Australia Strengthens Lockdown Amid Delta Variant Spread... AZ Vaccine Allowed for All Adults

Lockdowns Extend to Brisbane Following Sydney, Perth, and Darwin
Second Dose Vaccination Rate at 4.75%... Lowest Among OECD Countries

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Recently, with the spread of the COVID-19 'Delta variant' virus, lockdown measures have continued across Australia, causing health authorities to remain on high alert. Due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19, the Australian government has taken strong measures, including fully authorizing the use of the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine for all adults.

According to Australia's ABC News on the 29th, lockdown orders were issued in Queensland in the northeastern region of Australia and in Brisbane on the same day. These measures are expected to last for three days.

Street scene in Brisbane, Australia [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

The lockdown measures are being implemented in the southeastern areas of Queensland, including Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Townsville.

As a result, lockdown orders have been imposed mainly in densely populated areas within Queensland, including Brisbane, the state's largest city. According to the lockdown measures, more than one million residents are prohibited from going out except for work, medical care, education, essential shopping, and visiting nursing homes.

This measure was taken immediately after two new locally transmitted cases were confirmed in Queensland.

The Queensland state government stated on the day, "We must respond quickly," adding, "Due to the rapidly evolving situation, we had no choice but to implement the lockdown."

The streets of downtown Sydney, Australia, under lockdown measures [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Earlier, as local infections spread in Sydney, Australia's largest city, and surrounding areas, a two-week lockdown was imposed on those areas starting from the 26th. As a result, more than one million citizens in Sydney's urban and suburban areas are restricted from going out except for essential purposes. Additionally, there are limits of five visitors per household, only takeout and delivery are allowed at restaurants, and theaters and hair salons have been ordered to close.

Moreover, lockdown orders have been consecutively issued in major cities such as Perth and Darwin.

As signs of a resurgence of COVID-19 due to the Delta variant appear in Australia, the Australian authorities have introduced strong measures such as fully authorizing the AZ vaccine.

The subway in Sydney, Australia, under lockdown measures
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

With Australia's vaccination rate being low among major countries and a resurgence of COVID-19 underway, this is seen as a measure to increase vaccination rates.

According to OurWorldinData, a UK statistical organization, as of the 27th, only 4.75% of Australia's total population of 25 million have completed their second dose. This is the lowest among the 38 member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Citizens waiting in line to get tested at a COVID-19 testing site in Sydney, Australia
[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

According to local media The Australian on the same day, the previous evening, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and state premiers held a national emergency cabinet meeting and announced that the AZ vaccine produced in Australia would be allowed for all adults regardless of age.

Until now, due to concerns about blood clot side effects, those aged 60 and over were given the AZ vaccine, while those under 60 were given the Pfizer vaccine. Due to a shortage of Pfizer vaccine supplies, those under 40 had not been eligible for vaccination.

However, with this decision, general adults under 40 can now receive the AZ vaccine if they wish.

The Australian government also announced plans to make vaccination mandatory by September for workers in nursing homes, a vulnerable sector for COVID-19.

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