OK so here I am in virus free Western Australia,

Is this a silly idea? 

Would it be a good idea to start infecting, batches of people with covid, under strict hospital conditions,

or wait until a vaccine comes along, 

From  the start of this I've wondered ,

"OK we safe, but how do we open up in the end"

We can probably hold our hard borders for years ,if needs be, 

Realisticly though 

Do we wait ?

Or do we infect ? 

I'm all for waiting it out ,until we get a vaccine that's been tried and tested......

I wish I had that option.  I can't see my country getting free of it - ever.  Even with a vaccine, there will be vaccine failures, anti-vaxers and statistical anomalies.

Waiting it out is by far the best option.  On top of all the rest (deaths, long covid syndrome and extended misery) the damn bug could have more unpleasant surprises in store which it has not shown yet.

Prevention is better than cure, especially with the devil you don't know yet.

I agree with Techno. Covid may well have some nasty surprises lurking up it's sleeve. I'm also worried by the long covid. I've read some terrible reports of people unable to function properly 6 months after having become infected. I also do not like the damage it can do to the lungs and the heart muscle. i'd rather not take my chances and stay covid free. Here in NZ we have the same question I guess. But we seem to be aiming to stay as covid free as possible until a vaccine is available. I think that's the best way forward for us.

At the risk of repeating myself, ditto!  NZ has an impressive covid record.  I'm jealous of you too.