SYDNEY — Australia on Monday defended its decision to penalize its own citizens entering the country within two weeks of being in COVID-ravaged India, saying it had “strong, clear and absolute” belief the move was legal.
Health Minister Greg Hunt pointed to the alarming surge of coronavirus cases in India and the pressure on Australia’s health system as reasons to pause travel until May 15.
Australia’s quarantine hotels have seen a 1,500% spike in COVID-19 cases from India since March, raising questions about pre-departure testing in India and leading to this “agonizing decision,” Hunt said.
“It’s a high-risk situation in India,” Hunt told a televised news briefing in Melb…
Keep on reading: Australia defends decision to sanction travelers from COVID-ravaged India