Depends. Is Dan sticking with Donuts?
I find comments like this frustrating. Vic Government has made it very clear over last few weeks they are aiming for suppression at 70% rate.
For now they want zero people in community while infected to avoid being in lockdown until that point (which is likely fate of Greater Sydney). They also want low numbers so when lockdowns end they can have less restrictions (all states will have some restrictions for next 4-6 months at least it’s just the level to be determined).
Yes WA Government wants zero cases even when (or IF) they reach 70% threshold but that’s not VIC Government policy.
Victoria Government has also been pushing AZ vaccinations and they disagreed a few months back when the QLD CHO pushed hard back against PMs comments about getting AZ.
There are some differences here in policies and positions across government leaders. People seem to be putting WA, QLD and VIC in the same approach due to them being ALP Governments but there are important subtle differences (just like SA LIB GOV has with NSW LIB GOV). I’ve watched a few pressers and when Doherty report comes up Andrews as always stated he as signed up to that approach. Meaning arguments are really about the right now eiyh level of restrictions and length of lockdown (I’d like lockdown to end ASAP).
This gives me great confidence about lockdowns and state border closures for BOTH Vic and NSW. When you have the two biggest states moving at roughly the same time it’s basically a game changer for everyone else.
I predict NSW will open international border first. Victoria will do it 2-4 weeks later. Quarantine rules will be reduced (still exist) in NSW first followed by Vic 2-4 weeks later. The big difference in time between the changes will be NSW being ahead in vaccinations plus a Government willing to push risk a little more. Some Gladys is right in that regard to being a leader for the country thry
As for the rest of the country they won’t be able to shut the internal borders to both the big two states at the same time if vaccination rates are high AND hospitals can cope.
the hospitals coping is the last major obstacles in my opinion. If both NSW and Vic show they can cope with hospital numbers then we are in the next phase / the new COVID normal.
I think Dec 2021 limited international travel for NSW is possible (right on the edge). Vic international travel Jan or Feb 2022 is possible. Other states not longer after that except for WA who might not be until April 2022 or later to reduce state borders (no idea on international borders).
also for reference I live near a central Vic vaccination hub and when state Government opened up AZ for under 40s a few weeks back lines jumped with younger people (they still need a doctor conversation on site to consent). This week with Pfizer being available for same group there were lines of at least two hundred people outside for the entire day (I walked past at 8 am and 5pm can’t be certain for middle of the day). People are desperate to get vaccinated in that age group. Rates will now move with this age group now eligible especially with Pfizer supply coming online (which unlike AZ this group doesn’t need a consultation to consent).
Let’s get there. I want to travel and see family and friends and I want lockdowns to be over ASAP, over 200 days officially in Melbourne but in reality more with my employers rules.
