One of the federal government’s key advisors on reopening the country has explained how Australia will transition from 70 per cent to 80 per cent fully-vaccinated, and beyond.

Doherty Institute epidemiologist Professor James McCaw told Jim Wilson the updated ‘sensitivity analysis’ recently provided to government analyses the consequences of increased cases during the “transition period”.

“The good news is, they’re minimal.

“What we do need to be aware of, though, is that … when coverage is between 70 and 80 per cent we just need to be more cautious.

“If we opened up too quickly, or took a few too many risks … we could pay the consequences down the line, with avoidable cases and hospitalisations and deaths.”

The professor lent credence to suggestions NSW residents could be travelling to other countries before other states.

“With the volume of travel between somewhere like New South Wales and WA, if that went back to pre-pandemic levels the virus would establish itself in that other state within a week.”

Press PLAY below to hear the exclusive interview

Image: Getty