Australian state bans "dancing, mingling" at weddings
As The number of new COVID-19 cases surged in Australia Friday (July 17) New South Wales, home to Sydney, said it was banning dancing, singing and mingling at weddings.
Funerals and places of worship will also be allowed no more than 100 people.
And state Premier Gladys Berejiklian says venues must have 4 square metres of space per person.
"For weddings and corporate events, the maximum number is 150. But again, completely seated, no dancing, no singing, no mingling."
Meanwhile next door in Victoria state - a record increase of more than 400 cases on Friday.
Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said quote, "we are in the fight of our lives."
That increase came despite a partial lockdown for more than a week.
Victorians have been urged to wear masks when outside -- previously only those in the capital Melbourne were asked to cover their face.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his government will provide any assistance needed, as he urged against panic.
"We would not have expected to see the results of the lockdown measures put in place in Victoria as yet, and I made very clear earlier this week, as indeed the premier has, that we would expect to see some rather concerning numbers for a while."
A month ago, Australia was widely seen as a global leader in fighting COVID-19 but security lapses in Victoria saw people returning from overseas spread the virus, now at 11,000 cases.
The surge in COVID-19 cases dents any hope of a quick economic rebound in Australia and may dash hopes of a 'travel bubble' with neighbor New Zealand set for September.
