DR DOUG QUARRY
“Fortress Australia” has been the envy of the world. In 2020 we had very modest COVID-19 case numbers (compared to many other countries) and now in 2021, COVID-19 has basically been eradicated.
Our “Fortress” has two aspects: strict control on people coming into and also leaving Australia. These measures have significantly reduced the COVID-19 “load” allowing traditional control measures such as quarantine, social distancing and masking to keep the virus under control, while we wait for vaccination.
Due to the perceived current low risk, and combined with our impossibly slow vaccine rollout, unfortunately many Australians have developed a “she’ll be right, mate” attitude towards COVID-19, and see no hurry to be vaccinated. This is unwise.
As the majority of Australians remain unvaccinated, they remain vulnerable to COVID-19. We just don’t know if / when a serious outbreak might occur in Australia. The most likely cause will be a significant “leak” from hotel quarantine.
In addition, Australia cannot remain a “fortress” forever; it seems that our borders will gradually open from early 2022, although different Federal politicians are proposing quite different dates for us to “open up”. (There wouldn’t be a Federal election coming soon, would there??)
A CONSEQUENCE OF REOPENING MUST BE AN INCREASE OF COVID-19 IN OUR COUNTRY.
But this is not really a problem if many of us, and especially the elderly and vulnerable, have been vaccinated. Most of those who have been vaccinated will suffer a mild cold- or flu-like illness. Unfortunately, there will be some serious cases and deaths, but most of these will be in the unvaccinated population.
PLEASE GET VACCINATED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
The COVID-19 vaccine is coming to Mossman Gorge.
The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service’s COVID-19 mobile vaccination clinic will be visiting on 25-26 May from 8.30am to 3pm to provide protection against coronavirus.
No appointment is necessary, but community members are urged to secure a time for an appointment by calling 1800 861 863.
Please ensure there is a 14-day period between any additional vaccination you receive.
Vaccination can save thousands, if not millions of lives.
Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination program is safe and effective.For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, call 1800 020 080 or head to:
https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives…/covid-19-vaccines
