It’s remarkable to reflect on the fact that five years have passed since the World Health Organisation (WHO) classified COVID-19 as a global pandemic. This unprecedented event unleashed an onslaught of challenges as the world grappled with an unseen adversary, resulting in deserted streets, widespread lockdowns, comprehensive vaccination drives, and enforced quarantines.
In Melbourne, residents endured the longest continuous lockdown of any city globally, remaining confined to their homes for nearly nine months. This period of isolation starkly highlighted the pandemic’s toll on the Australian populace.
In Queensland, stringent border controls were upheld for 471 days, during which authorities meticulously checked 3.7 million vehicles. Meanwhile, Western Australia maintained one of the longest border closures worldwide, lasting 679 days.
The Delta variant further exacerbated the crisis in New South Wales, leading to over 50,000 infections and 439 fatalities. After an extended struggle, the WHO finally announced in May 2023 that the pandemic phase of COVID-19 had officially ended.
Yet, the ramifications of the pandemic continue to resonate throughout society, marking a significant period in history that will not be easily forgotten.