New South Wales, Australia Declares State of Emergency Amid Delta Variant Spread

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] A state of emergency has been declared in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, as the COVID-19 Delta variant rapidly spreads.

According to local media on the 23rd, NSW declared a state of emergency, stating that it is facing the worst situation since the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant began on the 16th of last month. The daily new confirmed cases reached 136, with more than 70 of them having been active in the community during their infectious period.

The lockdown, which has been in place for four weeks since the 26th of last month targeting Sydney and nearby areas, is unlikely to be lifted on the scheduled date of the 30th. Experts suggest that the lockdown may be extended until September to contain the spread of the Delta variant.

Gladys Berejiklian, Premier of NSW, described the current situation as a "state of emergency" and emphasized the need to increase vaccination rates. Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Australia, stated, "We will take measures to ensure that as many NSW residents as possible receive their first dose of the vaccine as a priority."

The spread of the Delta variant in NSW has extended to neighboring Victoria and South Australia, leading to lockdowns in those states as well.

According to the Australian Department of Health, as of the 22nd, there are 1,700 active COVID-19 cases in Australia. Since the pandemic began in March last year, the cumulative number of confirmed cases and deaths in Australia have been recorded at 32,427 and 915, respectively.

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