Appendix
COVID-19 timeline for Australia
Early 2020 - Initial Outbreak and Containment (January - March 2020)
- The first COVID-19 case in Australia was reported in late January 2020.
Mid-2020 - First Wave and Lockdowns (March - May 2020):
- Cases started to increase in March, leading to the first wave of the pandemic.
- In March, several states and territories implemented various restrictions, including lockdowns, border closures, and travel restrictions.
- Australia recorded its first COVID-19-related death in March.
- By May, strict lockdown measures had largely contained the spread of the virus.
June-2020 to Dec 2020 - Suppression and Reopening (June - December 2020):
- Throughout mid-2020, the number of new cases remained low, allowing for a gradual easing of restrictions.
- Some states and territories maintained strict border controls.
- A "COVID-normal" approach was adopted, with economic and social activities resuming, though with ongoing precautions.
Jan 2021 – March 2021 Second Wave and Vaccine Rollout
- Australia initiated its COVID-19 vaccination program in February 2021, beginning with healthcare workers and vulnerable populations.
- A second wave hit Victoria in mid-2021, leading to a strict lockdown in Melbourne.
April 2021 to Dec 2021 - Vaccine Expansion and New Variants
(April - December 2021)
- April onwards, the vaccination rollout expanded to include the general population.
- Mid of 2021, the Delta variant posed new challenges, leading to outbreaks in multiple states.
- Lockdowns and border restrictions were reimposed in response to these outbreaks.
- September 2021, government announced three stage system for COVID-19 preparedness, vaccination rates rose.
- By November 2021, easing of restrictions began and International borders opened after nearly 2 years.
- By December 2021, Omicron variant outbreak began.
Dec 2021 to Jul 2022 – Omicron and COVID-19 booster dose vaccine rollout
- Omicron outbreak continues, but Australia focussed on managing outbreaks without restrictions.
- Booster dose of vaccine rollout began.
- Most of the population was vaccinated with at least 2 doses of vaccine.
Jul 2022 - Present
- Population getting additional booster doses
- The situation continued to evolve, with the focus shifting from containment to managing the virus as an endemic disease.
- Travel restrictions and quarantine requirements were eased as vaccination rates increased.
- Australia adapted to living with the virus while continuing vaccination and booster efforts.