The original vaccination deadline for authorized workers in New South Wales is September 6.
Several locations across the globe have already begun making COVID-19 vaccines required for some groups of individuals. These include New South Wales, where officials mandated the jabs for authorized workers or frontliners.
The guidelines came amid the Delta surge across the country, especially in Sydney. Many experts in the field have also thrown their support toward the mandate as there remains a significant share of the population within the industry who have yet to take their doses.
The vaccination deadline was due on September 6, Monday. However, despite weeks of calls and preparations, many workers still have not obtained their first doses nor their bookings. This is why officials decided to move the deadline, according to ABC.
A two-week extension
Reports said that thousands of authorized workers across New South Wales had not met the original deadline. State Premier Gladys Berejiklian acknowledged the situation on Sunday, adding that they were in talks “about the timeframe.”
Following the series of events, officials then announced the two-week extension of the mandate. Authorized workers from the state’s “areas of concern” (LGAs) now have until September 19 to take at least a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
This means, starting September 20, only vaccinated authorized workers may leave their areas for work. This includes those who have received a dose of the vaccine, as well.
The scope of the mandate in New South Wales
While officials have extended the vaccine mandate, authorized workers only have until September 8 to book an appointment. Accordingly, they will need to show proof of their booking when leaving their areas for work starting from September 9.
The extension applies to the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of concern of New South Wales. These are Strathfield, Burwood, Cumberland, Parramatta, Bayside, Campbeltown, Fairfield, Liverpool, Blacktown, Canterbury-Bankstown, and Georges River.
Workers from parts of Penrith should also observe the mandate. These include the suburbs of Caddens, St Marys, North St Marys, St Clair, Kemps Creek, Orchard Hills, and Mount Vernon.
Vaccination rate, pace, and status
Australia has already fully vaccinated about 30.3 percent of its population, according to Our World In Data. As for those who have taken at least a dose of the vaccine, it is already at 50.5 percent as of September 5.
Meanwhile, Premier Gladys Berejiklian deemed the vaccination status in New South Wales as “incredible” and promising. This comes as 40 percent of the population has already completed their vaccinations.
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