Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has just confirmed that 70% of Australians will need to be vaccinated before we reach Phase B of the roadmap out of COVID.
Earlier today, National Cabinet discussed Australia’s key vaccination targets to eventually reopen the economy and allow international travel. Speaking just moments ago, Scott Morrison confirmed that we would still see snap lockdowns happen across the country until we reach a 70% vaccination target (which includes full doses). After that, we will see state borders reopen again and more eased restrictions.
“So, it is like a two-key process. To get to that next phase, all of Australia has to get there together on average and then beyond that, each state or territory will pass into that second and third phase space when they reach those thresholds,” Morrison said.
Morrison also confirmed that fully vaccinated people will be placed under fewer restrictions, however the government are still confirming what that would look like.
“So if you get vaccinated, there will be special rules that apply to you. Why? Because if you’re vaccinated, you present less of a public health risk. You are less likely to get the virus. You are less likely to transmit it,” he said.
The PM was asked how long it would take to reach that 70% vaccination target, but couldn’t give a definitive answer. Although, he did say that he “hoped” we could get to that stage by the end of the year (roughly five months away).
“We’re not going to set timetables on it. I would hope so, but that is entirely up to how the nation responds to this challenge,” Morrison said.
National Cabinet also set vaccination targets for Phase C of the roadmap, which would require 80% of the population to be vaccinated. Once we hit that stage of the roadmap, there will be no restrictions for residents and international travel will be allowed.
The final stage involves “living with COVID” and once we are in that phase there there will be no vaccination targets.
