India-made Covishield on Australia's approved list as it reopens borders

Australia has approved India-made Covishield for travelling into the country.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has advised that the China-made Sinovac and the India-made Covishield vaccines would be considered "recognised vaccines" when determining whether an incoming international traveller has been appropriately vaccinated. The Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said this in an online briefing with the Indian media. The recognition of the vaccines will remove a significant barrier for international students seeking to study in Australia.

Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna and the Janssen vaccines are already recognised in Australia.

Australian PM Morrison, on October 1 has announced the reopening of international travel and the easing of border restrictions.

Morrison said that the international border would reopen next month for states that have reached 80 per cent vaccination rates. Fully vaccinated Australians and permanent residents arriving in NSW will be able to home quarantine for a week. Commercial flights out of Australia will resume for vaccinated Australians.

On March 20 last year, Australia had introduced some of the world's toughest border restrictions in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

"We've saved lives. We've saved livelihoods, but we must work together to ensure that Australians can reclaim the lives that they once had in this country, said PM Morrison.

Meanwhile, unvaccinated travellers will be required to hotel quarantine for a fortnight.
The government will also work with the states to remove travel caps for vaccinated travellers.

(ANI)