AUSTRALIA
Australia’s top public health official has announced a continued pause on green flights from New Zealand as both nations continue to battle outbreaks of the COVID-19 Delta variant.
In a statement today, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly said all flights from New Zealand would be classified as Red Zone flights until at least 11.59pm (AEST) on September 14.
“The number of locally acquired cases of COVID-19 with the Delta variant of concern being detected in relation to this outbreak in New Zealand announced on 17 August 2021 is decreasing,” said Professor Kelly.
“However, New Zealand continues to identify new cases of COVID-19, some of whom have been infectious in the community.”
He said the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) would continue to monitor the situation in New Zealand and provide revised guidance as further information becomes available.
A further review of the travel arrangements will be undertaken on Tuesday, September 14.
“All passengers on flights originating from New Zealand up until 11.59 pm (AEST) on 14 September 2021 will need to go into 14 days of supervised hotel quarantine on arrival in Australia and adhere to the requirements of the State and Territory in which they enter,” said Prof Kelly.
“As New Zealand authorities continue to address and contain this outbreak, further time is required monitor the number of new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 being identified. This information will help to determine potential risk from people travelling quarantine-free from New Zealand to Australia,” he said.
