Australia reopens quarantine-free travel to New Zealand’s south island – but only two states will welcome Kiwi visitors and Aussies who were left stranded across the ditch when borders closed
Trans-Tasman family reunions are back on the cards with Australia reopening quarantine-free travel to many Kiwis.
The national Chief Health Officer Professor Paul Kelly has announced that Australian government has reopened quarantine-free travel from New Zealand’s south island, which has not had any Covid-19 cases since last year.
Quarantine-free travel will commence from Tuesday night.
Professor Kelly said NSW and Victoria have agreed to accept Kiwis but made no mention of any other states during a press conference on Sunday.
Kiwis from them South Island flying across the Tasman must return a negative Covid test within 72 hours of the departure flight time, show proof they’re fully vaccinated and have not been on New Zealand North Island for any period during the last 14 days
The Australian government will continue the pause of green zone flights from New Zealand’s North Island until November 1 following a further spread of locally acquired cases.
The news comes after New Zealand government hinted last week it may ease international border rules before Christmas.
A hard border has been maintained as New Zealand pursued an elimination strategy against the virus, but the reluctant acceptance of ongoing community cases has turned the government’s mind to a border rethink.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern appears set to loosen the compulsory 14-day stay in a quarantine hotel – known locally as MIQ – on arrival.
‘We are actively considering our MIQ settings in light of the fact that we are unlikely to get back to zero cases,’ Covid-19 Minister Chris Hipkins said.
‘You can expect to see us talking more about that fairly soon.’
International travel has been on hold since July, when New Zealand suspended the trans-Tasman bubble due to growing cases in NSW and Victoria.
While there are several Covid-free regions in both countries – including Wellington and the South Island – the government has not had an appetite to reopen the bubble.
More to come.
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