With the highly contagious Delta COVID-19 variant cases on the rise, Australia’s Queensland has extended lockdown in Brisbane from 2nd August 2021 to 8th August.  Sydney has also deployed hundreds of soldiers to enforce stricter directives for staying at home.

Brisbane’s lockdown was initially planned till 3rd August but is now extended further. It has been reported that Queensland detected 13 new COVID-19 cases in a day, which is by far the biggest one-day. State officials have urged students and their families to stay at home.

Australia’s vaccination drive has fallen behind as compared to other emerging nations, yet its number of Coronavirus cases has been comparatively low, just below 34,400 cases and 925 deaths.

For a while now, Australia has been facing fluctuating lockdowns in various cities, primarily due to a rise in Delta variant cases. Experts cite that this trend is likely to continue until the country attains a higher number of vaccinations.

The growing COVID-19 cases in two of Australia’s biggest cities have led to high concerns regarding the government’s way of handling the outbreak.

With that being said, Prime Minister Morrison confirmed that lockdowns would be “less likely” once 70% population of Australia, especially those above 16 years of age, have been vaccinated which should be done by the end of 2021.

The lockdown of Brisbane and other neighboring areas comes as Sydney resumes its stay-at-home orders for the sixth week. New South Wales state recorded 207 Coronavirus infections on 1st August 2021, with the state registering over 3500 infections since the outbreak started in June.

Speaking of Sydney, approximately 300 unarmed army personnel who are reportedly abiding by the command of the police, have begun door-to-door visits in the city for testing the populace.

Police officers have also been patrolling the highly affected areas in Sydney. The military would help in setting up vaccination stations and delivering food, cited sources.

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https://www.news18.com/news/world/australia-tightens-covid-19-curbs-as-brisbane-extends-lockdown-army-patrols-sydney-4035230.html