Canberra, Oct 19 (TIWN) Coronavirus restrictions in the Australian capital will be further eased after it reached the 80 per cent vaccine milestone, authorities said on Tuesday.

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) became the country's first jurisdiction to hit 80 perc ent double-dose vaccination coverage among those aged above 12, reports Xinhua news agency.  As a result, non-essential retail in Canberra will be allowed to open on Friday for the first time since August 12 in a major boost for the ACT's economy.  "Reaching the 80 per cent milestone is a significant achievement," the ACT government said in a statement on Tuesday. 

"Canberrans should be really proud of how our community has worked together and given us the best opportunity to manage the expected increase in cases as the nation starts to reopen.