Australia had stayed largely virus-free for most of this year until a third wave of infections fuelled by the fast-moving Delta spread across its southeast including Sydney. Photo: ReutersAn Australian doctors group warns a too-rapid easing of Covid-19 restrictions in Sydney could put pressure on health systems and risk lives, as the country's biggest city prepares for an end to more than 100 days in lockdown. Many restrictions are due to be lifted on Monday after New South Wales state hit a targetted 70% rate for full vaccinations, and authorities on Thursday bumped up permitted limits for home gatherings, weddings and funerals in the capital Sydney. "New South Wales must not be reckless at this critical time," AMA President Omar Khorshid said in a statement late on Thursday. Still, the country's Covid-19 numbers are far lower than many comparable countries, with some 122,000 cases and 1394 deaths.

Source: Otago Daily Times October 07, 2021 23:03 UTC