Australia: Tasmania authorities permitting entry from Greater Brisbane as of Jan. 18 /update 11

Event

Tasmanian authorities are relaxing travel curbs for entrants from the Greater Brisbane area in Queensland as of Jan. 18, amid other measures to control the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The state government continues to classify areas across the country as low-risk, medium-risk, and high-risk zones. Measures for each zone are as follows:

• Low-risk: Arrivals who have spent the last 14 days in a low-risk area need to apply for a Tas e-Travel pass within 3 days prior to arrival. Those from low-risk areas who transit through a medium-risk or high-risk area may also enter, provided they do not exit approved airports and limit vehicle stops to refueling. Travelers are encouraged to undergo COVID-19 testing if symptomatic.

• Medium-risk: People who have spent time in medium-risk zones in the past 14 days must apply for a G2G travel pass within 3-14 days prior to arrival, and quarantine upon arrival at home or at a paid facility. Those availing a designated facility must not enter via Tasmania's islands without prior approval. Travelers are encouraged to undergo COVID-19 testing if symptomatic. Officials may exempt pre-approved essential travelers from quarantine.

• High-risk: Entrants who had visited high-risk zones in the last 14 days may not enter, unless approved as an essential traveler. Allowed entrants must apply for a G2G travel pass within 3-14 days prior to arrival, and quarantine upon arrival at a paid facility. Travelers must not enter via Tasmania's islands without prior approval. Arrivals may undergo COVID-19 testing, especially if symptomatic.

As of Jan. 18, high-risk locations are all foreign countries except New Zealand, as well as cruise ships. Authorities are reclassifying Greater Brisbane - comprising Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Redlands, and Logan - as a medium-risk location, instead of high-risk. People in Tasmania who had visited the mentioned areas in Greater Brisbane since Jan. 8 are required to complete their quarantine. Other medium-risk zones include 34 local government areas of New South Wales state, including Greater Sydney. All other locations in Australia are low risk, and most passengers from these locations can enter without quarantine. All travelers must complete a Cross Border Travel Registration before arrival. The government could modify entry restrictions at short notice.

Tasmanian authorities continue to implement gathering, commercial, and travel restrictions due to ongoing COVID-19 activity in Australia. The government allows groups 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 2 square meters (21 square feet). Officials permit up to 100 people on dancefloors at indoor venues and 250 people at outdoor venues. Cinemas and indoor theatres can host events up to 75 percent of their capacity, up to 250 people. Capacity restrictions do not apply to emergency services, transport hubs, and educational institutions, among others.

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 2,159) for the first adult and AUD 1,000 (USD 771) for each additional adult or AUD 500 (USD 385) 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.

Resources

Tasmania COVID-19 Information
Tasmania Government Travel Alerts
Tas E-travel Pass System
G2G Travel Pass System