Australia logged a record 1,323 local Covid-19 cases today as debate rages on whether the country should start living with the virus in the community, after initially being successful with suppressing coronavirus.
Australia's most populous state New South Wales (NSW), the epicentre of the nation's Delta-fuelled outbreak, reported 1,218 cases as authorities there are set to slightly ease restrictions after nine weeks in lockdown.
The lockdown is scheduled to last until the end of September. NSW state Premier Gladys Berejiklian vowed to reopen the state once 70% of those 16 and older get vaccinated. "No matter what the case numbers are doing (...) double-dose 70% in NSW means freedom for those who are vaccinated," Ms Berejiklian said.