Melbourne Airport welcomed its first international flight arrival Monday since the country barred all overseas arrivals more than five months ago.
The country entered its 38th day without new coronavirus cases.
Confident of its ability to halt any new cases, Victoria state restarted its hotel quarantine program to cater to new arrivals. Sri Lankan Airlines flight UL604 arrived at Melbourne International Airport Monday. The flight is the first of eight international commercial aircraft arriving into the state carrying 253 passengers.
International flights haven't been allowed to enter since July. Victoria halted its quarantine program after several hotel workers tested positive for the virus - reportedly contracted from quarantined guests.
The infections resulted in the state's second wave. The disease spread to more than 18,000 residents and killed about 800. Since then, health officials have reduced new cases to zero and the state has been COVID-free for more than a month.
The Australian Defense Force and Victoria Police will be working to assist new arrivals and take them to hotels for quarantine. Hotel and airport workers will be assisting.
Arriving guests are required to pay $3,500 each for their 14-day accommodation. Quarantine rules will be imposed and guests won't be allowed exercise or take fresh-air breaks.
Victoria's reopening comes after two travelers from Tokyo failed to enter mandatory quarantine in Sydney before they arrived in Melbourne Saturday. The two passengers reportedly showed symptoms but have since tested negative.
Victoria's Health Minister Martin Foley said Monday airport staff and the almost 200 passengers and crew have self-isolated. He said travelers were residents of the state and not tourists.
"They're not tourists, they've got a legal right to be here. But the system broke down at Sydney Airport and we want to make sure that never happens again," Foley said.
