Australia: Western Australia eases quarantine, testing requirements for entrants as of Feb. 9 /update 57

Event

The Western Australia government has eased COVID-19 testing and quarantine requirements as of Feb. 9. Authorities have reduced the quarantine period for approved international and domestic entrants to seven days. Eligible, fully vaccinated international arrivals can also self-quarantine, provided officials deem the accommodations suitable. People in self-quarantine must use the GWG Now mobile application, take a PCR or rapid antigen test (RAT) on day one, and receive a negative RAT result on day seven before leaving quarantine premises. Officials will require all household members of a quarantined traveler to take a RAT on day seven. International and domestic travelers must wear a facemask in all public settings for an additional seven days after exiting quarantine.

The government has also adjusted its definition of close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Asymptomatic and symptomatic close contacts must self-quarantine for seven days and take a RAT on day seven before leaving quarantine. Symptomatic close contacts must take a PCR test or RAT on day one and a RAT on day two if the first test is negative. The government now requires people to report positive RAT results to health officials, who will advise on quarantine and testing requirements. Casual contacts of COVID-19 cases no longer have to self-quarantine or test. Contact definitions and related requirements are available by clicking here.

Local Measures
All individuals aged 16 years old and above must show proof of vaccination via hard copies, digital records, or the ServiceWA mobile application to enter high-risk facilities, including hospitality, entertainment, and cultural venues; fitness outlets; aged care homes and hospitals, and indoor events with more than 500 people, among others. Establishments must collect patrons' contact information; operators can use the SafeWA mobile application or manually collect the data. Police could issue fines for individuals violating contact tracing requirements up to AUD 50,000 and as high as AUD 250,000 for business violations; offenders could also face up to 12 months in jail. Companies must maintain COVID-19 Safety Plans and COVID-19 Event Plans for mass events.

Authorities continue to require facemasks in all public indoor locations in Perth and the Peel, South West, Wheatbelt, and Great Southern regions. People who have visited the Wheatbelt or Great Southern regions since Jan. 20 must follow facemask requirements for two weeks after departing. Officials also encourage residents to wear facemasks outdoors when physical distancing is impossible.

Workers in essential sectors, such as aged care facilities, mining, and public transport, among others, must get vaccinated to attend work. Such individuals must receive a third vaccine dose within a month of eligibility.

Travel to most remote Aboriginal communities remains restricted throughout the state, though a few areas have partially reopened to visitors.

Domestic Border Controls
The government has reinstated a hard border, prohibiting all inbound travel without official permission. All arrivals in Western Australia must complete a G2G Pass declaration to apply for entry. Authorities permit returning Western Australian residents or people with close familial connections in the state, compassionate reasons, family members of an approved traveler, medical treatment, federal and state officials, diplomats, specialists, and people with approval from senior Western Australia officials, among others. Permitted travelers must be fully vaccinated, including a third dose, if eligible; receive a negative RAT result within 24 hours before departure; self-quarantine for the required days at suitable premises; and undergo testing on days one and seven. Officials continue health screenings and temperature checks and confirm G2G PASS declarations at Perth Airport (PER) and land border checkpoints.

Transport, freight, and logistics (TFL) drivers must complete a G2G Pass application and present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken within 72 hours before entering Western Australia; arrivals at the Eucla or Kununurra crossings can take a RAT on arrival. TFL entrants must undergo COVID-19 testing every seven days until reaching two weeks in Western Australia. All TFL drivers must remain in suitable accommodations, wear facemasks in public, and avoid indoor public areas and businesses unless necessary for work, medical purposes, or purchasing necessities that cannot be delivered.

Quarantine Requirements
Western Australia requires unvaccinated international arrivals to quarantine in government-designated facilities for 14 days. Authorities charge all arriving travelers, including Australian citizens and permanent residents, for quarantine, payable after the quarantine period. Quarantine fees are AUD 2,520 for one adult or AUD 3,360 for two adults in the same room. Additional people in a party cost AUD 840 per room, except for children under six years old. Individuals must take a COVID-19 test before their release from 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 at designated hotspot areas. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

Western Australia Government
Western Australia Department of Health
Western Australia COVID-19 Roadmap
Western Australia Exposure Sites
SafeWA