NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro: ‘Future lockdowns will be all based on levels of vaccination’
More than 40,000 Pfizer jabs that were to be redirected from regional NSW to Sydney year 12 students have stayed in the regions. But will it be enough to prevent future lockdowns?
Lismore
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The best way to regain the freedoms we used to enjoy in normal life is by getting the Covid-19 vaccine, says NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro.
He said vaccination rates will be very important in determining how outbreaks were managed in different areas of the state.
“Vaccination is the only pathway to freedoms moving forward,” he said.
“Future lockdowns will be all based on the level of vaccination in the areas.
“Our target of having 70 percent of eligible people in NSW vaccinated has been moved to mid-October now, as we progress in the next two-and-a-half weeks, but we need to ensure the regions have access points just like in the city.
“My message is clear – vaccination is the only way you’ll have freedom … in one way, the idea of freedom should be encouraging people (to get vaccinated)”.
Mr Barilaro made the comments after data from NSW confirmed the LGAs in NSW with the lowest vaccination rates so far, with Grafton and Byron Shire showing results below average for the state.
The deputy premier also confirmed 40,000 Covid-19 Pfizer doses that were about to be redirected to Year 12 Sydney students remained in regional NSW, and those who had vaccination bookings cancelled should be able to get a new date and time in the coming weeks.
Mr Barilaro was also asked for further information on Zoran Radovanovic, who was admitted to Lismore Base Hospital earlier this month and confirmed as a Covid-19 positive case.
Mr Radovanovic was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Lismore Local Court on September 13.
The Northern Rivers community has since asked local media and MPs for an update on the man’s whereabouts, but NSW Health has declined to comment due to privacy concerns.
See what Mr Barilaro had to say about the issue:
Mr Barilaro also confirmed a decision of further lockdowns will be communicated to NSW residents by the premier in Thursday’s press conference update at 11am.
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