Covid Authorities announced on Friday that 19 vaccinations have arrived at Australia and its Casey research station in Antarctica, allowing expeditioners to get immunized before returning home to a country that is reopening to the rest of the world.
Australia is progressively lifting pandemic restrictions and increasing vaccine coverage after the third wave of illnesses caused by the Delta variety. Sydney and Melbourne, the country’s two major cities, are preparing to welcome fully vaccinated residents flying in from outside without quarantine on November 1 for the first time in more than 18 months. The prohibition on outbound travel will be abolished at the same time.
According to Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley, vaccines from Pfizer Inc had arrived for Australia and its Casey Station in Antarctica. Vaccines will also be distributed to the research sites at Davis and Mawson. Despite its arrival on the freezing continent last December, when it became the world’s last continent to record an infection, Australia has managed to keep its facilities clear of the coronavirus. “As expeditioners prepare to return home, it is critical that they may participate in the national increase in Covid-19 immunizations,” stated Ley in a statement.
However, the loosening of travel regulations is not consistent across Australia, as vaccination coverage and health policy vary by state and territory. Despite announcing the bloodiest day of the Delta epidemic a day earlier and daily infections still around record levels, Victoria state, home to Melbourne, would loosen some restrictions later on Friday. Ten fresh deaths were reported in the state, bringing the total to ten, down from 25 on Thursday. Cases fell from 1,923 to 1,656. New South Wales recorded 268 new cases, the lowest increase in two weeks. Later on Friday, the Australian Capital Territory will announce its daily caseload. The remaining six Australian states and territories are either Covid-free or have extremely low instances.
