Australia: Officials in Western Australia to implement lockdown in Perth, Peel and South West regions, 1800 Jan. 31-1800 Feb. 5 /update 14

Event

Authorities in Western Australia have announced a lockdown in the Perth metropolitan area, as well as Peel and South West regions, 1800 Jan. 31-1800 Feb. 5, following the detection of a new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) case. Residents will be allowed to leave home only to perform essential activities, including accessing healthcare and shopping for essentials.

Officials in Western Australia will also categorize Queensland and Victoria as very low-risk areas and permit travelers from the localities to enter the state without quarantine from 0001 Feb. 1 and 0001 Feb. 5 respectively due to reduced COVID-19 transmission. Travelers from the Australian Capital Territory, the Northern Territory, Tasmania, and South Australia may continue to enter the state without quarantine. All arriving passengers must complete a G2G PASS declaration to enter Western Australia. Officials will continue health screenings and temperature checks and confirm G2G PASS declarations at Perth Airport (PER) and land border checkpoints.

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 that businesses and cultural and leisure establishments collect patrons' contact information. Operators can use either the SafeWA mobile application or collect the data manually. The government could issue fines to individuals up to AUD 50,000 (USD 28,702) and businesses up to AUD 250,000 (USD 193,510) or pursue jail time of up to 12 months for flouting contact tracing requirements.

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
Visitors and returning residents from New South Wales must self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and take a COVID-19 test on day 11 of the period. Individuals traveling from these locations that do not have suitable residences in Western Australia must quarantine at government-designated facilities at their own cost. Arrivals 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.

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 1,950) for one adult or AUD 3,360 (USD 2,600) for two adults in the same room. Additional people in a party cost AUD 840 (USD 650) 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.

Resources

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