After two and a half years since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak, Australia's international borders will reopen to fully vaccinated travellers on February 21, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday. According to media reports, it is one of the most significant easings of Australia's border restriction since it was imposed in March 2020 to prevent the spread of the virus.

However, depending on the rules of the state or territory where they arrive, immigrants may be subjected to a mandatory quarantine period. "The national cabinet has determined today that on February 21, Australia will reopen its borders to all remaining visa holders," Morrison told reporters in Canberra.

"If you want to travel to Australia, you must be twice vaccinated." Those who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 must seek for a travel exemption in order to enter Australia. In December of last year, border restrictions for overseas students and other visa holders were lifted, spurring appeals from the tourist sector for more travellers to be let in.

"I'm sure the tourist sector is looking forward to it, and during the next two weeks, they'll have the chance to both welcome guests and prepare for them," Morrison said. On Monday, Australia reported over 20,000 new Covidd-19 infections and over 40 fatalities. According to the Department of Health, 4,147 patients were being treated in hospitals across the country, with 286 of them in intensive care units.

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