Victorian Prime Minister Daniel Andrews has rejected federal pressure to speed up the easing of COVID-19 restrictions as Melburnians look forward to regaining some freedoms this weekend
The state reported another case and no deaths on Saturday, which Victoria health director Brett Sutton called a « remarkable achievement »
Statistics show the 14-day moving average of new cases through Friday is 81 for metropolitan Melbourne and 05 for regional areas
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt urged Victoria government to ease restrictions in line with NSW
« The epidemiological conditions for a COVID-safe reopening of hospitality, movement (and) family reunions, among others, are now firmly in place, » said M Hunt on Twitter Saturday
However, M Andrews stated that M Hunt was not an epidemiologist and accused him of « playing games », before adding that he would be in no rush to reopen Victoria
« Everything that has been done, everything that has been given must count for something, » M said on Saturday. Andrews to reporters
« We’re not going to risk everything the Victorians sacrificed And that’s why this strategy isn’t about running to open up (and) running COVID-normal – it’s about steps safe and stable
« We are on the verge of beating this second wave This has not happened in many countries, if at all, around the world »
M Andrews also criticized the fact that the bubble’s trans-Tasman federal travelers made it to his state a day after its launch
Seventeen New Zealanders landed in Sydney on Friday, then flew to Melbourne although Victoria was not part of the non-quarantine arrangement
However, Acting Immigration Minister Alan Tudge has dismissed Mr. Andrews as a distraction from social and economic normality
Melbourne residents expect restrictions to be relaxed on Sunday, but it is unclear how much freedom will be regained
M Andrews confirmed Sunday’s announcements will be « much more about social space than economic space », dashing hopes of retail and hospitality players
Health officials continue to investigate Victoria’s 17 cases during the fortnight until Wednesday, the source of which is unknown
Victoria, Coronavirus, Daniel Andrews, Shepparton
World news – UA – Andrews rejects pressure to open Victoria
SOURCE: https://www.w24news.com
