As they lifted the last of Australia's lockdowns, state leaders were quick to remind Australians that soon, all of the country will have to learn to live with COVID-19.
So does that mean an inevitable sudden rise in case numbers?
Sydney University infectious diseases expert Professor Robert Booy says higher case numbers are all but inevitable as Australia reopens, but those cases will mostly be far less severe.
So, if and when those cases do rise, how will our health system react?
Around the country, there were already 2,183 staffed intensive care beds.
Earlier this month, hospitals confirmed they could add another 3,440 beds if required, but only 383 of them would be adequately staffed due to workforce constraints.
Australian Medical Association Vice President Dr Chris Moy says the health systems in COVID-affected states like New South Wales and Victoria would likely come under greater pressure, as they now have to clear a backlog of non-COVID patients.
The federal government’s roadmap to reopening says after 80 per cent of Australia’s adult population is fully vaccinated, only “highly targeted” lockdowns should be implemented.
