Mandatory vaccinations and daily Covid-19 tests for people working with young children on the table: Michael Gunner
Chief Minister Michael Gunner has flagged that daily Covid-19 tests and vaccinations may soon become mandatory for some Territorians.
Northern Territory
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VACCINATIONS and daily Covid-19 tests may soon become mandatory for all Territorians working with young children.
Chief Minister Michael Gunner on Wednesday said once the Territory hits an 80 per cent vaccination rate, children under 12 will be the most vulnerable population, because they cannot be vaccinated.
“There is no exit from lockdowns unless we have a plan for our children and I will make sure they have a voice in National Cabinet,” he said in a post on Facebook.
“Options we need to consider range from mandatory vaccines if you work with our children, to daily Covid testing for all staff at child care centres, preschools, and primary schools.
“At this early stage nothing should be off the table.”
He flagged that while Territorian will still have a choice if they want to get the jab, there are certain settings where the vaccine will be mandatory.
“Your choice to be vaccinated or not remains, there just may be some workplaces where as a result you don’t work,” he said.
“That’s my choice.”
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The vaccination is already mandatory for staff at the NT’s quarantine facilities and aged care facilities.
Mr Gunner also said there could be incentives introduced for those who get the jab.
If [incentives happen], I’ll make sure people who are vaccinated already are eligible,” he said.
“I’m not going to give any one a reason to cancel or defer a booking in order to get an incentive.
Certain other advantages and incentives are also being considered on a national scale.
“There has also been a lot of talk about policy advantages,” Mr Gunner said.
“Travel is the obvious one as we currently deal with rolling lockdowns and hotspots.
“We need to work through whether vaccination allows for complete freedom of movement, quarantine at home or no quarantine at all.”
Originally published as Mandatory vaccinations and daily Covid-19 tests for people working with young children on the table: Michael Gunner
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