NSW COVID Cases Rise, Victoria COVID Cases Rise, ACT COVID Cases Rise, NSW Lockdown Continues, Victoria Lockdown Begins, ACT Lockdown Continues
The medical director says the model being used to lift Australia out of constant lockdowns remains relevant despite the rise in COVID-19 cases, after a record 196,000 doses were administered across the country on Saturday. .
In the past four days, 1.1 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered, approaching the federal government’s goal of 2 million per week.
Medical Director Paul Kelly. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
Professor Paul Kelly applauded those over 50 who have come forward to be vaccinated and urged that vaccination be the solution to defeat the coronavirus.
Around 75 per cent of those over 50 in Australia have received at least one dose of the vaccine, 80 per cent of those over 60 received an injection and 85 per cent of those over 70.
“If you are over 60 years old do not hesitate to get the vaccine that is available to you right now and that is AstraZeneca,” he said.
Speaking to reporters in Canberra, Professor Kelly insisted that states should abide by the agreement reached in the national cabinet to implement a four-stage plan to remove restrictions by reaching a vaccination rate of 70 to 80 percent.
He disagreed with suggestions that the Doherty Institute model on which the agreement was based was no longer relevant due to the current number of COVID-19 cases.
“The assumptions of all models can be changed. The general principles remain the same and the model itself remains the same, I have full faith in the group, ”he said.
Professor Kelly said the focus must remain on vaccinating the community, and that the country can only emerge from the ongoing lockdowns with the collaboration of state, territory and federal leaders.
“It already looks very positive with 17 million doses in weapons, but let’s stay in Australia,” he said.
