Australia has ditched its travel ban for arrivals from hotspot countries despite the outbreak of the Omicron variant.
All arrivals to Australia require a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction test within three days of travel and by law must complete Australian traveller declaration forms declaring their vaccination status and confirming that they are aware of state and territory public health requirements.
“The severity associated with Omicron is still unknown, but early reports indicate mild disease, at least in the younger population. We know that the current vaccines remain effective against severe disease and death, and that a number of treatments for severe Covid-19 remain effective. “Our high COVID-19 vaccination rates and boosters have put us in a very good place. We are one of the first countries to roll out population-wide boosters. We are well prepared. “Australia’s health system and processes built to manage this virus can be relied on to keep us safe.”Pharmacy Guild Of Australia’s vice-president, Antony Tassone said Australia was experiencing a slow start to its booster rollout.
Australian Medical Association President Dr Omar Khorshid said the medical body was “extremely concerned” about the lack of support for the country’s booster program. “While we recognise that the state and territory vaccination hubs have taken nurses out of hospitals, aged care, and other health settings, it is critical that state and territory governments continue to run these clinics to ensure adequate access to vaccines for Australians needing their booster shot.
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