Borders

Australia, which shut its borders in March of 2020, has been going through a staggered reopening in recent months, allowing in only its citizens and residents, skilled migrants, international students and certain seasonal workers.

In January, Morrison said he hoped international borders could fully reopen before Easter.

His popularity has been sliding in recent months, however, in part reflecting questions about his handling of the Omicron outbreak, and he faces pressure from a federal election that must be called by May.

The Ministry of Health’s Permanent Secretary Dr James Fong said this will involve a three- day stay in a hotel with a test to be done on day two.

A negative result will allow for discharge into the community on day three.

Dr Fong also said  incoming travel from today will be restricted to diplomats, returning residents, permit holders, and those approved by the Covid 19 Risk Mitigation Taskforce.

The Border Risk Reduction Protocol Processes will be trialed during this time and further refined in preparation for the 1st of December.

Samoa government's closed inter-Samoa flights under the original emergency declaration last month and remained closed under a new extension for 30-days.

American Samoa followed suit on 23 March.

During a briefing of cabinet members on Covid-19, the territory's health director Motusa Tuileama Nua, said the health department recommended a continuation of the closure of the Samoa and American Samoa route, even if Samoa lifted its ban on air service.

Motusa said this action would further protect the territory, which at this point had no Covid-19 cases.