Coronavirus: What’s happening in Canada and around the world on Friday – CBC

Australia’s most-populous state readies for eased restrictions as doctors fret reopening is moving too fast

Oct 08, 2021

Australian doctors warned a too-rapid easing of COVID-19 curbs in Sydney could put pressure on health systems and risk lives, as the city prepares for key restrictions to be relaxed next week after more than 100 days in lockdown.

Stay-at-home orders are due to be lifted on Monday, after New South Wales state this week hit its 70 per cent target of full vaccination for its adult population, and owners of restaurants and other public venues are now scrambling to arrange supplies and staffing.

While an easing of restrictions on travel for Sydney residents outside of their local government areas had previously been planned, authorities on Thursday also decided to bump up permitted limits for home gatherings, weddings and funerals — earning the ire of the Australian Medical Association (AMA).

“New South Wales must not be reckless at this critical time,” AMA president Omar Khorshid said in a statement, adding that “too fast or too early” could result in avoidable deaths and the reintroduction of lockdowns.

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/coronavirus-covid19-canada-world-oct8-2021-1.6204449