x

Australia’s Victoria calls in military as coronavirus cases spike

Australia’s second-most populated state of Victoria on Wednesday asked the military and other jurisdictions for help as it struggles to contain a recent spike in the number of coronavirus cases.

Victoria, the state of which Melbourne is the capital, on Wednesday recorded 20 new cases and one death – the first COVID-19-related fatality in the country since May, health authorities said.

The state government asked the Australian Defence Force as well as the neighbouring states of New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Queensland, for help dealing with testing and logistics.

“This support will mean we can get even more tests done and results back quickly – and a stronger effort to remind Victorians if you are sick, stay home and get tested,’’ a government spokeswoman said.

Several Melbourne suburbs were identified as hotspots, as local health authorities scrambled to isolate the affected areas, warning people not to leave their suburbs.

Health authorities were also knocking on doors in the areas where a large migrant population reside, with many speaking languages other than English at home.

Community engagement in some 55 languages has been produced.

The state government is mulling a return to strict lockdown measures.

Due to panic buying at supermarkets, purchase limits on toilet paper and other essential items were also reinstated in the state.

Federal Health Minister, Greg Hunt, blamed Black Lives Matter rallies – which were held in all major Australian cities earlier this month and saw tens of thousands of protesters in attendance – for people’s relaxed attitude towards social distancing and other COVID-19 restrictions.

Australia has so far recorded more than 7,520 COVID-19 cases and 103 fatalities. (dpa/NAN)

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

Sokoto Government to Remodel Sheikh Danfodio Jumu’at Mosque

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto The Sokoto State Executive Council has...

Low Voter Turnout, Fear of Violence Mar Kogi By-Election

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja The by-election in Okura State Constituency...

Kaduna: PDP Agent Arrested With ₦30m Cash for Vote-Buying – DSS

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna The Department of State Services (DSS)...

Bayelsa Government Pledges Completion of Major Infrastructure Projects Before Tenure Ends

By Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa The Bayelsa State Government has restated...

Vote Buying, Intimidation Allegations Reported in Kaduna Re-Run Polls

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna Widespread allegations of vote buying and...

NBA Sokoto Honors Senator Wamakko With Outstanding Leadership Award

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Sokoto...

Gen. Shipi Quoted Out of Context, Says Plateau Group

By Israel Adamu, Jos The Plateau Citizens Peace and Unity...

FG Reaffirms Commitment to Partner with Youth on Peace, Development

By Francis Wilfred The Federal Government has restated its commitment...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img