As the COVID-19 Delta variant spreads in Australia, global experts look at its movement in a largely unvaccinated population

Australia is being used as a "test case" by researchers across the world watching the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant, with the country's low vaccination rates and comparatively low case numbers allowing "clean data" for analysis. Key points: Australia's low case numbers and well-resourced contact tracing teams are enabling the global scientific community to hone in on Delta Australia's low case numbers and well-resourced contact tracing teams are enabling the global scientific community to hone in on Delta Experts are also looking at how Delta moves in Australia's largely unvaccinated population Experts are also looking at how Delta moves in Australia's largely unvaccinated population Some experts say the Delta strain's high viral load heightens concerns around the risk of outdoor transmission With the Delta strain now well and truly dominant, international experts are monitoring the Australian experience to assess its spread and movement, particularly around the risk of outdoor transmission of the virus. Victoria example gives 'good information' In the wake of Victoria’s most recent outbreak, Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said authorities now held a "high suspicion" of outdoor transmission at the MCG. Professor Glass, a modeller with more than 20 years experience, agreed Australia's experience with the Delta strain had given other countries an insight into how Delta spread that overseas experts "would be looking at".