The plan to formulate the plan. Now, there's an *excellent* plan.
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That's exactly what the PM delivered us today. A dot-point plan made up of 26 dots.
But is it a forged in stone, rock-solid, bet your bottom dollar-type of plan? Ah, no. No, it's not.
The giveaway is in the second line where it says: "National Cabinet agreed to formulate a national plan to transition Australia's National Covid-19 Response from its current pre-vaccination settings ... to post-vaccination settings ..."
Therefore, to my mind, that makes the national plan a national agreement. Which is great. Let's face it, agreement on matters of national health would be wonderful - it's been a little while since we've enjoyed air as rarefied as that.
There's another significant giveaway - the use of the word "may".
"Measures may include" the plan says under each of the outlined four phases. So again, it may, it may not. It depends.
And, of course, the whole plan/agreement/strategy depends on many variables. And they are variables which are, right now, difficult to quantify, measure and manage.
So, in case you don't want to wade though Mr Morrison charting Australia's road out of the pandemic or even check out how we "return to normal", try these four points (no dots, we've had enough of dots):
One: suppress the virus and vaccinate the population; lockdowns and border bans used as a 'last resort'.
Two: ease restrictions on vaccinated Aussies if there were outbreaks or lockdowns; allow home quarantine for vaccinated arrivals entering Australia; and limit the number of international students.
Three: lift outbound travel restrictions and allow overseas holidays beyond New Zealand; increase intake of international students and humanitarian visa holders.
Four: lift all restrictions except for testing of unvaccinated arrivals into the country.
If you're looking for dates, times, forecasts or thresholds - don't. They are not included. You can check for yourself in the official "national plan" or indeed read the National Cabinet's statement here.
Or maybe, opt out and read about a modern Rapunzel who's having the first haircut of her life.
Either way, stay safe.
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