Australia has very low infection rates. Since the start of the pandemic, 29,000 have been infected and 900 deaths have been reported, figures from Worldometers. The country has a population of almost 25 million people.
Due to the low infection rates, it was possible to hold the annual Mardi Gras festival, which can be compared to the Pride parade.
36,000 people gathered at Sydney’s cricket stadium, where the party was to be held, writes BBC.
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5,000 people took part in the parade itself, which had the theme “Rise” – as in “get up”, in connection with the difficult year that has passed.
The artist Rita Ora had a concert, and the event was broadcast on TV.
Corona opera stopped by the audience
Gatherings of thousands of people are unthinkable in most parts of the world right now. The state of New South Wales, where Sydney is located, has passed 48 days without local spread of infection.
Nevertheless, there are covid restrictions here too.
Usually, 200,000 people gather in the streets to celebrate, which is now eliminated. Therefore, a select few, 36,000, were allowed to attend the event at the stadium instead.
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In private celebrations, one can not be more than 50 people.
“We are in a unique position in Australia that can host a party like this during a global pandemic,” said Police Chief Gelina Talbot in a press release, praising the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Team for organizing a safe event.
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