Letting Canberrans who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 be exempt from certain travel restrictions is a "welcome consideration" for the ACT government.
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Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt on Monday said freer domestic travel for fully vaccinated Australians was "the goal", and something the Australian government would strongly support.
"It will of course be a matter for National Cabinet and the states, but the point being, and something that would be under consideration for them and which we would strongly support is that where there are outbreaks or issues relating to state borders, that there is the potential for those that have been fully vaccinated to be exempt from some of those restrictions," Mr Hunt said.
An ACT government spokeswoman later said the concept was a welcome consideration for the territory, especially as more people received vaccinations to protect against COVID-19.
She said the government recognised it was challenging for Canberrans to have to change their travel plans at short notice when new areas of Covid concern were listed.
"ACT Health continues to advise a range of factors that will need to be considered in any decisions about adjusting community restrictions, including travel restrictions," the spokeswoman said.
"Being fully vaccinated is one important protection for an individual."
The ACT government, if it were to amend travel restrictions for fully vaccinated Canberrans, would also have to consider the vaccination coverage of whatever area a person was visiting, the spokeswoman said.
It would also have to consider the epidemiological situation in that area and where the person was travelling from, as well as Covid restrictions in that jurisdiction, and the number of people following check in protocols to support contact tracing.
"ACT Health is working closely with other jurisdictions to provide the best public health advice on this matter to National Cabinet for discussion and consideration, noting that the ACT Chief Health Officer sits on [the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee]," the spokeswoman said.
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The federal government is under growing pressure from business leaders, top health officials and some state leaders over its vague timeline for the reopening of the international border.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has so far resisted the push, saying he is continuing a popular and so far effective "cautious approach" to keeping Australia's international border shut.
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Cassandra Morgan
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
