Based on the latest health advice, New South Wales will transition from 'extreme risk' to 'high risk' under WA's controlled border arrangements from 12.01am Saturday, November 6.
Under the 'high risk' setting, travellers must still be approved through the G2G Pass system. 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 carrying out a limited range of specialist functions; and
- a person given approval by the State Emergency Coordinator or an authorised officer.
The final category includes reasons such as those Western Australians that may have travelled to NSW recently, have roots in WA and have a legitimate right to return, subject to the relevant quarantine conditions and required evidence.
Approved travellers from New South Wales must be fully vaccinated to enter WA, with this new requirement coming into effect from Friday, November 5 for 'medium', 'high' and 'extreme' risk jurisdictions.
Under the 'high risk' settings, effective from 12.01am Saturday, November 6, anyone entering from NSW, or who has travelled through NSW in the past 14 days, will be subject to the following strict conditions to enter WA:
- proof of a negative COVID-19 test in the 72 hours prior to departure;
- 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;
- present for a COVID-19 test on day 12 after arrival in WA (if still in WA);
- be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, if eligible; and
- a mandatory requirement to use the G2G Now app while in quarantine.
Currently, the Australian Capital Territory is classified as 'medium risk' and Victoria is classified as 'extreme risk'.
Safe and quarantine-free travel is permitted from the remainder of the country, as they are classified as 'very low' risk jurisdictions, namely Queensland, Northern Territory, South Australia and Tasmania.
For more information about WA's controlled border arrangements, visit www.wa.gov.au
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"With case numbers declining in NSW, the Chief Health Officer has advised NSW can transition to the 'high risk' setting.
"A number of safeguards are in place under the setting to give greater certainty to Western Australians that approved travellers entering from NSW are doing so safely.
"This includes the new requirement for all travellers from NSW to be fully vaccinated, unless exempt.
"Our safe and sensible border controls have kept Western Australians safe, as States like NSW and Victoria have battled significant and sustained outbreaks.
"As our vaccination rate continues to climb, we must remain cautious and vigilant, and take every precaution to ensure we are in the best position for when COVID-19 does inevitably enter WA."
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"The COVID-19 situation in NSW remains serious and very different to COVID-free WA.
"While case numbers in NSW have declined we must remain cautious to protect the health of Western Australians.
"It's also very important for those Western Australians who haven't yet got vaccinated to do so right away.
"I encourage those people to roll up to our Super Vax Weekend to protect their health, family and community."
