Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced that limits will now be placed on inbound flights from India, as COVID cases in hotel quarantine escalate.
As India battles a severe second wave, the Australian government will stop one-third of flights from the country, and has announced that new arrival limits will also be introduced for other countries deemed currently as high risk.
Prime Minister Morrison said the government’s decision on India “… reflects that we’re in the middle of a global pandemic that is raging. And Australia has been successful throughout this pandemic, working together with the states and territories, to have very effective border arrangements.”
He said between 10% and 40% of cases being reported in hotel quarantine now were people who were arriving back in Australia from India.
All outbound international travel will also be subjected to more stringent measures yet to be announced, with the Australian Border Force set to limit exemptions for high-risk countries. Inbound travellers from those countries identified as high-risk, including India, will be required to pass a COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to boarding.
It is understood that the Australian government will look at the UK’s ‘red list’ of high-risk countries and likely introduce similar restrictions for travellers from those countries entering Australia.
“There are many countries in the world … that are in very serious situations with COVID, and the risk of COVID importation and outbreaks in Australia is ever present. We can’t be complacent,” said Secretary of the Department of Health, Brendan Murphy.
IMAGE: South Australia Health COVID-19
