Australia has decided to halve the number of flights arriving in the country as the new Covid outbreak has left half of the Australian population this week under lockdown restrictions .
Strict country border laws were only allowing Australians and special permission people to enter.
What Happens From July 14?
In effect from the 14th of July, Australia will receive just a little more than 3,000 people a week – a decision that could extend until next year.
The announcement has caused frustration for Australians overseas who remain separated from their families.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison explains that the new measure which they announced would reduce pressure on the country’s quarantine facilities.
The virus leaks from hotel divisions – compulsory for all arrivals – have been the source of many outbreaks across Australia.
Vaccination Campaign In Australia
Australia is pursuing a strategy to eradicate Covid until it gets most of its people vaccinated by next year (hopefully). Only 8% of Aussies have been vaccinated so far. Indeed a lagging rollout campaign.
Mr Morrison’s government has faced criticism over its border policies over the past year, which has extended family separation and made it difficult for many Australians to return back home.
In April, the Morrison government temporarily banned its citizens from returning from India during a deadly wave of COVID in the South Asian country. About 37,000 Australians are overseas looking to come back.
When Will Restrictions Be Lifted?
Mr Morrison said the border restrictions would not be lifted until the majority of Australians were vaccinated – a goal that would not be achieved until next year due to limited supply and vaccine availability.
If you are an Australian who is tired of being stranded overseas, these are not the sort of news you would like to wake up to, for sure.
From mid-July, the already complex journey of thousands trying to get home will be even more difficult.
Risk Reduction
The new rules aim to reduce the risk of quarantine evasion by incoming passengers and spreading the virus in the wider community.
It comes at a time of Delta – highly contagious mutation of COVID- been seen in seven cities – including Sydney, Brisbane and Perth that have went in lockdowns last week.
The virus’ detection in six states and territories marked the most widespread transmission of the virus in Australia this year.
