@tobee
Yes Australia and New Zealand are doing just fine. Except no one can go there. Even citizens. I was just speaking to my friend this afternoon who's husband's mother is seriously ill in Sydney with advanced dementia. And there's no chance of him visiting her for good knows how long.
It's unfortunate for the minority who want to travel but the Australian government has to protect the majority of its residents - including the vulnerable indigenous populations.
There are always people who can't travel pandemic or not. It's very sad but it can't mean taking drastic action that has devastating impact on the majority.
A family friend is in her 80s. Australian. Her sister in her 70s lives over here. They can't visit ever again because ill health means travel is out. Terribly sad but that's just how it is.
A minority of people wanting to travel cannot be used as justication for ending measures that protect lives, health - and the economy. The alternative - the UK way of 150,000 dead, others with heart, lung, and other damage, and ruined businesses from long repeated lockdowns? Nah, I'll take the Australian, New Zealand, East Asia way.
In any case, compassionate travel to and from Australia is allowed. Not always easy to arrange but it's a pandemic.