Tasmania won’t reopen until vax rates hit 90pc, says Premier
Australia’s island state is keeping its borders firmly closed until it has vaccinated 90 per cent of its eligible population, according to Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein.
Gutwein gave a live-streamed COVID-19 update on Wednesday and warned that if Tasmania opened once it reached the 80 per cent vaccination target, the virus would “take off”.
“Some people would get sick, some would get very sick, and unfortunately some Tasmanians would lose their lives,” he said.
Gutwein said that extrapolating on the national modelling from the Doherty Institute, if Tasmania were to open in line with the national 80 per cent target, the state will see 14,900 cases, up to 590 hospital admissions, 97 ICU admissions and close to 100 deaths.
“It’s important that as we move forward and prepare ourselves for when Delta will one day be here, that we take every step that we possibly can,” the state’s Premier said.
The Doherty Institute’s modelling, which the national plan is based on, indicated it would be safe to reopen Australia once 70 to 80 per cent of the eligible population is vaccinated.
“We’re targeting the 90 per cent vaccination rate before we consider exposing ourselves to high-risk areas to mitigate what the modelling is telling us,” Gutwein said.
“One of the key reasons we want to get to 90 per cent is that around 90 per cent there will still be around 130,000 Tasmanians who aren’t vaccinated.
“There is evidence that children are at a much lower risk of serious disease from the virus; however, this still leaves around 45,000 adults across a range of age groups who will unvaccinated and at clear risk of serious illness.
“We must hit these vaccination targets. It’s not a silver bullet, but it will ensure that you don’t get as sick and, importantly, it will limit the number of people who will potentially die.”
Just over 57 per cent of Tasmania’s eligible population have been fully vaccinated, with Australia as a whole sitting at 53 per cent.
Current projections show the country reaching 70 per cent by 23 October, and 80 per cent by 9 November.
Gutwein said Tasmania should reach its 90 per cent target by December.
Once borders do open, those travelling to Tasmania from states with “significant COVID” will need to be tested 72 hours before they leave and prove they are fully vaccinated.
“We’re also considering whether or not there are tests that need to be taken once people arrive within a short period of time, and whether or not there may be a short period of quarantine depending on the jurisdiction they’re coming from,” Gutwein said.
Meanwhile, NSW’s Cross-Border Commissioner has warned that Queensland’s low vaccination rates could put a stop to restriction-free interstate travel before Christmas.
“I note that NSW is probably six weeks or so ahead of Queensland in achieving both 70 and 80 per cent,” said James McTavish, according to ABC News.
“As NSW reopens and cases do emerge in regional areas, that will bring with it some substantial challenges for border communities.”
McTavish said businesses needed state governments to coordinate plans for interstate travel well in advance of Christmas.
“The biggest challenge for the Queensland government now is to get more people vaccinated to allow the economy to reopen and those connections with other jurisdictions to recommence,” he said.
“The numbers, unfortunately, in some parts of Queensland are not as strong as they should be.
“That is going to present some opportunities for misalignment between NSW and Queensland going into Christmas.”
Just over 46 per cent of Queensland has been fully vaccinated, with only Western Australia sitting at a lower rate of 46 per cent.
NSW is currently sitting at 63 per cent.
Featured image source: Facebook/petergutweinmp
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
borders COVID plan Doherty Institute interstate travel James McTavish nsw Peter Gutwein qld tasmania vaccine targetsLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!