Australia pandemic panel backs reopening targets despite Sydney outbreak

FILE PHOTO: A staff member stands at the entrance of a COVID-19 clinic during a lockdown to curb a coronavirus disease outbreak in Sydney, Australia, August 20, 2021. REUTERS/Loren Elliott

SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia can proceed with its reopening plans when the country reaches 70%-80% vaccination levels, the government's pandemic modelling adviser said, even as some states hinted they may not ease border curbs if Sydney fails to control its Delta outbreak.

The Melbourne-based Doherty Institute said the country's focus must shift to limiting the number of COVID-19 deaths and hospitalisations, from its current zero-cases strategy, when at least 70% of the country's population above age 16 is fully vaccinated.