In the Australian metropolis of Melbourne, the months-long lockdown will end next week because 70 percent of the population in the state of Victoria is fully vaccinated.

At the same time, a record number of infections is being registered, Prime Minister Daniel Andrews said on Thursday.

2,297 new corona infections were reported in 24 hours, the highest number in all Australian states since the corona pandemic.

“Yet we will end the lockdown. You get vaccinated, we will reopen. I’ll do what I say,” Andrews said. In the neighbouring state of New South Wales, of which Sydney is a part, the corona measures were relaxed after more than a hundred days last week because 70 percent of the population has been fully vaccinated.

If the vaccination rate in the states rises to 80 and 90 percent, the authorities have promised more relaxation, and, for example, nightclubs can also open again. Australia has tried to keep the virus at bay for more than a year but is now learning to live with Covid-19, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced last month.