As a large part of the developed world begins to transition into a post-Covid world, Australia’s two biggest cities wake up in lockdown today as the Delta variant spreads through the country

Just last weekend, Melbourne recorded its 11th-straight day of zero new Covid infections, and now residents are beginning day one of a snap five-day lockdown.

Victoria enters a snap lockdown after a flare-up of COVID-19 cases

As of 11:59pm last night, Melbournians and Victorians have only five reasons to leave home including… exercise for a maximum of two hours daily, essential caregiving, purchasing food and other supplies, essential work or getting a Covid-19 vaccine.

It comes as Sydney and the state of New South Wales are battling a major outbreak that has seen lockdown extended to at least July 30.

12 cases of community transmission have been recorded in the city over the past 48 hours.

Meanwhile, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews apologised to his state yesterday for the lockdown, but says he’s confident that they will get on top of it.

Sydney has entered its third week of lockdown, with COVID leaking into regional New South Wales and surrounding states.

The Sydney lockdown is now expected to extend until at least the end of the month, July 30.

Businesses have been left in limbo again, worried that they won’t be able to survive any more closures

Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Australians must hold onto hope as lockdowns continue across the country, and has urged all businesses the ‘light on the other side is coming’.

Fronting the media in Sydney, the PM stated that the Australian economy has remained strong during the pandemic, and is only set to get stronger once states and territories manage current outbreaks of coronavirus.