Warning over 'walking time bombs' as Australia opens up

Unvaccinated Australians are being compared to “walking time bombs” as the country continues to move forward in its vaccination rollout.

As of Friday, more than 66 per cent of Australians aged over 16 have had one dose of coronavirus vaccine.

There are more than 41 per cent who have had both. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters earlier this week once 70 per cent of the state is fully vaccinated pubs, gyms and non-essential retail will re-open for residents who have had both doses.

Unvaccinated people will still be able to access supermarkets.

Those who have had both vaccine doses will have to show a vaccination certificate which is obtainable online.

Robert Gottliebsen, a columnist for The Australian, wrote on Thursday: “Those without a vaccination certificate will be seen as walking time bombs to be avoided by the vaccinated."

“It’s true that the vast majority of vaccinated people will avoid hospitalisation if they catch the virus but they will still be very anxious to avoid it because often it is not a pleasant experience,” he wrote.

• Victoria records another Covid death as hidden impact of pandemic highlighted

• Major warning that 'key problem' with NSW plan will see 'return to lockdowns'

• Living with Covid: What Australia will really be like in 2022

Vaccinologist Professor Sarah Gilbert explained on ABC’s 7.30 the virus will still reach people who are fully vaccinated although they will avoid hospitalisation as they will have milder symptoms.

“So really we can’t hide from this virus any more,” she told the program.

The unvaccinated might not be able to avoid it either.

A report published by the US’s Centers for Disease Control last month found unvaccinated people were about five times more likely to become infected with Covid-19 than those who are fully vaccinated.

The unvaccinated in NSW have a little over a month to get double-jabbed if they want to visit friends, dine out, travel to the regions or go to the barber or gym.

Once those freedoms are brought back, they're unlikely to disappear again, Deputy Premier John Barilaro said.

Instead, if a particular area records rising case numbers, they will still be able to do everything in the roadmap but will be restricted to their local government area or a five kilometre radius.

with AAP

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.