Highlights
- COVID19 vaccine is almost 18 months away.
- Victoria increasing ICU beds from 500 to 4,500.
- Western Australian Premier wants Antaria cruise ship to leave its shores.
Australians are being warned a vaccine for COVID-19 could take 18 months.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Doctor Paul Kelly says developing vaccines for coronaviruses has proven to be difficult so containing the spread of COVID-19 is vital.
He says we are working against the time.
"Vaccines for coronaviruses are not easy. In fact, up till now, we've never had a successful vaccine against a coronavirus. So this is experimental time. How long it will take, estimates have varied but at least months probably 12 months possibly 18 months," Dr Kelly said.
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People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor, don’t visit, or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
