If any of us ever needed a reminder of just how fragile our holdover the coronavirus really is, spare a thought for the people of South Australia, who are staring into the abyss once more after a serious outbreak.
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The detection has sent Australians scurrying for cover, led to some states imposing border restrictions and created significant doubts about Victoria's reintroduction to the neighbouring state.
The first positive cases detected just a few days ago have quickly grown to more than 17 by yesterday, sparking a wave of concern from and for South Australians and indeed more than a ripple of worry here in Victoria.
Related news: Outbreak prompts new virus measures in SA
Victoria and NSW are yet to announce any border restrictions after the outbreak, but will no doubt be watching closely.
As it stands, the South Australian government is still to open its border to Victoria from December 1.
Importantly, South Australia's slump shows the rest of us just how easy it can be for the virus to gain a toehold in the community.
Citizens of that state have been in a flurry to access testing sites and there will be more than a few anxious days throughout this week as the rest of us watch on with great interest.
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The South Australian experience is a poignant reminder that we cannot afford to abandon the protocols we have grown accustomed to just yet, although there must surely be some room to move on the wearing of masks outdoors in open spaces where social distancing is an option.
And while the virus continues to thwart our nation's recovery, it's worth remembering that America recorded more than 184,000 cases of COVID-19 in a single day over the weekend, almost seven times as many cases as Australia has reported in the past nine months.