Australia cuts off air travel with India due to COVID second wave

Canberra, May 1: Australian residents and citizens who have been in India within 14 days of the date and plan to return home will be banned from entering Australia as of Monday. The govt officials have said that those who disobey will face fines and jail.

 

 

 

The temporary emergency determination, issued late on Friday, is the first time Australia has made it a criminal offence for its citizens to return home. The move is part of strict measures to stop travelers to Australia from India, as it contends with a surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths. According to the statement of Health Minister Greg Hunt, the restrictions come into effect from May 3 and breaching the ban risks civil penalties and up to five years imprisonment.

 

 

 

 

According to the Minister, "The government does not make these decisions lightly. However, it is critical that the integrity of the Australian public health and quarantine systems is protected and the number of COVID-19 cases in quarantine facilities is reduced to a manageable level." The govt will reconsider the restrictions on May 15.