Australia: Queensland, Australia, announced intentions on Monday to open its borders to vaccinated travelers, ending the state’s status as a Covid-19-free zone throughout the pandemic.
After the highly contagious delta variant took hold in New South Wales state in June and spread through Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland and Western Australia were among the states most successful in keeping Covid-19 out, and they were also among the most hesitant to relax their strict border controls.
When 80 percent of the state’s population aged 16 and older had been vaccinated, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will be declared fully vaccinated travelers will be allowed into the state without quarantining. By the 17th of December, that goal is meant to be met.
Travelers must test negative for Covid-19 within three days of arriving in the state. By November 19, it is expected that 70% of the target population will be vaccinated in Queensland. After that, vaccinated tourists will be permitted although they will be subject to 14-day quarantine upon arrival.
