But the reality is we are living this year in a pandemic that is worse than last year," Morrison told reporters. Morrison said any plans to relax border rules for vaccinated travellers could be implemented "only when it is safe to do so". Airlines, tourism operators and universities - reeling from the impact of border bans - have been urging the federal government to fast track the opening of borders. Some people may die but it will be way smaller than the flu," Virgin Australia boss Jayne Hrdlicka was quoted as saying in Australian media on Tuesday. So far, more than 3.1 million total vaccine shots have been administered, far short of the 4 million pledged by March-end.

Source: Irish Independent May 18, 2021 01:18 UTC