The total population of Australia is about 25 million. Victoria, which has about a quarter of Australia’s population, notified 507 new COVID-19 cases on the 20th, but Governor Daniel Andrews said that once 70% of the 16 years old population is fully vaccinated, will end the weeks long lockdown measures, and no matter there are any new cases at that time.
Daniel Andrews said that Victoria may reach the set vaccination threshold around October 26. At present, about 43% of Victorians have been fully vaccinated, and the national complete vaccination rate is slightly higher than 46%.
He said that they will act cautiously, but there is no doubt that they will lift the blockade and there is no other option. This virus cannot be suppressed all year round or permanently. The closure of the city is to buy time to allow 70% to 80% of the population to complete the vaccination.
Although many social distancing restrictions will be maintained by then, and retail and lodging places will also be restricted, people will be able to walk out of their homes freely without any reason.
The Australian Federal Government plans to finish closing the city with an inoculation rate of 70% and reopen the international border with an inoculation rate of 80%. Victoria follows the federal government program.
New South Wales has adopted a similar plan. Australia’s most populous state reported 1083 cases on the 20th. NSW is relying on lockdowns and vaccines to combat the Delta variant outbreak that broke out in mid-June.
Australia last year successfully eliminated the COVID-19 epidemic through city closures, border closures and strict public health measures. But Australia has admitted in recent months that it may not be able to eradicate the Delta epidemic.
