Australia: Queensland authorities banning travel for most nonresidents from Perth, Peel, and South West regions in Western Australia as of Feb. 1 /update 18

Event

Queensland officials have declared the Perth Metropolitan, Peel, and South West regions in Western Australia as coronavirus disease (COVID-19) hotspots. Authorities will ban most people from the affected area from entering the state, though exemptions are possible for essential reasons.

Authorities continue to implement gathering and some commercial restrictions to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Officials allow up to 50 people to gather at home and 100 people in public. The government limits capacity to one person per two square meters (21.5 square feet) at most indoor and outdoor venues. Most businesses, including bars and nightclubs, are operating with a government-approved COVID Safe plan. Hospitality businesses must transition to collecting and storing patrons' contact information electronically; hospitality venues that do not use electronic collection methods must limit capacity to one person per four square meters (43 square feet). Officials require a COVID Safe Event Plan for all indoor events above 500 people and outdoor events above 1,500 people. Authorities do not mandate facemask usage.

Domestic Border Controls
Travel is possible from most locations in Australia. However, the government is banning most individuals traveling from the Perth Metropolitan, Peel, and South West regions in Western Australia from entry until further notice. Exempt individuals, residents, and people relocating can enter Queensland by air but must quarantine at government-arranged accommodations for 14 days at their own expense. All travelers from Western Australia must apply for a border pass before entry.

Quarantine Requirements
All international travelers entering Australia must quarantine in government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival. Queensland charges all arriving travelers, including Australian citizens and permanent residents, for quarantine, payable at the end of their stay. Quarantine fees are AUD 2,800 (USD 2,142) for the first adult, AUD 3,710 (USD 2,838) for two adults, and AUD 4,620 (USD 3,535) for two adults and two children. Authorities require quarantined travelers to take a COVID-19 test before release. Refusal to take tests will result in an additional 10 days in quarantine.

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 in designated hotspot areas. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

Queensland COVID-19 Information
Queensland Quarantine Information