According to Mr Birmingham, it is likely that people will still be banned from travelling abroad unless they are on a special exemption list. However, the government will look to relax entry rules to welcome international students and long-term residents, but they will have to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
The Australian government has previously talked about plans to create a “safe travel corridor” to New Zealand and other countries that have controlled Covid-19. However, Mr. Birmingham said people should not expect too much from this project. The head of the Ministry of Tourism said that the Australian government still puts the health of its citizens first.
While borders remain tightly controlled, Mr Birmingham also urged people to consider a holiday at home. Australians spent more than $65 billion on international holidays in 2019. The government wants a similar amount to be spent on domestic holidays instead. Senator Birmingham said those who can afford to travel at this time should feel it is their “patriotic duty”.
Australia is one of the countries that has successfully contained the spread of Covid-19. One of the measures taken to control this situation is to restrict international travel and implement strict rules on social distancing and quarantine. Australia has more than 7,300 Covid-19 infections and 102 deaths. The number of infections increased sharply in April, mostly in Victoria, the second most populous state.
