18 Dec 2020 | 08:44 AM UTC
Australia: Tasmania amends COVID-19 travel restrictions as of Dec. 18 /update 8
Tasmania, Australia, bans entry for non-residents with recent travel history to Sydney's Northern Beaches as of Dec. 18 due to COVID-19.
Event
Authorities in Tasmania banned entry for non-residents with recent travel history to Sydney's Northern Beaches as of Dec. 18, due to a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity in the locality. Non-residents wishing to travel to Tasmania for critical work, health, or compassionate reasons may apply for an exemption as an Essential Traveller. Returning Tasmanian residents must provide evidence of their residency and quarantine at either their residence or a designated facility for 14 days. People who were in Northern Beaches on or since Dec. 11 and are already in Tasmania must self-isolate at their residence and contact authorities, who will then provide advice on the required testing and quarantine requirements.
The government is allowing gatherings of up to 100 people at home. Nonessential businesses are operating. Authorities permit outdoor events of up to 1,000 people and indoor public crowds of 250 people, provided venues adhere to a density limit of one person per two square meters (21 square feet). Officials permit up to 100 people on dancefloors at indoor venues and 250 people at outdoor venues. Churches and religious services can host events with a maximum of 75 percent of the seating capacity Dec. 20-27. Cinemas and indoor theatres can host events up to 75 percent of their capacity, as long as within the allowed cap of 250 people in indoor venues, from Dec. 21. Capacity restrictions do not apply to emergency services, transport hubs, and educational institutions, among others.
Domestic Border Controls
With the exception of specific localities, Tasmania has designated all Australian states and territories as low risk for COVID-19, and most passengers from these locations can enter without quarantine. All travelers must complete a Cross Border Travel Registration before arrival.
The government uses a targeted border strategy, and officials assess entry based on risk level, with quarantine required for passengers from medium- and high-risk locations; centralized quarantine is possible for travelers from designated hotspots, though requirements can vary. The government will consider partial or full exemptions for essential workers, health reasons, or compassionate grounds.
Quarantine Requirements
Most travelers entering Australia must quarantine in government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival. Tasmania has designated New Zealand as a low-risk location, and travelers from the country can enter the state without quarantine. Tasmania is charging domestic and international travelers for quarantine, payable after the quarantine period. Quarantine fees are AUD 2,800 (USD 2,115) for the first adult and AUD 1,000 (USD 755) for each additional adult or AUD 500 (USD 378) 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.
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.
