Six-day lockdown ordered in South Australia state
AP Newsroom
November 18, 2020 12:57 MYT
November 18, 2020 12:57 MYT
An escalator is seen in an empty mall, after New South Wales began shutting down non-essential businesses and moving toward harsh penalties to enforce self-isolation to avoid the spread of COVID-19 in Sydney, Australia. REUTERSpic
SYDNEY: The Australian state of South Australia will begin a six-day lockdown at midnight Wednesday, with schools, universities, bars and cafes closed.
Only one person from each household will be allowed to leave home each day, and only for specific reasons. The restrictions also require most factories to close, aged-care facilities to go into lockdown, and weddings and funerals to be put on hold. Outdoor exercise is banned, and wearing masks is mandatory.
Officials announced the severe move Wednesday after a cluster of new coronavirus cases grew to 22. Premier Steven Marshall says he believes the lockdown will act as a “circuit-breaker” and reduce the risk of the outbreak spreading further.
Officials plan a further eight days of restrictions following the lockdown.