Melbourne Back In Lockdown As Sydney Witnesses Record Covid Tally

Victoria premier Dan Andrews said he had "no choice" but to make the "very difficult announcement" to lock down Melbourne and the rest of the virus-weary state little more than a week after the last lockdown ended.

Rueful authorities in Melbourne announced a sixth lockdown for the city and Sydney reported a record number of new coronavirus cases Thursday as Australia faltered in efforts to bring a virulent Delta outbreak to heel. Victoria premier Dan Andrews said he had "no choice" but to make the "very difficult announcement" to lock down Melbourne and the rest of the virus-weary state little more than a week after the last lockdown ended. "None of us are happy to be here, none of us," he said, citing the danger posed by eight "mystery" cases that have yet to be traced. "There is no alternative to lockdown" he added.