The US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs does not prohibit American travelers from visiting Australia. However, the agency has advised travelers to exercise standard precautions if ever they will visit Australia.
The advisory was given out as a precautionary measure after what seems to be an unending series of bushfires. The announcement was made yesterday. January 13.
Today, January 14, the Bureau has lowered down the advisory from level 2, which means to “Exercise Increased Caution”, to level 1, which means to exercise standard precautions. The advisory is available on the Bureau’s website.
The downgrading of the advisory was made after Prime Minister Scott Morrison held phone conversations with the US Vice President Mike Pence and secretary of state, Mike Pompeo.
Smoke from the bushfires has contaminated the air posing risks for travelers with health conditions. Because of this, the Bureau encourages individuals to check the air quality of their destinations.
Travelers should still be careful when traveling to bushfire areas
Despite the downgrade, travelers are still advised to exercise additional caution when visiting places such as the Australian Capital Territory, South Eastern Victoria State and Central Tablelands of New South Wales State. These areas have not overcome bushfires situations, and there are air quality issues because of the fires.
In a press statement, the Bureau said Australian authorities might issue evacuation orders to certain places with the fire conditions worsen. They are encouraging individuals who will be there to follow Australian government protocols.
Travelers are advised to monitor local news and be continuously aware of announcements. Those who are currently there should also call 000 or triple zero if they need immediate assistance. The number is access to police, ambulance service, and fire brigade.
Bushfires and Wildlife
Although it has recently rained in Australia, the situation in the states of New South Wales and Victoria remains the same as reported by local news and the international media such as BBC. According to these reports, 100 fires are still burning in those two states.
As of now, about 28 people have so far been killed, and an estimated 10 million hectares of bush, parks, wildlife areas like forests have already burned.
In the state of Victoria, an estimated 1.2 hectares of land have burned to cause the Australian government to announce an extended “state of disaster”. Evacuations were enforced, and emergency services are up and alert.
In Kangaroo Island, veterans and volunteers are hands-on in saving wild animals, local media reports said. The place is known to be a home of Koalas.
Community members, for their part, are using social media to raise awareness. People are sharing photos of Koalas being rescued, fed, and given drinks.
This animal is a native of Australia, attracting tourists and generating tourism income for the country. The Australian Koala Foundation, an organization dedicated to the preservation of Koalas, recently reported Australia generated a revenue of $1.1 billion through tourists and travelers visiting the country to see Koalas.
Today, the foundation said, the revenue amounted to $3.2 billion. Their report is available on their website.
Government Efforts
The Australian government, for their part, has pledged $50 million for assistance, protection, and rescue of the wildlife affected by the bushfire crisis. According to the government, the funds come from their $2 Billion bushfire recovery fund. This $50 million fund has to be spent immediately on emergency priorities in burned areas. It will also be used to plan for longer-term protection and restoration of habitat.
More information about the funding is available here: Australian Government Financial Pledge For Wildlife.
