Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Australia has decided to introduce its internal border controls, since last Friday.
Residents of Western Australia, South Australia as well as the Northern Territory will be able to enter only for essential travel from other territories of the country, in a bid to halt the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
Such strict measures have not been taken since the Spanish flu epidemic, 100 years ago, VisaGuide.World reports.
Western Australia that covers a third of Australian continent, starting from Tuesday will go under lockdown, to tackle the spread of the virus.
Competent authorities in Western Australia are closing all the borders, and anyone who crosses them will be subject to quarantine, except essential workers.
The state premier Mark McGowan introduced new rules taken under the global coronavirus crisis.
“We will be introducing new border controls for Western Australia. These strict new border controls will apply to all access points; roads, rail, air and sea. Unless exempted, arrivals from inter-state will be ordered to self-isolate for 14 days. Exemptions will apply for essential services and essential workers,” McGowan pointed out during a statement.
Similar regulations are being applied in South Australia as well. The island of Tasmania has been under lockdown from the Australian mainland. Queensland announced that starting from Wednesday, it will also ban from entering all non-residents, except for emergency cases.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that 2020 would be the toughest year for many young and old citizens of its country.
“We must continue to do this. It doesn’t matter what the temperature is. If it’s a warm day, don’t go on masses down to the beach. A simple instruction that all Australians expect other Australians to abide by,” Morrison pointed out.
According to the Chief Health Officer Brendan Murphy, the number of infections had fallen to about 5% from 30% as it was two weeks ago.
Australia is looking for arrangements with cruise ships unable to find somewhere to dock.
A total of 5,795 persons tested positive for the virus in Australia, and 39 persons have died.
Yesterday, the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison advised internationals to return to their home nations, in a bid to halt the spread of the infection.
Last week, horticultural organizations called on the Federal Government of Australia to extend work visas for internationals in their country, so the cultivation of plants can continue normally.
Whereas last month, the government decided to relax visa rules for more than 20,000 international nursing students.