How does a country with no COVID reopen its borders? These places are finding out
3 years, 4 months ago

How does a country with no COVID reopen its borders? These places are finding out

NPR  

How does a country with no COVID reopen its borders? These places are finding out Enlarge this image toggle caption Aileen Torrest-Bennett/AFP via Getty Images Aileen Torrest-Bennett/AFP via Getty Images The main island of Tonga has gone into a week-long lockdown after the South Pacific nation reported its very first COVID-19 case of the pandemic late last week. Sponsor Message "I think in general, people do understand what is happening and it's been expected that at some point, as long as this virus is anywhere, this virus everywhere," he said. A policy brief from the Australia-based Lowy Institute released last year warned that countries and territories across the Pacific faced a potential "lost decade" and a permanent economic setback due to the economic and social damage wrought by the pandemic. Enlarge this image toggle caption Victor Bonito/Reef Explorer Fiji/AFP via Getty Victor Bonito/Reef Explorer Fiji/AFP via Getty After initially shutting its borders in March of 2020, French Polynesia, which includes renowned tourist islands Tahiti and Bora Bora, has since opened and closed its borders a handful of times.

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History of this topic

China opens borders to tourists after 3 years of restrictions
2 years ago

China opens borders to tourists after 3 years of restrictions

The Hindu  

China will, starting March 15, 2023, fully reopen its borders and allow tourists back into the country after three years of pandemic restrictions. Foreigners “with valid visas issued before March 28, 2020 will be allowed to enter China”, the National Immigration Administration said in a notice, adding that it had “decided to adjust policies of foreigners’ visas and entry from …

Nations tighten Covid restrictions as China reopens its borders. Top 5 updates
2 years, 2 months ago

Nations tighten Covid restrictions as China reopens its borders. Top 5 updates

Hindustan Times  

Several countries are likely to see a surge in Chinese travellers as the country rolls back its quarantine guidelines for inbound travellers. The world's populous country, which is reeling under the impact of Covid spike, is entering the Lunar New Year this month leading millions to travel within the country from megacities to countryside. Likewise, many countries are giving an …

Covid-19: China reopens doors for foreign students after two years
2 years, 6 months ago

Covid-19: China reopens doors for foreign students after two years

Live Mint  

China is opening the door to foreign students for the first time in more than two years, easing restrictions on their entry imposed after the outbreak of Covid-19. Foreign nationals holding a valid Chinese residence permit for study or an APEC business travel card will be allowed to enter China starting Wednesday, the nation’s US embassy said in a statement …

Israel Records New Covid-19 Variant, Symptoms Include Mild Fever, Headache
3 years ago

Israel Records New Covid-19 Variant, Symptoms Include Mild Fever, Headache

News 18  

Israel’s ministry of health said Wednesday it had recorded two cases of new Covid variant, but which officials said they were not unduly worried about. The strain, combining two sub-variants of the Omicron version of the Covid-19 virus — dubbed BA.1 and BA.2 — was recorded during PCR tests on two passengers arriving at Israel’s Ben Gurion airport. “The two …

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

Philippines welcomes back foreign visitors after 2 years of COVID border closures
3 years, 1 month ago

Philippines welcomes back foreign visitors after 2 years of COVID border closures

LA Times  

The Philippines lifted a nearly two-year ban on foreign travelers Thursday in a boost for its tourism and related industries as an Omicron-variant-fueled coronavirus surge eases. British tourist Ian Collins said at the airport arrival lobby that he flew back after two years because he “absolutely loved” the Philippines and wanted to reunite with Filipino friends. Malaysian tourist Shaun James …

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 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 …

Mexico COVID-19 infections up, especially at tourism centers
3 years, 2 months ago

Mexico COVID-19 infections up, especially at tourism centers

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy COVID-19 infections are rising across …

Singapore open border policy tested as imported Covid-19 cases soar
3 years, 2 months ago

Singapore open border policy tested as imported Covid-19 cases soar

Live Mint  

Singapore reported more Covid-19 infections among travelers from abroad than local cases for the first time in nearly half a year, testing the resolve of the country to keep its borders open amid the worldwide spread of the omicron variant. The last time Covid-19 cases among travelers surpassed local infections was on July 12. While Singapore has chosen to freeze …

US reopens its borders to Europe, the global epicenter of Covid-19
3 years, 4 months ago

US reopens its borders to Europe, the global epicenter of Covid-19

CNN  

Paris CNN — The United States has reopened its borders to vaccinated international travelers, ending a 20-month travel ban at the same moment Europe is battling a surge of Covid-19 cases that has pushed the continent back into the epicenter of the pandemic. Families and friends separated since the start of the pandemic streamed into airports across major European cities …

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 …

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 …

Living with Covid: Five countries that have decided it’s time to open up
3 years, 6 months ago

Living with Covid: Five countries that have decided it’s time to open up

CNN  

London CNN — More than 18 months into the coronavirus pandemic, a number of countries have decided it’s time to open up and adopt a “living with Covid” model. Denmark: The country that declared precautions over The Danish government lifted all remaining coronavirus restrictions in the country on September 10, saying Covid-19 was no longer “an illness which is a …

Anxious about travelling abroad again? Here’s how to go on a foreign holiday during a pandemic
3 years, 6 months ago

Anxious about travelling abroad again? Here’s how to go on a foreign holiday during a pandemic

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. Anyone who does test positive will need to follow a country’s individual quarantine requirements – even if you have no …

US plans to reopen borders soon, may make COVID-19 shots mandatory for foreign travellers
3 years, 7 months ago

US plans to reopen borders soon, may make COVID-19 shots mandatory for foreign travellers

Firstpost  

The Biden administration has kept in place travel restrictions that have severely curtailed international trips to the US, citing the spread of the delta variant of the virus. The Biden administration is taking the first steps toward requiring nearly all foreign visitors to the U.S. to be vaccinated for the coronavirus, a White House official said Wednesday. The requirement would …

Wealthy nations ease restrictions as COVID-19 deaths cross 4 million mark: WHO
3 years, 8 months ago

Wealthy nations ease restrictions as COVID-19 deaths cross 4 million mark: WHO

Firstpost  

As richer countries focus on getting back to normality, encouraging tourism, many outbreaks are hitting the poorer nations. More than four million people have now died from Covid-19, the WHO said on Wednesday, as many rich nations prepare to loosen restrictions even as countries in Asia battle surging infections. “The world is at a perilous point in this pandemic,” said …

U.S. Pandemic Restrictions Remain In Place On International Travelers
3 years, 8 months ago

U.S. Pandemic Restrictions Remain In Place On International Travelers

NPR  

U.S. Pandemic Restrictions Remain In Place On International Travelers Many things are getting back to normal this summer. But all is not yet well for the country's hotels, airlines and tourist attractions because restrictions on many international travelers are still in place. KEITH: The main reason - foreign visitors can't come because of COVID-related travel restrictions, Keenan says. And White …

G20 nations set to back COVID vaccine passports
3 years, 10 months ago

G20 nations set to back COVID vaccine passports

Al Jazeera  

Tourism ministers from G20 nations have met to discuss how to boost the hard-hit global tourism sector, which lost $4.7 trillion and 62 million jobs in 2020. The world’s 20 major economies threw their weight behind efforts to introduce so-called vaccine passports to boost travel and tourism, stressing that a resumption is crucial for a global economic recovery, according to …

Attention travelers! EU proposes reopening external borders
3 years, 10 months ago

Attention travelers! EU proposes reopening external borders

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — In an announcement sure to be welcomed by travelers worldwide, EU officials on Monday proposed easing restrictions on visiting the 27-nation bloc as vaccination campaigns across the continent gather speed. “Time to revive EU tourism industry and for cross-border friendships to rekindle — safely,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. EU officials believe the bloc’s COVID-19 …

South Africa reopens to foreign travelers amid virus creep
4 years, 4 months ago

South Africa reopens to foreign travelers amid virus creep

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. South Africa will now admit foreign visitors providing they …

Even with lowest Covid-19 infection, South America’s luxury beach resort to stay shut for foreigners this summer
4 years, 4 months ago

Even with lowest Covid-19 infection, South America’s luxury beach resort to stay shut for foreigners this summer

Hindustan Times  

One of South America’s top summer destinations will remain closed to foreign tourists this summer. South America’s posh summer spot to stay shut during Covid-19 pandemic Uruguay, home to luxury beach resort Punta del Este, will keep international borders closed this summer, President Luis Lacalle Pou said late Thursday. The country, which boasts the lowest Covid infection and mortality rates …

Scott Morrison has flagged possible changes to COVID-19 quarantine for international arrivals. What are other countries doing?
4 years, 5 months ago

Scott Morrison has flagged possible changes to COVID-19 quarantine for international arrivals. What are other countries doing?

ABC  

For the first time since late March, Australians returning from overseas may soon be able to avoid mandatory hotel quarantine. Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Tuesday said Canberra was considering allowing international arrivals from select "safe" countries to self-isolate at home, and some coronavirus experts have cautiously supported Mr Morrison's plan. The list of "safe" countries later expanded to allow …

Countries should meet these five criteria before easing Covid-19 lockdowns, Lancet study says. Many aren’t even close
4 years, 5 months ago

Countries should meet these five criteria before easing Covid-19 lockdowns, Lancet study says. Many aren’t even close

CNN  

CNN — Countries should not ease coronavirus lockdown restrictions until they meet five criteria – and many nations are not even close, according to a new analysis published in The Lancet medical journal. The authors looked at nine high-income countries and territories that have started to relax restrictions – Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Germany, Norway, Spain …

Can you clear up my Covid quarantining confusion?
4 years, 6 months ago

Can you clear up my Covid quarantining confusion?

The Independent  

Q You have said the “quarantine deadline” that we’ve seen from France, Holland and now Croatia is the time you need to be back in the UK from those countries. It is very similar to what the UK government demands of arrivals from non-exempt countries – although Lithuania, unlike Britain, allows people to make flight connections in “high-risk” nations without …

Coronavirus pandemic: How to travel safely
4 years, 7 months ago

Coronavirus pandemic: How to travel safely

Al Jazeera  

As countries reopen borders and ease restrictions, a number of measures can be taken to reduce the risk of infection. “We know that travel restrictions place a heavy burden on the lives and livelihoods of people, and what we have recommended from the beginning is that the restrictions that are implemented should not be unnecessarily invasive nor intrusive, and should …

What Australia can learn from other countries using internal border closures to prevent the spread of coronavirus
4 years, 7 months ago

What Australia can learn from other countries using internal border closures to prevent the spread of coronavirus

ABC  

COVID-19 has seen several Australian state governments take the extraordinary step of barring entry to other Australians in a bid to stop the spread of the virus. As the pandemic took hold in February, the World Health Organization advised against the closure of even international borders, warning that restrictions could "have negative social and economic effects on the affected countries." …

New Travel Curbs Imposed as World Tackles Second Coronavirus Wave
4 years, 7 months ago

New Travel Curbs Imposed as World Tackles Second Coronavirus Wave

News 18  

Nations in Asia imposed new restrictions on Monday and an abrupt British quarantine on travellers from Spain threw Europe's vaunted summer reopening into disarray, as the world confronted the prospect of a second wave of COVID-19 infections. "Not only is it unjust but it's also totally illogical and lacking in rigour," Spain's main hotel association CEHAT said, as hotels offered …

Travel bans cannot be indefinite, countries must fight coronavirus at home: WHO
4 years, 7 months ago

Travel bans cannot be indefinite, countries must fight coronavirus at home: WHO

India Today  

Bans on international travel cannot stay in place indefinitely, and countries are going to have to do more to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus within their borders, the World Health Organisation said on Monday. Only with strict adherence to health measures, from wearing masks to avoiding crowds, would the world manage to beat the Covid-19 pandemic, the World …

Global virus infections soar as US deaths spike again
4 years, 8 months ago

Global virus infections soar as US deaths spike again

Live Mint  

The global coronavirus pandemic is accelerating, the World Health Organization warned Wednesday, as the worst-hit United States closed bars and beaches ahead of the Independence Day holiday. Infections hit their highest level worldwide in the past week, WHO data showed, with chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus saying new cases had topped "160,000 on every single day." With new COVID-19 cases in …

Queensland's borders are opening as coronavirus restrictions ease and life moves toward normal
4 years, 8 months ago

Queensland's borders are opening as coronavirus restrictions ease and life moves toward normal

ABC  

The Queensland Government says it will ease some coronavirus contact restrictions faster than expected, with the number of people allowed in small venues to double and casinos, massage parlours and nightclubs set to open. Mr Miles said the mandatory quarantine accommodation would cost "about $200" per person a night. Far North Queensland dive boat operator Alan Wallish said he was …

COVID-19-hit US unlikely to be in EU's list of safe countries as Europe prepares to reopen to foreigners
4 years, 8 months ago

COVID-19-hit US unlikely to be in EU's list of safe countries as Europe prepares to reopen to foreigners

Firstpost  

European Union envoys are close to finalising a list of countries whose citizens will be allowed to enter Europe again, possibly from late next week, EU diplomats confirmed Saturda Brussels: European Union envoys are close to finalising a list of countries whose citizens will be allowed to enter Europe again, possibly from late next week, EU diplomats confirmed Saturday. The …

Coronavirus: EU could bar American travellers at it moves to reopen borders
4 years, 8 months ago

Coronavirus: EU could bar American travellers at it moves to reopen borders

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy European Union countries rushing to …

Spain reopens its borders as state of emergency comes to an end
4 years, 8 months ago

Spain reopens its borders as state of emergency comes to an end

India Today  

Passengers wearing masks and wheeling suitcases arrived at Madrid’s main airport on Sunday as Spain opened its borders to most European countries and ended a state of emergency imposed to contain the coronavirus. Spain’s borders are now open to all European Union countries except Portugal, as well as Schengen Area members outside the bloc and Britain in a much-needed boost …

Coronavirus concerns will keep Queensland border closed indefinitely, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk insists
4 years, 9 months ago

Coronavirus concerns will keep Queensland border closed indefinitely, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk insists

ABC  

Queensland's tourism industry is lobbying hard for a reopening of the state's borders as COVID-19 restrictions ease, but both the Premier and Chief Health Officer insist they must remain closed indefinitely. Key points: The Queensland tourism industry says the border closure is "disastrous" The Queensland tourism industry says the border closure is "disastrous" The Chief Health Officer says reopening could …

Countries Slammed Their Borders Shut To Stop Coronavirus. But Is It Doing Any Good?
4 years, 10 months ago

Countries Slammed Their Borders Shut To Stop Coronavirus. But Is It Doing Any Good?

NPR  

Countries Slammed Their Borders Shut To Stop Coronavirus. "I think they're mostly useless, to tell you the truth," says Ira Longini, a professor of biostatistics at the University of Florida who has studied the effects of restrictions. Sponsor Message "The purpose is to prevent disease but to do so in a way that provides the least restriction on international traffic …

EU wants borders opened for tourism: Coronavirus live updates
4 years, 10 months ago

EU wants borders opened for tourism: Coronavirus live updates

Al Jazeera  

With tourism making up 10 percent of European Union’s economy, bloc urges leaders to reopen borders. “It puts the flight crew in a precarious position.” 22:30 GMT – Brazil registers record 11,385 new coronavirus cases Brazil confirmed a daily record 11,385 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, as well as 749 new deaths, according to data from the …

US Embassy says Covid-19 threat in Tanzania’s main city ‘extremely high’
4 years, 10 months ago

US Embassy says Covid-19 threat in Tanzania’s main city ‘extremely high’

CNN  

CNN — The US Embassy in Tanzania, claiming that many hospitals in the main city Dar es Salaam have been overwhelmed in recent weeks, contends the risk of contracting Covid-19 there is “extremely high.” Wednesday’s health alert notes that the Tanzanian government has not released any data on Covid-19 since April 29. “Despite limited official reports, all evidence points to …

Every destination worldwide now has coronavirus travel restrictions
4 years, 10 months ago

Every destination worldwide now has coronavirus travel restrictions

Daily Mail  

Every destination in the world now has travel restrictions in place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, new research has revealed. The study, of all 217 destinations, was carried out by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, which said this represents the 'most severe restrictions on international travel in history'. Every destination in the world now has travel restrictions …

The paradoxes of immobility: COVID-19 and the unsettling of borders
4 years, 10 months ago

The paradoxes of immobility: COVID-19 and the unsettling of borders

ABC  

The novel coronavirus continues to make headlines as it is rapidly spreading across countries, with a scale and severity not seen since the staggering consequences of the Spanish flu in 1918. This emotional shock can generate for some people a real existential distress — a condition which we call the “Immobility Trauma.” Paradoxically, and due to COVID-19, those same citizens …

COVID-19 pandemic could cost millions of jobs in global tourism industry: UN body
4 years, 10 months ago

COVID-19 pandemic could cost millions of jobs in global tourism industry: UN body

India TV News  

Millions of jobs in the global tourism industry could be lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted travel like no other event in history and caused 96 per cent of all worldwide destinations to introduce restrictions in response to the outbreak, the World Tourism Organisation has said. Almost all global destinations have imposed restrictions on travel since January …

Covid19 is a long term battle, can't let down our guard: WHO
4 years, 11 months ago

Covid19 is a long term battle, can't let down our guard: WHO

Deccan Chronicle  

BEIJING: The coronavirus epidemic is “far from over” in the Asia-Pacific region, and current measures to curb the spread of the virus are buying time for countries to prepare for large-scale community transmissions, a WHO official said on Tuesday. “We need every country to keep preparing for large-scale community transmission.” Countries with limited resources are a priority, such as Pacific …

Africa coronavirus: countries shut doors against Europe, America
5 years ago

Africa coronavirus: countries shut doors against Europe, America

CNN  

Lagos, Nigeria CNN — Africa has so far recorded relatively few coronavirus cases compared to the rest of the world, but governments across the continent are taking no chances as they race to stop the spread of the virus on their shores. Travel restrictions Many African countries are shutting their airports and land borders to keep out people from countries …

Coronavirus | African nations close borders, cancel flights to contain COVID-19 spread
5 years ago

Coronavirus | African nations close borders, cancel flights to contain COVID-19 spread

The Hindu  

Several African governments on March 15 closed borders, canceled flights and imposed strict entry and quarantine requirements to contain the spread of the new coronavirus, which has a foothold in at least 26 countries on the continent as cases keep rising. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a national state of disaster and warned the outbreak could have a ”potentially …

World girds for months of trouble as virus pushes west
5 years ago

World girds for months of trouble as virus pushes west

LA Times  

People around the world girded for months of disruptions from the new virus Thursday as its unrelenting spread brought ballooning infections, economic fallout and sweeping containment measures. “Countries should be preparing for sustained community transmission,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, leader of the World Health Organization, said of the 2-month-old virus outbreak. Australia said Thursday that it is banning travel from South …

COVID-19 | Two schools shut in Noida, families quarantined; visa suspension extended to 4 countries
5 years ago

COVID-19 | Two schools shut in Noida, families quarantined; visa suspension extended to 4 countries

The Hindu  

Two private schools in Noida were shut on Tuesday for the next few days and several persons, including family members of the individual from Delhi who tested positive for the novel coronavirus, have been quarantined or kept in isolation as authorities stepped up prevention efforts including extending suspension of existing regular and e-visas to nationals of Italy, Iran, South Korea …

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