As the battle to control a growing number of Covid infections continues in Australia, new research suggests lifting lockdown restrictions too early could be disastrous
The country’s national cabinet has somewhat agreed to end lockdowns and strict coronavirus restrictions once 70 per cent of the adult population is vaccinated.
But recent modelling suggests that this may result in more than 270,000 cases and 25,000 deaths.
This latest study predicts more than 10 times the number of deaths when compared with the Doherty Institute analysis, which the current national plan is based around.
The team of modellers from across Australia led by the Doherty Institute is now working through the implementation issues specific to the states and territories, specific populations and high risk settings.
— Doherty Institute (@TheDohertyInst) August 23, 2021
The national plan to end lockdowns, border restrictions, and other Covid regulations was adopted by the states and territories in July.
However, it’s still unclear whether all leaders will follow it.
It comes as several researchers and scientists publicly caution the premature easing of Covid-safe measures.
Some are calling for Australia to reach higher vaccination rates first, as much as 90 percent of the population, as opposed to 70 or 80 percent.
