OREANDA-NEWS. For residents of Australia's second largest city, Melbourne, the world's longest lockdown due to COVID-19 has ended. This is reported by The Sydney Morning Herald.

In addition to traditional restrictions, Melbourne had a curfew until nine in the evening. The authorities decided to lift the restrictions, as 70 percent of residents were vaccinated.

The city of five million people spent a total of 262 days in this mode, which is almost nine months. The isolation period in the Australian city exceeds the isolation period in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, which was 234 days.

Thus, the sixth lockdown in Melbourne will end five days earlier than planned. The main reason for this decision is the intensification of vaccination against coronavirus in Victoria residents. By October 21, the state is expected to fully vaccinate 70% of the population over the age of 16.

It is noted that residents of Melbourne, despite the cancellation of the lockdown, will still not be able to leave their metropolitan area to other areas. A number of other restrictions will also remain in force.

The state noted that more relaxation of restrictions will follow as the vaccination rate of the population reaches 80%. It was originally expected to happen on November 5th. However, as noted, this vaccination target is likely to have been achieved earlier.

Earlier, Latvia announced that from Thursday, October 21, it is introducing a hard lockdown due to the worsening epidemiological situation. Lockdown will run until November 15th. During this period, the country will have a curfew from 20:00 to 5:00 for all citizens, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated against coronavirus. Only those shops and institutions that provide essential goods and services will continue to operate.