Rejoice Australia, because the country is another step closer to reopening with the news that fully vaccinated people will no longer require an exemption to leave the country from Monday, November 1st.
As reported by 9News, Health Minister Greg Hunt signed off overnight on unrestricted outbound travel from next Monday. The lifting of major travel restrictions is just reward after a gruelling 18 months for Aussies.
Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews revealed the decision was a result of Australia’s strong vaccination rates. “Our first priority is Australian citizens and permanent residents and today we are delivering on that by removing restrictions on fully-vaccinated Australians travelling out of Australia,” Andrews said.
“The easing of these restrictions is possible thanks to our impressive national vaccination rates, and I thank all those who have done the right thing and rolled up their sleeve.”
Andrews also said that the country was preparing to welcome once again fully vaccinated skilled migrants and international students before the year is out.
The government has really been ramping up its reopening plans in recent weeks after Sydney and Melbourne both exited lockdown. Qantas brought forward the reintroduction of their international travel schedule, with flights to destinations like Singapore, Phuket, Los Angeles, and London set to restart ahead of schedule in the coming months. Cruises are also set to begin again early next year.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed international travel for fully vaccinated Aussies would resume from November, citing the rising vaccination rate as the main reason for this. “It’s time to give Australians their lives back,” Morrison said.
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Check out the 9News report on the new travel freedoms announced for fully vaccinated Australians:
