19 Jan 2021 | 05:38 AM UTC
Australia: Australian Capital Territory ends border controls for Northern Beaches area of Greater Sydney Jan. 19 /update 9
Australian Capital Territory ends ban on travelers from Northern Beaches in Sydney Jan. 19. Entry ban ongoing for nonresidents in 10 areas.
Event
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has lifted an entry ban on nonresident travelers from the Northern Beaches local government area in New South Wales due to reduced coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. Officials previously end the travel ban for parts of Greater Sydney, including the Central Coast and Wollongong local government areas, Jan. 12. However, officials continue to ban nonresident travelers who have visited 10 metropolitan Sydney locations within 14 days until further notice. ACT residents and permitted essential travelers from areas no longer under the entry ban can leave quarantine.
Officials are maintaining some 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. Venues must also complete a COVID-19 safe plan and notify health authorities before holding events. Larger events require a government exemption. Indoor cultural attractions, such as galleries and museums, can allow one person per two square meters (21 square feet) per distinct area. Cinemas and stadiums can operate at 65-percent capacity.
Domestic Border Controls
The Australian Capital Territory will continue to ban nonresident travelers with a recent travel history to 10 areas of the Sydney metropolitan area, including the Blacktown, Burwood, Canada Bay, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Inner West, Liverpool, Parramatta, and Strathfield local government areas. ACT residents are exempt from the ban but must complete an online declaration at least 24 hours before returning and self-quarantine for 14 days.
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 2,315) for the first adult, AUD 1,000 (USD 772) for each additional adult in a group, and AUD 500 (USD 386) 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. 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.
