Mark Mcgowan has announced that the state will re-open when it has reached its 90% vaccination rate in January 2022 or sooner.
Western Australia is one of the only states without a re-opening plan. Mark McGowan has officially revealed what this would look like.
Mark McGowan announced that Western Australia will re-open its borders if the state reaches its 90% vaccination rate. At this time, the state’s vaccination status from 12 years and older stands at 80 percent double doses and 64% half dose.
While 80 percent is a good number, the state cannot risk re-opening the border with a rate such as this. If the state opens the border at its current percentage, the risk of the virus spreading is still at its best.
The state, according to Mark McGowen, aims to re-open by January or February in 2022. Now, as the holiday season approaches, many will be unable to see their families in neighboring regions and the like, as result.
However, this goal can be reached much sooner if Australians continue to vaccinate themselves.
Mark admits that this might be frustrating to many, these measures are necessary to prevent the state from sparking infections all over again.
“I understand there will be a disappointment for some. I acknowledge some people will be frustrated. They may not be able to be reunited with family from New South Wales or Victoria over Christmas,”
It is of significance to note that while restrictions have been eased, strict protocols will still apply at events where individuals are not fully vaccinated.
On that note, individuals will be required to provide proof of vaccination at bars, restaurants, and every other public entity.
While the state is aiming to reach its 90 percent vaccination rate, Mark warns that stricter and more measures will need to be put in place if this does not happen.
“Restrictions on venues, restrictions on workplaces, restrictions when it comes to masks, all those sorts of things that we’re desperately trying to avoid,”