Governments throughout the Asia-Pacific region are scrambling to impose further restrictions as new Covid-19 cases surge in record numbers.
Malaysia has reported almost 8,000 new infections over the past 24 hours, whilst Thailand recorded 47 deaths.
Melbourne, Australia enters its fourth lockdown, businesses left ‘devastated’
It comes as Australia’s second-biggest state, Victoria enters its first day of a seven-day snap lockdown to curb the spread of the highly infectious Indian variant.
Although, COVID-19 cases in Australia’s Victoria have fallen on first day of lockdown.
The state recorded four new cases over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases to 30 with over 47,000 Covid-19 swab tests processed.
Reported yesterday: 4 new local cases and 2 new cases acquired overseas (currently in HQ).
— VicGovDH (@VicGovDH) May 27, 2021
– 17,223 vaccine doses were administered
– 47,462 test results were received
More later: https://t.co/lIUrl0ZEco #COVID19Vic #COVID19VicData pic.twitter.com/9TJ9Iphw0e
The lockdown is due to remain in place until 11.59pm June 3.
However, Acting Premier James Merlino said the government was still open to ending the lockdown earlier if possible, saying, “If we can end it sooner, we will”.
Mr. Merlino says the Government is right now working through a plan to support businesses after many have now been ordered to shut.
The Australian federal government has also come under intense scrutiny for failing to deliver on vaccine rollout targets.
The country has delivered at least the first dose of a Covid vaccine to just 13 per cent of the population.
Countries including the UK and the US have now administered the first dose to over half of their citizens and residents.
