Australia: Western Australia to ban most travel from Victoria from 0001 Jan. 1 /update 10

Event

The Western Australia government plans to ban most travel from Victoria from 0001 Jan. 1 to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The decision is due to the government's decision to classify Victoria as a "medium risk" location from the beginning of January. The entry ban will also apply to travelers who had visited Victoria since Dec. 21 and haven't completed a 14-day quarantine in a lower risk state or territory. Authorities as of Dec. 31 also require people in Western Australia who had visited Victoria since Dec. 21 to self-quarantine for 14 days and take a COVID-19 test on the 11th day after arrival. The following groups are exempted from the entry ban:

• Some senior government officials

• Active military personnel

• Personnel responsible for freight or logistics

• People given approval by the State Emergency Coordinator

The Western Australian government recently classified New South Wales as a "medium risk" location as well, banning most people with recent travel history in New South Wales. Some exceptions to the ban may be granted for official travel, and on a case-by-case basis for Western Australia residents in New South Wales. Any individuals with recent travel history in New South Wales who are allowed into Western Australia will be required to quarantine for 14 days at a government-designated facility.

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
Travelers from the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory, Queensland, Tasmania, and Victoria can enter Western Australia without quarantine. Visitors from South Australia must self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and take a COVID-19 test on day 11 of the period. Individuals traveling from South Australia who do not have suitable residences in Western Australia are required to quarantine at government-designated facilities.

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