COVID-19 has killed 800,000 people worldwide. The spread of the virus that carries it, SARS-CoV-2, continues to increase. Victoria and NSW are now facing their largest challenges with community transmission. Australia’s response to these new challenges are as important as its swift and effective response in March.

This report outlines the health, social, and economic costs associated with three different scenarios: widespread COVID-19 infections, lockdowns, and low-level community transmission. It argues that Australia can minimise the costs to the community over time by taking steps to drive active COVID-19 cases down to zero, in line with the goal set by the National Cabinet in July.