Tasmania has reopened its borders to visitors from COVID-19 hotspots today after 21 months of travel restrictions.
Hobart airport will receive more than 30 interstate flights today, including from hotspot areas in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra, and Launceston will receive 13.
The first flight from Melbourne landed in Hobart this morning at 7:35am.
The decision to reopen the borders comes as Tasmania hits it’s 90 per cent vaccination target for people aged 16 and older.
Tasmanian premier, Peter Gutwein (featured image) attributed the reopening to Tassie citizens getting vaccinated.
“While this pandemic isn’t over yet, our vaccination program has been very successful, and with more than 90 per cent of Tasmanians over 16 and nearly 90 per cent of Tasmanians over 12 now fully vaccinated, we are in a position where we can reopen safely, with appropriate protections in place,” Gutwein said.
The Tassie premier also reminded people of the rules for travelling into the island state.
“For those who are planning on travelling to Tasmania tomorrow, please ensure you are abiding by the rules,” Gutwein said.
“All travellers entering Tasmania will be required to complete a Tas-E-Travel pass, which is now available on the Tas-E-Travel website.
“You must be fully vaccinated to come to Tasmania, if you’re over 12, and you must produce a negative COVID test before coming from a high-risk area.
“There will be numerous checks to ensure travellers are very clear on the requirements, along with additional biosecurity staff at domestic airports, providing information to travellers on those requirements, as an extra layer of support,” the Tasmanian premier said.
People returning to Tasmania from hotspots after less than seven days away will need to get a COVID test within 24 hours of arrival, but will not need to isolate while waiting for results unless they are symptomatic.
People who spend longer interstate before coming to Tasmania will need a negative COVID test 72 hours before travel, if they have spent any time in a high-risk area within the previous 14 days.
International arrivals will be required to quarantine for seven days, and to undergo two tests.
Additional rules for travellers include that they are required to carry proof of vaccination with them and scan their Tas-E Travel pass at airport scanning stations on arrival.
People caught flouting the rules can face an on-the-spot fine of $1,557 and could be summonsed and charged with an offence resulting in up to six months jail or a $17,000 fine.
Featured Image: Facebook/@ABC Hobart
