COVID-19: Trans-Tasman travel update

This is the latest update on the trans-Tasman quarantine travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand.

As you will remember the travel bubble was suspended following the recent outbreak and consequent lockdown that started in Sydney New South Wales, but has gone on to affect a number of other states. The initial pause was for 72 hours.

Current restrictions on Trans-Tasman bubble as of 1 July, 2021

• Quarantine-free travel from New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia is paused until at least 11:59pm (NZT) on Tuesday 6 July.
• Quarantine-free travel from Tasmania, ACT, Victoria and South Australia will resume from 11:59pm (NZT) on Sunday 4 July.
• Travellers also must not have been in New South Wales on or after 11:59pm on 22 June or in Queensland, the Northern Territory or Western Australia on or after 10:30pm on 26 June 2021.
• Negative pre-departure tests will be required to enter New Zealand if you have been in Australia for more than 72 hours.

Note that there is a bit of a disconect between the NSW lockdown which runs through until 9 July, and the trans-tasman pause, that currently terminates on 6 July.

2PAXfly Takeout

This is another timely reminder to wear your seatbelt when seated. Holding you close to your seat will protect you from the sort of injuries sustained on this flight, when unsecured passengers flew to the ceiling of the aircraft, and then came crashing down once the ‘drop’ ceased.

The hope will be that this is an anomaly – a ‘freak accident’ in casual parlance. If it is a systemic error either mechanical or electronic, then this is a larger concern for the airlines that fly Boeing Dreamliner 787 aircraft. Let’s hope it isn’t. If it is, it will pile on the woes to Boeing’s existing stack.

What’s the bet it gets extended to at least 9 July. What, no takers?