The Australian Government has paused the planned easing of border restrictions for eligible visa holders, including international students, while it awaits further information on COVID-19’s Omicron.
The federal government has delayed opening of Australian border for international students and other eligible visa holders until December 15.
The National Security Committee of cabinet decided to defer the plan to ease restrictions following medical advice from the Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly.
The government says the temporary pause will allow it to gather more intelligence about new Omicron variant of COVID-19. Further details are awaited.
Earlier this morning Prime Minister Scott Morrison had signalled that the federal government might scrap the plan to open international borders from 1 December.
Following the confirmation of two cases of heavily mutated Omicorn variant of COVID-19 virus in New South Wales, Prime Minister Scott Morrison had told the 7 News that the government was considering delaying a change that would allow international students and migrants to Australia without travel exemption.
However, he appealed the people to stay calm and safe.
“I understand many people may be concerned about the news of the new COVID variant, Omicron.What’s important is we stay calm, continue to be COVID safe, get vaccinated if you haven’t already done so and get your booster shot if you’re due.The current evidence does not suggest it is a more severe form of the virus and we are well prepared with 86.7% of Australians aged over 16 fully vaccinated. We need to learn to live with this virus, and there have been 13 different variants of COVID identified since this pandemic began. All governments across the country are working together and getting the best medical advice, and we will continue to do what is required to keep Australians safe,” Morrison posted on his Facebook page.
