Indigenous Australian group blocks Uluru access route over pandemic fears

People block entry to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, home to Australia's revered indigenous site of Uluru, to visitors from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) hotspots, in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia August 3, 2020. Mutitjulu Community Aboriginal Corporation/Handout via REUTERS

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia has closed the national park home to its revered indigenous site of Uluru after some in the community blocked an access route for fear that visitors could carry in coronavirus infections.

The country is battling a new wave of the deadly virus, with southeastern Victoria state reeling from hundreds of infections, while Indigenous Australians are seen at greater risk as they suffer a higher incidence of other health woes.