Coalition to expand quarantine facility amid fears of Covid vaccine disruption

Government says it has ‘more than enough’ doses as Italy blocks export and Northern Territory agrees to expand Howard Springs

The Morrison government has played down fears the vaccine rollout could be disrupted by Italy’s move to block exports to Australia, and has flagged plans to expand the Howard Springs quarantine facility for returning travellers by May.

The progress of Australia’s vaccination rollout – including the impact of the sudden block on a shipment of 250,000 AstraZeneca doses to Australia – was high on the agenda for Scott Morrison’s meeting with state and territory leaders on Friday.