Following updated health advice related to the COVID-19 outbreak in South Australia, the Western Australian hard border with South Australia will return to reduce the risk of the virus coming into the WA community.
South Australia will now transition from a 'low risk' State to a 'medium risk' State under our controlled interstate border, effective from midday today (12pm July 22, 2021).
Travel from South Australia will no longer be permitted, unless you are an approved traveller. This also applies to anyone who may have been in South Australia since July 8 and has not completed 14 days of quarantine in a lower risk State or Territory. 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 State Emergency Coordinator or an authorised officer.
The final category includes reasons such as those Western Australians that may have travelled to South Australia recently and need to return to WA.
People who have recently travelled to South Australia are urged to return to WA now.
Approved travellers arriving in WA after 12pm Thursday, July 22, 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 12 after arrival in WA (if still in WA).
Anyone who has recently arrived from South Australia prior to the hard border should continue to comply with their existing Directions, under the 'low risk' settings provided to them upon entry to the State.
Recent arrivals into WA are asked to continue to monitor the South Australia 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.sahealth.sa.gov.au.
Self-quarantine is not necessary for anyone who has come into contact with someone who recently arrived from South Australia and COVID-19 testing is only required if symptoms develop.
Under the controlled interstate border, South Australia joins New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland as 'medium risk' jurisdictions; the Australian Capital Territory is listed as a 'low risk' jurisdiction; and the Northern Territory and Tasmania are listed as 'very low risk' jurisdictions.
The Chief Health Officer will continue to monitor the situation in each State and Territory and provide regular updated advice on Western Australia's border controls.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"The emerging situation in South Australia is very concerning, with a growing list of exposure sites.
"I urge Western Australians who are in South Australia to return home now.
"If you have recently been to South Australia and returned home, please check the South Australia health website for exposure sites and follow the health directions.
"Our thoughts are with everyone in South Australia and on the east coast as they battle to get various Delta outbreaks under control."
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"The outbreaks of the COVID-19 Delta variant around the country are a reminder to us all that the pandemic is not over.
"We must continue to do all that we can to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities.
"It's important Western Australians keep up good hygiene habits, wash your hands regularly, use hand sanitisers and physically distance where possible.
"The WA Chief Health Officer will continue to monitor and review border controls."
