Travelers in Australia were greeted when their plane landed Sunday with the news that they must either quarantine for two weeks — or return home after the rules changed mid-flight.
The Qantas plane arrived Sunday at Perth Airport from Adelaide in Southern Australia, which was the subject of new travel restrictions announced while passengers were still in the air, CNN reported.
Per the new guidelines, anyone traveling from the region to Western Australia must now be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival or within 24 hours and also will be required to self-quarantine for two weeks.
Around 160 passengers aboard the flight were tested and then told they must self-quarantine — or return to Adelaide, the report said.
Meanwhile, another flight from Adelaide was preparing to take off when its passengers were informed of the restrictions and given the option to disembark, Australian outlet ABC News reported.
The new travel restrictions come after the South Australian government announced there had been three new COVID-19 cases in Adelaide.
“We will monitor the position in South Australia very closely and will strengthen measures if required,” the Western Australian government said in a statement, CNN reported.
“We understand these changes will cause frustration for many people, but these steps are being taken on the best health advice to protect everyone. The State Government thanks all arrivals for their patience and understanding.”
