Source: 9news
Victoria has recorded 21 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, as industry leaders fear businesses are resigned to a “long haul” before the Melbourne lockdown ends.
Of the new local cases, 17 are linked to current outbreaks and four are still under investigation.
Fifteen have been in quarantine throughout their infectious periods.
Premier Daniel Andrews said there were a number of “mystery cases” among yesterday’s 20 new cases, with only 15 linked to current outbreaks.Defences to stop the spread of the New South Wales outbreak – which recorded 344 new cases on Wednesday – have also be strengthened, with the Victoria-NSW border bubble now subject to a permit system.
Authorities said 45,408 tests were carried out during the reporting period.Meanwhile Innes Willox, chief executive of the Australian Industry Group, told Today the extension of the lockdown announced yesterday was a major blow for struggling business owners.
“I think for a lot of businesses yesterday, stoicism turned to exasperation and the cold hard reality hit in Melbourne that there is no such thing as a short, sharp lockdown,” Mr Wilcox said.
“We just roll into longer lockdowns every time. Every lockdown is going to be about three weeks at the minimum.”
“Melbourne and Victoria is now facing just continual yo-yos of lockdown. Maybe a couple of days of being open from time to time. That’s playing havoc with planning, with investment and it’s really start to sap what confidence there was there.”
Mr Willox said – based on last year’s lockdown in Melbourne – the current one could run until November.
“We are in for the long haul. You’ve got to think the end of the year.”This comes after police descended on Melbourne’s CBD to shut down an anti-lockdown rally, arresting 73 protesters.
Officers swiftly stopped the unlawful gathering in the city last night, hours after an extension to the state’s sixth coronavirus lockdown was announced.
Melbourne will remain under stay-at-home orders for at least another week after 20 new infections were recorded.
Last night, police were seen patrolling the steps of Parliament before taking the protesters into custody after they were caught in breach of the Chief Health Officer’s directions.
Police are expecting to charge at least 69 people or issue infringement notices.
Last night’s attempted rally follows another, larger protest, in the city two weeks ago when the sixth lockdown was announced.Victoria’s current lockdown is due to end at 11.59pm next Thursday.
Premier Daniel Andrews said there were a number of “mystery cases” among yesterday’s 20 new cases, with only 15 linked to current outbreaks.
Defences to stop the spread of the New South Wales outbreak – which recorded 344 new cases on Wednesday – have also be strengthened, with the Victoria-NSW border bubble now subject to a permit system.
