SYDNEY • Australia’s second most populous state of Victoria recorded a double-digit rise in new coronavirus cases for the third straight day yesterday, raising doubts about how quickly the economy can resume.
The state’s tally rose by 13 to 1,792 after 18 new cases on Thursday and 21 the day before. Neighbouring New South Wales state, of which Sydney is the capital, reported seven new cases taking the country’s tally to 7,409.
Other states and territories had no new cases. “We’re hoping this isn’t the beginning of a second wave and we’re doing everything we absolutely can to make sure that that’s not the case,” said Victoria’s deputy chief health officer, Dr Annaliese van Diemen. “My hope is that this is a blip and that we will continue in a downwards trend.”
In all, 102 people have died of Covid-19 in Australia but the country has reported no new deaths for more than three weeks.
Parts of Australia say they have eliminated the virus, and some states and territories have reopened borders to allow domestic travel while gyms, cinemas and restaurants are back in business.
Victoria, of which Melbourne is capital, plans to start relaxing curbs next week, allowing gyms, cinemas, indoor sports centres and concert venues to reopen from Monday.
However, the spike in new cases has thrown the plan into doubt.
“We don’t want to take any chances and if it does continue to climb, we will be taking all of that into account when we decide whether or not to ease further on Monday,” Dr van Diemen said.
Victorians are already making holiday plans. Budget carrier Jetstar, a unit of Qantas, sold almost 70,000 tickets yesterday morning, with Melbourne to the Gold Coast and Cairns among the most popular routes.
REUTERS
