Asia extends lockdowns, adds curbs to fight surge in Delta infections

A woman receives cash assistance from the government following the imposition of two-week lockdown to prevent the spread of the coronavirus Delta variant, at an elementary school in Manila, Philippines, August 11, 2021. REUTERS/Lisa Marie David

(Reuters) - Nations from Australia to Vietnam announced more drastic curbs and longer lockdowns for citizens on Friday, as authorities struggle to rein in outbreaks of the highly infectious Delta variant of the coronavirus.

In Australia's biggest city of Sydney, 2 million residents, or roughly 40% of its population, face curfew https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/sydney-covid-19-lockdown-be-extended-until-sept-end-2021-08-20 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. next week, along with limits on exercise.