Australia and the Coronavirus
Australia has had an incredibly successful response to the coronavirus pandemic. As of March 2021, there have been 27,785 cases reported and 908 reported deaths, which is substantially low compared to other countries. So, what has been Australia’s approach that helped them achieve this? In this article, you’ll learn about Australia’s response to the virus, the restrictions put in place and tips to keep yourself and your family safe from Covid-19.
Timeline of Australia’s Response
January 2020
Australia took a proactive approach to the outbreak of Covid-19 by imposing travel restrictions from mainland China on February 1, 2020.
March 2020
Australia begins instituting strict travel bans, expand the ability of medical personnel to screen arriving travellers and increases the number of quarantine and border control measures.
April 2020
Principally mobile contact centres launch to provide free health advice and contact tracing services, while more than a million tests are conducted nationally.
May 2020
Australia begins to ease certain restrictions, including allowing people to stay within their local regions, restaurants and pubs to reopen and gatherings of up to ten people.
June 2020
Australia begins to ease safe-travel restrictions, allowing all jurisdictions to engage in domestic tourism and allowing gatherings of up to 20 people outdoors.
July 2020
Australia reopens its borders between New South Wales and Victoria, and also lifts gathering restrictions to 100 people outdoors.
August 2020
Australia further eases travel restrictions, allowing up to 300 travellers to enter the country each month, while reopening its borders with neighbouring countries.
September 2020
Australia announces that the vaccine rollout has commenced, while the case count is low enough to allow more people to attend larger events.
October 2020
Australia announces a travel “bubble” with New Zealand, allowing citizens to travel between both countries without restrictions.
November 2020
All states and territories in Australia ease restrictions, allowing people to have up to 100 people at private events and as many as 300 in public places.
December 2020
Australia begins to vaccinate thousands of citizens a day and announces the opening of its borders to New Zealanders in January 2021.
January 2021
Various states and territories ease restrictions, allowing larger gatherings of people and the reopening of businesses.
Australia’s Response and Restrictions
Since the pandemic began, the Australian government has imposed a number of restrictions to help control the spread of the virus. These restrictions which are applicable across all states and territories in the country include:
• A ban on people coming into the country from high risk countries
• Quarantine requirements for travellers coming into Australia â
• Lockdowns and travel restrictions imposed in different regions as per the situation
• Limited gatherings
• Limited capacity in restaurants, bars and other public places
Tips to Stay Safe
To ensure that you and your family remain safe throughout the pandemic, we recommend the following tips:
• Avoid large gatherings and crowds, even if restrictions allow it
• Maintain social distancing while out in public
• Wear a mask when out in public and wash your hands frequently
• Get tested if you develop any symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has
• Stay informed about the latest developments concerning the pandemic
• Follow the guidelines set by your local health authorities
The response of Australia to the onset of Covid-19 has been regarded as one of the world’s most successful efforts, with only a fraction of cases reported compared to most other countries. Their proactive approach to the epidemic, combined with their strict restrictions, has allowed them to keep the spread of the virus to a minimum. With the recent vaccine rollout, it is likely that the situation in Australia will continue to improve. As such, we strongly advise following the safety tips provided above, to ensure your wellbeing and that of your family.
