Prime Minister: Australia will open its international borders in November

Source: People's Daily - Australia Channel

According to the latest plan announced by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on October 1, once the two doses of COVID-19 vaccination rate reach 80%, Australian states will be able to reopen to international travelers in November.

At that time, Australian citizens, permanent residents and their family members will only need to be tested for COVID-19 before the flight and quarantined at home for one week after entering the country after full vaccination with the Australian Therapeutic Goods Authority approved vaccine. Travelers who have not been vaccinated or have received an unrecognized vaccine will have additional entry restrictions and will still be subject to 14 days of hotel quarantine at their own expense upon arrival. Commercial flights out of Australia will also resume, and vaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents will be able to leave the country freely.

In addition, Morrison also announced that in addition to the Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Modena and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, the vaccines produced by The China Kexing Vaccine and the Indian Serum Institute in cooperation with the British AstraZeneca have also been recognized by the Australian Therapeutic Commodities Authority. Australian citizens and permanent residents who are not suitable for vaccination, including children and persons with medical exemptions, will be considered vaccinated at the time of travel.

According to The Guardian, even states and territories where community transmission still exists can join the scheme, including Victoria. With Morrison's support, the NSW Government has announced that it will be the first to restart international travel once the vaccination rate reaches the 80 per cent target, regardless of the progress of vaccination across the country.

New And South Australia are currently piloting a one-week home quarantine for fully vaccinated travellers. This quarantine will reduce the burden on segregated hotels, thereby significantly increasing the number of travelers that can be received by the states.

Victorian Governor Daniel Andrews said opening international borders was a "remarkable decision" and promised to give people greater freedom of movement after reaching an 80 per cent vaccination rate.

Queensland Governor Leqi Bai objected. She stressed that Queensland will not be open to international visitors until high vaccination rates are achieved, including until a child vaccination program is introduced. In addition, she called on the federal government to increase funding for hospitals.

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the initiative has also been welcomed by stakeholders including conglomerates, universities and airport associations. Qantas announced on the 1st that it will advance the resumption of international flights to November 14. Flights to the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, Singapore, Canada and Fiji have been listed as the first countries to resume routes. In addition, the Australian government will consider conducting quarantine-free travel with some countries, such as New Zealand, under safe conditions. (Intern Li Jieying)