Coronavirus: Australia records deadliest day but fewer new infections
Ns News Online Desk: Australia has recorded its deadliest day of the coronavirus pandemic amid a second wave of infections in Melbourne. Victoria state – of which Melbourne is the capital – reported 19 deaths on Monday. Victoria has now seen about two-thirds of Australia’s total 314 deaths and approximately 21,400 cases.
But the number of daily infections – though still in the hundreds – has dropped in recent days, prompting hope that a strict lock-down is working.
Melbourne’s second lock-down began over a month ago, but residents have been subject to a night-time curfew and stricter requirements since 3 August.
Melbourne lock-down to keep a million workers home Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said it was too early to tell if the state was at a turning point, but “we’re certainly seeing some greater stability” following the stricter measures.
“It’s always better to be lower than the previous day, but it is only one day’s data,” he said.
Most deaths have been linked to outbreaks in nearly 100 aged care homes in the state. Workers must carry a permit to leave home, and all non-essential businesses have been shut. Mask-wearing in public is also compulsory.
Victoria reported 322 new cases on Monday, down from a high of 725 recorded five days ago. Other states reported few or no cases. More than 100 deaths have been recorded in Victoria in just the past week as hospital admission rates also rise.