COVID-19: Australia ‘Omicron’ Changed Border restrictions

This could change by the time I finish writing, or at least tomorrow (Tuesday 30 November 2021) after National Cabinet, but here is a summary of current restrictions:

Australia’s International Borders

The border is shut to 9 southern African countries and flights are suspended for 14 days from Saturday 27 November. Australian citizens are required to serve 14 days in quarantine, non-citizens are banned.

Citizens and residents who arrived from there are required to do 14 days quarantine, while non-citizens are banned.

ACT

Arrivals from the 9 southern African countries must serve 14 days in hotel quarantine whether vaccinated or not. All other overseas arrivals must isolate for 72 hours.

Will need to get three COVID-19 tests, 1 within 24 hours of arrival in Australia, and then 1 on day 5 and day 6.

NSW

Arrivals from the 9 southern African countries must serve 14 days in hotel quarantine whether vaccinated or not. All other overseas arrivals must isolate for 72 hours.

Northern Territory

International arrivals on government-chartered flights quarantine at Howard Springs for 14 days, others home quarantine for 7 days.

Queensland

All overseas travellers to undergo hotel quarantine for 14 days.

South Australia

International arrivals from “high-risk” countries will serve 14 days quarantine. Interstate arrivals from “low risk” locations like Melbourne or Sydney need proof of a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours of entering South Australia, take test on arrival.

Tasmania

International borders remain closed. Effectively closed to other states except Queensland and Western Australia.

Victoria

Arrivals from the 9 southern African countries are banned, and all international arrivals must serve 14 days in hotel quarantine.

Western Australia

All overseas arrivals to go into hotel quarantine for 14 days. Border closed to South Australia too.

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.

Watch you states COVID travel restrictions before you travel, as this is currently a moving feast. If you are travelling from overseas, abide by the current restriction, knowing they may change during your flight, so expect changes when you land.

Flying is no fun at the moment.