KEY POINTS OF THE NATIONAL CABINET

* Australia to reduce international arrivals by 50% due to risk of Delta variant of COVID-19

* The national cabinet agreed to a four-phase plan to move away from blockages and restrictions once enough of the population is vaccinated

* The goal is to offer vaccination to any Australian aged 16 and over by the end of the year

* The ultimate goal is to get to a position where COVID-19 is managed as an infectious disease like any other in the community

* International intake will be temporarily reduced by 50 percent by July 14

* Commonwealth to facilitate more flights to repatriate Australians, who will quarantine in Howard Springs in the Northern Territory

* Locks to be used as a last resort

* Testing of alternative quarantine options, including home quarantine for returning vaccinated travelers

* Hotel quarantine to face a second review to ensure health standards are met

* Starts once the national immunization rate reaches a certain percentage of the population (to be determined by experts within the following month)

* Relaxed restrictions for vaccinated residents and locks used only in extreme circumstances

* Inbound passenger caps have been restored to previous levels for unvaccinated travelers and more generous provisions have been introduced for vaccinated travelers

* Capped entry possible for students and economic visa holders

* Introduction of certain alternative quarantine provisions

* Deployment of vaccine reminders

* COVID-19 will be managed like any other infectious disease, with hospitalization and death rates similar to or higher than flu

* No lockdowns, large-scale reminders, no restrictions on people vaccinated and possible travel bubbles with other countries

* Uncapped arrivals of people vaccinated without quarantine, and tests for unvaccinated travelers but no quarantine if negative

Associated Australian Press