Australia: Authorities in Victoria ease some COVID-19 restrictions and quarantine requirements for most travelers from New South Wales as of Jan. 22 /update 20

Event

Victoria officials are slightly easing social distancing measures and border controls due to reduced coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity in Australia. Authorities will permit up to 30 people for in-home gatherings from 2359 Jan. 22. Outdoor public groups remain limited to a maximum of 100 people. Facemasks are no longer mandatory at all indoor public venues. However, authorities still require facemask usage on public transport, including ride-hailing vehicles and flights, large retail businesses, indoor markets, hospitals, and airports. It is also mandatory to carry a facemask at all times and use it at any location where distancing of 1.5 meters (5 feet) is impossible.

Private offices may operate on-site with a maximum of 50 percent staff, while public offices may do the same with a 25 percent workforce. Entertainment venues can operate at a 75-percent capacity of 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. Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs can hold up to 25 people before density limits take effect. Gyms, pools, and recreation centers must limit capacity to one person per four square meters (43 square feet). 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.

Domestic Border Controls
Victoria permits travel from most other Australian states; all travelers must apply for a permit system to enter the state. Officials are classifying locations in the country as green (lower risk), orange (intermediate risk), and red (high risk) zones. Officials classify most of the country as a green zone, and visitors and returning residents from these areas only need a permit for entry. As of 1800 Jan. 22, authorities have lowered the designation for most of Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, and Wollongong in New South Wales to orange. Travelers from orange zones must self- receive a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of entry and self-quarantine until receiving a negative result. Officials continue to classify the Cumberland local government area in Greater Sydney as a red zone, and travelers remain banned from entering Victoria, except for essential reasons. The government could modify entry restrictions at short notice depending on COVID-19 activity.

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. Arrivals in other Australian states from New Zealand are exempt from quarantine. Quarantine fees are AUD 3,000 (USD 2,319) for the first adult, AUD 1,000 (USD 773) per additional adult, and AUD 500 (USD 386) 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 days three and 11 of quarantine.

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.

Resources

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