Australia reports no COVID-19 deaths for third day, hotspot faces longer lockdown

Melbourne: Australia recorded no coronavirus deaths for a third straight day on Saturday, but its hotspot city of Melbourne faced a prolonged lockdown as new infections stayed stubbornly above the target for re-opening.

The southeastern state of Victoria reported 14 new cases, taking the two-week average up slightly to 9.5, double the target of fewer than five set for easing curbs in its capital of Melbourne in eight days’ time.

Once the target was met, the state government had said, it would lift all restrictions on leaving home, as well as permitting public gatherings of up to 10 people, some household visits, outdoor dining and the re-opening of all shops.

Victoria state premier Daniel Andrews dashed hopes for a broad easing, however.

“I think it is unlikely that we will be able to take as big steps as we would have hoped to take next Sunday,” Andrews told a televised news conference, but he declined to comment on what curbs might be lifted.

“There’s no shortcuts here, otherwise we will have literally five minutes of sunshine and we’ll be pinballing back and forth in and out of restrictions all summer and all 2021.”

Australia’s most populous state of New South Wales reported three new cases on Saturday, while Queensland state had one new case. The nationwide tally exceeds 27,200 infections and 897 deaths, far fewer than most rich nations.

Neighbouring New Zealand reported four new cases on Saturday, all returned travelers in quarantine.