SecondProtests in parts of Australia against strict corona restrictions have led to clashes between demonstrators and security forces, some of which are serious. As the Victorian Police announced on Saturday, 218 people were arrested at a rally in Melbourne. Seven policemen were injured in “violent and illegal protests.”
The police used pepper spray on the protesters. “There were some peaceful demonstrators present, but most of the participants thought of violence,” Victoria Police said.
In Sydney, according to state police New South Wales As a result of the protest, more than 1,500 security personnel were deployed. They set up roadblocks and arrested dozens of people. Many people also protested the corona measures in Brisbane, Queensland.
Sydney locks down for seven weeks
In response to the growing popularity coronavirus In Australia’s second largest state, Melbourne and other parts of Victoria, authorities extended the curfew to the entire state on Saturday. According to the new order, people must stay at home between 9:00 in the evening and 5:00 in the morning.
Australia’s largest city, Sydney, has entered its seventh week of lockdown. More than 5 million residents are required to leave their homes only in emergency situations. These measures are extended to at least September.
Australia was initially able to contain the coronavirus pandemic for a long time by closing its borders, quickly implementing lockdowns on known cases, and intensive contact tracing. However, in recent months, the number of infections has increased due to the highly contagious Delta variant.
The initial slow vaccination campaign has now accelerated, but less than a third of Australians are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Australia has recorded more than 42,000 coronavirus cases and 974 deaths related to the virus.
