Pre-flight tests begin fight against UK virus

OVERSEAS travellers must return a negative COVID-19 test result before flying to Australia under a plan to stop Britain’s new mutant strain of the deadly virus from entering the country.

Scott Morrison on Friday said national cabinet had decided to take several “actions” to try to prevent the new strain spreading in Australia.

Under the new measures, passengers aged 12 and over on domestic and international flights would be required to wear a mask, while the number of international arrivals in NSW, Western Australia and Queensland would be halved until February 15.

Mr Morrison said it was a “false hope” the mutant strain could be contained in Britain.

Passengers on commonwealth charter flights are already required to take a preflight COVID-19 test.

Friday’s announcement means all travellers to Australia must return a negative test result prior to departure.

Mr Morrison said there would be exemptions for extenuating circumstances as well as for seasonal workers from “amber-risk” countries, where testing is limited.

Chief medical officer Paul Kelly said the precautions were necessary, with overseas arrivals the biggest virus risk facing Australia.

“It’s a dangerous world out there. It’s become clearer now that that particular strain is more transmissible. That’s the issue,” Professor Kelly said.

“This is a moment for Australia to take notice, and as we did about a year ago, some of these drastic actions may seem like we’re changing things rapidly.

“There’s a reason for that, there’s science behind it. It’s about keeping Australians safe.”

Mask wearing would also become mandatory in all domestic airports within Australia over the next week, but children under 12 and people with exemptions would not be required to wear them on domestic flights.

Passengers should wear masks while in international airports overseas, and international aircrew must have a COVID-19 test in Australia every seven days or on arrival.

Virgin Airlines said it welcomed the consistent national approach.

On Friday it was also announced that national cabinet would not be increasing the number of international repatriation flights coming into Australia.

National cabinet also agreed on a new testing standard for quarantine workers, including those involved in transporting guests.

Under the changes, testing would be conducted daily instead of every seven days.

Leaders also agreed that they would meet every fortnight, or more often, if required.

Mr Morrison said the government’s plan to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine in late February, earlier than initially scheduled, had been well received by national cabinet.