Australia Coronavirus Cases Surpass 10,000, New Restrictions Imposed

Australia is imposing stricter restrictions in the wake of COVID-19 cases surpassing 10,000 in the country.

Officials tightened movement across states and in cities as the coronavirus continues to batter some of the most populous states in Australia. South Australia cancelled its July 20 plan to reopen its borders to New South Wales, while Northern Territory has yet to decide on whether it will allow citizens from NSW to cross its borders.

Queensland also introduced a mandatory two-week quarantine measure for anyone who has visited two areas in Sydney, Reuters noted.

“Our primary responsibility in South Australia is to the health, safety and welfare of all South Australians,” said Premier Steven Marshall.

As for Australia’s hardest hit state, Victoria continues to see a growing number of cases. It recorded 270 new cases in the past 24 hours, tallying 4,224 total COVID-19 cases. This is an increase of almost 100 from Monday’s overnight tally of 177.

There are 85 hospital admissions and 26 are in the ICU. After two deaths on Tuesday, there are now 26 lives lost in Victoria and 110 in total across Australia.

As of July 14, 3:00 p.m. AEST, there are 10,251 confirmed COVID-19 cases, according to the Australian Department of Health data.

New South Wales has also placed limitations on the number of people allowed in large pubs. This move follows a growing cluster of cases at a pub. As of July 13, there were 13 cases linked to Crossroads Hotel in Sydney.

“Indoor activity, where people aren’t seated is a huge health risk. It increases the chance of transmission,” said Premier Gladys Berejiklian.