Live breaking news: Why Australia should open up before hitting herd immunity

Australia is still months away from hitting the elusive herd immunity against coronavirus - but one expert argues we shouldn't be waiting for that.

An infectious diseases expert has said Australia should open up before the nation reaches herd immunity against coronavirus.

 

Herd immunity is typically achieved when 80 to 85 per cent of populations are vaccinated but Professor Emma McBryde, an infectious disease expert from James Cook University said it shouldn't be an "all or nothing thing".

"We can do our best to get to herd immunity, we can offer everyone an opportunity to become vaccinated if they wish … and herd immunity is about ensuring there is essentially no risk to people, vaccinated or unvaccinated of getting COVID. It's so small that it's negligible," Prof Mcbryde told ABC's 7.30.

"But there is also the direct effects of vaccine. We know that being vaccinated makes you less likely to get sick with Covid and maybe a 20th is likely to go to hospital…

"Those effects will happen whether we reach immunity or we don't."

Prof McBryde said the easing of pressure on the nation's hospitals and healthcare systems meant "we may be able to open up our borders even without herd immunity".

It comes as NSW recorded 18 new Covid-19 cases, with a decision expected tomorrow morning on whether he Greater Sydney lockdown will be extended.

This is where Australia’s Covid-19 outbreak stands: NSW has 330 cases, Queensland has 33 cases, the Northern Territory has 10 cases, Western Australia has six cases and South Australia has six cases.

Follow below for more virus news. You can find yesterday’s blog here.