Tasmania has opened its borders to most of mainland Australia, marking the first time in seven months people from interstate can arrive without having to quarantine.
The island state on Monday reopened to coronavirus low-risks jurisdictions Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory and ACT, plus New Zealand.
Passengers at Hobart airport on Monday told SBS News they were excited to be able to leave the state and not have to quarantine upon returning.
Richard Higgins a Tasmanian farmer and Geelong football club fan, travelled to Brisbane for the AFL Grand Final and was one of the first flying back into the state without having to go into quarantine.
"Fantastic isn't it? I don't have to quarantine, I live on a farm so that makes it much easier," he told SBS News.
"They (Geelong) lost. But I had no problems getting tickets, front row. Would have been better if we won," he added.
Richard Higgins travelled to Brisbane to watch the AFL Grand Final. Source: SBS News/Sarah Maunder
Others at the airport were awaiting the return of family and loved ones separated for months by the border closure.
Tasmania was the first state or territory in Australia to close its borders in March and has gone more than 70 days without recording a new case.
Health Minister Sarah Courtney says the state government has faith in its contact tracing processes and the preparedness of aged care homes.
All arrivals at airports and seaports will be health screened and anyone with virus symptoms will be tested and ordered into quarantine until their result is known.
Ms Courtney urged people to maintain social distancing and good personal hygiene.
"While it's exiting to be able to see restrictions ease and life getting to a COVID-normal, we also need to remember there is always a risk of coronavirus in our community," she said.
Tasmania remains closed to Victoria and may open to NSW on 2 November, with a firm call on that date to be made this week.
Ms Courtney urged anyone with virus symptoms to get tested and said the daily testing rate of about 400-500 people needs to be higher.
The Spirit of Tasmania Bass Strait ferry service, which leaves from Melbourne, will resume but only to people coming from low-risk mainland states.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your jurisdiction's restrictions on gathering limits. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
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