Whether by “carrot” or “stick”, vaccination rates must keep climbing, as it is now likely case numbers will climb under Alert Level 3 conditions in Auckland. Elimination has been defined as “zero tolerance” for community transmission, as opposed to zero cases. Before vaccines were widely available, having zero cases was crucial in allowing us to enjoy Level 1 freedoms. As vaccination rates increase, restrictions can be progressively eased. Not a white flagThe more optimistic scenario is that a combination of restrictions, vaccination and contact tracing is just enough to keep a lid on the case numbers.

Source: Otago Daily Times October 06, 2021 15:33 UTC