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 on Thursday and tens of thousands of people in the coming weeks,” said Al Jazeera’s Sarah Clarke, reporting from Brisbane on Australia’s east coast. It’s certainly the end of a very unusual chapter where we had one state cut off from the rest of the country for such a long period of time.” In order to enter Western Australia, travellers will need to be fully vaccinated and complete a travel pass.

Australia Western Western Australia Border Closure  tearful  began  western  state  australian  covid  australia  australias  vaccinated  border  closure  international  reunions  domestic  ends  travellers

History of this topic

Queensland scraps more COVID-19 restrictions despite third wave of infections
2 years, 8 months ago

Queensland scraps more COVID-19 restrictions despite third wave of infections

ABC  

Many of Queensland's remaining COVID-19 restrictions have eased from today despite health authorities confirming the state is experiencing a third wave of new cases of the virus. Unless required by their employer, vaccinations will no longer be mandatory for workers in high-risk settings, such as early childhood centres, schools, outside school care, correctional facilities, and airports. A vaccine mandate remains …

Three people with COVID-19 die in South Australia as state tops 400,000 cases since start of pandemic
2 years, 10 months ago

Three people with COVID-19 die in South Australia as state tops 400,000 cases since start of pandemic

ABC  

Three people with COVID-19 have died in South Australia and another 3,924 new cases have been recorded. Key points: Almost a quarter of South Australia's population has now had COVID-19 The number of hospitalisations has fallen Close contacts do not have to isolate from tomorrow Those who died were a woman in her 80s, a man in his 50s and …

Victoria could be hitting the peak of its latest COVID-19 wave. So what comes next?
2 years, 11 months ago

Victoria could be hitting the peak of its latest COVID-19 wave. So what comes next?

ABC  

Over the past few days, a barely perceptible trend has emerged in Victoria's daily tally of COVID-19 infections. "Hopefully we only ever replace one case with less than one now and we'll keep that reproductive number below one and see the numbers come down," Professor Bennett says. Professor Blakely says that's because while vaccines stop people getting seriously ill, "they …

WA records another two 'historical' deaths along with 7,535 new COVID cases
2 years, 11 months ago

WA records another two 'historical' deaths along with 7,535 new COVID cases

ABC  

Western Australia has reported two more deaths from COVID and another 7,535 new cases. Key points: Case numbers drop below 8,000 for the first time in four days Case numbers drop below 8,000 for the first time in four days A male teenager is one of two deaths reported in today's figures A male teenager is one of two deaths …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

WA sets new record for COVID-19 cases as state prepares to open its doors
3 years, 1 month ago

WA sets new record for COVID-19 cases as state prepares to open its doors

ABC  

Western Australia has again broken its daily record for COVID-19 cases, with 257 new local infections, as the state recorded what are believed to be its first cases in a remote Aboriginal community in the current outbreak. Key points: There are now at least 877 active infections in Western Australia There are now at least 877 active infections in Western …

Western Australia is reopening to the world. These are the rules you'll need to follow
3 years, 1 month ago

Western Australia is reopening to the world. These are the rules you'll need to follow

ABC  

Western Australia's border is finally coming down. Two years into the pandemic, travel freedoms taken away long ago will return — with interstate and international borders to open early next month. International arrivals will need at least two doses, with the discrepancy due to the Commonwealth definition for "fully vaccinated" when it comes to travel. The restrictions that come into …

How South Australia might inform Western Australia's border reopening
3 years, 1 month ago

How South Australia might inform Western Australia's border reopening

ABC  

As Western Australians wonder how the state's eventual border reopening might unfold, pundits often draw on the South Australian experience as the state with not only the most comparable population and density, but a COVID-free existence for major parts of the pandemic. "People want to come to South Australia and I think it's happy days for our state going forward," …

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 …

Covid-19: Omicron drives S Korea's cases to record high; Aus to open borders for vaccinated tourists
3 years, 1 month ago

Covid-19: Omicron drives S Korea's cases to record high; Aus to open borders for vaccinated tourists

India Today  

South Korea reported record high in daily Covid-19 cases with the Omicron variant of the virus driving the surge. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency reported 38,691 new cases of the virus on Monday, a nine-fold increase from the levels seen in mid-January, when Omicron became the country’s dominant strain. Jeong Eun-kyeong, the country’s top infectious disease expert, warned …

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 faces barrage of questions as WA border remains firmly shut to many
3 years, 1 month ago

Mark McGowan faces barrage of questions as WA border remains firmly shut to many

ABC  

After a week that saw a single COVID-19 case close a school and Western Australia likened to North Korea, it is hard to believe WA's borders were supposed to open today. When the reopening date was announced on December 13, former WA Health Minister Roger Cook warned the state's COVID-free bubble was "about to burst". Although the Premier is yet …

Beyond today's happy reunions, opinion remains divided on WA's border stance
3 years, 1 month ago

Beyond today's happy reunions, opinion remains divided on WA's border stance

ABC  

Today was meant to be one of WA's most significant milestones during the pandemic. Key points: WA's border restrictions will ease from today WA's border restrictions will ease from today Many businesses remain unhappy with the rules, and lack of a new date Many businesses remain unhappy with the rules, and lack of a new date People with disability are …

WA announces 25 new local COVID-19 cases as border eases, but many families remain separated
3 years, 1 month ago

WA announces 25 new local COVID-19 cases as border eases, but many families remain separated

ABC  

Western Australia has announced 25 new local cases of COVID-19 on the day the state planned to remove its hard border. The figure accounts for about 60 per cent of the total number of applications for travellers hoping to cross through WA's new hard border, with the remaining applications rejected or still pending. "These people are among the 30 per …

After the peak: What's in store for Australia now that the Omicron wave has turned?
3 years, 1 month ago

After the peak: What's in store for Australia now that the Omicron wave has turned?

ABC  

The end of 2021 was meant to herald the arrival of Australia's "hot vaxxed summer". "In the first week, we're going to have screening in place for children that we've never had," Professor Bennett says. What this will look like is hard to say before the impacts of the next few weeks are felt, but Professor Bennett suggests it'll be …

COVID-19 confusion takes over as WA changes course on multiple fronts behind hard border
3 years, 1 month ago

COVID-19 confusion takes over as WA changes course on multiple fronts behind hard border

ABC  

Western Australia has had two years to prepare for this. And a previous desire to immediately do anything possible to "crush and kill" the virus has been replaced by a reluctance to bring in harsher restrictions, with major events allowed to proceed even as COVID-19 significantly spreads in WA for the first time in two years. Few details of the …

Western Australia's rules on COVID-19 close contacts, isolation and testing will change. This is what that means
3 years, 1 month ago

Western Australia's rules on COVID-19 close contacts, isolation and testing will change. This is what that means

ABC  

As Western Australia's COVID-19 Omicron outbreak continues to grow, rules surrounding close contacts, isolation and testing protocols are set to change. When they are introduced, the new close contact definition will also come with new rules for who needs to isolate, and for how long: Confirmed positive case: Self-isolate for seven days — if you do not have any symptoms …

Mark McGowan's WA border backflip may have unforeseen consequences for tackling COVID-19
3 years, 2 months ago

Mark McGowan's WA border backflip may have unforeseen consequences for tackling COVID-19

ABC  

For two years, West Australians have come through time and time again when asked by authorities to do the unprecedented. Promise lies in ruins Premier Mark McGowan has repeatedly said that the key to WA's success in avoiding COVID-19 getting out of control was ordinary West Australians "doing the right thing". West Australians were promised that once the state reached …

WA's COVID-19 border will stay shut indefinitely. What now, and when might the state reopen?
3 years, 2 months ago

WA's COVID-19 border will stay shut indefinitely. What now, and when might the state reopen?

ABC  

Two years into the pandemic, Western Australia once again has been left indefinitely closed off to the rest of the world. Late last year, WA Premier Mark McGowan announced a February 5 reopening to interstate and international travellers, describing that date at the time as "locked in". But in an extraordinary evening press conference barely two weeks from that date, …

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 …

Coronavirus cases surge across Australia as omicron explodes
3 years, 2 months ago

Coronavirus cases surge across Australia as omicron explodes

Associated Press  

SYDNEY — Coronavirus cases surged across Australia on Wednesday as an outbreak of the omicron variant exploded, prompting Prime Minister Scott Morrison to schedule an emergency national cabinet meeting. Other states also reported surging numbers, with more than 1,500 new infections in Queensland, 1,400 in South Australia, 138 in the Australian Capital Territory and 55 in Tasmania. State Premier Steven …

South Australia was the first state to go from 'COVID zero' to 'COVID normal'. A month on, how is it going?
3 years, 2 months ago

South Australia was the first state to go from 'COVID zero' to 'COVID normal'. A month on, how is it going?

ABC  

One month ago, South Australians became the first in the country to go from "COVID-zero" to "COVID-normal". Yesterday, exactly one month after the state reopened, South Australia recorded 484 cases. Some of that, and the testing changes, were due to uncertainty surrounding the Omicron variant and the government's unsuccessful attempt to keep it out of South Australia. Premier Steven Marshall …

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 …

Australia reopens to students, migrants after nearly two-year ban
3 years, 3 months ago

Australia reopens to students, migrants after nearly two-year ban

Al Jazeera  

The emergence of the new Omicron variant had led officials to delay planned reopening on December 1. Australia has reopened borders to vaccinated skilled migrants and foreign students after a nearly two-year ban on their entry, in a bid to boost an economy hit by stop-start COVID-19 lockdowns and restart international travel. The emergence of the new Omicron variant of …

Tasmania open again after almost two years with its border shut due to COVID-19
3 years, 3 months ago

Tasmania open again after almost two years with its border shut due to COVID-19

ABC  

Hobart Airport is predicted to have its busiest day on record, as the state fully reopens its border to mainland Australia for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic started. Key points: About 5,000 arrivals and 2,000 departures are being processed at Hobart Airport Tasmania's border reopening comes with the state having fully vaccinated 90 per cent of those eligible …

Queensland's COVID-19 isolation ends with border roads thrown open to double-vaccinated arrivals from across Australia
3 years, 3 months ago

Queensland's COVID-19 isolation ends with border roads thrown open to double-vaccinated arrivals from across Australia

ABC  

There have been emotional scenes at Queensland airports this morning as families and friends were reunited for the first time in months as the state's borders reopened to people from interstate COVID-19 hotspots. Small number of people turned back Commissioner Carroll reminded people there were "strict criteria" to enter Queensland, after a small number of people were turned away at …

Epidemiologist warns WA border reopening should be delayed as Mark McGowan reveals date
3 years, 3 months ago

Epidemiologist warns WA border reopening should be delayed as Mark McGowan reveals date

ABC  

A West Australian epidemiologist has warned the state's Premier Mark McGowan to reconsider opening the state's border early next year as the Omicron COVID-19 variant continues to spark concern. Key points: Dr Zoe Hyde says it would be unwise to reopen WA early next year She says more data on Omicron is needed Dr Hyde believes hospitalisations and deaths are …

Queensland reopening and NSW COVID-19 border bubble rules explained
3 years, 3 months ago

Queensland reopening and NSW COVID-19 border bubble rules explained

ABC  

Queensland is bringing forward its much-awaited reopening, dropping border restrictions for all interstate travellers from December 13 — four days earlier than predicted — and opening up movement in the NSW border zone for residents. Freedom of movement in border zone Fully vaccinated border residents will be able to move freely across the border, though they will need a border …

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 …

What COVID lessons can Tasmania learn from South Australia's border reopening?
3 years, 3 months ago

What COVID lessons can Tasmania learn from South Australia's border reopening?

ABC  

As Tasmania's border reopening looms, there is plenty of anticipation about what will happen when the clock strikes midnight on December 15 and people from COVID-19 hotspots can enter the state. Key points: Authorities say Tasmania's high vaccination rate will help it deal with the inevitable infections Unions have expressed concerns over the readiness of the health system to cope …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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

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 …

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 …

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 …

What happens if you get COVID-19 in Tasmania when the borders open?
3 years, 3 months ago

What happens if you get COVID-19 in Tasmania when the borders open?

ABC  

In less than three weeks, Tasmania will reopen to the rest of Australia. The Premier says people who are unvaccinated and are a close contact of a positive case will have to quarantine for two weeks. Anyone living in the same household is considered a close contact and also have to quarantine but the number of days will depend on …

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall outlines COVID-19 requirements ahead of state border reopening
3 years, 4 months ago

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall outlines COVID-19 requirements ahead of state border reopening

ABC  

Fully vaccinated travellers from central Sydney and Melbourne will be allowed into South Australia when borders open on Tuesday, the state's Premier announced today. Key points: Fully vaccinated travellers from Victoria and New South Wales will be permitted to enter SA from Tuesday, except for Byron Bay Anyone entering South Australia will need to register their details Exemptions can still …

Discover Related