COVID-free Australia ‘in no hurry’ to open its borders
3 years, 11 months ago

COVID-free Australia ‘in no hurry’ to open its borders

Al Jazeera  

Scott Morrison says he will not put at risk Australians’ nearly coronavirus-free lifestyle. Australia is in no hurry to reopen its international borders and risk the country’s nearly coronavirus-free lifestyle, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Sunday. The border closure, together with snap lockdowns, swift contact tracking and high community compliance with health measures, have made Australia one of the world’s most successful countries in curbing the pandemic, limiting coronavirus cases to under 29,500 infections and 910 deaths. “I will not be putting at risk the way we are living in this country which is so different to the rest of the world today.” For months now, except for some short snap lockdowns, Australians have been able to dine out, gather nearly freely and stop wearing face masks in most places. Morrison flagged on Sunday that vaccinated Australians could be able to travel overseas “for essential purposes” and return via home quarantine in the second half of the year, but that possibility is only in “planning stages”.

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History of this topic

Australia down 40% on pre-Covid tourists one year on from reopening
2 years, 1 month ago

Australia down 40% on pre-Covid tourists one year on from reopening

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. She was commenting on the first anniversary of Australia reopening to international visitors after almost two years of severe Covid …

Australia's post-COVID tourism sector still waiting for international visitors as backpackers choose to stay away
2 years, 7 months ago

Australia's post-COVID tourism sector still waiting for international visitors as backpackers choose to stay away

ABC  

Steve Edmondson is hearing a few more foreign accents these days. Speaking from the town's famous Cable Beach, Mr Geappen said any small business owner in the town who hadn't "made a quid this season was an idiot". "The major international factor that we're dealing with is the lack of backpackers," he said. The Department of Home Affairs said processing …

‘Huge step’: New Zealand to fully reopen borders on July 31
2 years, 10 months ago

‘Huge step’: New Zealand to fully reopen borders on July 31

Al Jazeera  

Announcement means borders will open two months earlier than the government’s timetable. New Zealand will fully reopen its international borders from July 31, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Wednesday, marking the end of one of the toughest border regimes during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I think many New Zealanders are looking forward to travelling internationally again and welcoming tourists here,” …

Test-free travel to Australia ‘not far away now’, says PM
3 years ago

Test-free travel to Australia ‘not far away now’, says PM

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Australian prime minister Scott Morrison has hinted that Australia’s Covid test requirement for travel could …

WA border open after two years of COVID-19 travel restrictions, bringing tears of joy in Perth
3 years ago

WA border open after two years of COVID-19 travel restrictions, bringing tears of joy in Perth

ABC  

Western Australia is open after the state's hard border was removed overnight. Key points: Quarantine-free travel into WA has resumed with the hard border lifted Quarantine-free travel into WA has resumed with the hard border lifted There have been tearful reunions at Perth Airport as the first flights landed There have been tearful reunions at Perth Airport as the first …

SA residents prepare to enter WA as COVID border restrictions lift
3 years ago

SA residents prepare to enter WA as COVID border restrictions lift

ABC  

The West Australian border has reopened after almost two years, prompting a wave of relief as an estimated 100 travellers from South Australia waited to cross over after midnight. Key points: Quarantine-free travel into WA has resumed with the hard border lifted SA motorists waited at the border to travel through early this morning Bordering businesses are welcoming the lift …

Tearful reunions as Western Australia ends COVID border closure
3 years ago

Tearful reunions as Western Australia ends COVID border closure

Al Jazeera  

Australia’s largest state has reopened to fully vaccinated domestic and international travellers, ending one of the world’s longest coronavirus border closures. The airport in Perth, Western Australia’s capital, was the scene of emotional reunions as the first of 22 scheduled domestic flights and five international flights began arriving on Thursday. “We expect about 5,000 domestic and international travellers to arrive …

Australia reopens borders to tourists after two-year ‘fortress’ level travel ban
3 years, 1 month ago

Australia reopens borders to tourists after two-year ‘fortress’ level travel ban

Live Mint  

Amid decline in Covid-19 cases as the third wave of coronavirus pandemic recedes, Australia reopened its borders to vaccinated tourists on Monday. The country earned the nickname “Fortress Australia” following announcing its decision on travel ban, which not only imposed a strict cap on international arrivals but also barred citizens from going overseas. Known for its strict regulations, Australia had …

Australia fully reopens borders shut by Covid pandemic, welcomes back tourists
3 years, 1 month ago

Australia fully reopens borders shut by Covid pandemic, welcomes back tourists

India Today  

Australia on Monday fully reopened its international borders to travellers vaccinated against the coronavirus after nearly two years of being shut in the pandemic as tourists returned and hundreds of people were reunited with family and friends. "It is a party out here, music playing, smiles on people's faces, they will be dancing soon, I'm sure," Tourism Minister Dan Tehan …

'Fortress Australia' to welcome tourists for first time under Covid
3 years, 1 month ago

'Fortress Australia' to welcome tourists for first time under Covid

India Today  

Australia will welcome international tourists on Monday after nearly two years of sealing its borders, relying on high Covid-19 vaccination rates to live with the pandemic as infections decline. Australia's opening to tourists is the clearest example yet of the government's shift from a strict zero-Covid approach to living with the virus and vaccinating the public to minimise deaths and …

Australia's last international COVID travel restrictions are lifting. But their legacy for those caught up in them remains
3 years, 1 month ago

Australia's last international COVID travel restrictions are lifting. But their legacy for those caught up in them remains

ABC  

For the first time in almost two years — 704 days — Australia’s borders will reopen to all fully-vaccinated travellers tomorrow. But as Australia's "hermit kingdom" chapter closes, the pain of the past two years is still very fresh. "It's been two years now and they haven't even processed it," she says. "Our daughter didn't want to go to her …

Unvaccinated Australians are banned from leaving the country until April 17
3 years, 1 month ago

Unvaccinated Australians are banned from leaving the country until April 17

Daily Mail  

Strict biosecurity laws banning unvaccinated Australians from leaving the country have been extended a further two months until April 17. Biosecurity laws banning unvaccinated Aussies from leaving the country have been extended until April 17, Greg Hunt announced on Friday Travellers near the Overseas Passenger Terminal by the Norwegian Jewel cruise at Circular Quay in Sydney in February 2020 'Whilst …

Australia to reopen borders to tourists on February 21
3 years, 1 month ago

Australia to reopen borders to tourists on February 21

The Hindu  

Australia will reopen its borders to tourists from February 21, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Monday, ending some of the world’s strictest and longest-running pandemic travel restrictions. “It’s almost two years since we took the decision to close the borders to Australia,” Mr. Morrison said, announcing borders will reopen to all visa holders “on the 21st of February of …

Australia to FINALLY reopen to tourists on February 21, says Scott Morrison
3 years, 1 month ago

Australia to FINALLY reopen to tourists on February 21, says Scott Morrison

Daily Mail  

Australia's borders will finally open to international tourists on February 21 after almost two years of closure to keep out Covid-19. Pictured: A traveller at Sydney Airport Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic was sent home after he entered Australia without being fully vaccinated, meaning he could not play in the Australian Open Mr Morrison said the decision was taken because …

Australia to open borders to vaccinated tourists on February 21
3 years, 1 month ago

Australia to open borders to vaccinated tourists on February 21

Al Jazeera  

Australia to welcome international travellers back nearly two years after closing its borders. Australia will reopen its borders to fully vaccinated tourists from February 21, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced, ending some of the world’s strictest and longest-running pandemic travel restrictions. “It’s almost two years since we took the decision to close the borders to Australia,” Morrison said during …

What you need to know about Australia's border opening to all international arrivals
3 years, 1 month ago

What you need to know about Australia's border opening to all international arrivals

ABC  

COVID restrictions have impacted travel to Australia since early 2020 but later this month, the country's borders will finally open to all international visitors again. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the national cabinet has decided "Australia will reopen our borders to all remaining visa holders on February 21 of this year." "To be clear, we are absolutely welcoming back fully …

Mark McGowan announces delay to WA border opening amid fears Omicron will 'cripple' state
3 years, 2 months ago

Mark McGowan announces delay to WA border opening amid fears Omicron will 'cripple' state

ABC  

The planned reopening of Western Australia's border to the rest of the world on February 5 will be delayed indefinitely, Premier Mark McGowan has announced. Key points: WA's reopening to the rest of the country has been delayed indefinitely WA's reopening to the rest of the country has been delayed indefinitely Relaxed travel exemptions will take effect on February 5 …

Western Australia's COVID-19 border set to fall, but don't look for approval to enter the state just yet
3 years, 2 months ago

Western Australia's COVID-19 border set to fall, but don't look for approval to enter the state just yet

ABC  

Travellers hoping to lock in plans to head to Western Australia when the state's borders reopen on February 5 are being blocked by the government's approval system. Key points: The G2G approval system is set to continue when borders reopen The G2G approval system is set to continue when borders reopen However, travellers applying to enter Western Australia after the …

As Novak Djokovic's entry into Australia is denied, here's a look at the country's strict COVID-19 restrictions
3 years, 2 months ago

As Novak Djokovic's entry into Australia is denied, here's a look at the country's strict COVID-19 restrictions

Firstpost  

The Serbian Tennis star’s chance to play for a 10th Australian Open title has been thrown into limbo after the country cancelled his entry visa after a public outcry over his ‘medical exemption’ On Thursday morning, one of the Tennis world’s top players, Novak Djokovic was detained at Melbourne Airport after Australia announced that it had cancelled his entry visa …

Australia Covid-19: Scott Morrison rules out new lockdowns despite rising cases and Omicron fears
3 years, 3 months ago

Australia Covid-19: Scott Morrison rules out new lockdowns despite rising cases and Omicron fears

CNN  

CNN — For two years, Australia avoided the worst of the coronavirus pandemic thanks to strict border controls and prolonged lockdowns. On Tuesday, the country’s most populous state reported its highest new daily caseload of the pandemic, and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison called an emergency National Cabinet meeting to discuss the rising infections. The World Health Organization said on …

As Omicron surges and COVID records fall, will we have to close borders again and increase restrictions?
3 years, 3 months ago

As Omicron surges and COVID records fall, will we have to close borders again and increase restrictions?

ABC  

Australia is on the brink of an identity crisis as our highly vaccinated, low-COVID nation faces its most significant confrontation yet with SARS-CoV-2. For Deakin University's chair of epidemiology, Professor Catherine Bennett, the wisdom of open borders has a straightforward answer: "If not now, when?" The decision to open borders in February all but guarantees months without COVID are drawing …

Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Covid scare after attending a school event in Sydney
3 years, 3 months ago

Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Covid scare after attending a school event in Sydney

Daily Mail  

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is at the centre of a Covid scare after attending a packed private school graduation ball for his wife Jenny's god-daughter. Scott Morrison and his wife Jenny were casual contacts of someone with Covid at a school graduation ceremony It is understood that NSW Health and the chief medical officer advice Mr Morrison that a function …

Australia delays relaxing border, 5th omicron case reported
3 years, 3 months ago

Australia delays relaxing border, 5th omicron case reported

Associated Press  

CANBERRA, Australia — Australian authorities announced on Monday that they would delay plans to relax border restrictions by at least two weeks, as the country reported its fifth case of the omicron COVID-19 variant. New South Wales state authorities reported on Sunday that two travelers from South Africa to Sydney had become Australia’s first cases of the new variant. On …

Federal government pauses international arrivals for students and visa holders as it awaits information on Omicron COVID
3 years, 3 months ago

Federal government pauses international arrivals for students and visa holders as it awaits information on Omicron COVID

ABC  

The federal government has deferred Wednesday’s planned easing of border restrictions for international students and other eligible visa holders until December 15. Key points: The federal government says the pause is to allow time to get information on the new Omicron variant Australia has confirmed five cases of the variant The borders remain open to Australian nationals The government says …

South Australia opened its borders to COVID-19. So, what have we learned?
3 years, 4 months ago

South Australia opened its borders to COVID-19. So, what have we learned?

ABC  

South Australia this week went where no other state — possibly no other jurisdiction — has gone before. Key points: SA opened its borders to NSW, ACT and Victoria last Tuesday As of Saturday, 10 positive cases had been recorded in interstate travellers Close contacts of positive cases still need to quarantine After enjoying months without a single case of …

SA on track to open next week, despite several areas with low vaccination rates
3 years, 4 months ago

SA on track to open next week, despite several areas with low vaccination rates

ABC  

South Australia is on track to open its borders from next week, despite low vaccination rates in several communities, the state's health chief says. Key points: Regional communities and areas north of Adelaide are lagging in vaccinations South Australia's Chief Public Health officer says she is worried about those areas ahead of the state border reopening She says authorities will …

Covid-19 travel: Sydney to further ease curbs on Monday as vaccinations pick up
3 years, 4 months ago

Covid-19 travel: Sydney to further ease curbs on Monday as vaccinations pick up

Hindustan Times  

Australia's largest city of Sydney will further ease social distancing curbs on Monday, a month after emerging from a coronavirus lockdown that lasted nearly 100 days, as close to 90% of people have got both doses of vaccine, officials said. Patrons dine-in at a bar by the harbour in the wake of coronavirus disease regulations easing, following an extended lockdown …

While Australia throws open its international borders, WA residents watch from the sidelines
3 years, 4 months ago

While Australia throws open its international borders, WA residents watch from the sidelines

ABC  

After more than 20 long months of Australians being locked inside their own country, the nation has finally opened up for international travel. "It's time to give Australians their lives back," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said as he announced the opening of the international border last month. "Western Australia will open up internationally at some point in time — it's …

Australians allowed home after COVID-19 border closures as international travel resumes to Sydney and Melbourne
3 years, 4 months ago

Australians allowed home after COVID-19 border closures as international travel resumes to Sydney and Melbourne

ABC  

Sydney Airport will once again be the scene of heart-warming reunions and joyous departures, as New South Wales and Victoria fling open their international borders. Key points: From tomorrow, double-vaccinated Australians can go overseas and quarantine is scrapped for incoming travellers Some travellers are concerned the rules and regulations may change again Only Australian citizens, residents and their families are …

WA will not ease COVID-19 hard border with NSW and Victoria prior to Christmas
3 years, 5 months ago

WA will not ease COVID-19 hard border with NSW and Victoria prior to Christmas

ABC  

The WA Premier has again ruled out opening the border to higher risk states in time for Christmas, while announcing travellers from Queensland will no longer need to quarantine from this Friday. Key points: WA will not open to NSW and Victoria in time for Christmas But Queensland will be reclassified as very low risk from Friday It means travellers …

The federal government has failed to lead on net zero and international borders while Nationals and states muscle in
3 years, 5 months ago

The federal government has failed to lead on net zero and international borders while Nationals and states muscle in

ABC  

A couple of weeks ago, without consulting the states, the Prime Minister announced he would be re-opening the international borders in states where the vaccination rate had hit 80 per cent. The fact he hadn't mentioned it to the states — despite the significant ramifications it has for them as the ones responsible for trying to manage the spread of …

Sydney to end COVID-19 quarantine for international travellers
3 years, 5 months ago

Sydney to end COVID-19 quarantine for international travellers

Live Mint  

Sydney will end its COVID-19 quarantine for fully vaccinated international travellers from Nov. 1, New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet said on Friday, foreshadowing the full return of overseas travel after more than 19 months. The federal government's reopening plans unveiled in July proposed abolishing caps on returning vaccinated Australians and a gradual reopening of international travel with safe countries …

Scott Morrison welcomes NSW's move to scrap quarantine for international arrivals from November 1
3 years, 5 months ago

Scott Morrison welcomes NSW's move to scrap quarantine for international arrivals from November 1

ABC  

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has welcomed NSW opening its borders to fully vaccinated international travellers — who will no longer need to quarantine in hotels, or at home — from next month. Key points: Unvaccinated travellers will still have to enter hotel quarantine but there will only be around 200 spots per week Unvaccinated travellers will still have to enter …

Scott Morrison scrambles to assert control as Dominic Perrottet opens the international border
3 years, 5 months ago

Scott Morrison scrambles to assert control as Dominic Perrottet opens the international border

ABC  

The federal opposition likes to deride Scott Morrison as the Prime Minister for New South Wales. Perrottet's decision to throw open the international border was done in a way that left Morrison on the political back foot and his office scrambling to catch up. And in doing so, the NSW Premier managed to sideline a Prime Minister who's spent the …

The desperate families left out of Australia's international border reopening plan
3 years, 5 months ago

The desperate families left out of Australia's international border reopening plan

ABC  

Sydney FC academy coach Mizuki Ito hasn't seen his wife of almost two years since the morning after their wedding. Last week the Federal Government announced plans to start reopening Australia's international borders from next month, a much-anticipated announcement that will allow Australian residents to travel freely overseas again. "Everyone's like, 'Oh don't worry, we're almost out of the woods', …

International travel will soon be back, but when you'll be able to go depends on which state you're in
3 years, 5 months ago

International travel will soon be back, but when you'll be able to go depends on which state you're in

ABC  

The day that so many Australians have been desperately waiting for is finally here — more than a year and a half since international borders were slammed shut, we now have a timeframe for when Australians will be able to leave and return to the country freely. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, who announced her resignation shortly after the framework was …

Australia to reopen international border in November
3 years, 5 months ago

Australia to reopen international border in November

India TV News  

Australia's international border will reopen in November after being closed for 18 months amid the coronavirus pandemic, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Friday. According to Morrison, international travel to and from Australia will resume as states and territories approach 80 perc ent of the adult population fully vaccinated against Covid-19, reports Xinhua news agency. "To maximize the number of …

Australian PM announces reopening of international travel, easing border restrictions
3 years, 5 months ago

Australian PM announces reopening of international travel, easing border restrictions

Deccan Chronicle  

Canberra: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday announced the reopening of international travel and easing of border restrictions. Morrison said that the international border will reopen next month for states that have reached 80 per cent vaccination rates, starting with New South Wales, reported ABC News. Travellers must be fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine to home quarantine, unless …

Australia reveals plan to reopen international borders to fully vaccinated citizens
3 years, 5 months ago

Australia reveals plan to reopen international borders to fully vaccinated citizens

CNN  

CNN — Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday, October 1 announced plans to reopen the country’s borders to fully vaccinated citizens and permanent residents, moving from a strict zero-Covid strategy to a model of living with the virus. Morrison also said that with 55% of the country now fully vaccinated and first dose rates approaching 80%, the government “has …

International travel resumes next month as PM announces changes to border restrictions
3 years, 5 months ago

International travel resumes next month as PM announces changes to border restrictions

ABC  

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced the international border will reopen next month for states that have reached 80 per cent vaccination rates, starting with New South Wales. Key points: Australia's international borders will lift in November Fully vaccinated travellers will be able to home quarantine for seven days The government will work to abolish arrival caps for vaccinated travellers …

International travel is set to resume but things won't be the same as before — here's what we know about home quarantine and more
3 years, 5 months ago

International travel is set to resume but things won't be the same as before — here's what we know about home quarantine and more

ABC  

Australia's border has been almost entirely sealed for 18 months, but today it became clearer the end is in sight and changes are afoot for international travel next month. For vaccinated people, a fortnight of hotel quarantine will be out and a shorter stretch of home quarantine will be in, while Australia's getting ready to welcome international guests by recognising …

Australia’s borders to reopen in November after 18-month closure
3 years, 5 months ago

Australia’s borders to reopen in November after 18-month closure

Al Jazeera  

Prime Minister says Australians will be able to return home, travel overseas ‘within weeks’ if 80 percent are vaccinated. Australia is ready to gradually reopen its borders, the country’s prime minister has announced, 18 months after citizens were banned from travelling overseas without permission and thousands of Australians left stranded abroad thanks to a strict quota on arrivals. Australians will …

When borders reopen after COVID, where will Australians be able to travel?
3 years, 5 months ago

When borders reopen after COVID, where will Australians be able to travel?

ABC  

It's been more than a year and a half since Australia's international borders were slammed shut, so it's no surprise that many of us are itching to get overseas for a holiday or to see loved ones. While the federal government has said they hope to allow international travel by Christmas "at the latest", no date has been set despite …

New Zealand, Australia travel bubble suspended as COVID continues
3 years, 6 months ago

New Zealand, Australia travel bubble suspended as COVID continues

Al Jazeera  

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says the country is within sight of eliminating Delta but travel restrictions to Australia extended until November. New Zealand has suspended quarantine-free travel with Australia for a further eight weeks, extending a halt in the so-called travel bubble between both countries, as they deal with fresh outbreaks of the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus. New …

WA Budget suggests hard border likely to remain for some time as Mark McGowan doubles down
3 years, 6 months ago

WA Budget suggests hard border likely to remain for some time as Mark McGowan doubles down

ABC  

Officially, Mark McGowan's budget does not offer much insight into the future of the state's tough border controls. "Crushing the virus as quickly as possible is the best way to protect Western Australians and keep our economy strong," Mr McGowan said, merely seconds into his budget speech. Yesterday, the Prime Minister said Mr McGowan was "underselling Western Australians" and WA's …

Morrison is wary of COVID 'vaccine passports', but he won't stand in the way of Australia's new reality
3 years, 6 months ago

Morrison is wary of COVID 'vaccine passports', but he won't stand in the way of Australia's new reality

ABC  

The Prime Minister doesn't like the term "vaccine passport". "Any venue, any pub, any cafe, any restaurant, any shop can, has every right under Australia's property laws to be able to deny entry to people who are unvaccinated," he told Sky News. A couple of weeks ago, he similarly told 2GB listeners to prepare for what's coming, saying property law …

Coronavirus Australia: WA premier Mark McGowan says border could stay closed until April 2022
3 years, 6 months ago

Coronavirus Australia: WA premier Mark McGowan says border could stay closed until April 2022

Daily Mail  

Hardline premier Mark McGowan has confirmed Western Australia will likely remain closed off from the rest of the country for up to another seven months. WA Premier Mark McGowan said his state won't open the border until likely April next year - and only if 80-90 per cent of the state are fully-vaccinated Western Australia faces being cut off from …

With no more COVID zero, we've hit a new stage. But the states are more fractured than ever
3 years, 6 months ago

With no more COVID zero, we've hit a new stage. But the states are more fractured than ever

ABC  

In the Orwellian world of the pandemic, Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews's raising of the white flag on "COVID zero" was greeted positively by the Morrison government and with relief by many among the public who are at the end of their tether. "Living with COVID is a reality — it's not an option," Berejiklian said on Thursday, sending the blunt …

Australia's state premiers are given a deadline for when they MUST open up borders
3 years, 6 months ago

Australia's state premiers are given a deadline for when they MUST open up borders

Daily Mail  

The Scott Morrison government has given an extraordinary ultimatum to rogue premiers telling them they 'must reopen' state borders by Christmas when vaccination rates hit 80 per cent. The Scott Morrison government has given an extraordinary ultimatum to rouge premiers telling them they must reopen state borders by Christmas when vaccination rates reach 80 per cent Australian Defence Force personnel …

Scott Morrison's COVID lockdown exit plan has a big stumbling block — the two halves of Australia
3 years, 7 months ago

Scott Morrison's COVID lockdown exit plan has a big stumbling block — the two halves of Australia

ABC  

After being pummelled for months over the vaccine "stroll-out" and wearing at least some of the blame for never-ending lockdowns, it's understandable the Prime Minister has grabbed a torch from the Doherty Institute to lead the nation "out of the cave". It's the course of ending lockdowns once vaccination targets are met, reopening state borders and "living with" the Delta …

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