Australia’s most populated state, New South Wales (NSW), is rapidly closing in on its 70 percent vaccination target, marking the start of the planned roadmap to reopen the state. According to the latest numbers, NSW is leading the country as 67 percent of the population aged 16 and over have been fully vaccinated, while 88 percent have received at least one dose. The state has recorded 623 new cases COVID-19, a number that has continued to trend downwards after hitting its peak in early September. Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the resignation of Gladys Berejiklian does not change the state’s path out of lockdowns. “She has been absolutely critical to the team, but that doesn’t mean the health team, and the rest of the government won’t continue to do what we need to do,” Hazzard said. On Oct. 11, fully vaccinated people will no longer be subjected to stay-at-home orders, …