Tasmanian border closes to international arrivals over Omicron concerns

Public Health published a statement outlining that anyone who has spent time overseas since November 14 cannot enter Tasmania unless approved as an essential traveller.

The only exception is for New Zealand's south island.

The Tasmanian Government released a statement saying the decision amounted to a temporary suspension of the current process for international arrivals seeking to come to Tasmania.

"In the lead up to our borders opening on 15 December travellers from overseas are able to apply to enter Tasmania subject to quarantine arrangements," the statement reads.

"This process has been temporarily suspended whilst further information is obtained in relation to the impact of Omicron.

"It is anticipated that this cautionary action will only impact on a handful of people at this stage and a further update will be provided following discussions at National Cabinet later today."

It was a significant widening of the scope of the travel ban, which initially only included nine countries in southern Africa.

Essential travelers must provide a negative COVID test 72 hours before arrival, along with approval through the G2G PASS system.

National cabinet met on Tuesday to discuss border measures in response to the Omicron variant. Five cases have been recorded in NSW, including one that was detected outside of quarantine.

On Monday, Tasmania health commander Kathrine Morgan-Wicks said there was no indication that the state would change its plan to fully reopen its borders on December 15. Premier Peter Gutwein has repeatedly said there would be "no turning back".

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