Melbourne reopens as world's most locked-down eases restrictions

Australia's second-largest city has so far endured 262 days, or nearly nine months, of restrictions during six separate lockdowns since March 2020, representing the longest cumulative lockdown for any city in the world.

Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, last year went through 234 straight days of lockdown.

In Melbourne, people were seen cheering and clapping from their balconies, while cars honked horns continuously at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday when lockdown restrictions in place since early August ended.

"It was fantastic to hear horns honking and people yelling. I was giving it a fair go," Melbourne Mayor Sally Capp told the Australian Broadcasting Corp.

Many venues, including food outlets and even haircutters, opened at the unusual hour for the occasion.

Similar scenes were recorded in the country's largest city, Sydney, almost two weeks ago, as authorities started easing restrictions as COVID-19 vaccination rates rise.

Just over 70% of adults in Australia are now fully vaccinated.

Under relaxed rules in Melbourne, restaurants and cafes can reopen with up to 20 people indoors and 50 outdoors - all of whom must be vaccinated - while 10 guests can gather at homes. Masks will remain mandatory.

Australia had stayed largely virus-free for most of this year until a third wave of infections fuelled by the Delta variant spread across its southeast from late June, forcing months-long lockdowns in its largest cities.

Melbourne's reopening will be a boost for the country's A$2 trillion ($1.51 trillion) economy after recent lockdowns pushed it to the brink of a second recession in as many years.

Even with the Delta outbreaks, Australia's coronavirus numbers are still far lower than those of many comparable nations, with some 152,000 cases and 1,590 deaths.