Tag Archives: oceania

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NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner fires back at US Senator Ted Cruz

The Northern Territory's Chief Minister Michael Gunner has fired back at Texas Senator Ted Cruz for labelling the territory's vaccination policy as "disgraceful and sad".

A week ago Mr Gunner announced a sweeping vaccine mandate that would require a mandatory jab for most hospitality workers, bankers, receptionists, hairdressers, barbers, beauty therapists and more.

A video of Mr Gunner announcing the policy became the subject of intense interest by far-right American politicians on social media, who used it as an example of "COVID tyranny".

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https://twitter.com/fanniebay/status/1449945099383705601

Mr Cruz shared the video of Mr Gunner, saying while he loves "the Aussies", "the COVID tyranny of their current government is disgraceful and sad".

Mr Gunner responded to Mr Cruz's tweet, saying "we don't need your lectures, thanks mate".

"Nearly 70,000 Texans have tragically died from COVID. There have been zero deaths in the Territory. Did you know that?" Mr Gunner said.

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NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner

"We've done whatever it takes to protect the Territory. That's kept us safe and free. We have been in lock down for just eight days in 18 months. Our businesses and school are all open. Did you know that?

"We don't need your lectures, thanks mate. You know nothing about is. And if you stand against a life-saving vaccine, then you sure as hell don't stand with Australia."

Senator Cruz has been an infamous proponent of scrapping vaccine mandates, arguing any policy to make the jab compulsory "ignores medical data".

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In his most recent statement, Senator Cruz criticised US President Biden after he ordered the US Labor Department to impose a COVID vaccine mandate on businesses with over 100 employees.

"While I support the vaccine and have received it, Americans have the right to exercise personal choice when it comes to their health," Mr Cruz said.

"Getting the vaccine is a decision to be made in consultation with one's doctor, not forced on Americans by the government.

"With these new mandates, President Biden and his administration have chosen to put politics over science and the rights of Americans once again."

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When Queensland will open its borders

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced Queensland's COVID-19 vaccine plan, which details how and when the state will open its borders to interstate and international travellers.

Ms Palaszczuk confirmed the state's plan to open up without mandating quarantine will only apply to those fully vaccinated.

She also detailed what happens when Queensland hits its 70 and 80 per cent vaccination milestones.

People lie on the beach at Surfers Paradise beach in Gold Coast, Australia.

Queensland is currently sitting at 56 per cent fully vaccinated.

Here's everything you need to know about the key milestones and the freedoms they will trigger.

Will Queensland open its borders for Christmas?

Yes, if you are fully vaccinated.

When is that expected?

Queensland is forecast to hit 80 per cent on December 17, which is the key date here.

And there will be no quarantine?

Correct. Fully vaccinated travellers from interstate hot spots can arrive by road or air. They must have a negative COVID test in the previous 72 hours.

And international travellers?

At 80 per cent, international travellers who are fully vaccinated and test negative to COVID can home quarantine.

Those who don't fit these conditions will have to quarantine at hotels.

People swim at Burleigh Heads beach in Gold Coast, Australia, after coronavirus restrictions were lifted.

What if Queensland hits 80 per cent sooner?

Ms Palaszczuk said the dates could be brought forward, if Queensland hits that target early.

"If you want your family to visit for Christmas, get vaccinated now," Deputy Premier Steven Miles said.

What happens at 70 per cent?

This is expected to hit on November 19.

Travellers from Australian hotspots can enter Queensland but by air only.

They must be fully vaccinated and test negative with a COVID-19 test taken 72 hours before getting on a plane.

People must then quarantine at home for 14 days.

And international travellers?

At 70 per cent, travellers from abroad will have to hotel quarantine.

Which areas are currently on the Queensland hotspot list?

The Australian Capital Territory, the Jervis Bay Territory, New South Wales, Victoria and a number of local government areas in southern Tasmania are deemed hot spots.

What about unvaccinated people in Queensland, anything to note?

Yes, but we don't know quite what – yet.

Immediately after announcing Queensland's roadmap, Mr Miles posted on his Facebook that from the 80 per cent mark, "additional public health restrictions" would apply to unvaccinated people.

He did not give any more information, other than to say that "further details to be confirmed".

He went on to write: "For example, venues and events who require all patrons and staff to be vaccinated may be able to operate without public health restrictions.

"However, venues and events which allow unvaccinated people may continue to be subject to a range of public health restrictions such as capacity and density limits."