Australia to seal off virus-hit state as outbreak worsensAustralian authorities are rushing to contain a worsening coronavirus outbreak in Victoria stateMELBOURNE - Australia will effectively seal off the state of Victoria from the rest of the country, authorities said Monday, announcing unprecedented measures to tackle a worrying surge in coronavirus cases. Victoria -- home to more than 6.6 million people -- announced a record 127 new cases Monday, as the virus spread through Melbourne, including a cluster in several densely populated apartment blocks. Plans to reopen Victoria's border with South Australia have already been put on ice. Australia has recorded more than 8,500 cases of COVID-19 and 105 deaths from the virus. The bulk of new daily cases are now being detected in Melbourne, while most other regions are enjoying relaxed restrictions after largely curbing the virus spread.

Source: Bangkok Post July 06, 2020 03:00 UTC