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Australia Reduces International Arrivals By 4,000 Each Week

by | Fri, Jul 10 2020

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The number of Australians returning from overseas each week has been cut by 4,000.

The change will come into effect on Monday and signals a reduction by more than half of current levels.

It’s hoped the move eases pressure on the hotel quarantine system, which is believed to have contributed to the Melbourne COVID outbreak.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says it’s the sensible thing to do.

The returning Australians will also have to pay for their own hotel quarantine.

The nation’s Acting Chief Medical Officer is warning all Australians are at risk of contracting COVID-19, as Victoria records a record spike in cases.

Another 288 Victorians have tested positive to the disease, the largest daily increase of the pandemic so far.

There are few cases in other parts of the country, but Paul Kelly says that could change very quickly.

“We are all at risk, regardless of whether we are living in Perth [or] if we’re living in a rural area,” he says.

“Those messages we’ve been giving all throughout – about the physical distancing, the hand hygiene – people need to continue to listen to that [advice].”

Meantime, West Australian Premier Mark McGowan has confirmed his state will not be entering Phase 5 of the easing of coronavirus restrictions on July 18 as initially indicated.

Mr McGowan says the new tentative date is August 1.