Scott Morrison Says Australia Can't Go Back To Lockdowns Amid Rising Cases And Omicron Threat

Scott Morrison is warning states and territories against reintroducing lockdowns as thousands of new cases of coronavirus are recorded in Australia this week.

New South Wales set a pandemic record this morning (December 17) after more than 2,200 new cases were recored yesterday.

That's in addition to the threat of the new Omicron variant as it continues to slowly seep into the community.

While it is concerning to see the coronavirus pandemic is still very much amongst us, Australia's Prime Minister said we need to hold fast.

"We can't go back into lockdowns, we all know that," he said. "Case numbers are no longer the trigger or the indicator.

"Sure, they're important, but the real measure is what does it mean for serious illness, ICU, hospitalisation, pressure on the hospital system and the health system.

Mr Morrison said it's important to note how 90 per cent of the nation's eligible population is now vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Loads of people are also racing to get their booster shots to ensure they're even more protected against Covid-19.

The Prime Minister says it's incredible to reach 90 per cent for a vaccination rate and puts Australia up there with one of the most vaccinated nations in the world.

"That arms us to be able to deal with these new challenges," he said. "We are in a different phase of the pandemic.

"Today I can stand here and tell you that right across the country, 90 per cent of our adult population is double-dose vaccinated, that more than a million Australians have had their booster shots and that number is growing every day."

Aussies are encouraged to get their booster shot as soon as they're eligible as it will ensure they have the ultimate protection against the virus and its many mutations.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt says there are plenty of boosters to go around and authorities have a 'sufficient' supply 'to meet all of the needs'

"To date we've received 7.2 million Moderna doses and approximately 40 million Pfizer doses, and in addition to that we have had over 28 million AstraZeneca doses that have been made available," Mr Hunt said.

"We're sharing those doses overseas and we're also making sure that there's enough for all Australians."

The UK is facing calls for renewed lockdowns after it also set a pandemic record with nearly 90,000 new infections in 24 hours.

The Omicron variant is now the majority strain of new cases, however the British government said they won't be introducing lockdowns.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie