Australia coronavirus

Opening up after nearly two years closed off from the world, Australia knew that would mean a rise in COVID-19 cases. But Omicron has surged cases past expectations.

"No one is above these rules," Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

Protesters include the anti-vax wellness community, Christian fundamentalists, and some of Australia’s most extreme far-right organizations.

As it approaches a post-pandemic recovery, Canberra has an opportunity to strategically recalibrate its immigration policies.

Closed off from the world for the past 18 months, Australia and New Zealand are now preparing to reopen. 

With a zero COVID state unobtainable, Canberra is looking to reopen once vaccination rates pick up.

Australia’s initial successes against the virus may have rendered it complacent, impacting its vaccination campaign.

The value of being inside Australia may have risen during the pandemic, but the value of being an Australian citizen has clearly decreased. 

“Since the pandemic has started, this is perhaps the scariest period that New South Wales is going through,” said state leader Gladys Berejiklian.

Australia’s Sikh community has been providing thousands of free meals a day to those whose incomes have been restricted by lockdown measures. 

Although the ban is set to be lifted on May 15, flying home for Australians in India will still be a difficult, and expensive, prospect.