Aug 21, 2021 - World

Australian police arrest over 250 anti-lockdown protesters

Oriana González

Picture of protesters in Australia, a line of police stands in front of the camera — Photo: Getty Images

Australian police on Saturday arrested more than 250 protesters who were condemning coronavirus-related lockdown policies in the country, AP reports.

Driving the news: Sydney issued strict COVID protocol for more than two months, with Melbourne and Canberra entering lockdown in early August. Australia is currently facing its worst COVID-19 resurgence to date, and on Saturday reported its highest ever single-day rise in cases since the start of the pandemic.

By the numbers: The country reported a total of 43,119 confirmed coronavirus cases, with 903 new cases reported Saturday, according to government data.

What's happening: Thousands of protesters gathered across the country on Saturday, arguing that the lockdowns — which confine people to their homes and limit social events — should end. Government officials say they are necessary to prevent the virus from further spreading, per AP.

"There is no time now to be selfish, it's time to think of the broader community and your families," said Brad Hazzard, New South Wales' health minister, per Reuters.

Add Axios on Google

Australian police arrest over 250 anti-lockdown protesters

What to read next