The Discovery of a Coronavirus case led to a complete shutdown in Australia
More than 2 million Australians commenced strict coronavirus lockdown after a coronavirus case was discovered in a community in Perth. Since the discovery, no new cases have been found, but the government is reportedly testing its citizens again.
Australian authorities ordered a five-day lockdown in Perth after a security guard at a hotel used to quarantine individuals landing in Australia was found to have the virus.
66 people have been traced and tested
The state government said 66 people categorized as close connections to the unidentified guard have been tested, and none of the people tested were positive.
Western Australia state Premier Mark McGowan told reporters that out of the 13 close contacts, 11 of them have been moved into hotel quarantine to further monitor their case. McGowan added that the results of the tests on the rest of the close contacts would be revealed on Monday.
Australia has managed to extensively contain its coronavirus epidemic. The continent experienced nearly 29,000 infections and 909 deaths by authorizing quick lockdowns and tight border controls.
The vaccine program is set to begin in Australia
A vaccine campaign is slated to begin in February, which Prime Minister Scott Morrison estimated would cost at least A$6.3 billion ($4.8 billion).
Scott Morrison revealed that the Australian government has approved A$4.4 billion to procure doses that would be sufficient for its 26 million population. He also added that an additional A$1.9 billion was set aside as an emergency coronavirus fund.
During his speech which was held in Canberra, the prime minister reassured his citizens that the government's fund allocation strategy will adequately cover the number of vaccines needed by the country.
He also stated that the immunization program was important to the government, as the vaccine rollout would improve the economy and limit the number of funds the country currently spends on its coronavirus economic relief program.