30 Dec 2020 | 12:20 PM UTC
Australia: Australian Capital Territory extends ongoing COVID-19 controls for people with recent travel history in Sydney through Jan. 6 /update 6
Australian Capital Territory, Australia, imposing COVID-19 quarantines for arrivals with recent travel history in Sydney through Jan. 6
Event
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has extended ongoing controls on travel from parts of New South Wales through Jan. 6 due to an increase in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity in Sydney. Arrivals with a travel history in greater Sydney, Wollongong, or the Central Coast of New South Wales must undergo a 14-day quarantine upon arriving in the ACT. People traveling from the designated areas must also notify the ACT Health Department of intent to enter via an online form at least 24 hours prior to entry. ACT residents may undergo quarantine in their residence. Additional controls on travel from New South Wales may be introduced in the coming days.
Officials are maintaining some coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions under Stage 3 of the ACT's recovery roadmap. Public gatherings can occur with up to 500 people, provided venues limit capacity to one person per four square meters (43 square feet) indoors and one person per two square meters (21 square feet) outdoors. Larger events are possible with government permission. Cinemas and stadiums are allowed to operate at 65-percent capacity.
Quarantine Requirements
All travelers entering Australia must quarantine in government-designated facilities in the city of their arrival for 14 days. Quarantine fees in the ACT are AUD 3,000 (USD 2,208) for the first adult, AUD 1,000 (USD 736) for each additional adult in a group, and AUD 500 (USD 368) for every child over the age of two.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by government health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Plan for transport disruptions and delivery delays, especially if traveling from Victoria. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.
