National
Authorities warn residents ‘time is running out’ to get vaccinated
Queensland‘s leaders have warned residents today is their last chance to get a jab to be fully vaccinated in time for the borders reopening.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has taken to social media to give people one final push as the state’s reopening date nears closer.
“You have one day left to get your vaccine and be fully protected when our borders open just before Christmas,” she said on Twitter.
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https://twitter.com/AnnastaciaMP/status/1454243570135695360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
No new local cases were recorded in Queensland once again today, but officials say that residents must not become complacent because an outbreak could occur at any time.
Deputy Premier Steven Miles said if people want to travel during the holidays, they must get vaccinated this weekend.
READ MORE: When Queensland will open its borders
“We’re just urging people to go and get vaccinated and that’s the best way they can ensure they have access to all of the freedoms,” he said.
“I mean, the one that we know about, the one that we can talk about now, is the ability to travel.
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“And if they aren’t fully vaccinated by that date, they won’t be able to travel. And if they want to be fully protected by that date, they pretty much need to get vaccinated this weekend. So time’s running out.”
That timeline authorities are referring to takes into consideration the wait between the first and second jab, on top of the two weeks required after before the greatest level of protection is reached.
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Yesterday, incoming Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Krispin Hajkowicz announced his shock resignation.
Mr Miles confirmed Dr Hajkowicz had turned down the role just days before beginning due to personal reasons, adding the timing of the announcement was not “ideal”.
“It was unexpected … and he has asked that we respect his privacy,” Mr Miles said.
He added that support positions had been added around the role until a more permanent replacement could be filled, including three new deputy Chief Health Officers.
