Western Australia is reintroducing a hard border, transitioning New South Wales to a 'medium risk' State in the wake of the escalating situation and NSW COVID-19 outbreak.
Following updated advice from the WA Chief Health Officer this morning, NSW will transition from a 'very low risk' with a quarantine and test regime to 'medium risk' under WA's controlled interstate border regime, from 11am today (June 23).
Travel from NSW will no longer be permitted, unless you are an exempt traveller. This also applies to anyone who may have been in NSW and has not subsequently been in a 'very low risk' State or Territory for 14 days. This includes anyone travelling from the Australian Capital Territory who has travelled into NSW at that time. The exemption list is limited to:
- certain senior Government officials;
- certain active military personnel;
- a member of the Commonwealth Parliament;
- a person carrying out functions under a law of the Commonwealth;
- a person responsible for transport freight or logistics; and
- anyone who is given approval by State Emergency Coordinator or an authorised officer.
The final category includes compassionate reasons - including those Western Australians that may have travelled to NSW recently and need to return to WA.
Exempt travellers arriving to WA from 11am Wednesday, June 23, 2021 must:
- self-quarantine in a suitable premise for 14 days;
- present for an initial COVID-19 test within 48 hours;
- present for a COVID-19 test if any symptoms develop during quarantine; and
- present for a COVID-19 test on day 11 after arrival in WA (if still in WA).
Anyone who has recently arrived from NSW prior to the hard border should continue to comply with their existing Directions provided to them upon entry to the State.
That is anyone who has recently arrived from NSW, prior to the hard border being reintroduced and has been to an exposure site during the relevant times must self-quarantine for 14 days from their date of exposure and be tested immediately (within 48 hours) and at day 11.
Recent arrivals into Western Australia are asked to continue to monitor the NSW Health website for updated exposure locations.
Anyone who is unwell or experiencing symptoms should get tested for COVID-19 and self-quarantine until they return a negative test result.
It is important that these people familiarise themselves with the latest exposure sites, as contact tracing continues to uncover more sites. Information can be viewed at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/case-locations-and-alerts.aspx
Self-quarantine is not necessary for anyone who has come into contact with someone who recently arrived from NSW and COVID-19 testing is only required if symptoms develop.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"In light of NSW's growing COVID-19 outbreak, we have reintroduced a hard border with NSW based on the latest health advice.
"We've been monitoring the situation closely and have scaled up our border controls as required, to keep our community safe.
"Naturally these immediate changes will cause inconvenience but the hard border is necessary to protect the health of Western Australians.
"I want to thank everyone for their understanding."
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"We thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we take a careful and cautious approach to this concerning situation in NSW in order to keep our community safe.
"This is a reminder for everyone to continue to practise the basics of good hygiene, personal distancing and, if you are feeling unwell, get tested and stay at home."
