Europe relaxes curbs; Delta variant forces new lockdowns

Russia sees record 107 deaths; Spain, Netherlands end rule on mask-wearing; Sydney restrictions, affecting more than 5m people, met with dismay

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SYDNEY

Australia’s largest city Sydney entered a two-week lockdown on Saturday to contain a sudden COVID-19 surge and Russia’s Saint Petersburg announced a record death toll, as several European nations lited restrictions despite the worrying spread of the highly contagious Delta variant.

Sydney’s normally bustling harbourside centre was nearly deserted after people were ordered to stay home except for essential trips to contain on outbreak of the variant.

New Zealand, citing “multiple outbreaks” in Australia, announced a three-day suspension of its quarantine-free travel arrangement with its larger neighbour.

The Sydney lockdown, affecting more than five million people in the city and nearby towns, was met with dismay after months of very few cases.

“Today just feels like another kick while you’re slowly getting up,” said Chris Kriketos, 32, WHO works at a bakery in central Sydney.