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Australia's COVID-19 Infection Rates Tumble, But Authorities Remain Vigilant

Phil Mercer

   SYDNEY - Australia has recorded another day of no locally transmitted
   coronavirus cases. Health authorities say there are now fewer than 90
   active COVID-19 infections in the country.

   Forthree consecutive days, Australia has recorded no new cases of
   community transmission in its relentless fight against COVID-19.

   Victoria, which was at the center of a second wave of infections, has
   reported its 11th consecutive day with no new cases or fatalities.

   More disease-control restrictions have been eased in the state capital,
   Melbourne, as one of the world's longest coronavirus lockdowns comes to
   an end. But some restrictions remain.Masks are still mandatory in
   Victoria, and authorities say that Remembrance Day services to
   commemorate the end of the First World War on November 11 will not go
   ahead because of limits on gatherings.

   Large crowds will also be banned from Sydney's famous New Year's Eve
   fireworks. The midnight display will go ahead but will be much shorter
   than normal.

   Prime harborside viewing areas for the New Year's fireworks display
   will be exclusively reserved for frontline health and emergency
   workers.

   New South WalesPremier Gladys Berejiklian said, "We will be releasing
   final details very shortly, but we wanted to make it clear that unless
   you have been given a ticket to one of the designated areas, or unless
   you have a booking at restaurant, or a cafe please do not expect to go
   to the CBD (central business district) for New Year's Eve."

   Australia has detected 27,600 coronavirus infections since the pandemic
   began and 907people have died.

   Health officials have saidfour main factors contributed toAustralia's
   relative success in containing the highly contagious virus: the closure
   of its international borders to foreigntravelersin March, mass testing,
   sophisticated contact tracing and adherence to distancing and hygiene
   protocols.

   Manyborders separatingAustralia's states and territories were closed to
   curb the spread of the virus.Queensland authorities said Tuesday they
   were 'hopeful' of allowing travel with Victoria early next
   month.Officials in South Australia have also been meeting to discuss
   the reopening of its border with neighboring Victoria.

   Australia's international borders are not expected to reopen until next
   year.

   As summer approaches, health authorities are urging Australians not to
   be apathetic or complacent about the dangers of COVID-19.

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