Australia: Sydney emerges from nearly four-month prison sentence

Residents in Sydney were released from strict control for nearly four months on Monday to prevent the outbreak of Govt-19, Australia’s largest city.

Also read: Govt-19: New Zealand make a face

In this city of five million people, control was decided in the summer to prevent the spread of the delta variant of the highly contagious corona virus.

After 106 days of restrictions, it was eliminated in view of the drop in pollution – 496 cases were reported Monday in the country’s most populous state of New South Wales – and the vaccine progressed, with more than 70% of the population fully vaccinated over the age of 16.

Some areas open to the public, such as bars or restaurants, are reopened to vaccinated customers.

Peter Morgan, 35, did not shy away from rejoicing in regaining his independence. “Even though it’s frozen outside, it’s so good,” he greeted himself. “These are small pleasures that make up for most of the stress associated with being locked out.”

The hairdressers had already opened their doors with the full appointment book and in the morning, despite the dark weather, the rows formed. Brett Dolley, a client of Surrey Hills Salon, had his hair cut 15 weeks ago and was “eager” to have his hair done.

The Shopaholics were happy to finally get into their favorite activity.

At midnight, the official time for the lock-up, hundreds of people gathered at a store called Kmart, which offers low-cost goods on Mount Trout in the western suburbs of Sydney. Images that are in long queues at check outs have occupied social websites.

Since June, shops, schools, businesses and businesses have been closed for “non-essential” activities. The trip was limited to five kilometers from home and could not see relatives, play sports, go shopping or attend a funeral.

“A special day”

“Some countries, such as Australia, have taken a drastic or radical approach to managing VOCID,” DM Southformasen, former Australian commissioner for education and discrimination, told AFP.

In the first months of the epidemic, the “zero Govt” strategy, thanks to its policy of closing borders and mass screening, Australia experienced a winter wave associated with the spread of delta variation, which forced the country’s two largest companies, cities, Sydney and Melbourne, to impose locks for several months.

“This is a great day for our state,” said Dominic Barrott, the newly appointed Conservative Prime Minister of New South Wales. “After 100 days of blood, sweat and beer,” he added, “you deserve it.”

Mr Perott asked customers to please walk with staff, fearing tension in banning those who have not been vaccinated at certain facilities.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison hailed the day as one of the joys of rediscovery: “Being with family and friends, cutting hair, eating together, going to the bar and having beer with your friends”.

Restrictions on meetings and overseas travel will continue for a few weeks, and it will be necessary to wait for schools to fully reopen.

However, on Monday, daily life began to return to normal. Residents again lined up at the bus stops and the traffic was very heavy.

There is also a fear that pollution will rise again.

The Australian Medical Association has stated its support for the “gradual opening of the economy and easing of controls”, but said it was “necessary to consider the impact of each phase of the transaction and the number of cases”.

“Otherwise the NSW could still see hospitals completely drowning despite higher vaccination rates,” the health organization added.