SYDNEY (AUSTRALIA) – Coronavirus-induced border restrictions, which is separating Australia’s three most populous states were ready to be relaxed, authorities said on Thursday. The country reported its 11th straight day of zero COVID-19 cases.
The Sydney clusters have now been brought under control, giving other states, with no zero coronavirus cases, the confidence to follow suit.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said on Thursday her northeast state would welcome NSW residents from February 1.
Palaszczuk said in a televised news conference, “I want to see families and friends reunited.”
The southeast state of Victoria, which is hosting the Australia Open tennis grand slam, was implying that it may change border settings with Sydney on Friday. The state reported its 22nd day of zero local cases on Thursday.
Victoria launched a permit system for all travellers, according to which interstate areas will be categorised as green, orange or red as per their risk.
Travellers from a red zone are not permitted into Victoria while those from orange zone will require a coronavirus test within three days of arrival.
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said, “I’d hope to have by the end of tomorrow no red zones in New South Wales, a much larger green zone but there may be some remnants of a couple of areas that remain orange.”
Australia has reported more than 22,000 local COVID-19 cases and 909 deaths since March.
The country, which closed international borders early in the pandemic and enforced lockdowns and strict social distancing measures, has ranked among the top 10 in a COVID performance index for its successful handling of the disease.
The cases has pushed Australia to have its suspension of quarantine-free travel with its trans-Tasman neighbour extended until Sunday.
Australia’s Acting Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd said, “This allows continuing protection of the people of Australia, while the extent of the situation in New Zealand continues to be clarified.”