Australia: South Australia eases border controls for regional Western Australia Feb. 2 /update 22

Event

South Australia eased restrictions on travelers from regional Western Australia Feb. 2 amid ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) concerns. Individuals who have traveled in areas of Western Australia other than the Perth, Pell, and South West regions can enter South Australia. However, they must obtain a COVID-19 test on arrival and self-quarantine until receiving a negative result. Previous travelers from regional Western Australia already in South Australia can end their quarantine. Officials require follow-up testing for both groups on days five and 12 after their arrival.

South Australia continues to implement gathering and some commercial restrictions as a precaution. Home gatherings remain capped at 50 people. Officials allow up to 200 people at private events but require a COVID-19-safe plan, a COVID-19 marshal to enforce regulations, a quick response (QR) code for the event, and a list of guests. Authorities limit private events to one person per two square meters (21.5 square feet). Seated events, such as cinemas and theaters, remain capped at 75 percent, and patrons must wear facemasks. Businesses must conduct contact tracing, with few exceptions. The government has provided companies with QR codes for mandatory electronic contact tracing. Officials also encourage patrons to use the mySA GOV mobile application to check-in to establishments. The government continues to mandate facemasks at high-risk public areas, such as medical centers and aged care homes. Personal service providers must continue to wear facemasks when working.

Domestic Border Controls
South Australia allows passengers from most Australian states and territories to enter without quarantine. Travelers from the Perth, Pell, and South West regions in Western Australia are banned, except for essential travelers, people relocating, or residents. Individuals who visited the Perth hotel where officials located a COVID-19 case Jan. 21-31 must contact health staff and quarantine at a location determined by officials for 14 days.

Officials permit travelers from Greater Sydney, Wollongong, and the Central Coast in New South Wales. However, the government will continue to require travelers to take a COVID-19 test on arrival and self-quarantine until receiving a negative result; follow-up testing must occur on days five and 12 after arrival. Officials intend to end testing requirements for travelers to Greater Sydney from 0001 Feb. 13. Everyone entering South Australia must complete the Cross Border Travel Registration before arrival.

Quarantine Requirements
Authorities require all international arrivals to undergo a 14-day quarantine and receive COVID-19 tests within 24 hours of arrival and on the twelfth day of quarantine. Travelers from New Zealand must take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of arrival and self-quarantine until receiving a negative result but are exempt from other quarantine requirements. Officials require further testing on days five and 12 after entry. South Australia charges all required travelers, including Australian citizens and permanent residents, for quarantine, payable after completion. Quarantine fees are AUD 3,000 (USD 2,290) for the first adult and AUD 1,000 (USD 763) for each additional adult or AUD 500 (USD 382) for children, except those under three years old. People who purchased tickets before 1200 ACST July 13, 2020, are exempt from payment.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by government health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider deferring nonessential travel to South Australia until restrictions ease. 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

South Australia Government COVID-19 Information
Cross Border Travel Application