Australia: Northern Territory requiring quarantine for travelers from parts of Western Australia; measure lifted for all of Greater Sydney as of Feb. 1 /update 12

Event

Northern Territory authorities have added the Perth Metropolitan, Peel, and South West regions in Western Australia to its coronavirus disease (COVID-19) hotspot list. Individuals with a travel history to these locations within the previous 14 days must quarantine in the Northern Territory upon arrival. Travelers from hotspots in Western Australia that arrived in the territory since Jan. 25 must get a COVID-19 test and self-quarantine until receiving a negative result. The government has removed Blacktown, Burwood, Canada Bay, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Inner West, Parramatta, and Strathfield in Greater Sydney, New South Wales, from the hotspot list as of Feb. 1. People already in quarantine from those locations can leave.

Most businesses and public venues can operate in the Northern Territory with protocols, such as collecting patrons' information for contact-tracing purposes. Public events of all sizes are allowed; however, organizers of events with more than 100 participants must submit a COVID-19 safety checklist to officials. Authorities require organizers to complete a COVID-19 Event Safety Plan and receive approval from health staff for gatherings of more than 500 people. The government requires individuals at large public gatherings to maintain a physical distance of 1.5 meters (5 feet) from others and to limit interactions with strangers to a maximum of 15 minutes.

Domestic Border Controls
Northern Territory authorities allow travel from other Australian states. However, travelers from designated hotspots must quarantine at government-designated facilities for 14 days. The government classifies most of the Perth, Peel, and South West regions in Western Australia, as hotspots. Officials discourage travel to and from high-risk areas. Authorities continue to require all inbound travelers to complete a border entry form and provide a printed copy upon arrival.

Quarantine Requirements
Most travelers entering Australia must quarantine in government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival. New Zealand residents can enter the Northern Territory without quarantine. Northern Territory charges most international arrivals and visitors from domestic COVID-19 hotspots for quarantine, payable after the quarantine period. Quarantine fees are AUD 2,500 (USD 1,912) for the first adult and AUD 5,000 (USD 3,825) for families of two or more people. The Northern Territory requires COVID-19 testing before release; people refusing testing must quarantine an additional 10 days and pay additional fees.

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. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

Northern Territory COVID-19 Information
Northern Territory Declared Hotspots