Samuel Case, FISM News
Over 200 individuals were arrested in Melbourne, Australia on Wednesday on the third consecutive day of ant-lockdown / ant-vaccine mandate protests after a two-week closure of building sites was enacted. The protests resulted in two injured officers, as the crowd engaged in riotous behaviors, such as hurling objects, including golf balls, batteries, and bottles at law enforcement.
Australia has enacted some the farthest reaching lock-down measures in the West. In major cities, citizens are subject to a stay at home order and are banned from interacting with people outside their home, with an exception for what is called a “nominated visitor.” Masks are mandated, and Australians are banned from traveling over 10 km from their house.
Earlier this month, FISM News reported that Australia was considering implementing an app to track individuals required to quarantine:
The app utilizes facial recognition software and geo-location along with random check-ins to ensure that those who are supposed to be quarantining in a pre-approved location are remaining compliant. If you miss a check-in, which you have 15 minutes to answer, you will be called and asked to explain the reason for missing the check-in. If the call is missed, a compliance officer will visit your location to see if you are being cooperative and safe. Anyone who does not submit to the rules of quarantine may be fined up to $1,000.
In August, Bourke Shire Council in New South Wales resorted to extreme measures to prevent the spread of the virus by ordering that dogs at a local animal shelter be shot. Sky News reported this was done, “to prevent volunteers at an animal shelter from travelling to pick them up and potentially spreading the virus.”
Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morison said the country will begin easing lockdowns when the country reaches a vaccination rate of 70% to 80%. “Beyond 80%, scientific evidence shows that COVID is in a place where it can be managed consistently with other infectious diseases. Of course, we do not apply these types of restrictions to influenza,” Morison said.
Currently 54% of Australians ages 16 and older have taken the jab.