Australia: International flights resume in Victoria

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) - Passengers on a Sri Lankan Airlines flight landed at Melbourne Airport on Monday as the state of Victoria, Australia resumed international travel after a 5-month hiatus.

The flight from Colombo was one of eight international flights due to land in Melbourne today, according to ABC News.

More than 250 passengers are arriving who will have to undergo mandatory quarantine accommodation for the next 14 days.

On July 10, all international passenger flights into Victoria were cancelled until Dec. 7.

Victoria has reported no COVID-19 infection since Oct. 31, and has no active cases since Nov. 29, according to the figures by Health and Human Services. Hence, the state has moved to COVID Safe Summer restrictions from Dec. 6.

"These eased restrictions will let Victorians get back to doing the things they love, while also protecting everything we have worked so hard to achieve this year," reads the notice on the government website.

This means that wearing a face mask is only mandatory on public transport, while in taxis or ride share vehicles, or when going to large retail venues, including shopping centers, supermarkets, and department stores.

Up to 30 visitors at home are allowed per day while up to 100 people can meet outdoors in a public place.

Restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs can open for seated and unseated service.

Weddings, funerals and religious gatherings can also occur with no limits on the number of guests or attendees.