Australia: Victoria eases entry requirements for travelers from Perth and Peel Region as of April 28 /update 36

Event

Authorities in Victoria have downgraded the Perth metropolitan area and Peel Region in Western Australia as orange zones as of April 28, amid ongoing COVID-19 concerns. Arrivals from these locations must self-quarantine, take a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of entry, and remain in quarantine until receiving a negative test result. Individuals that entered Victoria April 17-24 and designated casual contacts at Melbourne Airport (MEL) Terminal One can leave quarantine after receiving a negative COVID-19 test result. However, primary contacts on Qantas (QF) flight 778 must complete the 14-day quarantine period. Health authorities will contact individuals who visited Western Australia exposure sites to let them know if they can leave quarantine, as officials are deciding on a case-by-case basis. The government requires all travelers to apply for a permit before entering the state.

Local Restrictions
Authorities permit outdoor groups of up to 200 people, and households can host as many as 100 people per day. Individuals must still carry facemasks outside of the home and use them on public transport, rideshare vehicles, and sensitive venues, like aged care facilities. Officials continue to recommend residents wear facemasks at sites where maintaining physical distancing is difficult.

The government now allows 100 percent on-site capacity at private and public offices with a COVIDSafe Plan and has removed requirements for employees to work from home. Almost all companies can operate at a density of one person per two square meters (21 square feet), up to 1,000 people per distinct area. Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs can hold up to 25 people before density limits take effect. The government will intensify contact tracing requirements from April 30. Under the revised measure, hospitality businesses, personal care services, community venues, physical recreation facilities, entertainment venues, places of worship, and others must either use the government's quick response (QR) code or application programming interface (API) systems. Patrons must check in to these sites using the Service Victoria mobile application; businesses must provide an alternative check-in method for customers without smartphones. The government could issue fines for companies not complying with the measure. While the regulation does not impact many retail businesses and grocery stores, authorities encourage all businesses to use contact tracing methods.

Quarantine Requirements
Inbound international commercial flights have resumed. Travelers from New Zealand are exempt from quarantine, though they must apply for a permit before entry. Most international travelers entering Australia must quarantine at government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival. Victoria requires inbound travelers to complete a Victorian Quarantine Arrival From before departure. The state charges travelers for quarantine, payable after the quarantine period. Quarantine fees are AUD 3,000 (USD 2,324) for the first adult and AUD 1,000 (USD 775) for each additional adult or AUD 500 (USD 387) for children above three years old.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Remain polite and nonconfrontational if questioned by security personnel. Confirm flight reservations if planning to travel to Melbourne in the coming weeks.

Resources

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