SYDNEY -- Bear hugs, shrieks and tears of joy set the scene at Sydney Airport early on Monday, as the first wave of COVID-free Australian citizens and permanent residents returned home without needing to quarantine, following the easing of tight international border restrictions.
The gradual reopening of one of the world's most closed-off countries brings fresh hope for the travel industry, though certain Australian states are being more cautious and a full-fledged tourism restart will take time.
