Australia: Western Australia requires visitors from New South Wales and South Australia to quarantine as of Dec. 18 /update 8

Event

The Western Australian government has adjusted domestic travel controls aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Effective 0001 Dec. 18, Western Australia is classifying the entirety of New South Wales as a "low risk" area, having elevated it from the "very low risk" status. The change means that visitors from New South Wales must self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and take a COVID-19 test on day 11 of the period, if still in the state. Individuals already in Western Australia with travel history in New South Wales between Dec. 11 and 17 are required to undergo self-quarantines. Similar restrictions apply to visitors from South Australia.

Western Australia remains in Phase Four of its six-step recovery roadmap. Capacity remains limited to 60 percent at places of worship, cinemas, concert halls, and theatres. Most other businesses remain subject to a rule limiting density at no more than one person per every two square meters (21 square feet). The government also mandates these sites, as well as gyms, cultural and leisure establishments, personal service providers, and restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, to collect contact information for patrons. Operators can use either the SafeWA mobile application or collect the data manually. Individuals who do not follow contact tracing requirements could face fines of up to AUD 50,000 (USD 36,817), while officials could fine companies flouting the regulations AUD 250,000 (USD 184,000). Authorities could alternatively pursue jail time of up to 12 months for people violating the contact tracing mandate. Officials continue to ban travel to most remote Aboriginal communities throughout the state, though a few have partially reopened or reopened to visitors.

Domestic Border Controls
Unlike the recently imposed isolation requirement imposed on visitors from New South Wales and South Australia, travelers from the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory, Queensland, Tasmania, and Victoria can enter Western Australia without quarantine.

All arriving passengers must complete a G2G PASS declaration to enter the state. Officials will continue health screenings and temperature checks and confirm G2G PASS declarations at Perth Airport (PER) and land border checkpoints.

International Quarantine Requirements
All passengers entering Australia must quarantine in government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival. Western Australia charges all arriving travelers, including Australian citizens and permanent residents, for quarantine, payable after the quarantine period. Quarantine fees are AUD 2,520 (USD 1,805) for one adult or AUD 3,360 (USD 2,407) for two adults in the same room. Additional people in a party cost AUD 840 (USD 602) per room, except for children under six years old. People entering the state must quarantine for 14 days and take a COVID-19 test before release.

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 at designated hotspot areas. 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.

Resources

Western Australia Government
Western Australia Department of Health
Western Australia COVID-19 Roadmap
SafeWA