In May, Business Insider talked to a health expert about the differences between US and Australia's handling of the pandemic, including the success of early lockdowns and early preparations in Australia.
Australia had 7,035 coronavirus cases and 98 deaths up until May 15. At the same time, the US had 1.4 million cases and over 90,000 deaths. Taking into account differences in population sizes, Australia had over 270 cases per 1 million, while the US had over 4,200 cases per 1 million in the US.
However, it looks like the country is experiencing another wave of coronavirus, as the number of daily cases has been on the rise since mid-July. This is mainly due to a spike in cases within Melbourne, the country's second-most-populous city.
The city is taking strict measures for the next six weeks, as reported by Business Insider on August 2, to try to get the number of cases under control. This includes restrictions allowing residents to only leave their homes for essentials. With Melbourne in a stage-four lockdown and the regional area of Victoria in a stage-three lockdown, non-essential businesses are closed in the region and the capital city, including movie theaters, bars, and gyms.