Safety above everything. Looks like this virus does not want to step down.
Australia is legitimately extending its international travel ban for another three months.
Australia’s administration proclaimed that it is extending the travel ban through June 17, 2021. The former ban had been set to expire on March 17, yet, the government took caution that the rest of the world might continue to pose an unacceptable public health risk to its borders.
Greg Hunt, the Health Minister mentioned that “The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee has advised the Australian Administration the COVID-19 situation overseas continues to pose an unacceptable public health risk to Australia. Hence, shall emerge more highly transmissible variants. Prolonging the emergency period for another three months is to lessen the risk.”
For Australians, this ban means that they will have to remain in the nation through at least June unless they are granted an exemption. International trade will also remain heavily controlled.
It also says that those hoping to enter Australia will have to stay put wherever they are, as flights can be astronomically expensive and get cancelled often, even with quarantine measures in place.
Chris Moy, Australian Medical Association vice president said that “We do need to bring Australians back home, we’re seeing Australians that are coming home and they’re pretty scared about what’s happening over there.”
Hunt added in the end that the new measure can be updated or amended at any time. What if the situation improves the country still has the option to move up its reopening date?