ANU epidemiologist Professor Mary-Louise McLaws says the idea of not restarting international travel until 2022 is a “reasonable proposition”.
“I believe the authorities are being very precautionary and that’s quite right, we want everyone to be vaccinated or as many as possible,” she told Sky News.
Professor McLaws said people travelling internationally should have to prove they have tested negative before they can board to minimise the risk of infection and there are many ways the virus can spread through the cabin.
“I think it’s a reasonable proposition, sadly, that we won’t be travelling until next year.”
The federal government is confident of reaching agreement with all states over its vaccine plans despite criticism from some state ministers that there has been inadequate discussions over the roll-out.
The government has said vaccines would be distributed through several channels including the existing national vaccination network involving GPs and Aboriginal health centres.
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Hospitals and federal and state vaccination clinics have also been identified as centres that could provide COVID-19 vaccines. A senior government source said states will determine the form of their own vaccination clinics as part of agreements with the federal government.
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They also said it is likely special arrangements will be made for distribution of the Pfizer vaccine, which must be stored at -70C.
NSW has reported eight new cases in the 24 hours up to 8pm Tuesday
Over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, people in greater Sydney will be allowed to have up to 10 guests at their homes, plus any children under 12.
The US is on track to record 3 million deaths from all causes this year - more than ever before
5.43PM – Dec 23, 2020
Recap of what happened today
Here s a summary of the latest developments in the coronavirus pandemic and the major news in business and politics today. We ll be back tomorrow.
People are seen exercising at Manly Beach today.
Over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, people in greater Sydney will be allowed to have up to 10 guests at their homes, plus any children under 12. This will revert to 10 people max, including children, after Boxing Day
Airlines have threatened to boycott one of Australia s biggest airports over strict coronavirus testing protocols for international flight crews.
Flight staff arriving from overseas into both Sydney and Melbourne Airport must now quarantine in government-mandated hotel quarantine following rule changes imposed this week in New South Wales and Victoria.
But crews arriving into Melbourne face more stringent testing measures than those in Sydney despite NSW battling an outbreak of cases on the city s northern beaches.
Under the new rules, international crews must be tested when they arrive at their quarantine hotel and cannot leave until their test result returns negative.
Coronavirus Sydney outbreak: Worst could be still to come as infected cases attend dozens of venues news.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from news.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.