Coronavirus: Australia pushes ahead with reopening plans, as NSW cases jump 50 per cent in a day
- ‘We have decided as a country to live with this virus,’ said PM Scott Morrison, even as cases in New South Wales rose to 804, its highest total in two months
- Most public mask-wearing requirements will be dropped from Wednesday and borders will open to vaccinated skilled migrants and students
After a string of infections linked to festive season parties in and around Sydney, New South Wales state recorded 804 new cases on Tuesday – its highest total since October 2, and a 50 per cent jump from the day before. There were seven related deaths reported nationwide.
Authorities said the new cases would not deter them from dropping most public mask-wearing requirements from Wednesday or lifting a ban on unvaccinated citizens entering restaurants, bars and major events.
“We have decided as a country to live with this virus,” said Prime Minister Scott Morrison, touting high vaccination rates as a guarantee of a virtually restriction-free festive period.
“This Christmas, [what] we’re about to have is a gift Australians have given to themselves, by the way they’ve worked together with the settings we’ve put in place,” he said.
After a glacial initial vaccine roll-out, more than 89 per cent of Australians aged over 16 are now double-dose vaccinated and 93 per cent have received their first jab.