COVID-19 Update: Cases on the rise as Australia passes 90 per cent vaccination target

This is your update on the Coronavirus in Australia for 17 December 2021.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said we should keep calm and keep getting vaccinated to deal with the recent outbreak. Source: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

Australia has now passed its 90 per cent double vaccination target.
NSW records a further 63 Omicron cases as the state’s daily infection number reaches an all-time high.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison congratulated the country on 90 per cent vaccination and said we cannot go back to lockdowns.
NSW restricts visitors to healthcare facilities due to high transmission rates.

An aged care facility in suburban Brisbane is put in lockdown after a COVID-positive person visited the facility.
Queensland implements mask mandates in retail settings, on public transport and taxi and ridesharing settings from 18 December, however no lockdowns in state plans.
From 28 December, no limits will apply to home gatherings and vertical consumption in South Australia. The international quarantine timeframe will also be reduced to 72 hours.

COVID-19 STATS:

Victoria recorded 1,510 locally acquired cases and seven deaths.

NSW recorded 2,213 new community cases and one death.

South Australia recorded 64 new cases.

Queensland recorded 20 new cases, 5 of which are Omicron.

The ACT recorded 20 cases.

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