Australia: South Australia eases entry controls for travelers from Perth and Peel regions in Western Australia, from April 24 /update 32

Event

South Australia has eased entry restrictions for travelers from Perth and Peel regions of Western Australia as of April 28 amid reduced COVID-19 concerns. The government permits all travelers from the affected locations to enter the state. However, entrants who visited Perth or Peel in the previous 14 days before arrival must take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of entry and on days 5 and 13 after arrival. Affected travelers must self-quarantine until receiving the first negative result and avoid any high-risk setting or events of more than 1,000 people for 14 days after arrival. Residents and Essential Travelers permitted during the entry ban period, and entrants from the affected areas April 17-23 can leave quarantine, provided they have received a negative COVID-19 test result. However, these individuals are still subject to additional COVID-19 testing on days 5 and 13 from their arrival.

Local Restrictions
Officials continue to limit home gatherings to 50 people without additional requirements. However, officials require a COVID-19-safe plan, a COVID-19 marshal to enforce regulations, a quick response (QR) code for the event, and a list of guests for events of 51-200 people. Authorities have also eased density limits for private events and businesses to three people per four square meters (43 square feet). Seated entertainment venues, like cinemas and theaters, can operate at 100-percent capacity. Companies must conduct contact tracing, with few exceptions; the government has provided companies with QR codes for mandatory electronic contact tracing. Officials also encourage patrons to use the mySA GOV mobile application to check in to establishments. Authorities have ended a facemask mandate at high-risk public areas, such as medical centers and aged care homes.

Domestic Border Controls
Everyone entering South Australia must complete the Cross Border Travel Registration before arrival. Individuals with recent exposure to any venues with known COVID-19 activity are subject to a 14-day quarantine.

Quarantine Requirements
Authorities require all international arrivals to undergo a 14-day quarantine and receive COVID-19 tests within 24 hours of arrival and on the twelfth day of quarantine. Travelers who have been in New Zealand for two weeks are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements. South Australia charges all required travelers, including Australian citizens and permanent residents, for quarantine, payable after completion. Quarantine fees are AUD 3,000 (USD 2,324) for the first adult and AUD 1,000 (USD 775) for each additional adult or AUD 500 (USD 387) for children over three years old. Any international arrivals who purchased tickets before 1200 ACST July 13, 2020, are exempt from payment.

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.

Resources

South Australia Government COVID-19 Information
Cross Border Travel Application