Australia has taken a bold step and has sent hundreds of military troops to Sydney to help maintain the lockdown.
The Delta outbreak, which began in June has crossed nearly 3,000 cases and has killed nine people.
The Sydney Lockdown
The Australian Defense Force will be trained over the weekend before they will be allowed for an unarmed patrol from Monday in Sydney.
But many questioned whether military intervention was necessary, calling it ‘too much’.
The closure is expected to continue until at least 28 August. According to the rules of the lockdown, it prevents people from leaving their homes other than for exercise, shopping, care and other crucial reasons.
Why Is The Military Deployed?
Despite being closed down completely for five weeks, infections in the city continue to spread. Officials recorded 170 new cases on Friday.
Soldiers will help the police at the virus hotspots to enforce lockdown and make sure that people follow the rules, including a 10km (6.2 miles) travel limit.
State Police Minister David Elliott said it would prove to be effective as a few Sydneyersiders think “these rules don’t apply to them”.
Information provided by health workers indicates that the virus is highly contagious through movement of the masses.
‘Concerning Use Of Military’
The Australian Lawyers Alliance, a human rights organization, has referred to this deployment as “concerning use” of the army in a liberal democracy.
“Our people are one of the poorest demographics, and as it is, they already feel picked on and marginalised,” said Steve Christou, one local mayor.
“They can’t afford to pay the mortgage, the rent, the food or work. Now to throw out the army to enforce lockdown on the streets is going to be a huge issue to these people,” he told SBS.
Some have called on the government to increase its vaccination efficiency and support services for affected communities.
Australia’s vaccination rate is just a little above 17% of all adults. It remains one of the lowest in OECD countries.
