Don't pretend this is over: Australian state reimposes strict restrictions amid rising COVID cases

Australian state, Victoria, has reimposed stricter restrictions in the state to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus as the number of coronavirus cases continue to rise.

The orders came after the state a double digit rise in coronavirus cases were recorded for four continuous days.

Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews has decided to impose stricter rules on public as well as home gatherings. He has urged people to stop taking the pandemic lightly and pretending that it is over.

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"It is unacceptable that families anywhere in our state just because they want this to be over pretend that it is. It is not over," Andrews said at a televised media conference, noting a rise in family transmissions since April.

The decision came in after the state recorded 25 new cases on Saturday within 24 hours.The restrictions will be imposed from Monday and will last until July 12. Under the new rules, a stop is being put on gatherings of 20 people.

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"We are absolutely at risk of a second peak but we can get on top of it," Victoria chief health officer Brett Sutton said.
Andrews warned that suburbs found to be viral hotspots could face stricter lockdowns.

While the decision to increase the total capacity of restaurants and cafes from 20 to 50 has been shelved right now, gyms are being allowed to reopen from Monday, as planned earlier. This has not been well received by locals and experts, who believe that gyms can spread the infection faster.

The Australian Football League (AFL) called off a game scheduled to take place in Melbourne on Sunday after a player tested positive. The AFL has recently restarted fixtures, playing in empty stadiums.

Australia has crossed the 7,400 mark in coronavirus toll, out which nearly 116 cases are from Victoria.

(With inputs from Reuters)