Published on Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Australia may open borders to some low-risk Asian countries

Australia is mulling opening borders to some low risk Asian countries in a bid to revive the economy and the ravaged tourism industry.


Prime Minister Scott Morrison said officials are considering relaxing restrictions for travellers from Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and parts of China.


"We are looking at what alternative arrangements could be had to channel visitors through appropriate quarantine arrangements for low risk countries," Morrison said.


The government would 'move with caution' before giving the green light to any country, Morrison said.


He also added that Europe and the US are not being considered.


So far only travellers from New Zealand have approval to enter the country.


It hasn't said what parts of China would be permitted.


Morrison said Australia has not had any new locally acquired cases of Covid-19 for the past three days.


Although some borders have reopened for interstate domestic trips, the tourism industry is still struggling, and new unemployment claims rose 7% in September.


  


Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Editor

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