Omicron variant: National Security Committee pauses re-opening Australia’s international border for two weeks
Australia will pause the international border reopening to certain visa holders until December 15 due to the Omicron coronavirus strain.
On the basis of medical advice provided by Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly, the National Security Committee on Monday paused the re-entry of skilled and student cohorts, as well as humanitarian, working holiday-maker and provisional family visa holders.
The reopening to travellers from Japan and the Republic of Korea will also be paused until December 15.
The temporary pause will ensure Australia can gather the information needed to better understand the Omicron variant, including the efficacy of the vaccine, the range of illness and the level of transmission.
Australia’s border is already closed to travellers except for fully vaccinated Australian citizens, permanent residents and immediate family — as well as fully vaccinated green lane travellers from New Zealand, Singapore and limited exemptions.
All arrivals to Australia also require a negative PCR test and to complete traveller declaration forms detailing their vaccination status and confirming requirements to comply with State and Territory health orders.
Flights will also be restricted from high-risk countries until December 15.
However, Seychelles has been removed from the list of countries of concern.
“Australians can be assured that we are in a strong position to deal with COVID and its emerging challenges,” Scott Morrison said. following the meeting of NSC.
“We will continue to take sensible and responsive evidence-based action, led by medical experts. This will ensure we can open safely, and stay safely open as we learn to live with the virus.”
Australia will pause the international border reopening to certain visa holders until December 15 due to the Omicron coronavirus strain.
On the basis of medical advice provided by Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly, the National Security Committee on Monday paused the re-entry of skilled and student cohorts, as well as humanitarian, working holiday-maker and provisional family visa holders.
The reopening to travellers from Japan and the Republic of Korea will also be paused until December 15.
The temporary pause will ensure Australia can gather the information needed to better understand the Omicron variant, including the efficacy of the vaccine, the range of illness and the level of transmission.
Australia’s border is already closed to travellers except for fully vaccinated Australian citizens, permanent residents and immediate family — as well as fully vaccinated green lane travellers from New Zealand, Singapore and limited exemptions.
All arrivals to Australia also require a negative PCR test and to complete traveller declaration forms detailing their vaccination status and confirming requirements to comply with State and Territory health orders.
Flights will also be restricted from high-risk countries until December 15.
However, Seychelles has been removed from the list of countries of concern.
“Australians can be assured that we are in a strong position to deal with COVID and its emerging challenges,” Scott Morrison said. following the meeting of NSC.
“We will continue to take sensible and responsive evidence-based action, led by medical experts. This will ensure we can open safely, and stay safely open as we learn to live with the virus.”