Sri Lanka is battling a new surge of COVID-19 infections driven by the highly contagious Delta Variant of Coronavirus. As the death toll mounts and wooden coffins are becoming unaffordable many are opting for cardboard coffins.

Some Sri Lankans opt for cardboard coffins amid COVID-19 surge

Australia is currently battling its worst COVID-19 outbreak. The government's pandemic modeling adviser has said that the country can proceed with reopening plans when it reaches 70 to 80 percent vaccination levels.

Australia sets targets to reopen after lockdown, PM says COVID-19 lockdowns unsustainable

Sri Lanka is grappling with the surge in COVID-19 patients. The island nation announced a 10-day lockdown to curb the spread. Daily infections have double in more than a month to an average of over 3,000 cases.

COVID-19 cases and deaths surge in Sri Lanka, hospitals overflowing

Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;announced a nationwide lockdown Friday, bowing to intense pressure from medical experts as coronavirus infections overwhelmed hospitals, morgues and crematoriums.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who had resisted calls for a lockdown for weeks, agreed to the 10-day closure after dire warnings that hospitals could no longer cope with the inflow of Covid-19 patients.&nbsp;

"Nationwide Lockdown in effect from 10pm today to Monday (30/08)," health minister Keheliya Rambukwella said on Twitter. "All essential services will function as normal. I sincerely request all #lka citizens to adhere to the law and #StayHome."

Officials said the president was due to address the nation later on Friday night to discuss the public health emergency and measures to contain the pandemic.

Supermarkets, grocery stores and fuel depots saw large crowds stocking up on supplies as news of the lockdown spread over social media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/handling-with-care-us-military-comforts-infants-at-kabul-airport-amid-facilitating-evacuations-407393">Also read |&nbsp;‘Handling with care’: US military comforts infants at Kabul airport amid facilitating evacuations&nbsp;</a>

Long queues were seen at fuel pumps across the country and energy minister Udaya Gammanpila urged consumers not to cause shortages through panic buying.

Record death tolls

The daily death toll hit a record 186 alongside a new high of 3,800 infections on Thursday with no more ICU beds available for virus victims.

Official figures show 6,790 people have died of the virus while 373,165 have been infected.&nbsp;

However, independent health experts have said the actual toll is at least twice as much.

Rambukwella said 10 days ago that the country had not reached a "critical stage" and any lockdown would be a "last resort".

"But we are not there yet," Rambukwella told reporters on August 10. Since then, 1,568 people have died and 40,218 have been infected.

Junior partners in the ruling coalition and the influential Buddhist clergy had urged Rajapaksa to shut the country to contain the rapidly spreading Delta variant.

A junior minister for health, Channa Jayasumana, had called the Delta strain "a powerful bomb which has exploded in Colombo and is spreading elsewhere".

Sri&nbsp;Lanka's third wave of infections has been blamed on traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations in mid-April.&nbsp;

Following a month-long lockdown, the government reopened the country in June relying on an aggressive vaccination drive as its main strategy to deal with the spread.

Despite over five million out of the 21 million population receiving two doses of a vaccine, the virus has claimed more victims beyond the capacity of state and private sector hospitals.

With bodies piling up at several state hospitals, the government resorted to mass cremations last week.

Sri Lanka announced a nationwide lockdown Friday, bowing to intense pressure from medical experts as coronavirus infections overwhelmed hospitals, morgues and crematoriums.

Sri Lanka announced a nationwide lockdown Friday, bowing to intense pressure from medical experts as coronavirus infections overwhelmed hospitals, morgues and crematoriums. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who had resisted calls for a lockdown for weeks, agreed to the 10-day closure after dire warnings that hospitals could no longer cope with the inflow of Covid-19 patients. "Nationwide Lockdown in effect from 10pm today to Monday (30/08)," health minister Keheliya Rambukwella said on Twitter. "All essential services will function as normal. I sincerely request all #lka citizens to adhere to the law and #StayHome." Officials said the president was due to address the nation later on Friday night to discuss the public health emergency and measures to contain the pandemic. Supermarkets, grocery stores and fuel depots saw large crowds stocking up on supplies as news of the lockdown spread over social media. Also read | ‘Handling with care’: US military comforts infants at Kabul airport amid facilitating evacuations Long queues were seen at fuel pumps across the country and energy minister Udaya Gammanpila urged consumers not to cause shortages through panic buying. Record death tolls The daily death toll hit a record 186 alongside a new high of 3,800 infections on Thursday with no more ICU beds available for virus victims. Official figures show 6,790 people have died of the virus while 373,165 have been infected. However, independent health experts have said the actual toll is at least twice as much. Rambukwella said 10 days ago that the country had not reached a "critical stage" and any lockdown would be a "last resort". "But we are not there yet," Rambukwella told reporters on August 10. Since then, 1,568 people have died and 40,218 have been infected. Junior partners in the ruling coalition and the influential Buddhist clergy had urged Rajapaksa to shut the country to contain the rapidly spreading Delta variant. A junior minister for health, Channa Jayasumana, had called the Delta strain "a powerful bomb which has exploded in Colombo and is spreading elsewhere". Sri Lanka's third wave of infections has been blamed on traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations in mid-April. Following a month-long lockdown, the government reopened the country in June relying on an aggressive vaccination drive as its main strategy to deal with the spread. Despite over five million out of the 21 million population receiving two doses of a vaccine, the virus has claimed more victims beyond the capacity of state and private sector hospitals. With bodies piling up at several state hospitals, the government resorted to mass cremations last week.

Sri Lanka locks down as COVID-19 deaths surge, hospitals overflow

Sri Lanka announced a 10-day lockdown starting from Friday night in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus cases. This comes as surging infections and deaths overwhelm the island's health system.

Sri Lanka announces nationwide lockdown as COVID-19 cases surge

New Zealand has announced a snap lockdown after a man tested positive for Coronavirus, the first case in six months. The case was detected in Auckland, which will be in lockdown for a week, while the rest of the country will be in lockdown for three days.

New Zealand announces nationwide lockdown after first COVID case in 6 months

The&nbsp;Japanese government is set to&nbsp;extend&nbsp;its&nbsp;state&nbsp;of&nbsp;emergency&nbsp;soft&nbsp;lockdown&nbsp;measures in Tokyo and other regions to&nbsp;September&nbsp;12&nbsp;and expand the curbs to seven more prefectures, public broadcaster&nbsp;NHK&nbsp;reported on Monday.

The current&nbsp;state&nbsp;of&nbsp;emergency&nbsp;is due to expire on August 31, but a continuing surge in coronavirus cases has spurred calls to&nbsp;extend&nbsp;it. Tokyo announced 2,962 new daily cases on Monday, after a record 5,773 on Friday.

The government will expand the&nbsp;state&nbsp;of&nbsp;emergency&nbsp;curbs to the prefectures of Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Shizuoka, Kyoto, Hyogo and Fukuoka, the public broadcaster said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-kabul-descended-in-chaos-india-was-ready-for-unsc-meet-on-afghanistan-on-sunday-405889">Also read |&nbsp;As Kabul descended in chaos, India was ready for UNSC meet on Afghanistan on Sunday</a>

It will also expand less strict "quasi-emergency" measures to four additional prefectures,&nbsp;Miyagi, Yamanashi, Toyama and Gifu - to cover more regions of the country, Jiji news agency reported.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told reporters earlier on Monday that the government will seek the view of experts on&nbsp;emergency&nbsp;and less strict "quasi-emergency" curbs for all regions on Tuesday, without giving more details.

Though the&nbsp;Japanese government has instituted repeated&nbsp;states of&nbsp;emergency, their effectiveness has been limited due to laws mandating that the government can only request cooperation.

Pandemic fatigue and summer vacations have also been blamed for contributing to the latest&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;surge in a nation where only around 36% of people have been fully vaccinated.

The Japanese government is set to extend its state of emergency soft lockdown measures in Tokyo and other regions to September 12 and expand the curbs to seven more prefectures, public broadcaster NHK reported on Monday.

The Japanese government is set to extend its state of emergency soft lockdown measures in Tokyo and other regions to September 12 and expand the curbs to seven more prefectures, public broadcaster NHK reported on Monday. The current state of emergency is due to expire on August 31, but a continuing surge in coronavirus cases has spurred calls to extend it. Tokyo announced 2,962 new daily cases on Monday, after a record 5,773 on Friday. The government will expand the state of emergency curbs to the prefectures of Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Shizuoka, Kyoto, Hyogo and Fukuoka, the public broadcaster said. Also read | As Kabul descended in chaos, India was ready for UNSC meet on Afghanistan on Sunday It will also expand less strict "quasi-emergency" measures to four additional prefectures, Miyagi, Yamanashi, Toyama and Gifu - to cover more regions of the country, Jiji news agency reported. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told reporters earlier on Monday that the government will seek the view of experts on emergency and less strict "quasi-emergency" curbs for all regions on Tuesday, without giving more details. Though the Japanese government has instituted repeated states of emergency, their effectiveness has been limited due to laws mandating that the government can only request cooperation. Pandemic fatigue and summer vacations have also been blamed for contributing to the latest COVID-19 surge in a nation where only around 36% of people have been fully vaccinated.

Japan to extend COVID-19 state of emergency lockdown to September 12 - NHK

UK government’s top scientific advisor has claimed that it is highly unlikely that any further lockdown will be required in the country, even with the wide spread of the Delta variant of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>.

Although concerns of Delta variant’s effect have grown, the hospitalisation rate of Covid patients has decreased significantly along with the rate of infection.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccine-passports-permanent-fixture-for-travel-in-near-future-uk-minister-claims-403516" hreflang="en">Vaccine passports 'permanent fixture' for travel in near future, UK minister claims</a>

"I think it is unlikely we will need a new lockdown or even social distancing measures of the type we've had so far," said immunologist Professor Neil.

Many experts believe that the Covid infections are set to increase from the month of September as the new school and university session will begin and workers will start returning to the office.

However, scientists are hopeful that the situation can be kept under control without imposing strict lockdowns and other restrictions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dance-together-uk-tempts-people-to-get-vaccinated-if-they-want-to-go-clubbing-403489" hreflang="en">'Dance together': UK tempts people to get vaccinated if they want to go clubbing</a>

One main reason behind this positive attitude is the progress of the vaccine programmes in the country. Experts and the government are urging locals to get vaccinated as soon as possible to make sure people can have a guard against the deadly coronavirus.

Vaccines against coronavirus have "dramatically changed the relationship between cases and hospitalisation," Ferguson said.

However, he has also warned locals to exercise caution as the danger of slipping back into the red zone is still possible. "We're at a stage where we've got a huge amount of immunity in the population, but the virus is more transmissible than it's ever been so we have this complicated trade-off," he warned.

UK government’s top scientific advisor has claimed that it is highly unlikely that any further lockdown will be required in the country, even with the wide spread of the Delta variant of coronavirus.

UK government’s top scientific advisor has claimed that it is highly unlikely that any further lockdown will be required in the country, even with the wide spread of the Delta variant of coronavirus. Although concerns of Delta variant’s effect have grown, the hospitalisation rate of Covid patients has decreased significantly along with the rate of infection. Also read | Vaccine passports 'permanent fixture' for travel in near future, UK minister claims "I think it is unlikely we will need a new lockdown or even social distancing measures of the type we've had so far," said immunologist Professor Neil. Many experts believe that the Covid infections are set to increase from the month of September as the new school and university session will begin and workers will start returning to the office. However, scientists are hopeful that the situation can be kept under control without imposing strict lockdowns and other restrictions. Also read | 'Dance together': UK tempts people to get vaccinated if they want to go clubbing One main reason behind this positive attitude is the progress of the vaccine programmes in the country. Experts and the government are urging locals to get vaccinated as soon as possible to make sure people can have a guard against the deadly coronavirus. Vaccines against coronavirus have "dramatically changed the relationship between cases and hospitalisation," Ferguson said. However, he has also warned locals to exercise caution as the danger of slipping back into the red zone is still possible. "We're at a stage where we've got a huge amount of immunity in the population, but the virus is more transmissible than it's ever been so we have this complicated trade-off," he warned.

Another lockdown unlikely in UK, claims scientist who imposed first restrictions

Sydney reported a record number of new COVID-19 cases and five virus deaths Thursday, as authorities expanded the lockdown in Australia's largest city to neighbouring regions.&nbsp;

Six weeks after Sydney's five million residents were told to stay home, the number of new infections in New South Wales state grew to 262, the largest daily tally since the pandemic began.

Health officials said almost all the new cases were in Sydney, but a handful of infections in other districts prompted state premier Gladys Berejiklian to widen stay-at-home restrictions.

Five positive tests in Newcastle,&nbsp;a coastal city of 320,000 people north of Sydney&nbsp;prompted authorities to shutter schools and tell residents to stay home for at least a week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-american-sydney-mclaughlin-shatters-world-record-to-win-womens-400-hurdles-402723">Also read |&nbsp;Tokyo Olympics: American Sydney McLaughlin shatters world record to win women's 400 hurdles</a>

Five people aged in their 60s-80s have died in Sydney in the past 24 hours, none of whom were fully vaccinated.&nbsp;

"I cannot stress enough how&nbsp;it's so important for everybody of&nbsp;all ages to come forward and get the&nbsp;vaccine," Berejiklian said.

Barely 20 percent of Australians have been fully vaccinated, thanks to acute supply problems and pockets of vaccine hesitancy.

Until now, Australia has dodged the worst ravages of the pandemic.&nbsp;

But the country is struggling to contain an outbreak of the quick-spreading Delta variant.

Since a Sydney driver was infected by an international flight crew in mid-June, New South Wales has recorded 4,319 locally acquired cases and half the country's 25 million people have been in some form of lockdown.

Sydney reported a record number of new COVID-19 cases and five virus deaths Thursday, as authorities expanded the lockdown in Australia's largest city to neighbouring regions.

Sydney reported a record number of new COVID-19 cases and five virus deaths Thursday, as authorities expanded the lockdown in Australia's largest city to neighbouring regions. Six weeks after Sydney's five million residents were told to stay home, the number of new infections in New South Wales state grew to 262, the largest daily tally since the pandemic began. Health officials said almost all the new cases were in Sydney, but a handful of infections in other districts prompted state premier Gladys Berejiklian to widen stay-at-home restrictions. Five positive tests in Newcastle, a coastal city of 320,000 people north of Sydney prompted authorities to shutter schools and tell residents to stay home for at least a week. Also read | Tokyo Olympics: American Sydney McLaughlin shatters world record to win women's 400 hurdles Five people aged in their 60s-80s have died in Sydney in the past 24 hours, none of whom were fully vaccinated. "I cannot stress enough how it's so important for everybody of all ages to come forward and get the vaccine," Berejiklian said. Barely 20 percent of Australians have been fully vaccinated, thanks to acute supply problems and pockets of vaccine hesitancy. Until now, Australia has dodged the worst ravages of the pandemic. But the country is struggling to contain an outbreak of the quick-spreading Delta variant. Since a Sydney driver was infected by an international flight crew in mid-June, New South Wales has recorded 4,319 locally acquired cases and half the country's 25 million people have been in some form of lockdown.

Sydney posts record COVID-19 cases as lockdown is widened

Australian officials on Monday extended a snap three-day lockdown in the city of Brisbane and some neighbouring regions while hundreds of army personnel began patrolling Sydney to help enforce COVID-19 lockdown rules. 
 
Sydney, Australia's largest city, is into its sixth week of a lockdown as it struggles with a spike in infections that added nearly 3,500 cases since the first one was detected in a limousine driver who transported overseas airline crew. 
 
Officials in New South Wales, of which Sydney is the capital, have implored residents to stay home to prevent more surges and brought in the military to help police enforce compliance after some defied lockdown rules. 
 
Some 300 army personnel, who will be unarmed and under police command, will go door to door to ensure people who have tested positive are isolating at their homes. 
 
After a steady rise in new cases, the lockdown rules in southeast Queensland, which includes Brisbane, will run until Sunday as officials fear there could be more undetected cases in the community and urged residents to get tested. Restrictions were due to end Tuesday evening. 
 
Thirteen locally acquired cases were detected in Queensland state, up from nine a day earlier. 
 
Australia is going through a cycle of stop-and-start lockdowns in several cities after the emergence of the fast-moving Delta strain and such restrictions are likely to persist until the country hits a higher vaccination coverage. 
 
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has promised lockdowns would be "less likely" once the country inoculates 70% of its population above 16 years, which now stands at 19%. Morrison expects to hit that mark by the end of the year. 
 
Although Australia's vaccination drive has lagged many other developed economies, it has so far fared much better in keeping its coronavirus numbers relatively low, with just under 34,400 cases and 924 deaths.

Australian officials on Monday extended a snap three-day lockdown in the city of Brisbane and some neighbouring regions while hundreds of army personnel began patrolling Sydney to help enforce COVID-19 lockdown rules.

Australian officials on Monday extended a snap three-day lockdown in the city of Brisbane and some neighbouring regions while hundreds of army personnel began patrolling Sydney to help enforce COVID-19 lockdown rules. Sydney, Australia's largest city, is into its sixth week of a lockdown as it struggles with a spike in infections that added nearly 3,500 cases since the first one was detected in a limousine driver who transported overseas airline crew. Officials in New South Wales, of which Sydney is the capital, have implored residents to stay home to prevent more surges and brought in the military to help police enforce compliance after some defied lockdown rules. Some 300 army personnel, who will be unarmed and under police command, will go door to door to ensure people who have tested positive are isolating at their homes. After a steady rise in new cases, the lockdown rules in southeast Queensland, which includes Brisbane, will run until Sunday as officials fear there could be more undetected cases in the community and urged residents to get tested. Restrictions were due to end Tuesday evening. Thirteen locally acquired cases were detected in Queensland state, up from nine a day earlier. Australia is going through a cycle of stop-and-start lockdowns in several cities after the emergence of the fast-moving Delta strain and such restrictions are likely to persist until the country hits a higher vaccination coverage. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has promised lockdowns would be "less likely" once the country inoculates 70% of its population above 16 years, which now stands at 19%. Morrison expects to hit that mark by the end of the year. Although Australia's vaccination drive has lagged many other developed economies, it has so far fared much better in keeping its coronavirus numbers relatively low, with just under 34,400 cases and 924 deaths.

Army patrols Sydney streets as Brisbane extends COVID-19 lockdown

Australia's third-largest city of Brisbane and other parts of Queensland state will enter a snap Covid-19 lockdown from Saturday as authorities race to contain an emerging outbreak of the Delta strain.

Millions of residents in the city and several other areas will be placed under stay-at-home orders from Saturday afternoon for three days, state Deputy Premier Steven Miles said.

"The only way to beat the Delta strain is to move quickly, to be fast and to be strong," Miles said.

Six new cases were reported Saturday in a cluster of the Delta variant initially linked to a school student, resulting in pupils and teachers at two schools being placed into isolation.

Genome sequencing had connected the cluster to returned overseas travellers in hotel quarantine but the exact source of transmission remained unclear, Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/condom-helps-an-australian-athlete-win-gold-at-the-tokyo-olympics-watch-401663">Also read |&nbsp;Condom helps an Australian athlete win gold at the Tokyo Olympics - WATCH</a>

In the "strictest lockdown" the city has enforced, residents will only be allowed to leave their homes for essential reasons, including buying groceries and exercising.

Brisbane's snap lockdown comes as Australia's largest city of Sydney and its surroundings completed a fifth week of lockdown, with authorities struggling to stop the spread of a Delta variant outbreak there.

"We cannot afford to be complacent just because we have done so well so far. We all we have to comply with these restrictions," Miles said.

Sydney recorded 210 new local cases on Saturday, slightly down from the record number reached earlier in the week.

Police were out in force around the city, attempting to prevent anti-lockdown protesters from gathering after thousands poured through the streets and sparked violent clashes with officers last week.

With close to just 14 percent of the population fully vaccinated, authorities around the country continue to rely on lockdowns to reduce people's movements and slow the spread of the virus.

On Friday, the country's Prime Minister Scott Morrison outlined a long road out of restrictions, setting a target of 80 percent of the population to be fully vaccinated before the government would reopen borders and end lockdowns.

Australia's third-largest city of Brisbane and other parts of Queensland state will enter a snap Covid-19 lockdown from Saturday as authorities race to contain an emerging outbreak of the Delta strain.

Australia's third-largest city of Brisbane and other parts of Queensland state will enter a snap Covid-19 lockdown from Saturday as authorities race to contain an emerging outbreak of the Delta strain. Millions of residents in the city and several other areas will be placed under stay-at-home orders from Saturday afternoon for three days, state Deputy Premier Steven Miles said. "The only way to beat the Delta strain is to move quickly, to be fast and to be strong," Miles said. Six new cases were reported Saturday in a cluster of the Delta variant initially linked to a school student, resulting in pupils and teachers at two schools being placed into isolation. Genome sequencing had connected the cluster to returned overseas travellers in hotel quarantine but the exact source of transmission remained unclear, Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said. Also read | Condom helps an Australian athlete win gold at the Tokyo Olympics - WATCH In the "strictest lockdown" the city has enforced, residents will only be allowed to leave their homes for essential reasons, including buying groceries and exercising. Brisbane's snap lockdown comes as Australia's largest city of Sydney and its surroundings completed a fifth week of lockdown, with authorities struggling to stop the spread of a Delta variant outbreak there. "We cannot afford to be complacent just because we have done so well so far. We all we have to comply with these restrictions," Miles said. Sydney recorded 210 new local cases on Saturday, slightly down from the record number reached earlier in the week. Police were out in force around the city, attempting to prevent anti-lockdown protesters from gathering after thousands poured through the streets and sparked violent clashes with officers last week. With close to just 14 percent of the population fully vaccinated, authorities around the country continue to rely on lockdowns to reduce people's movements and slow the spread of the virus. On Friday, the country's Prime Minister Scott Morrison outlined a long road out of restrictions, setting a target of 80 percent of the population to be fully vaccinated before the government would reopen borders and end lockdowns.

Australia's third-largest city of Brisbane to enter COVID-19 lockdown

Australia's&nbsp;military&nbsp;will&nbsp;help&nbsp;enforce&nbsp;a&nbsp;lockdown&nbsp;in&nbsp;Sydney&nbsp;after the city of 6 million posted a record daily&nbsp;rise&nbsp;in&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;cases&nbsp;on Thursday and state authorities said the outbreak was likely to get worse.

The&nbsp;lockdown&nbsp;of Australia's biggest city has increased pressure on Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who is now trailing in opinion polls, and heightened concern that Australia's A$2 trillion ($1.5 trillion) economy could slide into recession.

Despite an extended&nbsp;lockdown&nbsp;in&nbsp;Sydney&nbsp;since an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant, 239 new locally acquired coronavirus&nbsp;cases&nbsp;were recorded in the city over a 24-hour period, the biggest daily&nbsp;rise&nbsp;since the pandemic began.

"We can only assume that things are likely to get worse before they get better given the quantity of people infectious in the community," said Gladys Berejiklian, the premier of New South Wales state, of which&nbsp;Sydney&nbsp;is the capital.

Berejiklian said one new death took the toll from the latest outbreak to 13 and the national total was now 921.

With little sign that of restrictions reducing infections, Berejiklian said new curbs would be imposed on the southwestern and western areas of&nbsp;Sydney&nbsp;where the majority of&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;cases&nbsp;are being found.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sydney-lockdown-extended-by-four-weeks-as-virus-outbreak-grows-401042">Also read |&nbsp;Sydney lockdown extended by four weeks as virus outbreak grows</a>

Residents there will be forced to wear masks outdoors and to stay within five km (three miles) of their homes.

With even tighter restrictions set to begin on Friday, New South Wales Police said it had asked for 300&nbsp;military&nbsp;personnel to&nbsp;help&nbsp;enforce&nbsp;lockdown&nbsp;orders.

The personnel will deploy on Friday, Defence Minister Peter Dutton said, and will begin assisting police with ensuring compliance with restrictions next week.

Lockdown Extended

Berejiklian extended the&nbsp;Sydney&nbsp;lockdown&nbsp;by another month on Wednesday.

New South Wales accounts for over a third of Australia's economy. Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said he expected the national economy to shrink in the September quarter but the ability to avoid a technical recession would depend on whether New South Wales can avoid a longer&nbsp;lockdown.

"With respect to the December quarter, that does depend to a large extent how successful New South Wales, our largest state economy, is in getting on top of this virus," Frydenberg told the&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;Broadcasting Corp.

Berejiklian has said restrictions need to remain as too few people in&nbsp;Sydney&nbsp;are vaccinated amid tight supplies of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, with which Australia had hoped to inoculate everyone under 60 years old.

All adults in&nbsp;Sydney&nbsp;have been urged to seek an AstraZeneca vaccine. Some, citing rare blood clots, are reluctant and would prefer to wait several months when Australia is expected to receive additional Pfizer supplies.

Australia's military will help enforce a lockdown in Sydney after the city of 6 million posted a record daily rise in COVID-19 cases on Thursday and state authorities said the outbreak was likely to get worse.

Australia's military will help enforce a lockdown in Sydney after the city of 6 million posted a record daily rise in COVID-19 cases on Thursday and state authorities said the outbreak was likely to get worse. The lockdown of Australia's biggest city has increased pressure on Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who is now trailing in opinion polls, and heightened concern that Australia's A$2 trillion ($1.5 trillion) economy could slide into recession. Despite an extended lockdown in Sydney since an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant, 239 new locally acquired coronavirus cases were recorded in the city over a 24-hour period, the biggest daily rise since the pandemic began. "We can only assume that things are likely to get worse before they get better given the quantity of people infectious in the community," said Gladys Berejiklian, the premier of New South Wales state, of which Sydney is the capital. Berejiklian said one new death took the toll from the latest outbreak to 13 and the national total was now 921. With little sign that of restrictions reducing infections, Berejiklian said new curbs would be imposed on the southwestern and western areas of Sydney where the majority of COVID-19 cases are being found. Also read | Sydney lockdown extended by four weeks as virus outbreak grows Residents there will be forced to wear masks outdoors and to stay within five km (three miles) of their homes. With even tighter restrictions set to begin on Friday, New South Wales Police said it had asked for 300 military personnel to help enforce lockdown orders. The personnel will deploy on Friday, Defence Minister Peter Dutton said, and will begin assisting police with ensuring compliance with restrictions next week. Lockdown Extended Berejiklian extended the Sydney lockdown by another month on Wednesday. New South Wales accounts for over a third of Australia's economy. Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said he expected the national economy to shrink in the September quarter but the ability to avoid a technical recession would depend on whether New South Wales can avoid a longer lockdown. "With respect to the December quarter, that does depend to a large extent how successful New South Wales, our largest state economy, is in getting on top of this virus," Frydenberg told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. Berejiklian has said restrictions need to remain as too few people in Sydney are vaccinated amid tight supplies of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, with which Australia had hoped to inoculate everyone under 60 years old. All adults in Sydney have been urged to seek an AstraZeneca vaccine. Some, citing rare blood clots, are reluctant and would prefer to wait several months when Australia is expected to receive additional Pfizer supplies.

Australian military to help enforce Sydney COVID-19 lockdown as cases rise

Millions of Sydney residents will spend another month in lockdown, authorities announced Wednesday, citing a still-growing coronavirus outbreak and low vaccination rates.

Australia's biggest city had been due to exit lockdown on July 30 after five weeks but the restrictions will remain in place until August 28 as case numbers continued to climb.

"I appreciate&nbsp;personally what we're asking people&nbsp;do for the next four weeks but it is&nbsp;because we want to keep our&nbsp;community safe and want to make sure&nbsp;we can bounce back as quickly as&nbsp;possible," New South Wales state premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

Officials announced 177 new cases linked to the Sydney outbreak, which began mid-June when a driver for an international flight crew contracted the virus.

People living in hotspots have been urged not to leave their neighbourhoods, but those living alone will be allowed to create a "singles bubble" with another person.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-cockatoos-learn-how-to-open-bins-lid-by-watching-other-birds-400818">Also read |&nbsp;Australia: Cockatoos learn how to open bin's lid by watching other birds</a>

Berejiklian said police would step up compliance efforts, while imploring Sydneysiders to report others breaking the rules.

"We really need people to&nbsp;do the right thing at all times. Do&nbsp;not let your guard down," she said.

The announcement came as Melbourne awoke to the end of its fifth virus lockdown, after beating the Delta variant for the second time in recent months through "determination and hard work",&nbsp;according to Victoria state premier Dan Andrews.

They were among the roughly eight million people in Victoria and South Australia states who exited lockdown overnight&nbsp;after local outbreaks of the highly contagious variant were contained.

Australia&nbsp;was lauded for its early pandemic success, after it slammed shut its international borders and moved quickly to quash COVID-19&nbsp;clusters.

But with a largely unvaccinated population, it has struggled to respond to the Delta variant, repeatedly sending cities into lockdown.

About 13 per cent of Australians have been vaccinated, with low supplies of Pfizer-BioNTech shots and scepticism about the AstraZeneca jab.

The country has recorded more than 33,000 infections and 921 coronavirus-related deaths in a population of 25 million.

Millions of Sydney residents will spend another month in lockdown, authorities announced Wednesday, citing a still-growing coronavirus outbreak and low vaccination rates.

Millions of Sydney residents will spend another month in lockdown, authorities announced Wednesday, citing a still-growing coronavirus outbreak and low vaccination rates. Australia's biggest city had been due to exit lockdown on July 30 after five weeks but the restrictions will remain in place until August 28 as case numbers continued to climb. "I appreciate personally what we're asking people do for the next four weeks but it is because we want to keep our community safe and want to make sure we can bounce back as quickly as possible," New South Wales state premier Gladys Berejiklian said. Officials announced 177 new cases linked to the Sydney outbreak, which began mid-June when a driver for an international flight crew contracted the virus. People living in hotspots have been urged not to leave their neighbourhoods, but those living alone will be allowed to create a "singles bubble" with another person. Also read | Australia: Cockatoos learn how to open bin's lid by watching other birds Berejiklian said police would step up compliance efforts, while imploring Sydneysiders to report others breaking the rules. "We really need people to do the right thing at all times. Do not let your guard down," she said. The announcement came as Melbourne awoke to the end of its fifth virus lockdown, after beating the Delta variant for the second time in recent months through "determination and hard work", according to Victoria state premier Dan Andrews. They were among the roughly eight million people in Victoria and South Australia states who exited lockdown overnight after local outbreaks of the highly contagious variant were contained. Australia was lauded for its early pandemic success, after it slammed shut its international borders and moved quickly to quash COVID-19 clusters. But with a largely unvaccinated population, it has struggled to respond to the Delta variant, repeatedly sending cities into lockdown. About 13 per cent of Australians have been vaccinated, with low supplies of Pfizer-BioNTech shots and scepticism about the AstraZeneca jab. The country has recorded more than 33,000 infections and 921 coronavirus-related deaths in a population of 25 million.

Sydney lockdown extended by four weeks as virus outbreak grows

Much to the distress of the locals, Australia's New South Wales area might not lift restrictions to contain&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid infections</a> anytime soon.

Residents have been under a strict lockdown for more than four weeks now, but the cases are still alarmingly increasing in the area. As per local reports, the lockdown might not be lifted until September.

"We know we've put in the hard yards for five weeks and we don't want to waste all the good work that we've done by opening too early and then having the virus spread again," state premier Gladys Berejiklian told a media conference.

Have a look |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/big-protests-mark-global-anger-at-covid-19-restrictions-400510" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/big-protests-mark-global-anger-at-covid-19-restrictions-400510&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjBzL_mkoPyAhW94zgGHbm6AEs4FBAWMAN6BAgDEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw1KsAYs9c0TiyrjpshkeJA_" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/big-protests-mark-global-anger-at-covid-19-restrictions-400510" target="_blank">Big protests mark global anger at COVID-19 restrictions</a>

Till now, the locals were hoping that the lockdown will be slightly relaxed by the start of the weekend. However, considering the increase of Covid cases and the low rate of vaccinated population, there is little chance of the lockdown curbs being relaxed.

As per local media reports, the local government will be announcing a four-week extension of the lockdown.

Meanwhile, authorities are urging locals to get vaccinated against coronavirus as soon as possible to help stop the spread of the virus, especially in the Delta variant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/australians-may-face-longer-lockdown-as-situation-worsens-400457" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/australians-may-face-longer-lockdown-as-situation-worsens-400457&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjBzL_mkoPyAhW94zgGHbm6AEs4FBAWMAV6BAgIEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw2_exGTDSVw1k-Jy_OQsSKA" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australians-may-face-longer-lockdown-as-situation-worsens-400457" target="_blank">Australians&nbsp;may face longer lockdown as situation worsens</a>

"Vaccination is the key to our freedom. Getting jabs in arms is a key part of our strategy," said Berejiklian. "I want August to be the month where everyone comes forward to get the jab. That is key to us being able to see what September looks like. I don’t think anyone can deny that the vaccination rate is absolutely key to how we live life in NSW."

While Sydney awaits a decision on lockdown, Victoria state&nbsp;will end lockdown soon.

Much to the distress of the locals, Australia's New South Wales area might not lift restrictions to contain Covid infections anytime soon. Residents have been under a strict lockdown for more than four weeks now, but the cases are still alarmingly increasing in the area.

Much to the distress of the locals, Australia's New South Wales area might not lift restrictions to contain Covid infections anytime soon. Residents have been under a strict lockdown for more than four weeks now, but the cases are still alarmingly increasing in the area. As per local reports, the lockdown might not be lifted until September. "We know we've put in the hard yards for five weeks and we don't want to waste all the good work that we've done by opening too early and then having the virus spread again," state premier Gladys Berejiklian told a media conference. Have a look | Big protests mark global anger at COVID-19 restrictions Till now, the locals were hoping that the lockdown will be slightly relaxed by the start of the weekend. However, considering the increase of Covid cases and the low rate of vaccinated population, there is little chance of the lockdown curbs being relaxed. As per local media reports, the local government will be announcing a four-week extension of the lockdown. Meanwhile, authorities are urging locals to get vaccinated against coronavirus as soon as possible to help stop the spread of the virus, especially in the Delta variant. Also read | Australians may face longer lockdown as situation worsens "Vaccination is the key to our freedom. Getting jabs in arms is a key part of our strategy," said Berejiklian. "I want August to be the month where everyone comes forward to get the jab. That is key to us being able to see what September looks like. I don’t think anyone can deny that the vaccination rate is absolutely key to how we live life in NSW." While Sydney awaits a decision on lockdown, Victoria state will end lockdown soon.

Australia: As Melbourne unlocks economy, Sydney faces another month-long Covid lockdown

Australia's New South Wales recorded its second-highest daily increase in locally acquired COVID-19 cases of the year on Sunday.

There were 141 COVID-19 cases reported, down from 163 a day earlier. The outbreak, which began in June, is being driven by the highly contagious Delta variant of the virus, and has now infected 2,081 people in New South Wales.&nbsp;

There are 43 people in intensive care, up from 37 a day earlier.

"In relation to yesterday's protests, can I say how absolutely disgusted I was. It broke my heart," Gladys Berejiklian, the premier of the country's most populous state, told reporters.

"I hope it won't be a setback, but it could be," she said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sydney-outbreak-a-national-emergency-as-covid-19-cases-surge-399885">Also read |&nbsp;Sydney outbreak a 'national emergency' as COVID-19 cases surge</a>

Meanwhile, Sydney's fast-growing COVID-19 outbreak has become a "national emergency," said state leaders as Australia's largest city reported another record number of new infections.

Earlier, Australian authorities ordered more businesses to along with a slew of new restrictions in the country's largest city as a weeks-long lockdown failed to bring down the outbreak of COVID-19.

Authorities clamped down on people's movements out of virus hotspots in the city's southwest. Also, locals were banned from leaving their neighbourhoods unless they worked in emergency services or health care.

Melbourne has been the epicentre of the virus in Australia with several areas listed for virus exposure including sports stadiums and shopping centres. The city recorded 18 new COVID-19 cases worrying health officials.

Australia's New South Wales recorded its second-highest daily increase in locally acquired COVID-19 cases of the year on Sunday. There were 141 COVID-19 cases reported, down from 163 a day earlier.

Australia's New South Wales recorded its second-highest daily increase in locally acquired COVID-19 cases of the year on Sunday. There were 141 COVID-19 cases reported, down from 163 a day earlier. The outbreak, which began in June, is being driven by the highly contagious Delta variant of the virus, and has now infected 2,081 people in New South Wales. There are 43 people in intensive care, up from 37 a day earlier. "In relation to yesterday's protests, can I say how absolutely disgusted I was. It broke my heart," Gladys Berejiklian, the premier of the country's most populous state, told reporters. "I hope it won't be a setback, but it could be," she said. Also read | Sydney outbreak a 'national emergency' as COVID-19 cases surge Meanwhile, Sydney's fast-growing COVID-19 outbreak has become a "national emergency," said state leaders as Australia's largest city reported another record number of new infections. Earlier, Australian authorities ordered more businesses to along with a slew of new restrictions in the country's largest city as a weeks-long lockdown failed to bring down the outbreak of COVID-19. Authorities clamped down on people's movements out of virus hotspots in the city's southwest. Also, locals were banned from leaving their neighbourhoods unless they worked in emergency services or health care. Melbourne has been the epicentre of the virus in Australia with several areas listed for virus exposure including sports stadiums and shopping centres. The city recorded 18 new COVID-19 cases worrying health officials.

Australians may face longer lockdown as situation worsens

Thousands marched through Australia's two biggest cities in anti-lockdown protests Saturday, sparking violent clashes with police in Sydney.

Dozens of protesters were arrested after an unauthorised march flouted public health orders in Sydney, while several confrontations with police broke out during the hours-long rally.

Officers were pelted with pot plants and bottles of water as opponents of Sydney's month-long stay-at-home order took to the streets in numbers.

Thousands also crowded several streets in Melbourne after gathering outside the state parliament in the early afternoon.

The largely maskless protesters were flouting rules on non-essential travel and public gatherings, a day after authorities suggested the restrictions could remain in place until October.

"I am utterly disgusted by the illegal protesters in the city today whose selfish actions have compromised the safety of all of us," the premier of Sydney's state of New South Wales, Gladys Berejiklian, said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-lawmakers-voice-alarm-on-air-force-as-us-withdrawal-comes-closer-400245">Also read |&nbsp;Afghan lawmakers voice alarm on air force as US withdrawal comes closer</a>

"The protesters have shown utter contempt for their fellow citizens who are currently doing it tough."

Hundreds of police responded to the Sydney protest, with several demonstrators pulled from the crowd in handcuffs by officers. Police said they issued nearly 100 fines and arrested 57 people.

Police in Melbourne said six people were arrested.

New South Wales Police Minister David Elliott said a team of detectives would be scouring footage to identify and charge as many people as possible in the coming days.

"What we saw today in Sydney is unfortunately something that we've seen in cities that we all shake our head at," Elliott told media after the protest.

"It's quite clear that you know, Sydney isn't immune from morons as well."

He also said he expected the gathering to drive a spike in Covid-19 cases and urged all those who attended to get tested and isolate.

Organisers had dubbed the protest a "freedom" rally and publicised it on social media pages frequently used to spread vaccine disinformation and conspiracy theories.

Attendees carried signs and banners reading "Wake up Australia" and "Drain the Swamp" -- echoing messages seen in similar demonstrations overseas.

Helicopters buzzed above the streets of Sydney, a city of over five million people that is struggling to contain an outbreak of the Delta variant.

The state of New South Wales reported 163 new infections Saturday to bring its total in the current outbreak to nearly 2,000.

After escaping much of the early pandemic unscathed, around half of Australia's 25 million people are now in lockdown across several cities.

There is growing anger at the restrictions and the conservative government's failure to provide adequate vaccine supplies.

Just 11 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.

Thousands marched through Australia's two biggest cities in anti-lockdown protests Saturday, sparking violent clashes with police in Sydney. Dozens of protesters were arrested after an unauthorised march flouted public health orders in Sydney, while several confrontations with police broke out during the hours-long rally.

Thousands marched through Australia's two biggest cities in anti-lockdown protests Saturday, sparking violent clashes with police in Sydney. Dozens of protesters were arrested after an unauthorised march flouted public health orders in Sydney, while several confrontations with police broke out during the hours-long rally. Officers were pelted with pot plants and bottles of water as opponents of Sydney's month-long stay-at-home order took to the streets in numbers. Thousands also crowded several streets in Melbourne after gathering outside the state parliament in the early afternoon. The largely maskless protesters were flouting rules on non-essential travel and public gatherings, a day after authorities suggested the restrictions could remain in place until October. "I am utterly disgusted by the illegal protesters in the city today whose selfish actions have compromised the safety of all of us," the premier of Sydney's state of New South Wales, Gladys Berejiklian, said in a statement. Also read | Afghan lawmakers voice alarm on air force as US withdrawal comes closer "The protesters have shown utter contempt for their fellow citizens who are currently doing it tough." Hundreds of police responded to the Sydney protest, with several demonstrators pulled from the crowd in handcuffs by officers. Police said they issued nearly 100 fines and arrested 57 people. Police in Melbourne said six people were arrested. New South Wales Police Minister David Elliott said a team of detectives would be scouring footage to identify and charge as many people as possible in the coming days. "What we saw today in Sydney is unfortunately something that we've seen in cities that we all shake our head at," Elliott told media after the protest. "It's quite clear that you know, Sydney isn't immune from morons as well." He also said he expected the gathering to drive a spike in Covid-19 cases and urged all those who attended to get tested and isolate. Organisers had dubbed the protest a "freedom" rally and publicised it on social media pages frequently used to spread vaccine disinformation and conspiracy theories. Attendees carried signs and banners reading "Wake up Australia" and "Drain the Swamp" -- echoing messages seen in similar demonstrations overseas. Helicopters buzzed above the streets of Sydney, a city of over five million people that is struggling to contain an outbreak of the Delta variant. The state of New South Wales reported 163 new infections Saturday to bring its total in the current outbreak to nearly 2,000. After escaping much of the early pandemic unscathed, around half of Australia's 25 million people are now in lockdown across several cities. There is growing anger at the restrictions and the conservative government's failure to provide adequate vaccine supplies. Just 11 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.

Protesters clash with police as thousands march against Australia lockdown

UK government borrowing dropped in June with easing lockdown measures boosting the economy, official data showed Wednesday.

Public sector net borrowing slid to £22.8 billion ($31 billion, 26.4 billion euros) last month, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a statement.

Although down £5.5 billion compared with June 2020 when the UK was in a strict lockdown, the latest number was still the second highest June level on record.

A sizeable amount of the government's borrowing since the start of the pandemic has gone on a furlough scheme to pay the bulk of wages for millions of private sector workers.

"I'm proud of the unprecedented package of support we put in place to protect jobs and help thousands of businesses survive the pandemic, and that we are continuing to support those who need it," finance minister Rishi Sunak said following Wednesday's data.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/never-seen-this-before-britain-france-spain-witness-surge-in-covid-19-cases-399293">Also read |&nbsp;'Never seen this before': Britain, France &amp; Spain witness surge in COVID-19 cases&nbsp;</a>

"However, it's also right that we ensure debt remains under control."

An influential think tank on Wednesday warned that while government borrowing was set to come in lower than expected for the UK fiscal year to March 2022, Chancellor of the Exchequer Sunak was unlikely to be able to embark on a post-pandemic spending splurge.

"Permanent economic damage done by the pandemic and rising debt interest costs mean that... the chancellor has little, if any, additional headroom," the Institute for Fiscal Studies said in a report.

Economists reckon on interest rates rising sooner than expected as the reopening of economies pushes up inflation.

At the same time, the highly-transmissible Delta variant of the coronavirus is sweeping the globe and forcing some countries to reimpose restrictions.

But in England, the bulk of lockdown measures were lifted on Monday. Tougher restrictions remain across the rest of the UK.

UK government borrowing dropped in June with easing lockdown measures boosting the economy, official data showed Wednesday. Public sector net borrowing slid to £22.

UK government borrowing dropped in June with easing lockdown measures boosting the economy, official data showed Wednesday. Public sector net borrowing slid to £22.8 billion ($31 billion, 26.4 billion euros) last month, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a statement. Although down £5.5 billion compared with June 2020 when the UK was in a strict lockdown, the latest number was still the second highest June level on record. A sizeable amount of the government's borrowing since the start of the pandemic has gone on a furlough scheme to pay the bulk of wages for millions of private sector workers. "I'm proud of the unprecedented package of support we put in place to protect jobs and help thousands of businesses survive the pandemic, and that we are continuing to support those who need it," finance minister Rishi Sunak said following Wednesday's data. Also read | 'Never seen this before': Britain, France & Spain witness surge in COVID-19 cases "However, it's also right that we ensure debt remains under control." An influential think tank on Wednesday warned that while government borrowing was set to come in lower than expected for the UK fiscal year to March 2022, Chancellor of the Exchequer Sunak was unlikely to be able to embark on a post-pandemic spending splurge. "Permanent economic damage done by the pandemic and rising debt interest costs mean that... the chancellor has little, if any, additional headroom," the Institute for Fiscal Studies said in a report. Economists reckon on interest rates rising sooner than expected as the reopening of economies pushes up inflation. At the same time, the highly-transmissible Delta variant of the coronavirus is sweeping the globe and forcing some countries to reimpose restrictions. But in England, the bulk of lockdown measures were lifted on Monday. Tougher restrictions remain across the rest of the UK.

UK borrowing drops as lockdowns ease, reveals data

The UK government has warned that there will be an increase in COVID-19 deaths in the coming weeks. This warning comes as England celebrated the lifting of nearly all COVID-19 restrictions after over a year.

UK Govt: Will see an increase in COVID-19 deaths in coming weeks

Lockdown restrictions ease in England after more than a year but with cases surging UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has urged the public to remain cautious. Johnson himself remains in isolation after the British Health Minister contracted the virus.

England comes out of COVID-19 lockdown, PM Johnson urges caution

Thailand&nbsp;on Sunday announced an expansion of coronavirus restrictions that include travel curbs, mall closures and a night-time curfew to three more provinces after the country reported a third consecutive day of record case numbers.

The country reported 11,397 infections and 101 deaths on Sunday, bringing the cumulative total to 403,386&nbsp;cases&nbsp;and 3,341 fatalities, the vast majority from an outbreak since early April that is being fuelled by the highly transmissible Alpha and Delta&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;variants.

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Shopping malls will be closed and a 9 pm&nbsp;to 4 am curfew will be imposed from Tuesday onwards in Chonburi, Ayutthaya and Chachoengsao provinces, an announcement on the official Royal Gazette on Sunday showed.

Bangkok and nine other provinces have already been under these restrictions, the toughest in more than a year, since last Monday, as the country battles its longest-running and most severe outbreak so far.

The government earlier said it was planning to introduce more restrictions on movement as the surging number of&nbsp;cases, which continue to rise despite the partial&nbsp;lockdowns in high risk&nbsp;areas, had stretched healthcare capacity and health officials warned that the severe outbreak could continue for months.

Thailand on Sunday announced an expansion of coronavirus restrictions that include travel curbs, mall closures and a night-time curfew to three more provinces after the country reported a third consecutive day of record case numbers.

Thailand on Sunday announced an expansion of coronavirus restrictions that include travel curbs, mall closures and a night-time curfew to three more provinces after the country reported a third consecutive day of record case numbers. The country reported 11,397 infections and 101 deaths on Sunday, bringing the cumulative total to 403,386 cases and 3,341 fatalities, the vast majority from an outbreak since early April that is being fuelled by the highly transmissible Alpha and Delta COVID-19 variants. Also read | 3 Texas Democrats who fled elections bill vote get Covid Shopping malls will be closed and a 9 pm to 4 am curfew will be imposed from Tuesday onwards in Chonburi, Ayutthaya and Chachoengsao provinces, an announcement on the official Royal Gazette on Sunday showed. Bangkok and nine other provinces have already been under these restrictions, the toughest in more than a year, since last Monday, as the country battles its longest-running and most severe outbreak so far. The government earlier said it was planning to introduce more restrictions on movement as the surging number of cases, which continue to rise despite the partial lockdowns in high risk areas, had stretched healthcare capacity and health officials warned that the severe outbreak could continue for months.

Thailand expands lockdown areas as COVID-19 cases surge

Australian authorities ordered more businesses to close Saturday along with a slew of new restrictions in the country's largest city as a weeks-long lockdown failed to bring down the outbreak of COVID-19.

Australian authorities ordered more businesses to close Saturday along with a slew of new restrictions in the country's largest city as a weeks-long lockdown failed to bring down the outbreak of COVID-19. New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian told media in Sydney, "It's not good enough for us to tread water which is what we're doing now; we've to some extent stabilised it, but we're not managing to quash that curve". Also read | Australia's Victoria state put under lockdown amid virus surge Authorities clamped down on people's movements out of virus hotspots in the city's southwest. Also, locals were banned from leaving their neighbourhoods unless they worked in emergency services or health care. Melbourne has been the epicentre of the virus in Australia with several areas listed for virus exposure including sports stadiums and shopping centres. The city recorded 18 new COVID-19 cases worrying health officials. The current lockdown measures come as Australia's vaccination drive continues at a slow pace with just 12 per cent people inoculated amid a shortage of jabs in the country.

Sydney tightens lockdown amid a spike in cases

Malaysia reported 11,079 new coronavirus infections on Tuesday, the most number of cases recorded in a single day since the start of the pandemic. The country has been struggling to contain the recent outbreak driven by the emergence of new, more contagious variants despite much of the country being under a lockdown since June 1.

Malaysia records new high of 11,079 COVID-19 cases

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