In Queensland, the lockdown in force since Saturday was extended in Brisbane, Australia’s third largest city, and in other parts of the state. The goal is to contain the delta-variable spread of the coronavirus. For Queensland’s deputy prime minister, Stephen Miles, the initially announced three-day measures that have now been extended in the southeastern state until 4pm next Sunday “will not be enough”.

Australian news site News reported that Miles “strongly” hopes the new decisions will be “sufficient” after around 30 new cases of infection were reported in the past few days, only 13 today. The residents’ appeal is to respect the procedures and stay at home. The provisions state that you can only leave the house to purchase basic necessities, business reasons, medical examinations, visits and sports activities within ten kilometers. Non-essential services are closed.

Sydney also remains closed. Since the start of the pandemic, Australia – with a population of about 25 million people – has recorded more than 34,000 cases of coronavirus with 925 deaths. Nearly 12 million doses of vaccines have been administered so far.