The reaction follows 10 days of double-digit increases in recorded infections for the state of Victoria, which includes Melbourne, with cases concentrated in a handful of the city’s suburbs. Most states and territories in Australia have gone days and weeks without a new infection, and there are only about 530 active cases in the country. But with the trends heading up after steady declines for weeks, concerns about another outbreak are rising, putting pressure on retailers and public health officials. With around 1 million cases being reported globally each week, he said, Australians should not feel the need to rush out and stock up on toiletries. Writing letters and journal entries has helped people connect meaningfully and find comfort during this period of isolation, grief and unrest.

Source: New York Times June 26, 2020 09:25 UTC