SYDNEY: Two Australian apartment blocks have been placed under strict lockdown with residents barred from leaving on Tuesday, as authorities stepped up efforts to curb a fast-growing coronavirus outbreak. Tougher restrictions are placed on people who have visited locations that are declared a virus hotspot, which may include mandatory 14-day quarantine. AFP PHOTOAn entire apartment block in Melbourne was also placed under isolation for 14 days, after removal workers who visited from Sydney tested positive. Authorities are now asking Australians living in other apartment buildings to wear a mask when in common areas. "When you're in apartment buildings, we're not wanting you to congregate in any shared spaces," said New South Wales chief health official Kerry Chant.

Source: Manila Times July 13, 2021 04:18 UTC