Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has again hinted that the state borders could reopen to COVID-19 hotspots before Christmas, saying the next six weeks of the vaccine rollout are critical.
The state recorded no new virus cases on Thursday morning after more than 10,000 tests in the previous 24 hours.
Ms Palaszczuk is yet to set any date or vaccination threshold for the state borders to reopen to virus hotspots in NSW, Victoria and the ACT, but she’s been making hints this week.
Almost 71 per cent of eligible Queenslanders had received one dose of a vaccine and 54.1 per cent were fully vaccinated by Tuesday, but the premier is concerned about coverage outside the southeast.
She again urged unvaccinated Queenslanders to get a first dose by mid-November with those who do get the jab by then due for a second dose in early December.
“We are seeing our vaccination rates increase in Queensland, but there are parts of Queensland in regional communities in central Queensland, out at northwest, up in the northern parts of our state, indigenous communities, that we need to make sure are protected,” Ms Palaszczuk told parliament on Thursday.
“So now we need a huge drive, I’ve said the next six weeks are critical, for Queenslanders to get that first dose.”
The premier’s warning comes after she hinted on Wednesday night that November 17 was seen as a cut-off date for people to get their first jab.
“We’ve done all we can to keep you safe – but this next step is up to you,” Ms Palaszczuk wrote on Twitter.
“We cannot protect you if you won’t protect yourself.
“I need you to get vaccinated and I need you to get it now.
“It takes five weeks from the first dose to be completely vaccinated.
“Five weeks from today in the 17th of November – that’s getting very close to Christmas.”
Meanwhile, government MPs called for Liberal National Party leader David Crisafulli to dump health spokeswoman Ros Bates from the shadow cabinet over her links to an anti-vaccination group.
Ms Bates, who supports vaccination, is a member of the Nurses Professional Association of Queensland, which is associated with the Red Union Support Hub which espouses anti-vaccination views.
Treasurer Cameron Dick called for Mr Crisfulli to sack her from her position for undermining vaccination.
“So this is a test for the leader, will he stand up the vaccination, will he stand up our economic recovery, or will really stand up for those people who aid and abet, and shelter, with organizations that promote anti-vax senitment,” he said.
AAP
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