The revelation that Australia has reportedly opened up its borders to certain parts of the country for New Zealanders is interesting.
However, we learn that travel between the two trans-Tasman neighbours will only be allowed for Kiwi nationals and not their Australian counterparts.
Speaking on the new decision reached on Friday, Australian High Commissioner to Fiji John Feakes said the development could benefit Fiji.
Now staring at what appears to be a rather large blankwall, we are stuck in as far as travel restrictions are concerned.
Delays to the lifting of border restrictions mean we continue to stare at this wall.
That places pressure on our economy.
It places all sorts of pressure on many segments of our workforce.
“(Australian) Prime Minister (Scott) Morrison confirmed that travel for citizens in some parts of New Zealand will be allowed,” Mr Feakes said.
“For instance, South Island where there is no coronavirus, they will be allowed to travel to some parts of Australia and it will be quarantine free,” he explained.
“That is in recognition of the fact that there is no coronavirus in New Zealand, but that is travel from New Zealand to Australia only.
“The two governments are not in the position to announce the opening up of travel between Australia and New Zealand as well because we still have coronavirus in parts of Australia.
“So it’s one way at the moment.”
He mentioned that similar arrangements could be made for Fiji.
That should serve as motivation for us all.
We are in containment mode right now.
Our ability to maintain the status quo would add impetus to any future bid to manoeuvre our way into a travel bubble with Australia and New Zealand.
“The point of it all is it holds open the prospect down the track of perhaps a similar arrangement being worked through with Fiji. Now this is probably a long way away but this decision with New Zealand holds open that prospect,” Mr Feakes pointed out.
It raises hope for the future for us.
The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t been kind on any country in the world.
However, the fact that we are in containment mode here does place us on a healthy platform moving forward.
Our frontliners at our border facilities will shoulder the important task of keeping us safe at the first point of contact with international travellers right now.
We have our work out as individuals.
So let’s adhere to social distancing rules.
Let’s cut back on hand shakes, and drop the hugs.
Sneeze or cough into your elbow, or into a tissue and dispose this immediately safely.
Do not touch your face when you are out in public.
We must stay on course Fiji.
We may not be looking at a quick turnaround, or changes any time soon, but there is no doubt about the fact that this latest news is like a breath of fresh air.
It does raise hope and should motivate us to keep the status quo.
