Australia: Melbourne to emerge from fourth Covid lockdown, but some restrictions remain Sarah Harvey
Australia s second-largest city will emerge from its fourth pandemic lockdown on Friday, but some restrictions will remain.
State officials say the lockdown is being ended after two weeks following only one new coronavirus case being detected in the latest 24-hour period linked to the Melbourne cluster.
The new case brings the number of infections in the cluster to 68.
Children will be able to return to school on Friday, however, people must stay within 25 kms (15 miles) of their homes, officials said, in an effort to stop transmission during an upcoming long weekend. There will also be a total ban on house gatherings and masks will be mandatory indoors.
Melbourne's extended "circuit breaker" lockdown will end shortly, paving the way for students to return to schools, with hospitality and retail reopening.