Australia: Northern Territory to expand entry requirements to more COVID-19 hotspots in Sydney from 0001 Dec. 31 /update 7

Event

Australia's Northern Territory government plans to expand entry restrictions for people arriving from more high-risk areas of Sydney from 0001 Dec. 31 to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Officials still declare Sydney's Northern Beaches area to be a hotspot. Authorities require entrants to the state who traveled from or through a declared hotspot in the last 14 days to undergo testing and self-paid institutional quarantine at Alice Springs or Howard Springs. Effective 0001 Dec. 31, the Croydon, Croydon Park, Lilli Pilli, Strathfield, Strathfield North, Strathfield South, and Sutherland neighborhoods in Sydney will be considered hotspots. Any person who entered the state from the aforementioned hotspots from Dec. 25 is required to take a COVID-19 test and self-isolate until their results arrive. Officials are discouraging travel to and from high-risk areas; additional areas may be added in the coming days. Authorities continue to require travelers from any location outside the Northern Territory to complete a border entry form and provide a printed copy upon arrival.

Most businesses and public venues can operate with protocols, such as recording the names, addresses, and patrons' contact information for contact-tracing purposes. Public events of all sizes are allowed; however, organizers of events with more than 100 participants must submit a COVID-19 safety checklist to officials. Authorities require organizers to complete a COVID-19 Event Safety Plan and receive approval from health staff for gatherings of more than 500 people. The government requires individuals at large public gatherings to maintain a physical distance of 1.5 meters (5 feet) from others and to limit interactions with strangers to a maximum of 15 minutes.

Quarantine Requirements
Most travelers entering Australia must quarantine in government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival. New Zealand residents can enter the Northern Territory without quarantine. Northern Territory charges most international arrivals and visitors from domestic COVID-19 hotspots for quarantine, payable after the quarantine period. Quarantine fees are AUD 2,500 (USD 1,905) for the first adult and AUD 5,000 (USD 3,810) for families of two or more people. The Northern Territory requires COVID-19 testing before release; persons refusing testing must quarantine an additional 10 days and pay additional fees.

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. 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 tissues, 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.

Resources

Northern Territory COVID-19 Information
Northern Territory Declared Hotspots