Australia outlines intentions to reconnect with rest of the … – MENAFN.COM

Australia outlines intentions to reconnect with rest of the … – MENAFN.COM

(MENAFN - Gulf Times) Australia has been off-limits to almost all other countries for the duration of the ongoing pandemic. Slamming its borders tightly closed in early 2020, the country has been able to prevent Covid-19 catastrophe and was – until recently – largely successful in maintaining a 'zero Covid' nation. But Australia, currently with most of its population in brief lockdowns amid a rise in cases & outbreaks, is looking ahead at reconnecting with the rest of the world. National airline Qantas say that on current projections, Australia is expected to reach National Cabinet's 'Phase C' vaccination threshold of 80% in December 2021, which would trigger the gradual reopening of international borders. Similarly, key markets like the UK, North America and parts of Asia have high and increasing levels of vaccination. The airline says makes them highly likely to be classed as low risk countries for vaccinated travellers to visit and return from under reduced quarantine requirements, pending decisions by the Australian Government and entry policies of other countries. From mid-December 2021, flights would start from Australia to Covid-safe destinations, which are likely to include Singapore, the United States, Japan, United Kingdom and Canada using Boeing 787s, Airbus A330s,