Fewer Australians will accept lockdowns in future pandemics, report says

FILE PHOTO: Patrons dine-in at a bar by the harbour in the wake of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) regulations easing, following an extended lockdown to curb an outbreak, in Sydney, Australia, October 22, 2021. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy/File Photo

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australians have lost trust in government and many are likely to resist drastic health measures in a future pandemic, the first review of the country's COVID-19 response showed, while the cost of vaccine delays ran into A$31 billion ($20 billion).

Rebuilding and maintaining trust was key to fighting future pandemics, the 877-page report released on Tuesday said. It found programmes like vaccine mandates had left a legacy of fewer vaccinations for COVID and other diseases today.