Authorities in Melbourne, Australia's second largest city, have announced a night curfew after high incidence of new Coronavirus (Covid-19), mostly due to local infection, despite strong restrictions.
The state of Victoria, which is the capital of Melbourne, is witnessing a second wave of Corona virus outbreak since last June, and Prime Minister Daniel Andrews said yesterday that seven people have died from the virus, bringing the death toll from the virus to the state 123 people, at the level of Australia has 208 cases, adding that Victoria recorded 671 new cases of the virus.
Andrews declared a "state of emergency", giving the police and other authorities additional powers, in addition to imposing new restrictions, including the suspension of Parliament.
Andrews told reporters in Melbourne: "There will be a curfew in the city of Melbourne from eight in the evening local time, and the only reason to leave the house during the curfew hours is to provide care or get it or go to work and return from it."
Andrews explained that the fine for breaching the curfew was 1,652 dollars ($ 1179), and the fine would increase if the violation was referred to the court.
The residents of the city will be allowed to shop once a day, and exercise for a period not exceeding one hour per day within five kilometers of their homes.
And Andrews said: "These are big but necessary steps, we have to limit the movement and transmission of the virus." He pointed out that there are 760 "mysterious societal infections" whose source cannot be traced, which he described as one of the major challenges facing the state.
Announcing the "state of emergency" in Victoria state and suspending Parliament.