Australian border closure, overseas flight ban to remain until 2021

Your passport probably won't get any use until sometime next year...

By David Flynn, August 10 2020
Australian border closure, overseas flight ban to remain until 2021

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says it's "unlikely" that Australia's borders will open by Christmas, meaning that international travel will be off the cards until sometime in 2021.

The PM's comments appear to validate Qantas' decision to remove the bulk of its overseas flights until at least March 2021, with the airline sending more of its international jets off to the desert for storage while CEO Alan Joyce doesn't expect the international network to restart "in any real size from July next year", when "we may start to see some international services and that will only get us to 50% the following year."

Likewise, it also puts a pin to hopes of a trans-Tasman travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand opening up by year's end, following confirmation by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern that the 'second wave' surge of coronavirus cases in Victoria and New South Wales means the prospects of that quarantine-free bubble is now a "long way off."

“The trans-Tasman bubble, obviously not anytime soon," Ardern predicted. “It will be on the backburner for several months."

During a media briefing today, Morrison suggested that reopening Australia and Australians to international travel was shaping up to be a 2021 proposition.

"I would welcome if by Christmas it were possible, but I think it’s unlikely that we [will be] able to move back to a restriction-free society [by then]," he said. "I doubt that is going to happen, and I doubt the medical situation will enable it."

“It’s important that we just look, and test and interrogate the medical evidence and make decisions based on that and nothing else,” Morrison added.

Last month's federal budget noted that "from 1 January to 30 June 2021, it is assumed that the travel ban is lifted, but that a two-week quarantine period is required of arrivals to Australia."

States are now shifting the cost of that mandatory hotel quarantine from taxpayers to travellers, with contracted rates pegged at around $3,000 for a solo traveller across the two weeks.

New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand and Hawaii are among the destinations to talked up the prospects of Covid-safe travel corridors, while experts predict that international travel will return in these country-by-country 'air bridges' rather than an all-in approach.

Even if you can't travel overseas until 2021, choosing and using the right credit card will help you maximise your frequent flyer points so that you'll be in line for a free flight or an upgrade when the time comes. Read our rundown of Australia's best Qantas Frequent Flyer credit card sign-up offers, beginning with a hefty 150,000 Qantas Points bonus.

David

David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.

Joe
Joe

03 May 2013

Total posts 669

That's ridiculous.

26 Mar 2020

Total posts 65

There is talk that the borders will be closed for the 10 - 15 years as that is how long the average vaccine takes to develop. 

Well that sort of talk is ridiculous....and just not true  

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

Travellz, in other words, borders will never reopen.

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

Travellz, but yeah, you do have a point. I wouldn't put it past them to do something like that. The NT has already said: no open borders for at least 18 months. Victorians could be wearing masks and undergo restrictions for many years to come. These unprecedented restrictions on everyday life are not going away anytime soon, and just when you thought they might (like in some European countries) they start enacting new restrictions and it's back to square one.

07 Sep 2020

Total posts 2

Thats ludicrous.  There will be an uproar. 

I'm sure by then Australia will most definately had enough. We are amongst the least affected countries of this virus. We have all done the right things and taken precautions  and we continue to do so. If it was to continue for that long, the public will feel offended that the government keeps on treating us as if we are misbehaving children.

We would have chosen another couple of prime ministers by then, we will find a prime minister that will not restrict us from visiting our loved ones in other countries.

16 Jun 2020

Total posts 9

Image had China contained the virus to Wuhan instead of allowing it to spread throughout the world...

07 Sep 2020

Total posts 2

This is ludicrous. I'm meant to be going to America to get married & I'm forced to be stuck here against my will, with no way of being able to see my fiancee' indefinately.

If an individual is taking all precautions they shouldnt be told they are not allowed to travel. It just isnt fair. In all honesty, I believe they have control of the virus & a vaccine for it, they are just making things sound worse than what it really is, in order to keep control ofthe people.

Its more than ridiculous. Its cruel and wrong and a flagrant abuse of our human rights. Its so drastically out of proportion to the risks that its no wonder that people have began to turn to 'conspiracies' to explain what is happening. 

21 Jul 2012

Total posts 128

As a physician who's had one friend lose her father to COVID and another lose his child, I can assure you this virus is definitely not under control and they are not exaggerating the seriousness of it.

21 Sep 2020

Total posts 1

Then let us deal with the consequences ourselves. Let us Australian's vote to be able to risk getting some virus for travelling to meet our loved ones, friends, and family, as well as opening the economy back again. How about the deaths caused by being forced to remain indoors and cases of anxiety and heartache increasing? "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." - Benjamin Franklin

RBC
RBC

20 Jun 2020

Total posts 43

If the virus is rife in the community, you may not be the one at risk. It's easy to gamble with the health of others. And the health consequences of the lockdown are ambiguous. Many health outcomes have improved.

Turkish Airlines - Miles & Smiles

08 Jun 2014

Total posts 263

Also ridiculous is the cost to stay at a hotel. I'm happy to stay at my own place, give me a tracker and have the police check on me every day!

Etihad - Etihad Guest

19 Jun 2019

Total posts 21

I think VIC also killed this for us. When doing checks people were not home after being tested for COVID-19. It is always the 1% that ruins it for the rest of us.

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

30 Aug 2018

Total posts 12

If you remember back to March (almost an eternity ago) when two week quarantine was announced but in your own home - it was exactly this (lack of compliance) that caused the hotel quarantine system to be set up in the first place.

IMO (if/when this is allowed) it should also be restricted to situations where the returned traveller will be the only resident in the household, otherwise everyone else in the household will get infected.

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

Nah, they would have imposed it anyway.

13 May 2016

Total posts 40

More like 25 %

29 Apr 2020

Total posts 3

Not just VIC. Non-compliance happened everywhere, VIC just happened to fall victim to a rapid community spread. 

12 Dec 2012

Total posts 1027

People should not be getting forced to go somewhere of the governments choosing, then make them pay excessive amounts for it because they might have Covid, while people who do have Covid are allowed to go home.

The only people who should be made to go to a government picked location for self isolation, both returning travelers and confirmed local cases, are those who have shown they can't/won't comply with the isolation orders.

The minority of people who refuse to isolate should be sent to a hotel and be made to pay, not everyone.

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

Except that's not how governments think. It's always a "one size fits all" mentality. Except for the elite of course. Besides, how would you know who will comply and who won't?

In some countries like Singapore, it depends on the country of citizenship.

Thais are not trusted with self-quarantine, so they're placed in facility quarantine. Victorians are also placed in facility quarantine, while the rest of the country can self-isolate at home, as can citizens of many European countries, despite having ten or hundreds of times the number of cases as Thailand does. In these examples I am referring to residents of Singapore who hold citizenship of these countries as ordinary business travellers and tourists are not currently permitted to enter the country.

For entry to the EU zone, Thailand, Australia, Japan and a few others can enter without facility quarantine. However, Thais are required to self-isolate upon arrival to the UK. Some of these decisions are politically based, others seem rather random. Or they view developing countries as "flight risks" and thus require quarantines, whereas developed country citizens are seen as more likely to follow the rules.

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

Himeno, how does a government agent know who will self-isolate and who doesn't? In Victoria, there are countless examples of positive cases who refused to stay home when the army came door knocking.

Like I said, governments operate on a "one size fits all" mentality, the same with health care and vaccination. Individual rights be damned...Australia like the rest of the western world is rapidly moving towards a concept of "Communitarianism" which is basically collectivism where there rights of the many override those of the few, no matter how ridiculous and poorly defined a concept that is. Most Aussies have been programmed through the media and the education system to believe this is a good thing.

No matter what your personal beliefs are, individual freedoms are dying out fast. It's facility quarantine when arriving from overseas, no ifs or buts about it unless you can find some kind of loop hole exemption, but the vast majority of us aren't eligible for this or even now how to go about it. Even for domestic travellers, the loopholes are being closed fast and facility (hotel) quarantines are being demanded, depending on the state you are from and/or heading to.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

I just checked in India and most places require home isolating coming from other states, and the back of their hand is stamped presumably with a date. As they do this at voting time to stop election fraud people are used to it. Interesting if we would wear it literally, cheaper than wrist trackers. The stamp wears off after a couple of weeks.

No-one has created this situation apart from the government. 

20 Jun 2020

Total posts 33

I just got back from a euro holiday. Travel exemptions to exit AU aren't difficult to attain and aren't stringently reviewed.

When you return, you can stay at your own property by applying for a covid safe plan through a state government application. It's a little bit pricey as you have to self fund security but much more comfortable for me as I can still go outside within my property.

10 Aug 2020

Total posts 1

Hi tcalise, lucky of you to be around Europe and back home now. I wish i could find a way to get away, any suggestions during these very strict enviro, from someone stuck in vic :(

16 Jul 2020

Total posts 1

I'd like to know more about that - which state were you in and is there a link I can follow for more information?

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

That doesn't sound right at all. Holidays aren't an acceptable reason to leave Aus, and with some rare exceptions, transiting countries on the way to/from Europe can be problematic. I think pretty much only the Middle East allows it. On the way back, it's 14 day facility quarantine. Saying you can apply to stay on your own property...I doubt that's allowed for most people given that they're now ramping up containment measures in Victoria and imposing more and more restrictions in the other states.

I would be really interested to know more too how to get an exemption. I eas planning to retire this year overseas and was due to depart Oz in May 2020 but flight was cancelled by airline and borders closed. I had a future planned permanently overseas. now I am marooned here .. so any tips to get an exemption most welcome 

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

09 Aug 2016

Total posts 38

you may be able to be trusted, but you seriously think everyone can be trusted to do the right thing?

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Matt I agree a wrist tracker plus random checks. Only issue is of visitors how to stop that. I suppose if you get caught it is 2 weeks hotel quarantine from the date you were caught plus's your visitors as well. I suspect some won't like wrist trackers etc so they can do hotel quarantine.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

05 Jun 2014

Total posts 210

Also difficult to see how a wrist tracker is entirely preventative, sure it'll provide evidence to press charges once said individual has left their home and may be that is sufficient deterrent for most but that's little help once they've spread the virus at the shops, friends house etc. Whereas the guarded hotels physically prevent movement.

Turkish Airlines - Miles & Smiles

08 Jun 2014

Total posts 263

No the tracker is on you to alert authorities if it's been taken off, or you've left the group locked location to... say 15-20 meters! Not the fact it'll follow you to the store, markets or work place :face palm emoji:

Turkish Airlines - Miles & Smiles

08 Jun 2014

Total posts 263

*geo locked location ie your home

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

I like I think it will beep which will remind you it is a very expensive and time consuming trip to the shops.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

04 Mar 2014

Total posts 204

Considering interstate travel is looking like end of the year, im not surprised intl is a long way off

Counties like Singapore and Taiwan have heavily invested in electronic tagging etc surely this would be a more logical long term solution and would be far better for peoples budget and mental health to isolate in their own home.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Jrfsp interstate travel is happening now so perhaps even WA will be open by then

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

04 Mar 2014

Total posts 204

Must have missed that memo about the state borders reopening

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

I'm in Canberra but Adelaide and Melbourne open Queensland last week. It does change a bit depending on the state pairs

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

It also depends on the direction you are travelling QLDs are allowed to leave.

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

Patrick, huh? They're CLOSING state borders now! The NT government is even suggesting it will remain closed for another 18 months! What are you smoking? Read news.com.au, it's all in there!

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Freqflyer I have colleagues flying in from Brisbane next week ACT borders are not closed to anyone. But warnings about going to Victoria and NSW and self isolating from both. Murdoch news is hardly the most reliable.

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

Patrick, that's the ACT and they could close soon too. Just yesterday I was reading that ACT residents have a deadline to get themselves back home from Victoria.

I don't trust the mainstream any more than you do, but I do trust they are telling me the truth about border closures. In your alternative universe, you're basically saying all borders are open and we can just book a ticket and go where we want like normal. That is PURE nonsense. Borders are closed or heavily restricted, both in Australia and overseas. Accept it and stop living under a rock.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Freqflyer not sure I am living under a rock but no borders closed in the ACT it is just NSW and Qld doesn’t trust us not to let infected folk pass through. We have self isolating and that is that. When COVID nexts quietness down then we can go further. My point is Australia is like the rest of the world local lockdowns and local b

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

Patrick, Australia is currently undergo a VERY harsh second lockdown, particularly in Victoria. This contrasts with several Asian countries like Thailand, China, Taiwan and Japan where everything is open. Now of course that could change, I'm not ruling out another round of harsh measures in these countries or anywhere else in the world, but right now travel between Australian states is much more restricted than in many other countries. That's the point.

Whether or not the ACT is officially open or not is not the point. They're calling the NT's borders "closed" and that's the right terminology to use when you consider that a Sydney or Victorian resident is forced into 14 day hotel quarantine upon arrival at a cost of $3000. "Open" to me means unrestricted not "oh you can still come but have to self-isolate". That's called "restricted".

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Freqflyer not sure where you get ‘harsh lockdown’ for Australia. Melbourne is closest to ‘harsh’: where I am there are no local restrictions at all probably except for loud crowded places and groups. No policing in sight and most people disrespectfully ignore Woolworths requests to wear masks. We disagree as I am in the ‘go early go hard’ camp. In the countries that do that Vietnam, China, NZ and many smaller towns and communities everywhere things are now very open except where there are small flare ups such as Da Nang in Vietnam, Auckland, Dalian, Aberdeen etc.  in Canada there are cross border restrictions particularly in the northern provinces.

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

You might try reading my response again, I implied that the harsh lockdown applies specifically to Melbourne and to a lesser extent the rest of the state. Elsewhere in the country it's not yet compulsory to wear a mask to enter Woolies, even if it's strongly recommended or staff are required to follow suit. This could change in the coming days/weeks. The restrictions in place depend on the state. Some are fairly open provided you're not attempting to come into that state (for instance, the NT imposes quarantines on Victorians and Sydneysiders, while South Australia is off-limits to Victorians altogether except for so-called "essential travel").

Vietnam is locking down again more and more, Hoi An is dead (it's in Da Nang's neighboring Quang Nam province), and bars/clubs have been shuttered in Saigon and Hanoi. Face masks are compulsory again nationwide (surprised they ever relaxed the rules when they've been consistently applied in Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines and other nearby countries since April) but I'm sure they won't be coming off again for a long, long time.

Cambodia, Thailand and Laos are pretty much completely open now even if face masks are required in some places, there are no interprovincial travel restrictions anymore. Europe is locking down again or requiring quarantines of arriving travellers coming from certain countries, in places.

So yeah, there are a myriad of rules but it's not looking good overall. Melbourne's lockdown is the harshest of any western country though, and significantly harsher than anything Thailand, Laos, Cambodia or Myanmar experienced even during the darkest days back in April and May.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Freqflyer colleague in Kolkata where things are not good is in full time curfew except from 9am to 1 pm for shopping etc. not as bad as Europe at its worst but not good.

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

Patrick, wow. That's crazy! I didn't realise that parts of India were still in such a strict lockdown mode. I remember Bihar was being put in a second lockdown a few weeks back, but didn't know Kolkata is also under such conditions. In that case I stand corrected. Melbourne isn't as bad, but I have seen a few headlines where it was said to be the strictest lockdown of any developed country.

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

Patrick, sorry for what you might have interpreted as my sweeping generalisation. Perhaps I should have phrased it better by saying "some states/cities have gone into full scale harsh lockdowns" by which I meant Melbourne and to a lesser extent the rest of Victoria in particular, with NSW on the verge of possibly joining Victorian ranks.

The rules are constantly changing so it's hard to keep tabs on the latest developments, whether in Australia or other parts of the world. I understand you're in Canberra and it's good to hear you aren't under a harsh lockdown...yet. I say yet because with all the crap that has been going on, you can never rule anything out. Back in May we were all being told that all restrictions, including border closures would cease by early July. Yet it was around that time that Melbourne slowly started going back into lockdown, starting in certain postcodes and eventually ending up becoming the democratic world's harshest lockdown conditions (harsher than the 1st or 2nd wave lockdowns in Auckland) and even harsher than that of many so-called "autocratic" countries in Asia.

I just hope that we've seen the worst of this, and that applies to every city/state and country in the world.

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

jrfsp, state borders are CLOSING right now. NSW requires Victorians to go into hotel quarantine. The NT requires the same of Sydneysiders and Victorians.

18 Jul 2018

Total posts 36

We really live in the ultimate nanny state. If returnees cover their own cost for hotel quarantine (or better yet stay at home with strict checks) how can anyone accept this?

Considering something like 25% of people in AU were born oversees and have strong ties to family all over the world this indefinite restriction on international travel seems absurd and highly authoritarian.

11 Dec 2016

Total posts 42

Will you join me in making a human rights complaint to the UN? The right to leave a country is in the covenant on human rights. It's in nz and Canada's bill of rights. We are trapped here like prisoners told by the government when we can leave and when we can return. Enough with hotel quarantine it's completely unsustainable and as we've seen doesn't even work. Let's adopt Taiwanese model and get on with things. I'm so sick of this country freaking out about every single case. Sent from self isolation for the egregious offence of visiting Victoria.

Turkish Airlines - Miles & Smiles

08 Jun 2014

Total posts 263

Where do I sign.

24 Aug 2011

Total posts 1205

I wouldn't waste your money. During a State of Emergency or State of Disaster (Vic), the Chief Medical Officers and Police Ministers are granted extraordinary powers. The UN would not want to be involved. It may be harsh but it is the law; Australia has no overarching Bill of Rights so, for better or worse, there is no fallback.

What is certain is that, absent a widely distributed and efficacious vaccine, widespread international travel is a long way off. This is not just because countries will maintain strict border controls including quarantine but that no insurance company will provide international travel insurance until they can quantify the risk.

11 Dec 2016

Total posts 42

I know there is legal authority but the international scrutiny and media attention would embarrass the Govt into acting. Most non Australians are shocked when you tell them you are legally unable to depart the country and then returning flights are also restricted in capacity followed by inhumane hotel quarantine you have to pay for. What do we have to show for it? Rampant community transmission!

24 Aug 2011

Total posts 1205

You may think that but it appears the reverse is true. The tighter the state premiers lock down their states, the more their approval ratings go up. Likewise Ardern in NZ who won't do anything until the September election is out of the way. It appears voters are rewarding leaders for being overly conservative even if such an approach may be ultimately unsustainable.

RBC
RBC

20 Jun 2020

Total posts 43

The right wing in Australia has argued consistently against entrenching rights in law. Now we see the consequences.

RBC
RBC

20 Jun 2020

Total posts 43

Seriously? You have no idea what authoritarianism is.

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

Oliver, I fully agree, but other countries are basically closed too. To enter countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, China, Indonesia and Thailand requires tons of hoops to jump through and will ultimately result in a 14-day quarantine upon arrival that you foot the bill for (except if you're a citizen).

I find it hilarious people are talking about international travel right now when you basically can't go anywhere. I am a dual citizen so while I could head to Europe without quarantine (for now; unless they decide to close up shop again later). I may be randomly selected for a PCR test which I don't want and once I'm in Europe I won't be able to get back to Asia or Australia, at least not without applying for a Certificate of Entry (for the former), having insurance and going through alternative state quarantine (or hotel quarantine in the case of Australia) for many months.

That's why I'm staying where I am and don't anticipate unrestricted travel to become possible again for about another year. It is what it is. Until the entire world goes back to normal there's no point in moaning or complaining otherwise...the world is in a state of flux and us "little people" won't be able to change anything.

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

Hewnix, who are these "non-Australians" (foreigners) who are shocked by what's going on in Australia? I don't think they're Asian, because Asian countries are applying similar restrictions and most locals in those countries seem to be pretty OK with it. The one difference is that I am not aware of any Asian country restricting it's citizens from travelling abroad, but at the same time, they correctly warn of stringent travel restrictions. You can't just book a ticket and get on a plane anymore. Firstly, it depends on where you're going and why. If you're a citizen of a country, you have the right to go home although some countries are making it difficult for their citizens to return home despite it being a human rights violation. If you're a non-citizen (i.e. foreigner...nothing wrong with using that word btw) you have no automatic right of entry.

About the only region of the world allowing some non-citizens in is Europe. Everywhere else there are restrictions - for instance Thailand is allowing foreigners in, but only those of certain categories (work permit holders, family members/parents/children of Thai citizens, permanent residents, migrant workers, film crew, elite visa holders, medical tourists/some types of business travellers). Ordinary travellers are not permitted entry at this point and all entrants, whether they hold Thai or foreign nationality, need to undergo a certain procedure before being permitted to get on a plane. After arrival, everyone goes into quarantine, even diplomats (the law was changed last month).

Other countries are similar - Vietnam for instance. However, Vietnam is not currently allowing family members of citizens in, nor is it allowing all work permit holders. Only "highly skilled" persons, which basically means factory owners, engineers and the like, but not English teachers or marketing managers.

In short, the current restrictions on global travel are probably not going to shock anyone anymore...because we've been experiencing them for almost 5 months now with no end in sight. In fact, restrictions are actually becoming STRICTER in Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada, Malaysia, the Maldives, Vietnam and many other countries. Case in point - masks are now required in Victoria, strongly urged in NSW, required in Auckland, parts of Canada, the USA, Malaysia, the Maldives, Vietnam and other restrictions are coming into force that weren't being imposed in the early days such as in April or May.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

18 Feb 2015

Total posts 124

I wonder if you get to choose the hotel? And do you get the points and nights??

24 Aug 2011

Total posts 1205

What do you reckon?

27 Jun 2020

Total posts 18

Ahhhh nope and ahhhhh NOPE!!!’ 

Random and you and stuck. I left my room twice for 15 mins walks on parking structure next door. No fresh air ... certainly not 3K worth even remotely! And meals..... forgetaboutit. 

Facing it again in October as I need to return for a heart operation AND check on my 95 year old mum. Currently I’m in Colorado where I seem almost free in comparison. 

05 Feb 2020

Total posts 30

Margiemc, well you found yourself a nice place to be while in the US. Colorado looks beautiful. Sydney quarantine must seem the pits by comparison, assuming its Sydney you are returning to.

27 Jun 2020

Total posts 18

Actually no Melbourne. And I already did the quarantine back in May but our hotel was very secure at the Novotel South Wharf. 

We couldn’t even poke our heads out of our rooms. 

I had an incredibly small hotel room. Admittedly it was comfortable but it was very small and I knew what I was getting into and it was still extremely tough.

BAEC

10 Jul 2019

Total posts 19

Its high time the government started sending positive messages out instead of reminding us all that we trapped inside our restrictive bubbles whilst the rest of the world is learning how to live with this virus. Very disappointing.

KW72 Banned
KW72 Banned

17 Jun 2020

Total posts 238

This is extremely disappointing behaviour from all the state and federal governments to continue to impose such restrictions.

Reality is rest of the world is getting on with life and learning how to live with the virus. The fact that someone returning from somewhere such as New Zealand or Taiwan has to hotel quarantine for 14 days is not based on any epidemiological fact.

The island prison approach is not based on health or economics, but done to win votes from brainwashed sheeple.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

KW72 Finland has just announced compulsory quarantine backed by fines and goal for non compliance.

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

Patrick, exactly. We have plenty of people who think that Europe is getting back to normal and this is all over, but that's simply not true. Until the entire world is back to normal, one can assume that we're going to be alternating between a series of lockdowns and re-openings. Meanwhile, some countries, Finland being a case in point, are only now at this late stage imposing strict measures like quarantines. I thought that mask mandates were off the cards for Australia and New Zealand, but look at Victoria now, NSW probably coming soon and Auckland has already announced a mandate of some sort too.

RBC
RBC

20 Jun 2020

Total posts 43

Can you point to a single country that has worked out an effective strategy not involving strict border controls? Everywhere that people decided to get on with life there has been an upturn in the number of cases.

21 Dec 2016

Total posts 39

It depends how you measure "an effective strategy".  

Taiwan and Thailand and New Zealand have effective strategies - better than Australia's, if infections and deaths are the measure - and neither involve preventing their own citizens from leaving as they so choose.

If the effective strategy is measured by GDP in 2020, the jury is still out. 

If the effective strategy is measured by happiness of the population, I'm guessing it varies pretty widely, especially in Victoria.

If effective strategy is measured by infringement on civil rights, Australia is doing pretty poorly.  

If effective strategy is measured by following the undisputed science and enforcing masks and closing bars and restaurants before community transmission gets out of hand, Australia has done pretty poorly as well.

If effective strategy is measured by testing per capita, the USA and Australia are doing very well.  If it is measured by community transmission rates, Australia was doing well, and isn't any more.

I could go on....

05 Feb 2020

Total posts 30

A really good point TDAG, we have all had time to digest the depth of the problem so some positive leadership is in order. Harrassing people in a pannicked state is getting ugly and tiresome.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

TDAG not sure the rest of the world is learning to live with it. Local lockdowns like Melbourne are more common and stage three restrictions are very common. Also lots of travel restrictions emerging. As Melbourne has shown it can be a small number of infected international travellers and then we have hundreds a day, which quickly overwhelm health systems as we have seen in the US.

BAEC

10 Jul 2019

Total posts 19

Quite, however this negative rhetoric from the government is not helping anyone. The rest of the world seems to be slowly moving forward, yes they are encountering a few bumps along the way but its forward non the less and people seem to be looking more positive, whilst its all doom and gloom here.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

TDAG not sure where you are referring to is all positive. The US is in a complete funk while the UK and Europe is all over the place with travel restrictions and local lockdowns. Australia and NZ are doing very well except for Victoria and some NSW nervousness. We are making do without international travel for the moment until testing gets better to bring down the quarantine period to a few days at most. At the moment two tests are required due to the high rate of false negatives.

BAEC

10 Jul 2019

Total posts 19

I'm not referring to the situation, I am referring to people. We need positive messaging not more messages saying that we are continuing in lock downs etc.

05 Feb 2020

Total posts 30

Patrickk, Ive been in the US since March and where I am things are pretty good and yes they are creeping forward as TDAG said. In Texas they arent fining people for breaking the covid rules, just encouraging them to follow along. In Australia they are seriously harsh and its all negative rhetoric from the media and politicians. 

My daughters husband is a police officer in NSW and the things he has had to do to enforce covid "rules" makes it sound like Nazi Germany. I dont think its Austrlians that are the problem, its the harsh leadership.  What happens if outbreaks are still popping up 12 months from now, lock down, lock down, lock down. No wonder Qantas has left town and moth balled their planes.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Brett the police are tough because after many weeks of warnings pubs and clubs are breaking the rules. They still haven’t closed any pubs yet which is being very generous. Just before the current uptick I walked up George st in Sydney and down the finance end the bars were packed nobody was seated despite the rules and of course no policing there either. Physical distancing completely absent. Where I am in Canberra it is fairly relaxed no obvious policing but I suspect later at night there may be more checking. The whole thing does vary a lot across the country but I do agree with Jacinta Ardern to go early and go hard, and go for elimination that way if it pops up it can be squashed. Many states in the US seem do not even be going for suppression but a form of light management. I think the ACT government and WA would go early and go hard if needed, but the federal government seems to be dead against it.

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

Brett, you're lucky to be in Texas, because in other states they're going real gestapo now too, especially New York, which is imposing quarantines for travellers arriving from certain states and setting up checkpoints. Texas has always been one of the more conservative states that places a high value on freedom and liberty. I lived there for 2 years and was hoping to visit again later this year, until the virus hit. I'm now looking at tentatively planning a trip sometime in Q2 of next year, pending the easing of global border restrictions.

05 Feb 2020

Total posts 30

TheFreqFkyer, yes I agree about being one of the lucky ones. I would really struggle with some of the government rulings back in Aus. Only allowed to have regulated numbers of visitors in your home, being questioned on the street by the police as to why you are out of your home and not hiding in lock down, curfews and police blockiing highways and fining people heavily !! I watch the Australian news here and it appears each states leaders are trying to outdo each other in being the toughest. On the other hand Im pretty impressed with what I see here, people wearing masks, hand sanitiser in every shop and restaurant, business owners regularly cleaning door handles and eftpos machines. Things seem to be trending in the right direction with these measures and no one is getting fined !! Except some businesses that want to be renegades. Some states here have gone a bit hard on it but in general I think life is pretty chilled. True words about Texas, I find Australia has become so politically correct  now it grinds me. I come here and its laid back by comparison and people are respectful unless its about politics. Things will get crazy soon though with the election coming up, maybe my peace will shattered haha.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Brett I am in Australia and have not come across most of the things you refer to. You are extrapolating Melbourne to the rest of the country. True I’m limited to 10 in the house but I would never have that many anyway. Where I am people are not being fined and renegade businesses sometimes get let off with a warning. As you say most people are chilled and with no cases in months that is why. It is not uncommon for the police in many states of the US to ask people why they are out and about sometimes to tragic consequences. The only thing states compete on being tough about in Australia is borders. Up to a point I agree, as it is travellers that bring the infections in. In most states of Australia they would prefer new infections per day of well under 5 as more than that it is hard to test track and isolate. There are hand sanitisers in most places some wear masks in shops (I do) but with zero cases many wonder why need to but if there were a few cases out there they would. New Zealand worries with 10 new cases in a day the US is tolerant of 10,000 in a day. Tolerance levels is what it is about and health system capacity.

05 Feb 2020

Total posts 30

Patrickk, things are very fluid all over the world and different restrictions constantly changing. Last I heard I think it was an 8pm curfew in Melbourne and no one allowed out to play until morning. I find this concept absurd and the premier needs a new job. You speak of Canberra like its handling things well and it sounds good there, you are fortunate as I am. 

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Brett curfews to keep people in are not that uncommon (or 'absurd'). As  mentioned Kolkata curfew is from 1.00pm to 7.00am. Across Europe bars and restaurants are being closed from anytime from 8 to midnight. If stopping people 'playing' as you suggest then that is the way to do it. We now know more about how it is spread an increasingly restaurants and bars are being named. As we know from contact tracing if people are drunk in doors they shout a lot and don't know how to keep apart (more droplets in the air).  I think as a rule contact tracing is less in the US mainly because there are too many cases to trace, and so the evidence is not there..

Melbourne IS Australia - I'm amazed at how Australians in other states seem to not even care about what is happening to people in Melbourne and to be joining in with the individual state point scoring of the premiers as if its a game of cricket. We all have threats of  being locked up held over all of our heads from these despicable rogue premiers. The rest of the world IS learning to deal with it in not such a heavy handed or hysterical way. yes a bit chaotic and haphazard in places but nowhere else is imprisoning its citizens or permanent residents, many of whom have part of their lives overseas. Commentators from Europe and some other parts of the world are looking on incredulously as Australia locks up its own citizens and blames them for their situation. Even more incredulously there is no end in sight and so many in the population seem to be calling out to be even more restricted in some sort of deluded quest for 100% safety.  

11 Dec 2016

Total posts 42

There has not been an overwhelmed health system in US since NYC. Even that was not the entire system.

Aus govt woefully under resourced its hospital systems in the face of booming population and now they're trying to hide it.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Florida, Texas and California come to mind. Almost impossible to get a test.

21 Dec 2016

Total posts 39

That is incorrect - testing is available to everyone in those three states, and not hard to obtain; the hold-up is with the results, which can take days or even weeks.

To that end, any test that isn't returned in 24 hours is useless if the person tested hasn't been in isolation awaiting the results. That is a problem in Australia, too.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Nyjoe see the ABC report by Katherine Diss on Texas on hospital system capacity. As one who has had a test self isolating for two days while the test results come back is easy waiting two weeks is very hard and if you have it you would know by then so what's the point, and probably not self isolated for that long hence my point on testing. As a report from someone in the US who had the test they could get it easily for a fee then wait two weeks which as you say is useless. The free tests are much harder and they're for those who need it the most. I probably disagree with you that a 48 hour turnaround is also useless.

21 Dec 2016

Total posts 39

I think Diss is therefore incorrect about testing; hospital capacity has long been a problem in Texas and elsewhere, but free testing (and it should be free in ALL cases) is pretty prevalent. Keep in mind that the USA has, overall, the same testing rate per capita that Australia has.

Having said that, no one would suggest that the USA is doing a good job.

Fair point on the 48 hour turnaround, assuming that the person tested goes from test to isolation until the results are returned. My friend in upstate New York, on the other hand, was tested and given the (negative) results within 3 hours. But even he interacted with four people in the space of that three hours.

At least they were all wearing masks.

28 May 2020

Total posts 18

Not true, that is to do with insurance and money

21 Dec 2016

Total posts 39

Nope, free for everyone.  People are sometimes illegally or mistakenly billed, but all coronavirus tests are free.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

nyjoe things may have changed in the  last month but see ABC News story "I covered America's coronavirus outbreak for months. Then I caught the disease"  By North America correspondent Kathryn Diss in Washington DC Posted ThuThursday 16 JulJuly 2020 at 5:02am. She was in DC and paid $200 up front and waited four days

21 Dec 2016

Total posts 39

She shouldn't have paid by July 16; free testing has been widely available in DC since April.  

28 Apr 2017

Total posts 6

Local lockdowns and restrictions are not a sign of being all over the place, they're a sign we are finding ways to live with the virus and move forward from shutting down whole countries. It's got to be about targeting where there are problems and acting quickly. The alternative is blanket restrictions for an indefinite period while we sit it out waiting for a vaccine that may or may not work, or think we will eradicate the virus entirely. It isn't going to happen like that.

The fact some people have no respect for the rules when they are in place is a different matter.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Stevo Australia is not in a complete lock down. I'm in Canberra and ca go and do much as I like as long as it is not in crowded places. This is much the same for the rest of Australia except for Melbourne one of those local lockdowns you refer to.

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

Patrick, that's true but there are travel restrictions between states once again and things are teetering on the brink in NSW, especially Sydney at the moment.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

26 May 2014

Total posts 468

While I will miss my ski holiday in Japan next season, I am not too troubled by the prospect of having to wait it out in a COVID free community in Perth and not being concerned for the welfare of family and friends, particularly the vulnerable.

Turkish Airlines - Miles & Smiles

08 Jun 2014

Total posts 263

Eventually when the borders open in WA... cases will pop up. It's inevitable. How long do you think Australian's let alone New Zealanders, won't be able to travel abroad?

28 May 2020

Total posts 18

NZ can travel outbound. They have 5000 people leaving a week.

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

Wonder where NZers are going when the whole world is still closed. Only Europe is kind of open to foreign tourists (except Americans and Chinese), but Kiwis aren't allowed to enter Australia, most Asian countries (unless they're returning residents and meet one of the exceptions to the travel bans) or most other parts of the world. 5000 therefore seems like an incredibly high number...I presume most of those leaving are not Kiwis but foreigners stuck in Kiwiland returning to their home countries.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Matt my bet is end of year for NZ and middle of next year for others when a quick reliable 2-3 day quarantine test is available

Turkish Airlines - Miles & Smiles

08 Jun 2014

Total posts 263

What is the 16 hour or so test, maybe even less that they are carrying out at HK airport? Will Ripley from CNNi did a story on his experience when he returned to HK, he stayed in what looked like a gymnasium, people separated at distance but had to wait out many hours for the results. Then was able to leave or fly on... Couldn't we have this at Australian airports, hence able to go home. I'd be up for that!

15 Aug 2018

Total posts 26

They were at Asia World Expo next to the airport. If you arrive in the morning you wait there about 12h for your COVID test results. For evening arrivals you get sent for one night in the Regal Oriental hotel until the next day when your COVID test result is known. Then, if from a low risk country ( like Oz) you can home quarantine monitored by a locked wrist band and app. If you leave your house. $A5000 fine, two weeks in quarantine camp AND then 3 months jail. 

High risk countries pax have a choice. Two weeks self paid hotel quarantine or Govt. provided quarantine camp (demountables outside the city). 

HK residents are free to come and go providing these rules are followed. Unlike Australia, the island prison where you need a Soviet style exit visa 

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Matt the false negatives are the issue around 30% or more for those without symptoms and up to 20% for those with. The HK test has too many opportunities for infectious folk to pass through.

24 Aug 2011

Total posts 1205

Correct as well as the issue that the test does not identify those who are still incubating the virus. For example, if you flew MEL-HKG and were infected on the flight, you would return a negative test on landing in HKG but become highly infectious about 3-4 days later.

UA

30 Jun 2015

Total posts 35

Crunch the numbers: assume 14 day return quarantine and even if 20% of the usual volume of Australians (19M in 2019) opted to travel over the next year that equates to 150,000 return pax in quarantine on a given day ( It was about 30K in April/May). Typical quarantine non-compliance is reportedly around 5%, but has been above 25% in Victoria.

Just one quarantine failure screwed Victoria.

Even at the lower figure that is 7,500 idiots trying to skip/abuse quarantine on a recurring basis.

We all want out lives back and, as someone who would have flown 16 international sectors of nine hours or more between March and September this year, I am definitely one of those. But I know why we will not be allowed out for some tme.

11 Dec 2016

Total posts 42

Your point only supports the argument that quarantine and cutting ourselves off from the world is wholly unsustainable

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Hewnix it depends for how long. So far it seems six months for sure and possibly a year is fine. Note the only trade effect is tourism (which I know is big but not insurmountable as it goes both ways) and I suspect international students will be sorted for next year with 2 weeks quarantine

RBC
RBC

20 Jun 2020

Total posts 43

Actually the point is that cutting ourselves off from the world is the only measure to prevent virus spread. Glad you understood that point.

11 Dec 2016

Total posts 42

I don't think anyone has noted that once we have a travel bubble which any nation such as NZ, the overseas travel ban will be moot. Australian govt couldn't stop Australians from catching a flight to the US from Auckland for example.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Hewnix very true until they want to come back and then two weeks quarantine in NZ and I am sure the kiwis won't want to pay.

Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer

17 Nov 2014

Total posts 102

Thank you Dan Andrews and his incompetent government for busting our travel bubbles and any hope for going overseas in 2020. I appeal to all Victorians in the upcoming election to punish him strongly for this.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Citrail which upcoming election he was elected last year.

24 Aug 2011

Total posts 1205

Year before actually but it is still 2 years until next Vic poll. Probably unlikely he will stay around until then anyway.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Co that you could add Gladys and Sco-mo (Peter Dutton and the ag minister) for the ruby princess debacle as well as Sco-Mo for the Covid in nursing home debacle. The blame heads in many directions but in the end to overwhelmed public servants.

RBC
RBC

20 Jun 2020

Total posts 43

Let's keep the ad hominem politics out of this. Remember that quarantine is a federal responsibility.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

25 Sep 2013

Total posts 1244

Was there anyone who actually believed international travel might resume this year?

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Eminere there have been a few on this forum regular traveller for one.

P
P

17 Jan 2018

Total posts 84

Put a ring around ACT, close borders. See how long they last! And furlough all civil servants by 50% salary cuts. Let them share the pain and see if that changes their perspective.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

P the ACT has had a couple of border closures on early on for a month or so and now a non policed one with advice not to travel to Sydney or Melbourne and to self isolate on return. If there is any positive cases of which there haven't been for a month or more the whole thing will be much tighter.

11 Aug 2020

Total posts 1

I don't understand why, nor have I found an explanation.

A returning NSW resident from international (and now Victorian) travel faces mandatory quarantine for 2 weeks.

A local NSW resident that was in a suspect hotspot, or indeed develops symptoms and tests positive is only required to self isolate for 2 weeks.

How are those two individuals different in the perceived risk to the community?

Is the former considered more likely to go rogue and enter the community, and the latter a law abiding citizen?

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Away01 the short answer is that it is very easy to police an airport but not a local area in the same way. The absconding rate is much the same but in Victoria with increased checking and fines it is starting to come down NSW may do the same.

12 Aug 2020

Total posts 1

The sad opinion of many I know oversees such as myself comes to those on temp visa. We were due to arrive in April on a sponsored visa (working for 2-4 years).

Why are we being classed the same as tourists? We are able to have a test/results 1-3 days before we fly, pay for our own quarantine for 2 weeks. Have temperature checks either side etc. 

Simply dont get Australia's approach. Myself and the prospective Oz employer have paid out many thousounds and also messing with our life.

The dont have to take this blanket scared approach just allow people if willing to 14 day quarantine, if they dont understand that after this period people can not transmit the virus they are pretty stupid and just being ignorant to both those oversees and residents.

24 Aug 2011

Total posts 1205

Interested to know what approach you were taking regarding health insurance.  As a sponsored visa holder you would not be covered by Medicare so are you still able to obtain insurance?  My understanding is that most companies have canceled coverage.

BAEC

10 Jul 2019

Total posts 19

Some sponsored visa holders receive reciprocal medicare so Insurance is not mandatory for them. 

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

Because the ban is on foreigners in general, not merely tourists. Unless you have permanent residency you're not really a "resident" anyway, at best you can be described as a "temporary resident".

04 Dec 2017

Total posts 69

If the Russian vax is credible it could well be a game changer. Fingers crossed and cautiously optimistic.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

I note they seemed to have skipped the stage 3 testing bit. There are a few that have got as far as they have but can’t be certified without stage 3 testing, that is very large numbers in a high prevalence environment. Brazil is a favourite for that.

24 Aug 2011

Total posts 1205

Russia has disclosed that it has approved the vaccine after testing on only 76 people.  On this basis, it is unlikely to get global approval given most vaccines require successful double-blind Level 3 testing on at least 30,000 people.

Yeah, it won't even get past the front door of a credible health care agency (FDA, EMA, SwissMedic, TGA etc) with those levels of testing.

76 is pretty much phase 1 levels of testing. It's basically pharmacokinetic (what the body does to a drug) and pharmacodynamic (how the drug works and it's mechanism of action) testing. Phase 2 and 3 are efficacy testing.

With 76 people, they'll barely know if it is well tolerated by a human body, let alone how effective it is at stimulating antibodies and how long that protection lasts.

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

reeves, no vaccine has ever been through a double blind study. Most of the time, a vaccine is compared to another one with the antigen component taken out, not a true placebo. Most vaccines are only tested for a short time measured in terms of weeks, never months or years. This means that adverse reactions that show up months or years later are never attributed to the vaccine, when independent studies have proven there is a connection.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Freq the Oxford vaccine (according to National Geographic) is with 50,000 (over many countries and importantly 5,000 in Brazil) over six months until Nov) the placebo is 'quadrivalent meningitis ACWY vaccine' as the control, so it is not completely useless against something (just not COVID); the Queensland UNI one (according to the ABC) is with a bit over a hundred but over a 12 month period (not sure what the control is) . So the process does vary a bit. The advance production of billions of doses is a big gamble (not to mention a moral hazard: to come up with a positive answer), and also as you say adverse reactions can emerge later on.

UA

09 Mar 2016

Total posts 56

You must be joking, TheFreqFlyer, vaccines are routinely trialed in double blinds. A few double blinds I have been involved with: a heat activated Hep B vaccine in the 1980s; SPf66 malaria vaccine double blind trial in Thailand 1994-96; several double blind trials of influenza vaccines in the mid 1990s; gp350 Epstein-Barr virus vaccine mid-2000s; ICP10PK vaccine for KSV-2 (venereal warts) 2000-2001. I could go on. Geeze.

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

Mikana, you need to do more research than what the biased Murdoch news is telling you. Patrick gave you a clue, which is exactly what I said - vaccines are normally tested against one another or against the same formulation as the new vaccine but without the antigen component. There are no true placebos, such as a saline shot.

UA

09 Mar 2016

Total posts 56

I've never read a Murdoch publication in my life and I certainly don't take any of my news about science form the mass media. I was the MD of a major international health organization based in DC and Frankfurt for 10 years. I read the science itself, you condescending twerp. Placebo is frequently used in vaccine trials but when it is used, at trial end, the trial is unblinded and the subjects who received placebo are given the vaccine, unless of course, there have been statistically significant incidents among the group given the vaccine.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Can we ease up on name calling controls  don’t have to be placebos. You have to tell people what they are getting, so better to say one vaccine or another. It will make them feel it’s not a waste of time. Having sat on ethics committees wasting people’s time is an issue so not only giving them the being tested later but another one that might be useful makes perfect sense.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Thanks Mikana and for freqflyer: from the article mikana cites ‘placebo-controlled trial addresses the locally relevant question regarding the extent to which the new vaccine is better than nothing, and participants in the placebo arm of the trial are not deprived of the clinical benefits of an existing efficacious vaccine’ . That is very useful for me in other ways, and that is why the Oxford study is giving another vaccine as a control. Now no more name calling please.

UA

09 Mar 2016

Total posts 56

You are cherry-picking. The situation you picked out, is not applicable to testing of a candidate vaccine for SARS-Cov-2 since there exists no efficacious vaccine. My argument was with the blindingly ignorant assertion that vaccines are never double blind trialed using placebo, when I know from my own professional life that that is not at all the case. My inappropriate name-calling was a response to a message suggesting I get my information from the Murdoch press and didn't know what I was talking about, when in fact, on this matter, I do know what I'm talking about. Did I now I would not speak, since I have built my reputation on never uttering on matters upon which I have no expertise. A good rule IMHO.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Mikana I hope I’m not the one cherry-picking I’m agreeing with you. There is ethical issues of saline placebos as the article states. The efficacious vaccine is for something else so not a waste of their time nor an ethical conundrum.

UA

09 Mar 2016

Total posts 56

Yes, so we can't do double blind trialing with placebo of a new vaccine when there is an existing vaccine that works, well, we can, if we get informed consent and then administer the existing vaccine at trial end.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Mikana yes but if it takes two years and 50,000 people much easier to get them and ethics committees onside by saying that we’re not wasting your time as half of you will get a vaccine that works against meningococcal or some such, and the other half a vaccine we hope works albeit against a different ailment. That is what the Oxford people are doing. Not sure what the control for the Queensland trial is but for so few they probably would be happy with a saline placebo as the control.

UA

09 Mar 2016

Total posts 56

The meningococcal vaccine used in the Oxford trial was blind, I think. The subjects did not know if they got it or not. It was used because the team calculated that subjects receiving the SARS CoV 2 candidate would have a distinct response to it, e.g, pain, fever, and so a placebo which produces no reaction would have unblinded the trial. I am sure the subjects would have been told they might get the meningococcal vaccine but I'd have to check the full protocol document to know if the dosing was designed as a preventative and all subjects got it in the end. 

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Mikana I am sure the 50,000 people and ethics people would love to be told we will give you/them a shot of something that may make you feel crook, but not enough to be of any use. Some how I doubt it, at least that they should say that (which they should if they followed protocols) but then you never know as I’m sure the Russian trial or some other trials using military personnel aren’t into such niceties.

UA

09 Mar 2016

Total posts 56

Of course the meningococcal vaccine was given in a vaccination dose, but it was given whether people had already had it or not, since it was there only to keep the trial blind. This from the trial protocol: Volunteers enrolled into the control groups will receive 1 doses of MenACWY, a licensed vaccine that has been administered to teenagers in the UK routine schedule since 2015 and is used as a travel vaccine for high risk areas. The majority of participants in this study will not have had this vaccine previously, and therefore will gain the benefit of protection against group A, C, W and Y meningococcus. Those participants who have previously had MenACWY vaccines will have their immunity against these organisms boosted. 

Russian = Credible. Haha. They have rushed it through to gain media attention for Putin so his citizens will think he is amazing.

UA

09 Mar 2016

Total posts 56

It's easy to mock the Russians but they still have some of the best scientists in the world, and they are not much constrained by the ethical and reporting requirements which apply in other industrialized societies. My own view is that any mass immunization with a new SARS CoV 2 vaccine in Russia now is a massive stage 3 vaccine candidate trial.

12 Aug 2020

Total posts 2

This is just ridiculous. Even with lot of cases many people allow international travel / arrival. It’s just nature we should put up with this and go on. People have many needs , how can they stop everything putting ridiculous idea like this. Trying to prevent and getting more cases inside the country itself. What’s the use ? Burdening everything is happening.

QFF

16 May 2016

Total posts 64

How about taking some steps in the right direction - start implementing arrival/departure testings at airports (have any Australian airports/government even looked at this yet?); an app-based little yellow book like we all used to travel with, as a means to reducing quarantine requirements; app-based travel diaries so travelers can be contacted;....Something!!! We can't just keep borders closed and live in hope we find a vaccine. Nuts.  

Turkish Airlines - Miles & Smiles

08 Jun 2014

Total posts 263

This is something I'm for. It's becoming a bit ridiculous when this can't be done or even thought of! 

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Matt there are technical issues on reliability and believe me they would have thought of it.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

TZ I think that will happen when there is a reliable test that doesn’t require a second test a couple of days later.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

TZB they don’t test arrival at the airport but on day 3 and 12 of quarantine which is probably better. They don’t test departures for very obvious reasons. The tests come back in three days and the people are long gone.

08 May 2020

Total posts 85

Given the dividing views in Australia, I believe that NSW & Victoria once they have the Virus under control should then open up to International in January /February 2021. The other states can have their own State to State Bubble. 

A Victorian and NSW Intern. Border opening would have  massive impact on the economy, with Universities and International Business recuperating.  Unfortunately New Zealand like our other Australian States will be locked up probably till late 2021 so I would not Bank to entice too much Business across the Ditch in 2021.   I am rebooking my Holidays to End of April 2021 to Asia.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

16 Mar 2018

Total posts 14

I love the tracker concept.  Such a requirement should be applied for any of the individuals in private isolation but not to be found at home.  The world needs an accurate rapid test for COVID-19.  A negative test should be the entry ticket into any airport/hotel/ etc. and a positive one will put you into isolation

Turkish Airlines - Miles & Smiles

08 Jun 2014

Total posts 263

This ^

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

13 Jan 2018

Total posts 43

I have a note from the Governor-General requiring all those to whom it concerns to allow me to pass freely without let or hindrance and to afford me such assistance as is necessary.

Actually, you probably have such a note as well. It's written in your passport. I would think the G-G as the representative of the Head of State outranks anyone and he says that I can pass freely.

Turkish Airlines - Miles & Smiles

08 Jun 2014

Total posts 263

First page of your Passport.

21 Jul 2012

Total posts 128

I believe if you check that note carefully, you'll find it says "requests", not "requires".  That's a small difference that makes a big one.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

13 Jan 2018

Total posts 43

Mine says specifically "requests and requires", yes, REQUIRES the bearer to pass freely without let or hinderance.

RBC
RBC

20 Jun 2020

Total posts 43

This is a futile line of argument:

1. The statement in the passport addresses foreign authorities; it is not addressed to Australian officials.

2. The word 'requires' is not a command. In old-fashioned English it means noi more than 'need' or 'seek', as in 'Do you require any assistance, sir?'

You'll get nowhere claiming that the wording of the passport gives you any rights at all.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

13 Jan 2018

Total posts 43

I'm just having a bit of fun. Oh, it's also written in my British passport, the exact same words, so in that case, I wonder if it IS written to Australian authorities?

So, what do the words adorning the entire inside cover of my passport(s) actually mean then and why is it written there? One is on a very slippery slope when starting to choose what to accept and what to reject in an official, government document which is issued, as the statement clearly states, "In the name of Her Majesty". Hmmm...

I think that the bold statement has SOME meaning. 

RBC
RBC

20 Jun 2020

Total posts 43

The expression is a relic. Remember when British pound notes had the monarch saying 'I promise to pay the bearer on demand...'? That didn't mean anything, either.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

13 Jan 2018

Total posts 43

Haha, I was remembering that exact phrase when I wrote the above.

Theoretically, while under the gold standard, it was possible to present at the Bank of England and request gold in the value of the note, and I actually knew someone who actually did that and did receive gold, eventually, (it took months) but that phrase is gone from all banknotes now as all currency is fiat currency. Oops, we need to avoid going off-topic or Chris will send us to the nether-regions with or without a passport.

'monarch saying 'I promise to pay the bearer on demand...'?'

They still do.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

mine says 'requests' so it change from time to time.

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

Rnickey, the entire world pretty much remains closed or at least restricted. I hear what you're saying, but your pleas would be better addressed to globalist institutions like the UN, who are keeping the world closed, rather than the Australian government, which is only following orders.

AJ7
AJ7

12 Aug 2020

Total posts 1

Human Rights Act Victoria 2006 - 

Section 21 - Freedom of movement

Every person lawfully within Victoria has the right to move freely within Victoria and to enter and leave it and has the freedom to choose where to live.

http://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/cohrara2006433/s12.html

It would be nice to get an extension or credit on our passport expiry given that we can't use it.  

12 Aug 2020

Total posts 16

I can't see how the Government can legally restrict our travel overseas, when they allow dozens of 'celebs' or sportspeople to travel. Soon we will be seeing the entire Australian cricket team travelling overseas as well as many other cricketers to play in the IPL in UAE. How are these people different to those of us who need to travel in our careers. I also feel sorry for the many dual citizens who are restricted from travelling to their 'other country'. There has been a lot of commentary on this in the SMH, and it's hard to see how it is legal.  Clearly Alan Joyce is setting Australia's agenda for overseas travel. Emirates would be here within a week, if permitted. 

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

31 May 2015

Total posts 1

Yes I agree with the sports celeb un-restrictions. Australia’s blind adulation to its sports ‘stars’ is pathetic and misplaced. They continually disappoint and misbehave and You think that in a covid context can be trusted??? Yeah no don’t think so!! But that’s just another discrepancy in this appalling and corrupt Govt’s thinking.  Those who choose to leave do so at their risk - we should be screaming at the gate to be let out. Joyce is also playing politics lobbying for govt funding! 

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

22 Nov 2019

Total posts 81

Thanks Andrews. But never fear he will soon be a guest of her Majesty at Barwon Prison 

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

24 Jan 2018

Total posts 699

Hope you're right, and that he has to share a cell with Matthew Johnson ( = Karma ).

29 Apr 2020

Total posts 3

Well isn't this turning out to be a spicy little comments section chaps?! Keep it coming!

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

23 Mar 2015

Total posts 52

Too many rich bastards, dodgy celebs and friends of Scomo getting away with ignoring all the rules. 

Then the Murdoch press and Scum 7/9/10 TV attack any and all sensible restrictions. No wonder compliance is lower than expected. 

Sadly It's not over by a long long way.!

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

24 Jan 2018

Total posts 699

Easy on there Tiger, stop picking on poor olde Uncle Rupert (or Jerry will have a piece of you!).  

Turkish Airlines - Miles & Smiles

08 Jun 2014

Total posts 263

What's wrong with Australians departing... I can understand the Gov doesn't want infected people coming to, entering or returning to Australia.

But if I need to or if I have to leave for family reasons, personal reasons or business then what's the reason for stopping? You leave at your own risk, sign a waver and wave all medical costs to your self...

Restrict those returning but don't block people for leaving. 

*Note, a holiday is not a need or want so I understand a holiday is silly at this time. 

28 May 2020

Total posts 18

1% of arrivals into nsw each week have the virus. They like to publish the hotel quarantine virus number so people think everyone is infected who arrives. 

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Jc 1% of a lot us still enough to cause chaos.

28 May 2020

Total posts 18

Patrick,

That really wasn’t my point, my point is the general public are lead to believe everyone is infectious who comes in from overseas. The government and media tend to shy away from the full picture.

The other point is the flights will never stop coming in  and we currently have a cap to control the numbers in quarantine. This is the control.

The outbound travel ban serves no purpose when you have a cap on numbers coming in per week. 

The number for nsw will always be around 2450 a week unless they change the cap.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Jc I agree fully on the exit rules. With a restricted number allowed back per/day flight it just becomes an unnecessary irritant particularly for dual citizens or business folk who can afford the business class fares to come back. Hard to police a time away rule though unles airlines are required to police it at boarding to check an Australian exit stamp two months old or some such.

12 Aug 2020

Total posts 16

In NZ they are offering something ( I think ) called a COA - Certificate of Authority. It's like a Family Court authority ( so there is a system in place there and here ). It basically does as you say, bounce the responsibility onto the holder to make their own safety arrangements ( and probably Cover ). It's the adult way of doing it. If I was in Melbourne I would be be desperate to get out to my 'other country' such as Greece or Italy. 

Turkish Airlines - Miles & Smiles

08 Jun 2014

Total posts 263

Would you have said Italy a few months ago? =D 

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

Matt, I can understand it if you have an urgent need to travel but with most of the rest of the world still closed, there is little reason for an Aussie to leave the country unless heading back to work overseas, or to attend the funeral of a loved one.

Many countries will put so many hoops before you that getting there becomes a bureaucratic nightmare that could take several weeks minimum. These countries include Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia. Your average Joe (or Matt) won't be able to head to most countries except if they're returning residents. Europe mostly seems to be open, but that's about the only region in the world where this applies, though regulations seem to be changing on an almost daily basis. Now the UK is returning to self-quarantines for several nationalities. So is Finland. And I couldn't possibly keep up with the different rules applying to various other countries.

In short - overseas travel right now is something only a desperate person would want to do. Now don't get me wrong, I'd love to be able to travel right now but I'm already mentally prepared for no travel until at least 2021. It is what it is.

28 May 2020

Total posts 18

They already have the control in place anyway with a cap on international arrivals.The outbound travel band is null and void with this cap, people won’t be taking holidays because of quarantine and the lack of flights in.

The rich and famous already fly out at their own will anyway.

If you are leaving for 60 days or lesS I can see why you may need an exemption. 

UA

09 Mar 2016

Total posts 56

Having spent much of my globetrotting career in the areas of management of and response to public health crises especially pertaining to virus epidemics, I am very sorry to say, I’d be delighted but flabbergasted if an effective vaccine becomes deliverable before the end of 2021. Indeed we will be very fortunate if an effective vaccine ever appears.  Efforts to find vaccines to corona viruses are notoriously difficult and vaccines were never found for the other two big coronaviruses, SARS and MERS. Were I making health policy now, I would be throwing a lot of money and knowhow at effective treatments of COVID 29 infection, just as has been done with HCV, HBV, and HIV rather than putting most of my resources into design of a vaccine. Even so, this is not going to end any time soon, opening up does very little to prevent economic decline, only isolation is 100% reliable, and the alternative is to let the virus run free, accept the short and long term moral, economic, political and human outcomes of that. We are looking at a profoundly transformed world either way. Frequent and mass international air travel may not be a big part of that world, either way. There is no road back. Get ready for the future.

29 Apr 2020

Total posts 3

- standing ovation - 

12 Aug 2020

Total posts 16

Well said, although the lack of SARS and MERS vaccines is for a reason. There was no desire or funding, once they had dissipated.  That is the fact and the reason why Oxford Uni was so ready to go with their vaccine ( they had done so much work on SARS ). I don't share your pessimism on the vaccine for this reason.  I expect there to be approved vaccines ( other than Putin's and China's ) by end of this calendar year. They have billions of does ready to go and millions already made ( ready to go immediately ). There will get to health care and elderly first. Then there is the billionaire in India who is proceeding with production now for poorer nations. In terms of treatments ( and preventatives ) it seems the Ivermectin combination does work. It's being ignored as mentioned above as it only costs $3 - apparently. 

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

MLT the question is how many doses and how long does it last. My flu shot requires a booster after four months. These are the unknowns that only time will tell. While I would quickly discount the Russian ones the Chinese ones may be good as well as they are quite good at epidemiology. Not so good at telling others about it, but then the US also has that problem.

UA

09 Mar 2016

Total posts 56

Disinvestment in SARS and MERS vaccine development was only half of the issue. The other half was considerable problems in large animal trial and containment proved so successful that there was no way to do stage 2 or 3 human safety and kinetics work. The vaccine candidates developed then have been taken off the shelf now for COVID 19. We shall see. But even if one of them works, you have to get them out and delivered en masse. In this situation, injectables will be dangerous in many places due to poor hygiene factors, so oral dosing will have to be designed and so forth. It’s a vast undertaking requiring high levels of collaboration in a world Not to interested in collaboration.

05 Oct 2017

Total posts 520

It's all about the money! MERS and SARS died down long before a vaccine could ever be developed because the funding dried up. "Science" is all about politics these days anyway.

RBC
RBC

20 Jun 2020

Total posts 43

Great summary, Mikana.

26 Mar 2020

Total posts 65

The govt policy is that the borders will be closed until there is a vaccine - the average Vaccine takes around 10 - 15 years to develop.

So we are looking at potentially closed borders for 10 - 15 years!

I even speak to some who believe we should keep the border shut FOREVER - yes they are people in Australia who have this view and it's scary but the Govt is wanting the popular vote and will most likely keep borders shut for at least the next 5 - 10 years. 

Velocity

19 Jun 2013

Total posts 60

Mikana...  re an effective vaccine: in an earlier communication a couple of weeks ago, our PM declared that no one would be travelling out of here until we had a vaccine. Haven’t any of his medico advisers ever pointed out to him, that there likely won’t ever be a vaccine. So then what? We’re cut off for all time? So either he is being badly advised, or he is choosing to ignore their advice for reasons of his own, which I won’t speculate on here. 

Next: absent a vaccine, as with HIV for instance, the only game in town is effective treatment once a person is ill - antivirals, in other words. In which case, why has there been no wide acceptance and take-up of (from my reading) combinations of common, existing & low-cost drugs? I refer to hydroxychloroquine/azithromycin and  ivermectin? 

To some others here:  re compliance with hotel or home quarantine. Why such enthusiasm for wrist trackers, or similar? These are tools for paroled prisoners.  Haven’t we all had enough authoritarianism shoved down our throats as it is? No. Thanks anyway. Best to emulate Canada’s approach, still current last I heard. That is, upon arrival the incoming pax had to have a “credible self-isolation plan of their own” to present to a border officer. Only if that officer wasn’t convinced of that plan’s merits, would they then be directed into a location/situation of the govt.’s choosing. 

There are better ways of handling this whole situation, than what we’re being treated to. 

26 Mar 2020

Total posts 65

That's what happens Airbear the unthinkable has now become "thinkable" - 6 months ago tracker and wristbands would be been absurd - now these restrictions are becoming the norm.

The govt telling you when you can go grocery shopping or where to exercise is now accepted amongst the masses - anyone who speaks out against it is publically shamed and shouted down as being careless.

The typical simplex response is "This is about saving lifes" - we are entering down a dangerous path of authoritarian rule - sounds far fetched?

Well it was also far fetched to get a $1600 fine for having KFC alone in a park but not its widely accepted in the main stream media and within the public

26 Mar 2020

Total posts 65

sorry spelling errors - typed too fast. 

Well it was also far fetched to get a $1600 FINE for having KFC alone in a park but now its widely accepted in the mainstream media and within the public

UA

09 Mar 2016

Total posts 56

I’m not going to get into the politics of vaccine talk except to say I have never dealt with a research virologist working on therapy or vaccine who did not express great optimism in regard to the eventual success of his or her project. That’s how they keep the funding rolling in and the investors in line. As far as I know, the current therapeutics are only marginally effective in critical cases and sub therapeutic otherwise. What is need is a direct-acting anti-viral agent, such as sofosbuvir for HCV and PrEp for HIV which radically interferes with particle copy function (reproduction) to remove the virus completely from the system or suppress it so much the host is no longer contagious nor sick.

The problem with self regulated iso is non compliance. The problem with tracking devices is that it doesn’t keto the wearer away from people visiting.

12 Aug 2020

Total posts 16

people are travelling our every week, but it's a case of needing to be a celeb or a cricketer or some other A lister . Those of us in business are not so valued. 

12 Aug 2020

Total posts 2

Does anyone know how the Australian government is determining the flights that get to land from os daily? If I’m granted an exception on compassionate reasons how do I ensure that I’m on flight that’s allowed to land on the chosen date?

12 Aug 2020

Total posts 2

Yeah right. Even I want to know about that..

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

The airline knows if they have permission. Qatar now has the most flights to most state capitals (except Tassie of course).

Air Canada - Aeroplan

28 Feb 2015

Total posts 108

I'd like to know what happens to an intended "new entrant". Air Canada says they will resum Australia flights in October; so how do they get a "landing slot"? By asking one of the airlines already flying to Australia to give one up? Can't see that happening.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Outthere I am not sure Air Canada is a new entrant. They have been flying in for years and thus have landing rights. Getting a slot should be easy given Sydney Airport is at 5% capacity. Nobody has to give up a slot but they will be limited to 50 or however many seats.

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

23 Mar 2015

Total posts 52

The worst news is the growing body of reports of very serious long-term side-effects from even mild bouts of Covid-19. 

It really is not "just like a dose of flu!" as Scomo and Trump seem to think!

UA

09 Mar 2016

Total posts 56

I would not travel right now even if I could. I’m 70 and don’t fancy 16 hours in a flying Petri dish with stripped down business class service. However, I am shocked at the regulations preventing Australians from leaving freely. It’s overkill and probably in contravention of our agreements to international conventions, as is making Australians pay for hotel quarantine since it inhibits the right of return. Countries like Canada which have highly permeable and long land borders are not good examples for Australian COVID 19 border policy. NZ is. Last time I looked, all NZ citizens may leave subject to testing if required by the destination . Upon return, they must enter 14 day iso and there are two types of iso depending on whether the returnee tests positive or negative. I think the NZ govt bears the cost? Perhaps the rich and powerful get a different desk as indeed they do here. 

12 Aug 2020

Total posts 16

All true except the cost in NZ. As of yesterday, the person quarantining pays. 

26 Mar 2020

Total posts 65

I'm just glad im not alone in starting to feel "trapped" with these never-ending restrictions - it feels like there is no end in sight. 

I can hold out for a couple of years but when we get to the 3rd year of these restrictions or 4th year - im going to want to start travelling again. 

I only live once and closed borders forever - i don't believe is sustainable

We will have to come up with a COVID Safe way to travel just like have for every other activity in our daily life.

If we wanted to save every single life with no risk - then we wouldn't allow cars to go faster than 20km/h  but we all know that would impact our economy, our life etc - so we have safety measures in place like seat belts, speed limits, police enforcement of speeding and people do die on our roads every year but with these measure we can lower the toll.

We need to start looking at COVID in this same light especially with international travel. 

12 Aug 2020

Total posts 16

I think many countries in Europe are already there. The difference is that they take the risk seriously but it does not dominate everything they do. They have been through a terrible time so no young things having parties of 300 pax. Countries with open spaces and without our boozy, pub culture are going to do better from here on in. 

UA

09 Mar 2016

Total posts 56

And eventually, people will become accustomed to the COVID-19 world, less panicked and afraid, and eventually the elected members of our political class will have to face an election. History shows that the people are not kind to leaders after the sense of emergency has become old hat. Even Churchill got the heave-ho as soon as VJ partying died down. 

RBC
RBC

20 Jun 2020

Total posts 43

Leaders who manage crises well are often poor leaders in non-crisis times. Churchill is a good example. Leaders who manage crises badly, tend to face electoral wrath. It will be interesting to see who the Australian electorate punishes: hands-on Andrews and his many mistakes or hands-off Morrison and his multiple inconsistencies and sins of omission. 

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

RBC Churchill managed a crisis very well and still received electoral wrath in the form of Atlee in 1945.

RBC
RBC

20 Jun 2020

Total posts 43

That's my point. He was a great leader against Hitler. A disaster in most other respects. Once the danger from Hitler was over, the U.K. public thankfully got rid of him.

Velocity

19 Jun 2013

Total posts 60

Travellz... the task here is for everyone to stop accepting that the previously “unthinkable” is now “thinkable”. 

The various restrictions imposed on us can be divided into the “fairly benign” (physical distancing, being an example) and the heavy-handed “control for its own sake” (a general ban on outbound travel,  or your $1600 solo-KFC car park fine and suchlike). Someone earlier on here used the term “sheeple”. Sadly, spot-on. At the moment, a majority of sheeple are supportive. More fool them. I’m hoping that once this goes on beyond Xmas/New Year 2020, that such bovine, trusting acceptance will start to crumble.

RBC
RBC

20 Jun 2020

Total posts 43

Use of the term 'sheeple', unfortunately, is a strong indicator of three things:

1. A commendable willingness to be contrarian

2. A distasteful (and frankly dangerous and undemocratic) contempt for other Australians

3. Scientific ignorance

UA

09 Mar 2016

Total posts 56

As if doing a status run to hang on to gold or platinum is any sign of autonomous thought and action. So not. 

05 Jan 2018

Total posts 57

if you folks could see how chilled the netherlands and most of europe are right now...there would be a revolution. for once i'm happy to not be home. australia has totally and completely lost the plot...scared weak people hiding indoors. pathetic. 

Turkish Airlines - Miles & Smiles

08 Jun 2014

Total posts 263

I was meant to be in Denmark this week/weekend for work but cannot leave... other colleagues in the media based in Europe were able to travel... from Italy! (Photographers)

12 Aug 2020

Total posts 16

I keep telling you all - you need to take up cricket. The whole team and support staff is leaving next month to fly to Dubai. 

UA

09 Mar 2016

Total posts 56

Right, except that Italy and Spain were locked down big time for 3 months and Americans are not allowed into any EU country. What policy set would recommend for Australia?

21 Dec 2016

Total posts 39

Americans are allowed into the UK with a 14 day self-isolation, and into several other countries if they have not been in the USA for the previous 14 days. Trust me, there are many entirely legal ways for Americans to get to the EU.  No politburo permit required.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

There are localized lockdowns now across Europe much like in Australia and Canada has similar provincial travel advice dependent on which provinces, as well as two week mandatory quarantine from Outside. Finland is limiting arrivals from the Netherlands. The vast majority of Australia does not have scared people locked in doors (the clear exception is Melbourne and a couple of other places in Victoria, as there are lockdowns in Europe (northern UK places Aberdeen being the latest and places in Catelonia in Spain come to mind)..

21 Dec 2016

Total posts 39

There are indeed localized lockdowns, and things are changing rapidly.  But I don't think you can characterize any border restriction in Europe as stringent as Australia's (which doesn't even look like a country anymore, just a bunch of independent states).

Moreover, I don't think you can characterize people around the world as being "scared" (just look at those pubs!)  Most of us are learning to live with the virus, doing what we can within the law, and trying to follow the science to avoid catching it if we haven't already had it.

24 Oct 2010

Total posts 2558

Just a reminder to all: these comments are intended to provide a platform for civil discussion which adds value to the topic. Make your case by all means, but please do so without foul language and without attacking any individual, especially the reader to whom you're responding. If you wouldn't say it to their face over a cup of coffee, don't say it behind the anonymity of your username and a keyboard.

05 Feb 2020

Total posts 30

Rotate, Im in the US and looking back at Australia thinking the same thing.  Im glad to be waiting it out here as the Island prison thinks hiding is the answer. I can understand that thinking back in March but people are over the dictatorial aproach. Things are pretty chilled here in Texas and I like the push ahead aproach, its sobering but you can make your own choices and most people seem respectful.

I read NSW has fines of up to $11000 for breach of quarantine rules for returning travellers. Trust Gladys to be making money along the way.

China Airlines - Dynasty Flyer

22 Sep 2012

Total posts 74

Wow everyone screaming to get out of Australia. Maybe I should stay in China then? I had been encouraged by family to come back to Australia but I have relented. I suppose I can take comfort that at least China is a big country and I would feel much more confined if say located in Singapore/Hong Kong. I am allowed to stay here but if I exit the country I wont be allowed back in. The number of expats it has been estimated to have dropped by around 80% compared to the beginning of the year. I too miss flying international. Taken a number of domestic flights though.

21 Dec 2016

Total posts 39

I'm with the overseas "stay put" faction for now. I am in New York City.  We screwed up by not locking down fast enough, and the consequences were devastating - but the curve flattening has worked, and our State infection rate is certainly better than Victoria's, despite having 20 million people with the freedom to move about as they please.

The virus isn't going anywhere for now.  I, on the other hand, would like to.

05 Feb 2020

Total posts 30

Totally agree, Im glad Im not heading back to Australia for awhile, autorities there have a hardcore aproach and I think it will bite them on the backside eventually. Much prefer it in the US. Just have to extend the visa stay but immigration authorities seem very quiet. Any knowledge on this situation nyjoe4 ? Ive applied for the extension but i seems like it may take 8 months for a reply.

21 Dec 2016

Total posts 39

Sorry, Brett132 - I actually don't know about the visa situation, as I am a permanent resident.  My partner works with international students though, and the Trump Administration continues to change the rules on their visas on an almost weekly basis.  Usually, they issue an order, someone threatens to sue, and then they rescind it or double down.  The short answer is that, as a result, it's hard to get anything close to a clear instruction from the State Department at the moment.  

Things will hopefully improve on November 4 when he's fired.

05 Feb 2020

Total posts 30

Okay, thanks anyway.

16 Jun 2020

Total posts 9

Imagine had China contained the virus to Wuhan instead of allowing the virus to spread throughout the world...

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

...and what if the Ruby Princess was properly quarantined, nursing homes and quarantine centres managed much better, and border closed much earlier (as Vietnam did).

08 May 2020

Total posts 85

Humans claim they can control the World, however every so often Nature tells them otherwise.

29 Mar 2017

Total posts 16

The comments about border closure are concentrated on the health risks and the practical issues arising with enforcing the 14 day quarantine/self isolation requirements.  However, nothing has been said about risks of borders being closed and flights being cancelled at a moment notice leaving travellers stranded overseas with no travel insurance cover (don’t forget travel insurance do not  generally cover pandemic risks).  This was certainly the case back in March/April.  Will people who wish to travel willing to accept such risks and should the government assist these people when the risks are obvious.  International travel will remain a difficulty whilst the pandemic remains.

28 May 2020

Total posts 18

That’s not really the governments choice.

The flight caps have already left people stuck overseas and they are not going to get them.

08 May 2020

Total posts 85

Simon Birmingham and the PM Scott Morrison must start to be a bit more constructive on informing Australians on opening the International Borders and what is required to do so.  They cannot have indefinite Border closures, the only thing they should provide is travel warnings to restricted Countries for safety reasons for Australians.  Furthermore there is relative positive updates on Vaccine and there is still considerable negativity that there will ever be a Vaccine.

i envisage that International Border opening should be to NSW & Victoria first for some months before opening to other parts of Australia so the other States can have their wish to keep their Borders closed.

NZ election result will have a massive impact. Think Ardern is about to get rolled, which might mean people are so sick of pollies telling them what to do.

Corona has been badly mishandled in both NZ & Australia, as on current path, we'll lock down everytime there are just a few cases, not deaths. Case in point, 4 cases in 1 family in NZ & so they close down AKL. Insanity rules.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Regular the issue is not deaths it is rapid spread of cases and thus overwhelmed health systems (with quite ill people of all ages) that is why all over the world there are local (city wide) lockdowns (Abderdeen in Scotland also yesterday). Go hard and go early has been the mantra of NZ and Vietnan and a few other places and they are all basically open except for Da Nang in Vietnam, Auckland in NZ (until they can find the sources) , and Melbourne and surrounds in Australia. There may be local lockdown in Sydney in the next day or two it depends on how fast case tracers can work and isolate sock people. Ten cases may be the limit but we shall see. But it does keep the rest of us up and about and able to go on with our lives.  Not sure about Adern being rolled, she handles things quite well and is appreciated.

borders between Qld/SA/WA & NZ/Fiji & other Pacific Islands should be open now. Problem is the NZ election.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Regular Fiji still has active cases and people in quarantine with a closed border. Not sure why you are singling out them. NZ also has active cases and a quarantine system. So not sure why you are selecting them.

I have applied for travel exemption as an immediate family member so I can be with my wife.  She has some medical procedures coming up and I am her only support system.  I have been denied 3 times by Home Affairs.  Even though I have provided all proof they requested, including marriage certificate, they still say they do not feel as though I qualify for the immediate family member exemption.  I have negative covid test results as well and still am being denied entry to be with my wife.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

22 Nov 2019

Total posts 81

I feel sorry for the children of today who will paying this debt off for the next fifty years.

Thai Airways International - Royal Orchid Plus

15 Jan 2013

Total posts 467

we under different circumstances should have had the sa/nsw border opened and the trans tasman bubble.i was this close to booking an auckland mini trip for christmas this year but that's not going to happen.since melbourne is off the cards my only option is cairns or seeking something local within south australia(staying at home and being dragged into the family christmas is not an option!!!!!)

Thai Airways International - Royal Orchid Plus

15 Jan 2013

Total posts 467

it's madness.your would be school leavers this year that would be doing your alternatives in vanuatu or other parts of the world are missing out for instance and no bali for them.sure it's great for the local industry the money stays here but it's crap and overpriced destinations many are going.

16 Oct 2020

Total posts 1

I'm supposed to travel to Australia this Christmas season so as to celebrate the Christmas with the woman I love and the family, and also plan for our wedding but because of the restriction on travelling, I won't be able to make it again this year... This is really hurting and heart breaking because I love her so much 


Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Australian border closure, overseas flight ban to remain until 2021