While large parts of the world are moving out of lockdowns, Australia is still on lockdown. Millions of people are currently in lockdown, while only a few hundred infections are added every day across the country.
“I feel like I’m trapped in my own house, when I haven’t done anything wrong,” says Mark Bannister. He lives in a neighborhood in western Sydney. His apartment complex was shut down overnight a few days ago, because a number of residents are infected with the corona virus.
Without warning, dozens of residents were locked in their homes. “I was about to buy diapers for my son and formula for the baby. But the police were at the front door and told us not to leave the building,” Bannister said.
It is not the first time that people in Australia have been forced to quarantine. It is part of the strict policy to limit corona infections. Schools are closed, residents are only allowed to go out for shopping, are allowed to exercise for a maximum of two hours and they must stay within a three-mile radius of their home. Face masks are mandatory everywhere.
Military patrol
In addition to the police, the military is also involved in enforcing the lockdown. Soldiers patrol western Sydney helping police with enforcement. “I found it quite intimidating at first, but they are there to protect us,” says one resident.
The population largely supports this policy. Many Australians believe that eradicating the virus is the only solution, so they accept the strict lockdowns and borders that have been closed for a year and a half.
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