Australia: COVID curbs in Canberra eased as vaccination rate in capital reaches 80%

limitations which were implemented against COVID-19 outbreak will now be relaxed even furr in Australia's capital, as state has achieved crucial vaccination milestone.  Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was first jurisdiction in nation to achieve mark of 80% double-dose vaccination coverage among individuals aged 12 and above. 

As a consequence, non-essential shops will be permitted to operate in capital Canberra from October 21, for very first time, which were closed since August 12. This will provide a significant benefit to ACT's economy. Citing  ACT government statement, Xinhua website reported, “Reaching 80% milestone is a significant achievement. Canberrans should be really proud of how our community has worked toger and given us best opportunity to manage expected increase in cases as nation starts to reopen.” 

As per a media release on Thursday, ACT government revealed that by end of November, Canberra should have about 99% of eligible population completely inoculated. From October 29, hospitality establishments will be permitted to host up to 300 guests, and face masks would no longer be required outside, according to or amendments to ACT's reopening romap. 

Furrmore, people can travel between Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and New South Wales (NSW) without quarantining m from November 1. ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr even stated that citizens of ACT would not be subjected to quarantine if y will come from any region of NSW.  

Australia COVID vaccination

ditionally, according to most recent data published by Department of Health, about 84.8% of Australians aged 16 and older h obtained one Coronavirus vaccination dosage and 68.3% were completely vaccinated. first dose have been received by over 95% of patients aged 60 and above, and second dose was ministered to over 80% of persons aged 60 and up.   

Meanwhile, at beginning of month, an expert council on vaccines stated that  third dosage of COVID vaccine would be given to seriously immunocompromised people.  Australian Technical visory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) revealed on October 8, that people who have h an organ and stem cell transplant, as well as those who have cancer, may not be sufficiently protected by two vaccine doses. 

According to ATAGI, people who have gotten second dose should be able to get a booster injection between two and six months after receiving second dose.  ATAGI noted in a press statement that third vaccination doses are intended to boost general immunological response.    

Australia's COVID tally

While, Australia set a new daily COVID-19 case record on Tuesday, with 2,046 new locally acquired illnesses registered throughout country, with 15 fatalities were recorded. According to latest numbers provided by  Worldometer,  total number of confirmed cases in nation is 147,301, whereas  total number of fatalities is 1,558. 

(Image: AP)