Melbourne takes Buenos Aires’ lockdown crown

Australia’s second biggest city, Melbourne has officially become the most locked-down city in the world

The title previously held by Buenos Aires, now means Melbourne has endured over 245 days of stay at home restrictions.

Melbourne was once renowned for being the world’s most liveable city, with the title becoming a key attraction for travellers eager to visit.

But the new world record is now damaging the city’s reputation, according to many whom live and work in the city.

Where to from here?

By October 26, it’s hoped 70 per cent of the state’s over 15’s will be fully vaccinated and will trigger a relaxation of restrictions for those protected.

By that time, Melburnians will have racked up more than 260 days at home since the COVID pandemic hit last year.

It’s a bitter milestone to pass as Victoria regularly records more than 1000 new cases a day two months into Melbourne’s sixth lockdown —  significantly higher than even the worst day of last year’s 112-day confinement.

The Delta variant has proven seemingly impossible to eradicate since it took hold in Sydney, which has itself just marked 100 days of stay-at-home orders, in June.

Melbourne’s record-breaking lockdown is costing the state economy $700 million a week.