There have been talks about possible Trans-Tasman (Australia & New Zealand) + Pacific travel bubble for months that would allow quarantine free travel within the participating countries.
The bubble has burst several times, but now two Australian states (New South Wales & Northern Territories) will open for arrivals from New Zealand on October 16, 2020. Kiwis, however, need to quarantine when they return home.
Here’s an excerpt from the ABC:
Australia has finalised a deal for a limited travel bubble that would allow people from New Zealand to travel to New South Wales and the Northern Territory, with flights across the Tasman expected to resume in a fortnight.
However, Ms Ardern is yet to agree to allow Australians into New Zealand, and has warned Kiwis eager to visit Australia they may still have to quarantine upon their return.
Mr McCormack said the Government was hopeful travel arrangements would be expanded, saying states and territories that agreed to the Commonwealth’s hotspot definition would be able to participate.
“South Australia are very close to agreeing to these terms and agreeing to be the next jurisdiction to come on board,” he said.
The New Zealand deputy prime minister encourages Kiwis to stay based on an excerpt from the Stuff:
“I want New Zealanders to keep in mind that even if Australia [opens up its borders], that doesn’t mean they won’t have to go into quarantine on return. In fact, at this stage they will,” she said during a press conference on Friday.
”In our view, we are not ready to have quarantine-free travel with Australia. They have a very different strategy to us, and so they’re making that decision and that is their prerogative, but for now, we of course have to keep New Zealanders safe.”
Conclusion
It is always encouraging when you see countries slowly opening up their borders for international arrivals in baby steps.
Australia and New Zealand try to eradicate the Covid-19 that is likely an impossible task considering that it can slowly spread before an outbreak occurs.
