State deviating from Australia’s plan to open international borders in November

One state is planning to stray from the Prime Minister’s plan to open international borders in November, saying 14 days of quarantine would still be likely.

South Australia will not follow the Prime Minister’s opening plan for international borders because the circumstances in that state are “different”.

Premier Steven Marshall revealed on Wednesday his state would likely continue with the required 14 days’ quarantine for arrivals for some time.

He said there were some people who tested positive to Covid-19 in the second week of their infection, which was why the state wanted to keep the 14-day isolation requirement in place.

“The seven days of home quarantine for double-vaxxed people is a NSW proposal; we haven't signed up to that yet,” the Premier said.

“We have a different scenario in SA. Ultimately, we will get to that point (following the national plan), but we’ll start with 14 days of home quarantine.

“I don’t think any other jurisdiction is starting with seven days.”

Premier Steven Marshall said SA would likely stick with 14 days’ quarantine for international arrivals despite the National Plan looking to open up. Picture: Emma Brasier / NCA NewsWire

Mr Marshall also reiterated the state would not “miraculously” open up on the day SA hits 80 per cent of double doses like the UK’s Freedom Day.

But he did announce there were plans to allow quarantine free travel between SA, NSW and Victoria in time for Christmas with some requirements, like testing upon arrival.

“People can have some confidence as we get closer to Christmas there will be pathways for people to come back.

“We know some people coming back will need to do some quarantine if they are not vaccinated but I’m hopeful all of those people coming back who are double vaccinated and haven’t been to exposure sites will be able to enjoy a relatively normal Christmas in SA.

“I do need to emphasise there will still be restrictions, caps and density requirements in place but we will also be testing, tracing, isolating and quarantining people who do come into the state with (Covid-19).

“We don’t want to increase the likelihood of it spreading across the state so we will still have those quarantine arrangements in place but it’s less likely to be as onerous as it has been in the past.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced last week the ban on international travel will be lifted this November. Picture: Brenton Edwards / NCA NewsWire

Last week, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced international travel would be permitted for fully vaccinated Australians as early as November this year.

He said the federal government was still in the process of finalising plans.

There will be seven days of home quarantine for Australian citizens and permanent residents and 14 days of managed quarantine for those unvaccinated or not jabbed with a TGA-recognised vaccine.

Quarantine-free travel with also be approved for certain countries, including New Zealand, when it is safe to do so.

“This is an important next step in the National Plan,” Mr Morrison said.

“We said to Australians, (when) we get to 80 per cent, you can leave the country and you can come back again.

“If you’re overseas, you should be able to come back, if you’re a fully vaccinated Australian resident or citizen.”

The international travel ban was originally in place until December 17.

South Australia recorded no new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday.

Originally published as State deviating from Australia’s plan to open international borders in November