Australia: Victoria enhances entry requirements for persons with recent travel history to Perth and Peel April 24 /update 35

Event

Authorities in Victoria have categorized Perth and Peel regions in Western Australia as red zones from 02:01 April 24, amid ongoing COVID-19 concerns. Entrants from the mentioned areas must undergo a 14-day quarantine; Victorian residents may quarantine at home, while non-residents must quarantine at hotels. Those in Victoria with a travel history to the red zones April 17-23 must undergo testing and self-isolate until results arrive. Officials continue to require all travelers to apply for a permit to enter the state.

Local restrictions remain in effect. 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 continue to require high-traffic businesses and community venues to maintain patrons' contact details - usually through a quick response (QR) code. Companies that do not collect contact details and unstaffed gyms must continue to restrict patrons to one person per four square meters (43 square feet).

Quarantine Requirements
Inbound international commercial flights have resumed. However, authorities are limiting entry to 1,120 passengers weekly as of April 24. 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 2,289) for the first adult and AUD 1,000 (USD 763) for each additional adult or AUD 500 (USD 381) 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