There’s positive news closer to home too following an increase in UK high street footfall after two years of Covid caution.

However, a survey reveals many businesses are still waiting for Covid business rates relief payments in what appears to have become a "post code lottery"

Here are the key national news headlines concerning travel on Thursday 3 March.

Western Australia reopens borders

Western Australia has reopened its borders nearly two years after first sealing them to international visitors and other Australians because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Australian state is the last to drop its travel entry ban. (BBC News)

Councils ‘holding back’ business rates relief

Hundreds of thousands of businesses have been left waiting almost a year to receive support through the £1.5 billion business rates relief fund. The fund was to be distributed by local authorities to businesses impacted by the pandemic, however, this has turned into a ‘postcode lottery’. (City AM)

High street footfall strengthens

Retail footfall strengthened in February, with a 9.1% uplift compared to January 2021, the largest single monthly boost since June 2021. Footfall is still -20.7% below pre-pandemic levels, compared to -20.8% in January, according to retail experts Springboard. (City AM)

Russians to pay 30% commission on foreign currency

Russia’s central bank has taken measures to stop its citizens selling their roubles, by reportedly making it more expensive for individuals to buy foreign currencies. It has imposed a 30% commission on such purchases on currency exchanges, Reuters reports. (BBC News)