While Sydney is in an extended period of lockdown, Prime Minister Scott Morrison gave more details about the 4 phases of how the Australian society would return to normal.
We are now in Phase A aiming at “Vaccinate, prepare, pilot” which seeks to suppress the virus through the use of lockdowns as the primary tool. If outbreaks occur, early, stringent and short lockdowns will be used. The national vaccination plan including a booster program together with closing international borders will be used to combat the virus. It is expected that by the end of the year, when 70% of the eligible adult population be fully vaccinated then, Australia will enter Phase B.
Phase B is the “Vaccine transition phase” and lockdowns will still be possible but unlikely. Vaccinated residents will be allowed with fewer quarantine restrictions. Capped entry of students and economic visa holders subject to quarantine arrangements will be allowed as with other vaccinated residents.
Phase C is the “Vaccination consolidation phase” when the fully vaccinated percentage reaches 80%. Lockdowns will be highly targeted only and no restriction for returning vaccinated Australians and with the gradual reopening of inward and outward international travel with safe countries and proportionate quarantine requirements.
The last phase D will be to see things as “Normal” as possible with the international border set to open back up. Covid-19 will be treated as other infectious diseases with the goal to minimize cases without ongoing restrictions or lockdowns. Some restrictions will remain in place including quarantine for high-risk inbound travellers and boosters as necessary.
There is no timeline given for the transition between the phases. But the implication of this plan for Australia is important. We all need to know when our lives will be back to normal.
Clearly, vaccine is the key to this plan.
The only way out is: the government need to bring in vaccines, and Australians need to respond by taking up vaccination as quickly as possible.
There is clearly no way out except vaccination.
Raymond Chow
Publisher, Blessing CALD