Queensland and South Australia will both be elevated to the 'extreme risk' category under Western Australia's controlled border from 6pm on Friday, December 31, following the latest health advice.
Both States are seeing a significant spike in COVID-19 cases, with the arrival and spread of the Omicron variant expected to result in a sustained increase in infections.
Under the 'extreme risk' category, travel from Queensland or South Australia to WA will not be permitted unless approved under the strictest of conditions.
Exemptions for approved travellers will be further restricted to Commonwealth and State officials, Members of Parliament, Diplomats, and specialist or extraordinary circumstances determined by the State Emergency Coordinator or the Chief Health Officer.
Approved travellers are subject to the following conditions, unless otherwise advised:
- be double dose vaccinated against COVID-19, if eligible;
- have returned a negative COVID-19 PCR test in the past 72 hours before departing;
- undertake hotel quarantine at a State facility for 14 days at their expense; and
- get tested for COVID-19 on days one, five and 13.
Current approved travellers under the 'high risk' category in Queensland or South Australia who wish to return to WA should do so urgently.
The Chief Health Officer will continue to monitor and review the State's controlled border settings. For more information about WA's controlled border, visit https://www.wa.gov.au
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"The arrival of the Omicron variant in Australia has seen cases surge in both Queensland and South Australia, and unfortunately we expect this trend to continue.
"The latest public health advice indicates both States should be elevated to 'extreme risk' under our controlled border arrangements.
"The controlled border has been pivotal in protecting WA over the past two years and it will continue to play a vital role in the lead up to WA's safe transition.
"Our vaccination rates are on track to reach our 90 per cent double dose target in the lead up to our safe transition - and we will do everything we can to protect WA.
"I ask anyone who has not yet done so to look at the situation unfolding around the country and get vaccinated, including your third dose if eligible, to protect yourself and your loved ones."
As stated by Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"Community cases of COVID-19 have continued to sharply increase in recent days across the country and Queensland and South Australia are no exception.
"Thanks to the public's co-operation, so far we have been able to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the community related to the Mess Hall exposure event.
"We want to keep it that way as we continue to increase our vaccination rate ahead of WA's Safe Transition.
"If you haven't done so already, please get vaccinated to protect yourself and your loved ones, and get your third dose when you are eligible.
"It is fantastic to see parents jumping at the chance to book their children in now that appointments for children aged 5 to 11 are available. Let's keep up the good work."
