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Australia’s chief medical officer suggested in opposition to pre-flight testing of vacationers from China for COVID earlier than the brand new measures had been launched, it has been revealed.
Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly instructed the federal authorities he noticed no have to impose the additional restrictions on incoming Chinese language flights.
Professor Kelly’s recommendation was launched late Monday and dated December 31, the day earlier than the federal government introduced the testing guidelines.
The fabric printed by the well being division reveals Australian well being authorities had been assured with home vaccination charges and native surveillance methods.
Consequently, there was a “sturdy consensus that the implementation of any restrictions to journey from China right now” could be inconsistent with the nationwide strategy to the administration of COVID.
“Whereas I don’t consider that there’s a adequate public well being rationale for imposing restrictions on vacationers from China or some other nation with a excessive burden of COVID-19 circumstances at current, I like to recommend consideration be given to enhancing Australia’s current surveillance capabilities with a specific emphasis on worldwide arrivals,” Professor Kelly mentioned in his recommendation.
He advised Australia beef up its surveillance of arrivals by implementing an plane wastewater testing program and voluntary sampling of arrivals.
Australia may additionally enhance testing of home wastewater and follow-up individuals who take a look at constructive for COVID after touring abroad within the prior two weeks.
Underneath preparations introduced by Well being Minister Mark Butler over the weekend, vacationers from China to Australia should return a destructive COVID take a look at inside 48 hours of departure from January 5.
The choice got here after Beijing final month introduced it was scrapping strict “zero-COVID” measures in favor of a brand new coverage of residing with the virus.
Nevertheless, a wave of infections has since erupted throughout China after borders had been saved all however shut for 3 years amid a strict regime of lockdowns and relentless testing.
Mr Butler mentioned he welcomed China’s determination to re-open its borders and permit folks to journey as soon as once more, with a spike in vacationers to Australia anticipated.
“I do know that tons of of 1000’s of Australians of Chinese language descent … are notably trying ahead to the chance to reunite with household and associates,” he mentioned on Monday.
“It is a very constructive growth, however we have to make sure that we have now the knowledge we have to defend the well being of Australians.”
Prof Kelly acknowledged in his recommendation to the federal government that correct COVID surveillance knowledge from China was scant.
However he additionally famous consultants in China are predicting three winter waves of COVID transmission with the present occasion anticipated to run till mid-January, adopted by two waves in late January and late February to early March.
“We proceed to observe the scenario very carefully,” Prof Kelly mentioned.
Mr Butler has mentioned that whereas there was no proof of latest variants rising in China, the federal government was taking a cautious strategy.
“There isn’t any imminent public well being menace and we’re very nicely positioned proper now within the combat in opposition to COVID right here in Australia,” he mentioned on Monday.
The Enterprise Council of Australia has warned in opposition to any strikes to impose border restrictions.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers mentioned he understood the issues of enterprise and is continuous to evaluate the financial impacts.
“Enterprise leaders need us to strike the perfect stability between managing the well being points of COVID-19 and ensuring we will maintain the wheels of the economic system turning,” he mentioned.
Dr Chalmers mentioned he was involved about strains on provide chains because of the present outbreak in China.
The US, UK, France, India, Japan, Spain and South Korea have all imposed related testing measures on arrivals from China
-AAP
