FOR - JAMES CAMPBELL It seems like an eternity ago, but when the COVID-19 pandemic began last year, all the restrictions - including border closures - were justified on the basis that we needed to suppress the virus to prevent our hospital system being overwhelmed. As we now know of course, Australia suppressed it so hard that we became one of only a hatful of countries to have effectively eliminated the virus. Although Governments never admitted they had switched from suppression to elimination, in reality the plan was to sit tight inside a virus-free Fortress Australia until the vaccines arrived.
Keep borders closed - we don t have population to spare sunshinecoastdaily.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from sunshinecoastdaily.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Horse & Hound
Trending: Clarke Johnstone and Balmoral Sensation
A Tokyo contender who enjoyed top-five finishes at Badminton and Aachen has retired from the sport following injury.
New Zealand rider Clarke Johnstone announced his 17-year-old gelding Balmoral Sensation, known as Ritchie, sustained an injury at the Sydney International Three-Day Event (6-9 May).
“After jumping a fantastic clear cross-country with his ears pricked all the way to the finish flags like he always does, unfortunately it became clear that Balmoral Sensation had picked up an injury and he wouldn’t be continuing in the competition,” said Clarke.
“Sadly this has also ruled us out of Olympic contention for the Tokyo Games.”
The delay in opening Australia s borders could stretch into 2023 because of the large number of Aussies saying they won t get a Covid vaccine - either because of health fears or the fact they have no interest in leaving the country.
A new poll has shown that almost a third of Australians do not intend to get the vaccine, some due to alarming reports of rare resultant blood clots and other side effects, and others seeing no incentive so long as the government bans international travel even to those who have had a jab.
In the Budget last week, the government forecast international travel could get back to normal in the second half of 2022, but that was based on just about all adult Australians being vaccinated by the end of this year.
Australia will close itself from the world until mid-2022 under its zero Covid strategy dailymail.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from dailymail.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.