Australia: Tasmania bans entry for travelers from Victoria from May 27 due to COVID-19 concerns /update 23

Event

Tasmania officials have banned travelers who visited Victoria within 14 days from 14:00 May 27 due to COVID-19 concerns. Essential travelers, including medical personnel and specialists with skills relating to critical industries, are exempt. Tasmanian residents may also apply to enter Tasmania as essential travelers. Essential travelers entering the state as medical personnel or for non-business reasons must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival. Individuals currently in Tasmania who had been in Victoria within the last 14 days are advised to monitor their health and book a COVID-19 test if they develop cold or flu symptoms. Travelers in Tasmania who have been in the Whittlesea local government area and state-designated high-risk areas in Victoria on or since May 6 must call the Public Health Hotline and self-quarantine.

Local Restrictions
Tasmania continues to implement statewide measures to limit the potential spread of COVID-19. Household gatherings remain limited to 100 people. Indoor events of up to 250 people and outdoor events of up to 1,000 people can occur, provided venues adhere to a density limit of one person per two square meters (21.5 square feet). Capacity restrictions do not apply to emergency services, transport hubs, and educational institutions, among others. Nonessential businesses are operating. Companies that require a COVID Safety Plan, restaurants, hospitality venues, places of worship, entertainment venues, and many nonessential retail and service outlets must collect patrons' contact information and keep records for 28 days. Most businesses and other facilities must use the Check-in TAS mobile application.

Domestic Border Controls
The government allows travel from other areas of Australia, except for designated high-risk sites. Authorities ban travelers with exposure to high-risk sites. Individuals traveling to Tasmania from other parts of Australia must register through the Tas e-Travel system within 72 hours of arrival. Tasmanian authorities could designate additional areas within Australia as high or medium risk in response to any new community COVID-19 activity in the coming days and weeks.

Quarantine Requirements
Most travelers entering Australia must quarantine at government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival. Officials designate most of New Zealand as a low-risk location, and travelers may enter the state without quarantine. Tasmania charges domestic and international travelers for quarantine, with fees payable after the quarantine period. Quarantine fees are AUD 2,800 (USD 2,168) for the first adult and AUD 1,000 (USD 774) for each additional adult or AUD 500 (USD 387) for children, except those under three years old.

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

Tasmania COVID-19 Information
Tasmania Government Travel Alerts
Tas E-travel Pass System
G2G Travel Pass System