In Australia case numbers are low compared to other countries but have risen sharply in New South Wales recently. We have 466 cases in NSW today, about 200 to 300 every day in the past couple of weeks. That's the Delta strain. Other states have had a few cases, roughly twenty daily, and had snap lockdowns of a week, or longer. In lockdown generally we can't go out except to buy essentials, go to work if you can't work at home, medical reasons, to get the vaccine or to care for a vulnerable person. Also can't go more than 5km from home except for medical reasons etc.

We have mandatory masks here in Queensland at present, everywhere except at home. Most people comply but I've noticed a lot between 20 to 40 years who think the mask rule doesn't apply to them. The sudden lockdowns seemed to work pretty well but of course no one is happy to endure them. NSW didn't have a strict, early lockdown and it's not looking good. State borders in Australia are continuing to be shut (closed, open, closed, very frustrating for everyone) so travelling domestically is a major problem. International travel, going in or out of the country, is only by exemption. Even travel to see a dying relative, in another state or overseas, is not allowed in many cases. The state governments are doing their best. The federal government seems inept.

Get vaxed Aussies! Can't wait to go back, but sadly it doesn't sound like borders will open up soon

Australia has done okay, depending on the state. Economy has done well thanks to the mining industry. NZ seems to be feeling it much more, especially south island. Busy winter season was a write off. Looking better coming into summer & restrictions easing internationally.

I look forward to another bubble with New Zealand. I'd love to bring back some of that South Island business... especially when the bubble is still just a small number of countries. But with 949 new cases here in Melbourne today, the case numbers are higher than they ever were in the first wave due to Delta.

Despite the high numbers, the ongoing lockdowns have surely slowed growth and the vaccination percentage is steadily increasing (41% double dosed currently) but there are just too many people ignoring the rules. We could hear the new neighbours having a Grand Final party this past weekend. This lockdown is set to end at 80% vaccinated, which is projected to happen by Christmas (fingers crossed).

My reading of the plan is 80% double dosed by 5 November -a lot beter than Xmas.

Thanks. I know they're only projections but that would be great. Still a ways to go. I'd been thinking 5 November was on the Victoria plan but hadn't seen it on the national.

Remember, remember the 5th of November!

we"ll have to have a bonfire to celebrate .

Aren’t there a large number of anti-Vaxxers who are refusing to get jabbed? Is 80% a realistic goal? Here we have a significant part of the population that refuses to get vaccinated, despite government mandates.