The Australian Government will introduce pre-departure testing for COVID-19 for people traveling to Australia from the People’s Republic of China.
For travellers arriving in Australia from the People’s Republic of China, the Australian government will implement pre-departure COVID-19 testing. For travellers arriving in Australia from the People’s Republic of China, such as the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, the Australian government will implement pre-departure COVID-19 testing.
This action is being taken in reaction to China’s huge COVID-19 virus outbreak and the possibility of new virus strains there.
Visitors entering Australia will need to undergo a COVID-19 test within 48 hours of departure and provide proof of a negative test result commencing from 12:01 am on Thursday, January 5, 2023.
This choice was taken to protect Australia against the possibility of new emerging variations, in acknowledgment of the fast-changing situation in China, and in light of uncertainties regarding developing viral variants, even though Australia is really no longer in the emergency period of the pandemic approach.
The Chief Medical Officer has informed thoroughly before the government make this choice. Australia has now joined a number of other nations in putting comparable policies into effect, namely France, India, Japan, Malaysia, Spain, the Republic of Korea, England, and the United States of America.
These precautionary, transient measures will continue to be evaluated in light of the medical advice and information available.
To enhance the ability to quickly detect any new emerging variations of concern, the Government continues to collaborate closely with state and territorial administrations.
There is no recommendation to alter the way the epidemic is currently being managed in Australia. Thankfully, Australia has a high level of inherent population immunity and easy access to vaccinations and treatments.
Everyone who is eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccination should schedule an appointment as early as possible. One of the easiest steps people may take to prevent becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 is to keep up with their vaccines.
Additionally, if someone tests positive for COVID-19, they should have a strategy in place to have accessibility to any available oral antiviral treatments.
Following are quotations from Minister Butler:
Considering the dynamic and changing circumstances in China as well as the possibility for new varieties to arise in a setting with high transmissions, the decision to put these emergency limits into place was reached with a great deal of care.”
“Australia is well prepared to respond to a pandemic. In cooperation with medical professionals, we continue to keep an eye on the COVID-19 situation in Australia and throughout the world. The safety of our neighborhood and maintaining our position as a global leader in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic are our top priorities.”
This simple but wise action will protect those who are at risk for serious sickness and maintain the viability of our healthcare system.
