Both Countries Report Zero New Local COVID-19 Cases...Effectively Ending the Pandemic
Australian Prime Minister: "A Win-Win for Both Nations"...New Zealand Prime Minister: "A Proud Moment"
On the 19th (local time), a citizen is embracing family members who arrived from Australia at Wellington International Airport in New Zealand. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] The travel bubble allowing quarantine-free travel between Australia and New Zealand has started for the first time in the world.
According to local media on the 19th (local time), the travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand began at 11:59 PM the previous day. Local media reported that thousands of citizens traveled between the two countries on the 19th alone.
With the implementation of the travel bubble on this day, citizens who had not been able to travel abroad for over a year were able to travel freely between the two countries. ABC News stated, "Starting with the Australia-New Zealand travel bubble today, it is expected that other countries will gradually reopen their borders."
On the 19th (local time), a citizen is holding a placard with the phrase "Welcome" at Wellington International Airport in New Zealand. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]
On this day, airports in both countries were bustling with citizens from the other country after a long time. Wellington International Airport, the capital of New Zealand, painted a huge message saying "Welcome" on the main runway to commemorate the implementation of the travel bubble. Additionally, New Zealand airline Air New Zealand offered free wine to all passengers as a gesture of welcome.
Air New Zealand's Chief Operating Officer Carrie Hurihanganui said, "Previously, there were only about 2 to 3 flights per day between the two countries, but today the number of flights between the two countries surged to 30, with a total of about 5,200 passengers on board."
On the 19th (local time), citizens are seen meeting family and friends from Australia at Wellington International Airport in New Zealand. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]
Danny Matter, who was waiting for family arriving from Australia at Wellington International Airport, said in an interview with ABC News on this day, "I am so happy to see my family again after 15 months," and added, "Implementing the travel bubble with Australia was a very good decision."
The leaders of both countries also positively evaluated the implementation of the travel bubble on this day. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison emphasized, "The implementation of the travel bubble today will be a win-win for both countries," adding, "It will revitalize the economy while ensuring the safety of citizens." New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said, "The implementation of the travel bubble will promote reunions between the two countries and the world," and added, "This is a moment we should all be proud of."
Previously, Australia and New Zealand were evaluated to have largely suppressed the COVID-19 virus through strong border closures and lockdown measures. As of the 18th, both Australia and New Zealand reported 'zero' new local infection cases. Based on the judgment that COVID-19 was effectively ended, quarantine-free travel between the two countries was implemented.
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