The Hon Greg Hunt MP
Minister for Health and Aged Care
Australia’s high levels of vaccination has allowed the removal of the remaining restrictions on retail outlets at Australia’s international airports.
These restrictions on certain retail outlets under the Biosecurity Act have operated to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading by people mingling at international airports.
The decision to repeal the Emergency Determination is based on advice from the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer.
The repeal is largely supported by the rising vaccination rates in Australia – as at 12 November 2021, 81.9% of Australians over the age of 16 have had 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
All jurisdictions in Australia now have at least 68% of their population over the age of 16 fully vaccinated, with these figures expected to continue to increase rapidly over the coming weeks.
Thanks to the continued increase in Australia’s vaccination rates, including recently passing 90% of eligible Australians aged 16 and over being single dose vaccinated, the risk that passengers, crew and airport staff now present to the Australian community is greatly reduced.
With this lower risk, and the anticipated resumption of international travel, these retail businesses are once again able to operate, while adhering to COVID safe measures in place in their local jurisdictions.
