Australia’s Hotel Quarantine Under Scrutiny After Third Melbourne Breach

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 12: Anti lockdown protesters are seen gathering in front of the Rod Lavern Arena, following the announcement of the lockdown on February 12, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. Victorians have been warned to remain on alert for coronavirus symptoms following new COVID-19 cases detected in the community linked to the Holiday Inn quarantine hotel. Photo by Diego Fedele/Getty Images

The latest in a series of breaches that have led to an outbreak of the UK variant of COVID-19 from Melbourne’s hotel quarantine, and caused a five-day shutdown of Victoria, has led Premier Dan Andrews to suggest a cut to the number of returning travellers.

Andrews said on Friday that there needed to be a “cold, hard discussion” about reducing the number of travellers returning to Australia from overseas.