Plenty of support for no-jab lockouts
BANNING Australians who refuse to be vaccinated against COVID-19 from sporting events and travelling interstate and overseas is supported by half of the country.
A poll by research firm RedBridge, obtained by the Bulletin, found just 30.4 per cent of people would not support such restrictions, while 19.9 per cent were unsure.
But while Qantas is pushing ahead with a no-jab, no-fly policy, other major airlines are not planning to require Australians heading overseas to have been vaccinated.
Key airlines servicing Australia including Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Emirates have indicated they will not mandate compulsory jabs for international travellers, with all three this week stressing they will leave that decision to governments.
The poll also found just 46.1 per cent of Australians wanted the international border to be reopened once enough people were vaccinated, compared to 44.3 per cent who thought only state borders should be reopened, while 9.6 per cent said all restrictions should continue.
Qantas is not considering introducing a vaccine requirement for domestic flights and also expects to exempt destinations where a bubble has been formed, such as New Zealand, but it does already mandate vaccines for yellow fever and polio in some parts of the world.
Asked about its latest approach to vaccines, a Qantas spokesman pointed to earlier comments and said any final decision would be made closer to when it is able to launch a regular international service.
Qantas has grounded its international fleet and is only operating one or two flights a week for the government.
Singapore Airlines said it was hopeful international travel would recover as nations launch vaccination programs, but that the mass inoculation of the global population was “some way off”. Virgin Australia said it was “highly unlikely” it would require a vaccine for domestic travel, while Regional Express said it would follow government directives.
IF you thought McDonald’s was just about curing your fast food cravings, think again. Australian macca’s outlets have introduced new fruit smoothie flavours, with gym junkies even able to add a protein booster.
And it’s not just a one-off — the new smoothie flavours will be permanent fixture on the menu.
The fast-food chain has also introduced an omelette wrap and a variety of new chicken McWraps and salads.
The new range of smoothies, wraps and salads will be available across McDonald’s stores as of today.