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 Monday, another two Sydney cases were confirmed after arriving in Australia’s most populous state on a flight from southern Africa on Sunday, the state government said. New South Wales and Victoria, Australia’s second-most populous state, as well as the national capital Canberra have introduced a blanket 72-hour quarantine requirement for all international arrivals.

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History of this topic

WA's hard border is finally down, but Omicron's emergence means it's far from back to normal
3 years ago

WA's hard border is finally down, but Omicron's emergence means it's far from back to normal

ABC  

Two years later, Australia is finally whole again. WA border opening won't signal return to normal Yet even many of those West Australians waking up this morning with a sense of excitement or comfort will know the removal of the hard border will not put everything back to how it was. Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese was expected to be amongst …

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 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 …

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 …

New Zealand's white-ball tour of Australia in doubt due to extended border restrictions
3 years, 2 months ago

New Zealand's white-ball tour of Australia in doubt due to extended border restrictions

India Today  

New Zealand’s white-ball cricket tour to Australia later this month is in doubt because of extended border restrictions which require the team to have isolation places booked for their return. New Zealand Cricket didn't book places in managed isolation for the team in February because they anticipated the implementation in mid-January of a policy which would allow New Zealand citizens …

A great COVID-19 divide is widening in Western Australia as the state edges towards its reopening date
3 years, 2 months ago

A great COVID-19 divide is widening in Western Australia as the state edges towards its reopening date

ABC  

Two West Australian epidemiologists are calling for the state's border opening to be delayed to avoid a potential health "catastrophe" but, in a clear divide, key sectors of the economy warn any delay would be disastrous for jobs and businesses. Key points: The emergence of Omicron has split opinion over Western Australia's February 5 reopening There is concern about the …

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 …

New Zealand delays border reopening to February over Omicron
3 years, 3 months ago

New Zealand delays border reopening to February over Omicron

Al Jazeera  

New Zealand on Tuesday postponed its phased border re-opening plans until the end of February, citing the rapid global spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. Non-quarantine travel, which was to open for New Zealanders in Australia on January 16th, will be delayed to the end of February, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said at a press conference in …

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 …

Australian states urged not to ‘panic and overreact’ to Omicron
3 years, 3 months ago

Australian states urged not to ‘panic and overreact’ to Omicron

Al Jazeera  

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says Australians need to learn to live with COVID-19. Australian state leaders must not “panic and overreact” to predicted outbreaks of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said on Thursday, as some states ease curbs despite rising cases. New South Wales and Victoria, home to more than half of Australia’s almost 26 …

More border rules ease in Australia ahead of Christmas holidays
3 years, 3 months ago

More border rules ease in Australia ahead of Christmas holidays

CNN  

The Australian state of Queensland opened its borders to all vaccinated domestic travelers on Monday for the first time in nearly five months, as Australians gear up for quarantine-free holiday travel – even as clusters of the Omicron variant grow. Queensland, the country’s third most populous state, shut its border to New South Wales in July, then later to the …

SA borders to stay open despite Premier being 'extraordinarily concerned' about COVID-19 Omicron variant
3 years, 3 months ago

SA borders to stay open despite Premier being 'extraordinarily concerned' about COVID-19 Omicron variant

ABC  

South Australia's borders will remain open but all travellers from NSW, Victoria and the ACT will be required to have a test on arrival and isolate until a result is received. Key points: South Australia's borders will remain open to all states Travellers from NSW, Victoria and the ACT will have to get tested and isolate on arrival Exposure sites …

WHO issues a brutal warning to Australia
3 years, 3 months ago

WHO issues a brutal warning to Australia

Daily Mail  

Developed nations such as Australia have been warned slamming borders shut to countries reporting new COVID-19 variants could backfire. The Omicron COVID-19 variant has arrived in Australia after testing confirmed two overseas travellers who arrived in Sydney were infected with the new strain 'More time was needed to make sure that we had all the relevant information in relation to …

COVID-19 vaccine booster time frame to be reviewed after Omicron variant detected in Australia
3 years, 3 months ago

COVID-19 vaccine booster time frame to be reviewed after Omicron variant detected in Australia

ABC  

Australia's expert immunisation panel will review the time frame for COVID-19 booster shots, as the nation's leaders come to terms with the the detection of the Omicron "variant of concern". Key points: The government's expert immunisation panel will review its advice on the timing for booster shots The Health Minister says the country has enough vaccine stocks to respond to …

Omicron variant concerns cause changes to Australia's border rules — catch up on the weekend's developments
3 years, 3 months ago

Omicron variant concerns cause changes to Australia's border rules — catch up on the weekend's developments

ABC  

The Omicron variant — previously known as the South African variant and the B.1.1.529 variant — was declared a COVID-19 variant of concern by the World Health Organization over the weekend. Here is a rundown of what happened over the weekend: Two cases were confirmed in Australia on Sunday Australia changed its travel guidance for international arrivals Cases were detected …

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 …

National Cabinet to meet to discuss COVID-19 Omicron variant, whether to reinstate hotel quarantine
3 years, 3 months ago

National Cabinet to meet to discuss COVID-19 Omicron variant, whether to reinstate hotel quarantine

ABC  

The Prime Minister says he plans to call a meeting of state and territory leaders today or tomorrow to discuss how to respond to the Omicron variant, but it is "too early" to make decisions about reinstating quarantine before Christmas. Key points: Omicron has been declared a variant of concern by the WHO Scott Morrison says Australia has dealt with …

Omicron fear: Australia latest to detect new Covid variant, Israel bans foreign travellers
3 years, 3 months ago

Omicron fear: Australia latest to detect new Covid variant, Israel bans foreign travellers

India TV News  

Highlights Confirmed or suspected cases of new variant have already emerged in several European countries Researchers are concerned that new variant may be more resistant to protection provided by vaccines Israel moved to ban entry by foreigners, mandated quarantine for all Israelis arriving from abroad Australia on Sunday became the latest country to detect the omicron variant of the coronavirus …

First Australian cases of Omicron COVID-19 strain confirmed in Sydney travellers from southern Africa, NSW Health says
3 years, 3 months ago

First Australian cases of Omicron COVID-19 strain confirmed in Sydney travellers from southern Africa, NSW Health says

ABC  

NSW Health has confirmed two returned travellers have tested positive for the new Omicron COVID-19 variant in Sydney, making them the first known cases of the strain in Australia. Key points: The two positive cases are in isolation in the state's Special Health Accommodation About 260 passengers and air crew on the flight are considered close contacts NSW's Premier says …

Western Australia tightens border with South Australia after new COVID cases amid Omicron fears
3 years, 3 months ago

Western Australia tightens border with South Australia after new COVID cases amid Omicron fears

ABC  

Western Australia will force all arrivals from South Australia to isolate for 14 days under tightened border rules. Key points: WA Premier Mark McGowan says his state must act with an "abundance of caution" due to fears about the Omicron variant The "low-risk" designation means arrivals from South Australia must be tested and self-isolate Existing approvals for people due to …

NSW, Victoria and ACT tighten international arrival rules as states and territories respond to Omicron variant
3 years, 3 months ago

NSW, Victoria and ACT tighten international arrival rules as states and territories respond to Omicron variant

ABC  

Australian states and territories are reimposing border rules in response to the new Omicron variant of COVID-19, which has now been detected in a growing number of countries across the world. Key points: International arrivals into Victoria and NSW will now be required to self-isolate for at least 72 hours, regardless of vaccination status Those from nine African countries where …

Travel bans, new quarantine rules as Australia reacts to spread of Omicron variant in South Africa and neighbouring countries
3 years, 3 months ago

Travel bans, new quarantine rules as Australia reacts to spread of Omicron variant in South Africa and neighbouring countries

ABC  

The federal government has announced travel bans and new quarantine rules amid concerns about the new Omicron COVID-19 variant circulating in southern Africa. Key points: Non-Australians who have been to nine countries where Omicron has been detected cannot enter Australia The countries are South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, The Seychelles, Malawi and Mozambique Anyone who has already arrived …

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 …

SA delays border reopening date for NSW and ACT amid Sydney coronavirus cluster
4 years, 8 months ago

SA delays border reopening date for NSW and ACT amid Sydney coronavirus cluster

ABC  

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall has announced that restrictions on travel from New South Wales and the ACT will no longer ease next week as planned because of the ongoing coronavirus threat. Key points: The number of cases linked to Sydney's Crossroads Hotel has raised concerns in SA The transition committee has delayed easing restrictions on travellers from NSW and …

Australia 'not contemplating' coronavirus border change despite NZ flagging possible easing of restrictions
4 years, 11 months ago

Australia 'not contemplating' coronavirus border change despite NZ flagging possible easing of restrictions

ABC  

Australia is not considering changes to its border regime despite the New Zealand Government suggesting it could ease entry restrictions for Australians, according to Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Key points: Both Australia and New Zealand have been largely successful in slowing the spread of COVID-19 New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister is considering whether to ease some border restrictions He says …

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