Queensland, Australia Installs 700m-Long COVID-19 Barrier Wall

Police conducting a checkpoint at the border between New South Wales and Queensland, Australia [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Bong-ju] The Australian state of Queensland plans to install a 700-meter-long wall to block entry from New South Wales (NSW) in order to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

On the 17th (local time), according to Australian media The Australian, Mark Wheeler, Gold Coast Police Chief of Queensland, stated, "We will erect a 700-meter-long barrier along the border with NSW," adding, "This wall is an expression of our determination to keep Queensland a COVID-19 safe zone."

Despite Melbourne entering a six-week lockdown on the 8th, Australia is experiencing a rapid increase in infections, with 428 new cases reported in Victoria on the same day.

Health authorities have reported a rise in community infections with unknown transmission routes.

Following Queensland's recent complete ban on entry for visitors from major outbreak areas, 350 people have been blocked in the past week.

Anastasia Palaszczuk, Premier of Queensland, said, "I am satisfied with the checkpoint activities at the border. Although the virus is spreading in Victoria and NSW, we will not fully close the state border."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.