The COVID-19 pandemic presented a global health challenge in early 2020. Australia, an island continent, implemented a distinctive initial approach to control the virus, setting it apart from many other nations.
Australia’s Early Response
Australia’s initial public health response to COVID-19 involved swift and stringent measures. A significant early action was the closure of international borders to all non-residents and non-citizens on March 20, 2020. This was followed by mandatory 14-day hotel quarantine for all returning citizens and permanent residents.
States and territories also imposed internal border restrictions, limiting interstate travel to reduce virus spread. These measures were complemented by widespread testing to identify cases and extensive contact tracing to isolate exposed individuals. The goal was to suppress or eliminate the virus within the community.
The Vaccination Program
Australia commenced its national COVID-19 vaccination program on February 22, 2021, with the objective of vaccinating all willing individuals. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) provisionally approved several vaccines for use, including Pfizer-BioNTech on January 25, 2021, Oxford-AstraZeneca on February 16, 2021, and Moderna on August 9, 2021. The rollout prioritized frontline workers and aged care residents, followed by a phased release to other population groups throughout 2021.
By the end of 2021, over 95% of the eligible Australian population aged 16 or over had received at least two vaccine doses, with over 60.3 million doses administered nationally. This increasing vaccination coverage significantly influenced public health strategies, enabling a gradual easing of restrictions across the country. The high uptake rates contributed to the shift in managing the virus.
Societal and Economic Impacts
The pandemic and the associated public health measures had profound impacts on Australian society and its economy. Daily life underwent considerable changes, with widespread adoption of remote work and significant disruptions to education. Businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises in sectors like cafes, restaurants, and hotels, experienced heavy losses due to lockdowns and restrictions.
The travel and tourism sectors were severely affected by international and interstate border closures, leading to an estimated loss of $30 billion in international tourism and $40 billion in domestic tourism. To mitigate financial hardship, the Australian government implemented substantial economic support programs, such as the JobKeeper Payment, a wage subsidy designed to support businesses and retain employment. This program, along with other measures, contributed to a faster recovery in employment than in previous economic downturns.
Transition to Living with COVID-19
Australia transitioned from a strict suppression strategy to managing COVID-19 as an ongoing health challenge, particularly as vaccination rates increased. This shift involved the gradual easing of restrictions that had defined much of the early pandemic response. International borders, largely closed since March 2020, began a phased reopening for fully vaccinated citizens and permanent residents from November 1, 2021.
The full reopening to all fully vaccinated visa holders, including tourists and business travelers, occurred on February 21, 2022. Ongoing public health advice continues to emphasize measures such as mask recommendations in certain settings, good hygiene practices, and the availability of booster vaccination programs. Daily life has largely adapted to the presence of the virus, with a focus on individual risk management rather than widespread restrictions.