Prime Minister Scott Morrison reaffirmed his backing of a “vaccine passport” for interstate travel while speaking to media in Melbourne on Thursday 20 May.
As reported by 9News, Mr Morrison downplayed the prospect of herd immunity to Covid-19. He said there was no “hard and fast rule” on when vaccinations will bring Australia herd immunity.
“I’ve said that overseas what we’ve been seeing is that many populations are levelling out at about the 60 per cent mark but medical opinion differs on those issues,” he said.
AUSTRALIA APPROACHING 500 000 VACCINATIONS PER WEEK
The Prime Minister said that vulnerable groups are the primary focus of the vaccine rollout. Mr Morrison encouraged those over 70 to make an appointment get vaccinated.
“If you’re over 70, our priority is to ensure that you’re vaccinated and I encourage you greatly to make that appointment,” he said.
He added that the government is concentrating on the two-thirds of the population who want to be vaccinated, rather than convincing those who are hesitant. Around 65 per cent of the Australian population are happy to be vaccinated, Mr Morrison said.
VACCINE PASSPORT PROPOSAL MET WITH CRITICISM
The vaccine passport would allow fully vaccinated Australians free passage around the country. This idea has been criticised by both the Queensland and NSW premiers.
The Prime Minister remains steadfast in his opinion that the proposal is “practical”. He added that the vaccine passport would allow those who are fully vaccinated to return to their home state or visit other states.
Mr Morrison said discussions about the vaccine passports with premiers and chief ministers would be ongoing.
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