Australia reportedly expects to fully vaccinate 80 percent of its population against COVID-19 by mid-November.
The Delta outbreak in Australia emerged earlier in June. It has since led most parts of the country to enter its weeks-long lockdowns, with more than half of the region still facing strict restrictions.
Despite all the efforts to prevent the further spread of the virus, the nation has continued to report new record COVID-19 cases in the last few weeks. The outbreak peaked in September, and so were the hospitalizations.
On Monday, however, Health Minister Greg Hunt told reporters that there are “reasons for hope” for the country. As the nation races to vaccinate the majority of its population, officials are seemingly seeing the Delta outbreak to have “levelled off,” according to Reuters.
COVID-19 outbreak “levelling off”
In a televised press conference, the Health Minister pointed out the “steep fall” in new COVID-19 cases in New South Wales. As reported, the state had 623 new coronavirus infections, down from over 900 per day the week prior.
Greg Hunt, then, moved on to discuss the situation in Victoria. He acknowledged that the case in the second most populous state in Australia is a “big challenge.”
Even so, the official noted that they are starting to see the “flattening of curve” across the state. This came as Victoria recorded 1,377 new cases on Monday, up from 1,220 the day prior but down from a record high of 1,488 on Saturday.
Easing of restrictions across Australia
The Health Minister shared that 80 percent of Australians will have had their first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine this week. Reports recalled that the government of Australia aims to lift all restrictions across the country once 80 percent of the population completes their jabs. With the current vaccination status, officials are reportedly expecting to reach the target by mid-November.
On a state level, NSW will start to ease its curbs upon fully vaccinating 70 percent of its populace. It is now reportedly up from 67 percent, likely allowing the state to lift restrictions by October 11.
Victoria appears to be on the same track as New South Wales. The vaccination rate in the state is now 52 percent, likely reaching the 70 percent target by October 26.
Foreign travellers are welcome next year
While the country expects to lift all COVID-19 curbs in the next few weeks, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that foreign travellers will not be allowed to enter until next year.
On Tuesday, the leader stated that they are giving “higher priority” to skilled migrants and students. PM Morrison also noted that these individuals are “very important” for Australia.
Images courtesy of ABC News (Australia)/YouTube