Melbourne: the most locked down city in the world amid daily cases hit record high

Melbourne became the most locked down city in the world yesterday (Monday), beating Buenos Aires in Argentina at 245 days in lockdown as the state of Victoria announced 1763 new cases of Covid-19 and four deaths, highest number of daily cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

Victoria’s Covid response deputy secretary, Kate Matson, warned the virus was now “everywhere” in Melbourne.

“Covid is around everywhere in Metropolitan Melbourne. Please do act as if it’s, you know, at the supermarket when you go – keep your mask on and practice your Covid-safe behaviours,” she said.

Of today’s 1763 new cases, 681 were discovered in Melbourne’s northern suburbs and 514 were discovered in the western suburbs.

Premier Daniel Andrews said Victoria is still set to move forward with easing restrictions for vaccinated residents later this month, despite the rising cases across the state.

While most cities in the world have been freed from lockdown laws, Melbourne's stay-at-home restrictions will remain in place until the state hits 70 per cent double dose with a COVID-19 vaccine. Victoria is expected to hit its 70 per cent double dose vaccination goal on October 26, which will end Melbourne’s lockdown and introduce a range of freedoms for vaccinated Victorians.

By October 26, Melburnians will have racked up more than 260 days at home since the coronavirus pandemic hit last year.

When the state hits 80 per cent double dose, around November 5, more restrictions will be lifted including up to 10 visitors inside a home and 30 visitors outdoors, pubs, clubs and entertainment venues to reopen with a capacity limit.

However, Premier Daniel Andrews on Thursday hinted the roadmap and ending restrictions could be reassessed if residents continue to flout rules.

Melbourne's record-breaking lockdown is costing the state economy $700 million a week.