PLANS to welcome back 200,000 international students and skilled migrants in Australia next month have been delayed in light of the latest emergence of the Omicron covid variant.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said last night that on the basis of medical advice provided by the Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly, a decision has been made to defer the reopening from December 01 to December 15 ahead of a meeting of national cabinet on Tuesday.
Last night’s announcement comes after the government announced Australia would welcome back 130,000 students.
Furthermore, the reopening to travellers from Japan and the Republic of Korea will also be paused until 15 December.
The PM said the temporary pause will ensure Australia can gather the information to better understand the Omicron variant, including the efficacy of the vaccine, the range of illness, including if it may generate more mild symptoms, and the level of transmission.
Meanwhile under state public health requirements, New South Wales and Victoria have already initiated testing and 72 hours of isolation requirements for Australian citizens, permanent residents and immediate family members entering the country. In other states, 14 days of managed quarantine is required, and traveller cap arrangements are in place.
The government’s quarantine facility at Howard Springs in Darwin is available to support returning Australians each fortnight as required.
