Anyone who wants to fly Qantas on international flights will have to get a Covid vaccine. The airline confirms that those without the jab will be prohibited.
Alan Joyce, chief executive, stated that the mandate was meant to protect passengers who have been fully vaccinated. The jabs decrease the chance of transmitting and catching the virus.
Joyce stated that Qantas would only carry vaccinated passengers internationally.
“Because that’s what we believe is going to be one requirement to prove that you’re flying safely and getting into these countries. We hope that this can be achieved by Christmas.”
Outbound international travel is not allowed to Australians, barring any special examinations. Demand for overseas flights will likely stay low while the return journey requires lengthy quarantine.
Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Australia, stated that he wants the fortnight of hotel-based quarantine to be shortened for returning travellers. However some state leaders may insist on the retention of the former.
Qantas was a strong advocate for vaccine reform during the pandemic and mandated jabs for its 22,000 employees.
The company stated that all frontline employees, including pilots and cabin crew, must be fully vaccinated by November 15, 2020 and the rest by March 31, 2022.
“Exemptions will be granted for people who cannot be vaccinated due to documented medical reasons, which is very rare.”
Joyce has been vocal about the issue and promised to stop unvaccinated people from traveling internationally in the future.
He stated that while we believe everyone should be protected, we also have to protect our colleagues as well as our passengers.
Joyce stated, “And then there’s also the requirement to protect the community.” Joyce cited the example of Longreach, outback Queensland, where 100 residents were isolated after a Covid-19 positive cabin crew member flew there.
Qantas has also offered incentive programs to members to get vaccinated. They offer prizes to those who prove their status.
Frequent flyers of the company can choose from 1,000 points, 15 status credit or $20 flight discount.
Joyce said that more than 300,000.00 people have claimed their rewards. 220 million frequent flyer points were handed out.
Normal international travel will be delayed until at least next to year. However, the governments of NSW and Victoria announced that they would gradually ease down their restrictions on the ground.
Gladys Berejiklian, the Premier of NSW, confirmed that the retail and hospitality sectors will be open for the vaccinated when the state reaches the milestone of 70% of 16-and-over residents having had two jabs. This is likely to happen in mid-October.
After four months of being locked up in their homes, Sydneysiders can now go to bars, cafes, and gyms after proving that they have been fully vaccinated. This is done by linking their medical information to the ServiceNSW app.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian stated that there is no ‘freedom day’, but that restrictions will be lifted on Monday after the 70% jab rate has been reached. The most likely date for October 18 is.
Ms. Berejiklian stated that the additional freedoms will be restored after 80% of those vaccinated have been vaccinated. This includes inbound international travel.
She warned, however, that domestic travel restrictions might be necessary until then.
She stated that if there is a high rate of disease in a specific area or an outbreak or sudden surge, it is necessary to limit movement in those areas.
“Your mobility will be limited within a certain distance. This could occur at any time. It could happen in any stage.
State ministers unanimously voted to relax the rules at a cabinet meeting last evening, despite reports that Kerry Chant, Chief Health Officer, wanted an 85% double-jab rate for opening.
