World

“Lockdowns can’t go forever”: Australian PM attacks state leaders

Published

1 year ago

August 23, 2021

Australian prime Minister Scott Morrison has said that the country “has to move forward” and ditch lockdowns as soon as it reach 70 percent vaccination rate

The Australian Prime Minister has lashed out at state leaders who have threatened to enforce restrictions beyond 70% vaccination.

Several states have threatened to keep their borders closed even after achieving this vaccination rate amid the country’s Delta outbreak.

‘It does puzzle me – it puzzles me – why anyone would want to go against a plan that has been so carefully prepared,’ he said.

‘This is not a sustainable way to live in this country, without those freedoms that we all cherish,’ he said about lockdowns in Melbourne and Sydney.

“We will live with this virus, like we live with other infectious diseases”

“There will be risks,” he said. “If not when we hit 70 or 80 per cent, then when?”

Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison

This comes after Morrison saying this morning that Australians should start to change their perceptions about Covid-19.

He also said that the nation should expect a rise in infections once vaccination levels increase and restrictions are eased.

Today, Melbourne and the state ofVictoria recorded 71 new local COVID-19 cases, the highest daily number in this outbreak

On Sunday, Sydney and the state of New South Wales recorded 830 new coronavirus infections – the highest daily number ever for Australia during the pandemic.

Compared with many other nations, Australia has had a fairly successful Covid strategy – with around 44 thousand positive cases and just under 1 thousand deaths.

But frustration is growing around lockdowns and coronavirus-related restrictions.

Protestors gather in Australia’s major cities to rally against the nation’s lockdown measure

People are letting off flares now on Lonsdale Street in the CBD for the anti-lockdown protest, choppers are overhead. @theage pic.twitter.com/xbkNbeuPIS
— Cassie Morgan (@cassieemorgan) August 21, 2021

MELBOURNE PROTEST

BREAKING 🚨 Massive police presence across Sydney, Australia — multiple arrests are being made during anti lockdown protests #sydneyprotest pic.twitter.com/FiD8koBswH
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) August 21, 2021

SYDNEY PROTEST

Anti-lockdown protest in Brisbane, Australia. pic.twitter.com/ksRQeOECOj
— Marie Oakes (@TheMarieOakes) August 21, 2021

BRISBANE PROTEST

Over the weekend, thousands of protestors gathered in various locations right around the country, demanding change.

Morrison says he recognises the “heavy toll” that the strict coronavirus elimination measures have on residents and businesses… but the end is in sight.

He says that lockdowns are “sadly necessary for now”, and his government will “keep providing health and income support to get people through”.

Up Next

Online revenue from Black Widow brings Disney $125M… and counting

Don't Miss

Was leaving Afghanistan a good decision for Biden? | Ticker VIEWS

William Howard

William is an Executive News Producer at TICKER NEWS, responsible for the production and direction of news bulletins. William is also the presenter of the hourly Weather + Climate segment. With qualifications in Journalism and Law (LLB), William previously worked at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) before moving to TICKER NEWS. He was also an intern at the Seven Network's 'Sunrise'. A creative-minded individual, William has a passion for broadcast journalism and reporting on global politics and international affairs.

Click to comment

Climate Change

Hurricane Ian could be Florida’s deadliest storm

Published

25 mins ago

September 30, 2022

William Howard

Hurricane Ian could be Florida’s deadliest storm as it continues north towards South Carolina

U.S. President Joe Biden says Hurricane Ian could be the deadliest storm in the region’s history, with early reports suggesting substantial loss of life.

Biden spoke at an afternoon briefing at the headquarters of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema).

Ian made landfall on Wednesday local time near the city of Fort Myers. It has led to severe flooding, high winds and storm surges.

Several areas remain submerged, and more than 2.5 million homes are without power.

Many residents are trapped in their homes and unable to escape. Search and rescue teams are working around the clock to provide assistance where they can.

5,000 Florida National Guard troops and 2,000 Guardsman from surrounding states have been deployed.

Eight teams with 800 members are carrying out search and rescue operations.

More than 200 public shelters have now been opened, housing around 34,000 people.

The National Hurricane Centre has downgraded Ian to a tropical storm for now but warns it will likely become a hurricane again later.

The entire coast of South Carolina is just the latest region to be placed on high alert as the storm continues north on its path of destruction.

World

Finland slams its borders shut on Russia

Published

2 hours ago

September 30, 2022

William Howard

Finland will officially closed its border to Russian tourists, marking the last of Moscow’s E-U neighbours to do so.

Finland will close its border with Russia as Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania also closed theirs.

The Finnish government made the decision following Vladimir Putin’s decision to call-up of 300,000 military reservists.

Queue’s at Russia’s border crossings with E-U nations were stretching for kilometres as people attempted to flee the country.

The closure of the border only applies to tourists – and Russians who are visiting family or travelling for work or study will still be granted entry.

The Finnish Foreign Minister stated that the decision was a difficult one to make, but ultimately it was in the best interest of the country.