Australia: Northern Territory ends quarantine requirements for parts of Greater Sydney as of Jan. 12 /update 11

Event

Northern Territory authorities have removed Greater Sydney from its coronavirus disease (COVID-19) hotspot list as of Jan. 12. However, officials continue to designate several locations in western metropolitan Sydney as hotspots until further notice. The territory government removed its hotspot designation for Greater Brisbane, including Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay, and Redlands, Jan. 11. People already in quarantine from these locations can leave.

Most businesses and public venues can operate in the Northern Territory with protocols, such as collecting patrons' information for contact-tracing purposes. Public events of all sizes are allowed; however, organizers of events with more than 100 participants must submit a COVID-19 safety checklist to officials. Authorities require organizers to complete a COVID-19 Event Safety Plan and receive approval from health staff for gatherings of more than 500 people. The government requires individuals at large public gatherings to maintain a physical distance of 1.5 meters (5 feet) from others and to limit interactions with strangers to a maximum of 15 minutes.

Domestic Border Controls
Northern Territory authorities allow travel from other Australian states; however, travelers from designated hotspots must quarantine at government-designated facilities for 14 days. The government continues to classify nine areas in Greater Sydney, including Blacktown, Burwood, Canada Bay, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland Council, Fairfield, Inner West Council, Parramatta, and Strathfield, as hotspots. Travelers from declared hotspots must undergo quarantine at a designated facility in either Alice Springs or Howard Springs for 14 days. Officials are discouraging travel to and from high-risk areas. Authorities continue to require all inbound travelers to complete a border entry form and provide a printed copy upon arrival.

Quarantine Requirements
Most travelers entering Australia must quarantine in government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival. New Zealand residents can enter the Northern Territory without quarantine. Northern Territory charges most international arrivals and visitors from domestic COVID-19 hotspots for quarantine, payable after the quarantine period. Quarantine fees are AUD 2,500 (USD 1,922) for the first adult and AUD 5,000 (USD 3,844) for families of two or more people. The Northern Territory requires COVID-19 testing before release; people refusing testing must quarantine an additional 10 days and pay additional fees.

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. 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 tissues, 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.

Resources

Northern Territory COVID-19 Information
Northern Territory Declared Hotspots