There’s more good news for Victoria in the air, as Tasmania announces that it’s set to open earlier than expected and Virgin Australia increases services between Melbourne, Hobart and Launceston.
Isn’t it nice to have some positive news on your Thursday morning?
Tasmania’s Premier, Peter Gutwein, has announced plans to fully ease border restrictions between Tasmania and Victoria from November 27, rather than the previously 1 December date.
The news comes after Victoria is on a roll of doughnut days, with no new cases COVID-19 cases reported. GO VIC!
According to a report by the ABC, there will also be a partial easing of restrictions from this Friday, with people travelling into Tasmania from Victoria able to quarantine at home or a “designated residence” instead of a government-run hotel. However, people without an appropriate residence will still need to go into hotel quarantine.
All quarantine requirements for travellers to Tassie from Victoria will be scrapped from November 27, dependent on the state’s cases remaining low.
“Victorians have done a great job in helping to restore confidence in their tourism and travel industry.”
Virgin Australia Spokesman
Virgin Australia update
Virgin Australia will bring forward the reintroduction of four-times-weekly services between Melbourne-Hobart and Melbourne-Launceston.
The services will commence on 27 November and move to operate daily from 14 December.
Virgin Australia has also announced it will reintroduce twice-weekly services between Brisbane-Launceston from 23 November and increase these up to daily services throughout the peak.
“The border announcement by the Tasmanian Government is welcome news and will allow us to bring more of our people back to work and customers the opportunity to reunite with friends and family this Christmas.”
Virgin Australia Spokesman
Tassie international arrivals
Tasmania is also expecting its first international charter flight with roughly 120 returning Australians onboard, around 22 November.
The aircraft will fly directly into Hobart Airport and passengers will be tested and quarantined at a nearby hotel. All passengers will need to test negative for the virus before being let out into the community.
Tasmania is expected to take up to 450 repatriated Australians in total.
READ: Tassie & New Zealand Travel Bubble Takes Off Late January 2021
READ: Good News For VIC: Zero New Cases, Goodbye Ring Of Steel, Hello Inbound Kiwis