Australia: Victoria bans entry for most travelers from greater Sydney from Dec. 22 /update 16

Event

Health officials in Victoria have tightened border restrictions with New South Wales following an increase in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity in Sydney. As of Dec. 22, officials have designated the Northern Beaches as a 'hot zone,' while other areas in metropolitan Sydney and the Central Coast of New South Wales are designated ‘red zones’. Individuals with recent travel history in the ‘hot zone’ are banned from entering Victoria. Most people with recent travel history in the ‘red zone’ are also barred from entering Victoria; exceptions are in place for Victoria residents and essential workers. Anyone allowed to enter Victoria from a ‘red zone’ must quarantine in a government-designated facility for 14 days upon arrival. Most individuals traveling from other areas of New South Wales to Victoria must apply for a Border Crossing Permit before entering Victoria; however, permits are not required for residents of specified communities near the state border. Police have imposed traffic checkpoints along roads linking Victoria with New South Wales to enforce the movement restrictions. Additional controls may be introduced in the coming days.

Officials in Victoria are maintaining internal COVID-19 controls. Outdoor public gatherings remain limited to a maximum of 100 people, with in-home gatherings restricted to 30 or fewer people. Facemasks are mandatory at most indoor locations, including public transport and grocery stores. Entertainment venues can operate at 75-percent capacity, up to 1,000 people. Companies must adhere to one person per two square meters (21 square feet), regardless of the total number of patrons. However, dance floors can remain limited to one person per four square meters (43 square feet) up to 50 people. Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs can hold up to 25 people before density limits take effect. Gyms, pools, and recreation centers must follow the four-square-meter rule. The government also requires high traffic businesses and community venues to maintain contact details of patrons - usually through a quick response (QR) code - or follow the four-square-meter rule.

Quarantine Requirements
All travelers entering Australia, including Australian citizens and permanent residents, must quarantine in government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival. Quarantine fees are AUD 3,000 (USD 2,130) for the first adult, AUD 1,000 (USD 710) per additional adult, and AUD 500 (USD 371) per child; the government does not charge fees for children under three years old. Authorities require quarantined travelers to take a COVID-19 test on the third and eleventh day of quarantine.

Context

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV). Symptoms occur 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, difficulty breathing, sometimes worsening to pneumonia and kidney failure - especially in those with underlying medical conditions. On March 11, the WHO declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Remain polite and nonconfrontational if questioned by security personnel. Avoid crowded areas as a precaution. Stock up on essential supplies. Confirm business appointments in affected areas. Check the status of flights with airlines if flying into Melbourne in the coming weeks.

Exercise 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 a 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.

Resources

Victoria Government
Victoria COVID-19 Reopening Roadmap
Victoria Department of Health and Human Services
Victoria Border Crossing Permit