Australia: Australian Capital Territory modifies entry controls as of Aug. 4 /update 24

Event

Authorities in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) are imposing entry restrictions for travelers from parts of New South Wales (NSW), Queensland, Victoria, and South Australia as of Aug. 4 due to COVID-19 activity.

Nonresidents who have visited the Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong, and Shellharbour areas of NSW in the last 14 days may not enter the ACT. The restriction also applies to Brisbane, Gold Coast Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan City, Moreton Bay, Noosa Shire, Redland City, Scenic Rim, Somerset. and the Sunshine Coast areas in Queensland. Non-ACT residents with recent exposure to the designated areas must obtain an exemption prior to entering the ACT. Upon arriving, all nonresidents must quarantine for 14 days at a facility at their own expense. ACT residents with recent travel history in the specified areas must complete a declaration form, contact ACT Health, take a COVID-19 test, and self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in the ACT.

Individuals who have visited Victoria or South Australia in the last 14 days must complete an online declaration form within 24 hours of entry. The ACT bans nonresidents who have visited exposure sites at designated times unless they apply for and obtain an exemption. ACT residents with exposure to the designated locations can still enter the territory. Individuals already in the ACT who visited contact exposure sites must complete a declaration form, contact ACT Health, take a COVID-19 test, and self-quarantine for 14 days.

Authorities continue to maintain some COVID-19 gathering restrictions. Officials are implementing Stage 4 measures of the territory's recovery roadmap. There are no limits on household gatherings. Officials require businesses to limit capacity to one person per 2 square meters (21 square feet); the rule takes effect after the first 25 patrons. Entertainment venues, such as cinemas and indoor performance spaces, can operate at 100-percent capacity; outdoor venues with seating can also operate at full capacity. Organizers of events with 501-1,000 attendees must notify ACT Health in advance and comply with social distancing and capacity requirements. Gatherings above 1,000 people can take place with an exemption, up to 10,000 people. Authorities also require businesses under restrictions, such as fitness facilities, restaurants, and event venues, to use the Check In CBR app; patrons must check-in at affected venues. Authorities require people to wear facemasks in most indoor settings, such as restaurants, shopping centers, and health facilities, as well as on public transport.

Quarantine Requirements
All travelers entering Australia must quarantine in government-designated facilities in the city of their arrival for 14 days. Quarantine fees in the ACT are AUD 3,000 for the first adult, AUD 1,000 for each additional adult in a group, and AUD 500 for every child over the age of two. Travelers from New Zealand can enter the territory without 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. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

Australian Capital Territory COVID-19 Information
ACT Travel Forms
ACT COVID-19 Areas of Concern